Question

According to Tishani Doshi in 'Journey to the End of the Earth', man's supremacy over nature is responsible for the problems we face today. Support your answer with evidence from the text. (Journey to the End of the Earth)

Hint:

Use cause-effect reasoning from the text to support your stance on environmental responsibility and awareness.

Answer 1

Tishani Doshi highlights how humanity’s belief in its supremacy over nature has led to massive environmental degradation. In Journey to the End of the Earth, she transports the reader to Antarctica—a remote, untouched continent that acts as a barometer for the Earth’s health. The continent’s vast ice sheets, ancient landmass, and unique ecosystems stand in sharp contrast to the polluted and exploited parts of the world. Even the smallest change in temperature there has far-reaching implications globally. Doshi explains how industrialization, urban expansion, and the burning of fossil fuels have disrupted the planet’s delicate carbon balance. These human activities have led to rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and ozone depletion. Antarctica, though far removed from human civilization, is suffering the consequences of actions taken continents away. This, she emphasizes, is evidence of the interconnectedness of all life systems. She discusses the significance of the ‘Students on Ice’ programme, which allows young learners to witness this vulnerable environment firsthand. By exposing students to the raw beauty and fragility of nature, Doshi believes that the experience can be a powerful awakening. It encourages a shift from arrogance and exploitation to responsibility and stewardship.