Are humans an infection of the planet Earth?

It could be said that humans are an infection of the planet Earth. We make use of the Earth’s resources, but it would be true to say that this is not being done in the most efficient or responsible way by humans. It could even be said that humans are abusing the resources, made available to them from the Earth, rather than making use of them wisely. One of the most alarming issues facing the world today is our use of the Earth’s fossil fuels. Such fuels will inevitably run out one day, and the rapid use of them by humans could be called thoughtless. More efficient ways of producing energy, for our use, need to be developed further and put in to action. The preservation of our Earth’s resources is important and humans are currently seriously damaging this aspect of the world.

Another serious problem, caused by humans, that is damaging our planet Earth is pollution. There are numerous forms of pollution that are causing considerable damage to our environment. Industrial factories release extremely dangerous chemicals in to the atmosphere, polluting the air, land and seas. Such chemicals contaminate water, which therefore affects the creatures and humans that use and rely upon it. Poisonous gases released pollute the air humans and animals breathe, which can affect the health of those who need it. This build up of harmful gases, such as CFC gas, in the atmosphere undoubtedly has serious long-term affects on the planet Earth. Growing problems, like the ‘greenhouse affect’ and the hole in the ozone layer, are the consequences of the actions of humans.

A problem that we, as individuals, are causing to the Earth is how we dispose of our waste. General littering of the environment affects those who use it also, whether they are animals or humans. Such littering and inconsiderate behaviour disrespects our surroundings also. As a Christian or Muslim would agree, it is a disrespecting of God’s creation.

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The way in which we, as humans, choose to treat animals and other parts of the planet Earth is definitely questionable. The illegal hunting of endangered species and deforestation are damaging to the Earth. The fact that animals have become endangered or even extinct would not be a problem that arose, if humans had not thoughtlessly hunted such animals in the first place; respecting their right to live. Trees are cut down as they provide humans with a good resource, however deforestation has a limit, which if not maintained leads to problems. Humans are not showing consideration for natural habitats and the animals living in it, as deforestation occurs to a careless extent.

A huge problem, which has become more apparent in the last century or so, is the damage humans can cause to our planet Earth by making war. War can result in the complete destruction of entire countries and the precious habitats of animals, as well as the death of millions of humans. Past incidents such as the Hiroshima bomb result in devastating disaster, causing serious damage to the environment.

However humans are not necessarily an infection of the planet Earth. Particularly in recent years, humans have made genuine efforts to protect and preserve the planet Earth. Organisations such as Greenpeace work to help with issues concerning the state of our environment. Many of these organisations who are concerned with the state of our planet Earth are set up by religious groups; which includes Christian and Muslim groups. Environmentally friendly groups are involved in the preservation of our natural habitats and the protection of animals. Other organisations such as the Worldwide Fund for nature and the RSPCA are concerned with the welfare of animals and help to protect them.

We have been able to find ways of combating current problems with the Earth’s resources, by using renewable energy sources. These forms of energy are helping to overcome the problem that the Earth’s natural energy sources will eventually run out.

Other organisations are specifically involved in the preservation of the Earth’s forests, and are trying to tackle the problems of deforestation. A way, in which these groups attempt to help with the problems of deforestation, is to simply plant new trees to compensate for losses.

It could also be argued that an infection is an exterior force, and humans are on the planet Earth itself. Therefore we may not be an infection of the planet Earth, but simply part of it.

In conclusion I personally believe that we as humans are an infection of the planet Earth. Christians and Muslims a like share the belief in stewardship. They believe that God has put humans on the Earth; he has created, to look after and protect it. Christians believe that the Earth and everything in it are all part of God’s creation, which therefore makes the world precious and sacred. Muslims also believe that the Earth and all parts of it, have been created by Allah, are part of His glorious creation. Both Christians and Muslims therefore believe that they have a duty to protect and care for the Earth that belongs to God. This means that the environment, and animals in it, deserve to be respected and protected and as Muslims and Christians they are needed to do this. Many Christians believe in a reverence for life, which means to love and respect all parts of the creation given by God. Muslims would say that by doing this they are pleasing Allah. Muslims also remain aware that they will be held accountable, before Allah on the day of judgement, for how they have chosen to treat God’s creation in their life.

Despite the efforts that we as humans are making to improve and help problems of the planet Earth, such problems may not have existed if humans had not caused them initially. The growing problem that the Earth’s natural resources are being used up, would not have arose if humans had not been so careless whilst making use of them in the first place.

I believe that despite this belief that Christians and Muslims share of stewardship, humans are still an infection of the planet Earth. Even though a Muslim or Christian may disagree with this statement, it remains a fact that humans are the cause of serious damage and destruction to the Earth. Muslims or Christians may disagree saying that we are part of God’s creation, and have the intention to protect all of that creation and have been put on the Earth by God to do so. But unless humans, over the entire world, unite as a whole and decide to strictly observe such duties the planet Earth will continue to suffer. Even if there are those who choose to help preserve the Earth, whether they are Muslim or Christian, there are still those who are abusing what we have. Therefore unless serious action is taken, which would begin to dramatically affect the state of the planet Earth, humans will continue to damage it, and be an infection of it.