We all believe that main culprit are pathogens when it comes to major or minor diseases. We believe that major causes are the viruses, bacteria and microorganisms. However growing scientific evidence suggests that the true cause lies in us. It has been proven that human behaviour and environmental disruption is major causes of many deadly diseases. Starting from diabetes due to our poor diet, gut health issues due to junk food intake, pulmonary diseases due to growing pollution and smoking.
Pathogens have co-existed with humans for millions of years now maintaining ecological balance it is anthropogenic changes such as deforestation, urbanization, climate change and antibiotic resistance which has altered the equilibrium resulting in outbreaks such as COVID, Ebola and nipah viruses. Major cause of mutation of these viruses is proven to be human behaviour and environmental changes.
Let us take current example of Delhi itself, According to a current report of November 2025 Times of India stated in one of it’s recent articles that Delhi’s air qualityis worsening day by day. The current AQI (Air quality index) drops down to very poor category that is 303. It is very alarming situation for every citizen of India specially local people of Delhi. Despite of knowing all the consequences of knowing what hazardous this poor quality air will do their health they have nowhere to go but whom to blame?? Doctor are taking a foot forward and claiming that the current situation of Delhi is not just a environment disbalance anymore. The current situation is a pandemic in itself. This AQI can cause fatal diseases starting from Asthma, COPD and lung cancers. So as a nation we together needs to look into the matter and come forward as we need to make plans for the sustainable development not just the development. We need to go green and save environment not only environmental now it is our health we need to save.
Human behavior and environmental damage, not just pathogens, drive many modern diseases. Pollution, poor diet, and unsustainable practices are creating health crises like Delhi’s worsening air quality, reminding us that protecting the environment is essential to protecting our health.
The idea that pathogens are the main culprits of disease is only half the truth, human behaviour and environmental disruption play an even larger role. Our lifestyle choices, pollution, urbanisation, and ecological imbalance create ideal conditions for illnesses, from diabetes and lung disease to viral outbreaks like COVID and Nipah. Delhi’s worsening AQI shows how human-made factors now create health emergencies. When air becomes toxic, every breath becomes a risk. Calling this a “pandemic” is not an exaggeration. Sustainable development, environmental protection, and personal responsibility are no longer optional, they are essential for safeguarding both public health and our planet’s future.
It is actually human activities and behavior that causes disruption in normal environmental conditions. Strict rules and regulations with clear and apt policies related to health and environment, specifying the key role of human beings, must be created and made to be followed by one and all.
Thought-inspiring, powerful post. It is a sad truth that we often forget that we are not separate from nature, and it is a mere reflection of how we choose to live here. The air we pollute, the water we contaminate, and the resources we destroy are all going to circle back to our own lives one day!
The Delhi air crisis is a stark reminder that environmental health and human health are inseparable. The takeaway is clear: short-term fixes are not the solution. Policies for sustainable development, green energy, pollution control, and urban planning are all needed at the hour. Individual awareness for being responsible in reducing personal emissions, using masks on high-AQI days, promoting green initiatives, with a pinch of civic sense, can all make a difference. Let us make those small, mindful changes!. We have not lost anything forever, but the balance in nature is facing a clear threat. Let us all try hard to restore it!
Pathogens may trigger illness, but it’s human behavior and environmental neglect that set the stage. The Delhi air crisis truly shows how health and ecology are inseparable what we breathe, we become.
Really worrisome situation. We humans take the nature so taken for granted without realising the fact that survival is also dependent on nature’s given resources. Pollution, environment devastation resulting from anthropological activities have taken a toll so big that ultimately it’s us who are going to suffer. Earlier we realise the catastrophic consequences the better will be for our own health. It is the duty of every individual to be aware about the environment around and we should be proactive in some or the other way to protect it.
I feel this is the worst that humans can do. We are making our lives hell by not controlling on things that cause high pollution & then by not taking any measures to decrease the pollution levels. Its so suffocating, even when we are sitting inside our homes. Its an alarming situation and authorities should take a prompt action.
Its also a high time to realise that sometimes technology might not be able to undo the harm that we are doing to nature, as cloud seeding failed, and people still continued to breathe in the toxic air.
Senior doctors in Delhi have already warned that they see more and more patients with respiratory distress in Delhi everyday now. The double threat of air pollution and influenza is causing serious health issues among delhites. Rather than putting in measures to curb the pollution, government is busy altering the data. We citizens are also to be blamed for the pollution created by the use of firecrackers.
The recent study by ICMR suggests that the main cause of death in India is ischemic heart disease, which is in turn caused by lifestyle.
Indeed it is time to start prioritising healthy lifestyle now .
It’s true that human activity is the major cause of most health problems. The air pollution levels in Delhi are so high that breathing the air is equivalent to smoking eight cigarettes a day. Doctors are even advising people to move out of the city for a few days to protect their lungs. Imagine the impact on children whose lungs are still in the developing stage. The government should implement preventive measures throughout the year, not just during the winter when pollution levels peak.
Such an important post. It’s starting to feel like no other issues matter as much as preserving nature and the environment- this is what everyone should be making as a top priority, especially the government and other organizations.
Such a strong reflection! We must acknowledge that *we* are causing the diseases of our time. More than pathogens ever did, human behavior—from pollution to bad lifestyle choices—is what causes imbalance. Living sustainably is about saving ourselves, not just the planet . People and the planet can be healed by greener policies, cleaner air, and more conscientious behavior. What do you think every citizen can do to help bring about this change?
We must acknowledge that *we* are causing the diseases of our time. 
More than pathogens ever did, human behavior—from pollution to bad lifestyle choices—is what causes imbalance. 
Living sustainably is about saving ourselves, not just the planet 
. People and the planet can be healed by greener policies, cleaner air, and more conscientious behavior. 
What do you think every citizen can do to help bring about this change? 
