As inhabitants of the Earth we need to start taking more responsibility for our actions and start recognizing the impacts that we are inflicting on our fragile environment. Climate change is a major issue that could potentially devastate life on earth unless drastic measures are taken to counteract and stop the damage that we are inflicting. Large scale glacial retreat and reduction over the past forty years as well as an increase in Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere (from 280ppm pre industrial revolution to 385 ppm today) are all evidence of man’s devastating impact on the environment. Average global temperatures have increased by 0.6 degrees Celsius and further rises would melt the ice caps which could increase sea levels by up to seven metres thus plunging most of the coastal regions of the world into perpetual darkness. Currently, biodiversity loss rates are exponentially high, with anything up to one hundred species of plants and animals being lost a day, which when compared to the pre industrial revolution biodiversity loss rate of 0.1 species a day is frightening. In order to ensure the future sustainability of life on our planet it is pivotal that we curb our emission of harmful greenhouse gasses.
It is a common misconception that carbon dioxide is the most harmful of the greenhouse gases, however this is not the case, methane is much more volatile and dangerous and the release of large amounts could be much more dangerous and effective than first anticipated by scientists. Large amounts of methane gas are stored under the permafrost in areas such as Siberia which, under the influence of global warming could be released in large amounts into the atmosphere therefore triggering a cataclysmic reaction that could raise temperatures by as much as eight degrees as was seen 55 million years ago.
It is therefore essential, that as inhabitants of Earth we take a stand and act to correct the problems that we have instilled upon ourselves before it is too late. Combating this problem requires the global cooperation of every single country and the necessary legislation and laws should be envisaged and implemented in a bid to reduce our emissions and the corresponding environmental impacts. Mitigation and adaption are two concepts that have enabled many countries to set realistic development and economic goals whilst reducing emissions. However, whilst policies such as mitigation are useful for reducing global warming, more effective policies need to be instilled that will not only reduce global warming but also reverse it. More effort needs to be put into finding and developing alternative cleaner energy sources that will provide sufficient, clean and effective sources of power. Alternatives such as hydro electric power, geothermal power and nuclear power are all potential alternatives. The need for new technological advancements in the field of geo-engineering is also of primary importance and there is a necessity for research into the viable ideas in order for success in the future. Many people believe that the main instigators of climate change are the developed world and therefore they have to take more responsibility for their actions, in truth, the developed world is far more to blame for rendering the planet susceptible to climate change and therefore they should have to take more responsibility for their impacts and bear most of the brunt. The implementation of policies such as the Kyoto protocol are essential in reducing global emissions but it doesn’t help if the world’s most potent polluters are reluctant to fully adhere to the necessary legislation, in short, global cooperation is critical for any changes to occur.
The damage inflicted on the earth by over farming and resource exploitation is threatening future sustainability and negatively affecting millions of people globally. The earth has more than enough farmland and resources to successfully feed and cater for everyone, however it is the influence and control of a rich and select few that sees the unequal distribution of food and wealth globally. For example: In the United States, only 3 million farmers are left. They produce enough grain to fee two billion people. But most of that feed is transformed, as in all industrialized countries into feed for livestock or biofuel. Ninety-five percent of soy farms in the Amazon region, which has shrunk by 20% in the last 40 years, goes to Europe for livestock and poultry. So a forest is turned into meat. It is also scary to note that over the last century, three quarters of the varieties developed by farmers over thousands of years have been wiped out. Sustainability is vital, by applying sustainable farming methods there is no reason why everyone cannot be catered for. Countries like Gabon have taken the necessary iniatives and implemented regulations that enforce environmental sustainability via the implementation of legislation that prohibits the excessive felling of trees (only one tree per hectare), this creates a sustainable business whilst ensuring the ability of the forest to naturally maintain itself.
Managing a habitable planet also incorporates elements such as dealing with the occurrence of natural disasters. As a result of climatic change natural disasters are set to increase both in frequency and intensity which will hopefully prompt the establishment and creation of new forms of technology that will hopefully aid in predicting, averting and dealing with such disasters. Developing countries that are susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes often experience astronomical damages and huge loss of life as the economic conditions of such countries prohibit the installation of the necessary technology to both predict and limit damage. On the other hand, The developed world has the economic capacity to deal with the threat of natural disasters including the construction of flood gates around coastal areas that are prone to floods, tsunamis and tidal waves as well as the installation of warning systems which transmit seismic information from the seafloor to bases stationed on the mainland where they are interpreted and the necessary action is taken. In many earthquake prone cities around the developed world, huge rubber blocks are installed on building bases in order to ensure the absorption of excessive energy that would, under normal circumstances have unleashed considerable damage and destruction on the building. However, to countries in the developing world such technology is not available and the lack of adequate funding is the icing on the somewhat already stale cake.
The relationship between humans and the environment is one of interdependence. Human culture develops when the environment is conducive to their survival. Similarly, the destructive activities of humans can severely alter ecosystem balances. The fragile nature and balance of the world’s ecosystems cannot be over emphasized. Our current social development is not in unison with ecological principles. Ever growing populations are placing burdens on our natural resources and environment and if allowed to continue, this situation will radically degrade our planetary resources which will eventually lead to an ecological collapse of epic proportions. It is evident that more radical measures need be implemented as the current measures are insufficient in limiting environmental damage and degradation. Global environmental problems such as air pollution interfere with almost all sectors of society and as a result, call for a more multi issue approach to environmental protection. There is a need for the implementation of effective strategies that will ensure the reduction of pollution both small scale and large scale. Global environmental problems and there solutions should be based on national and international projects and should be coordinated according to environmental objectives, technical solutions, infrastructural changes, financial means and public response and participation. At the moment sustainable development is a concept that is inconceivable, there is a need for a global economic restructuring and a greater emphasis placed on the enforcement and implementation of policies that ensure environmental protection. If the endeavour to ensure sustainable development does not become a reality in the foreseeable future there are likely to be large-scale and widespread global repercussions. Enforcing effective measures to combat global problems will require an unprecedented effort, complete global cooperation – a new world order. Despite the recent global advancements in technological prowess the truth of the matter is that no technology, no matter the strength or complexity has the sophistication to avert the impending environmental problems. A global, interdisciplinary approach is needed, a completely new and revived way of thinking and behaving is the necessity.
