There have always been discussions about the human impact on the environment and how the human race is slowly bringing about the destruction of the natural environment (Earth Explorer, 1995, p.1). Is it possible for the human race which only occupies a small area of the Earth’s surface to cause its destruction? Are these warnings mere products of the fertile imagination of environmentalists and advocacy groups?
After observing the external environment, it is evident that the human race’s activities, lifestyles and habits have seriously affected the environment we live in. This is something that we should not take for granted. As inhabitants of this planet, we are all stakeholders in it. The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in a report entitled “Our Common Future” warned us that unless we change many of our life style patters, the world will face unacceptable levels of environmental damage and human suffering (IFAD, 2007, p.1)
It is sad that we are all directly or indirectly responsible for the destruction of our environment. For instance, the people have neglected the fact that every time we travel either by plane or by cars or buses, we are contributing to the gradual destruction of the environment. Every time we take our hot shower we are consuming energy and contributing to the destruction of the environment. Every time we use air conditioning system in our room we hurt the environment. Every time we eat burgers instead of the healthy food we destroy our environment. Every time we throw our garbage on the streets we also destroy the environment. Every time we fail to recycle we also become contributors to the destruction of the environment.
The WCED makes sense in saying that: "Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable and to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." If people are the primary cause of environmental destruction then we are the solutions to the problem.
The first step is to acknowledge that we are primarily responsible for the environment depredation. The second step is to accept our role and responsibility in preventing the complete destruction of the environment. It may be true that as individuals and acting alone our actions will have no effect. However, by raising the environment awareness of other people, they may eventually realize the important role they play in protecting our Mother Earth.
In my situation, I do my best to protect the environment. I try to make it a point to walk or use my bike when going to and from the school. I have realized that this can help the environment because it reduces use of cars that release pollutants into the air and limits gas consumption. I also limit the use of air conditioner when I am inside my room which reduces the emission of Chlorofluorocarbons into the air that damages the ozone layer. I also eat healthy food such as fresh vegetables and avoid pork and meat. This reduces the demand for livestock. Though not everybody may know the livestock sector produces 18% of human-related greenhouse gas emissions, and 9% of Carbon dioxide emission, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN entitled “Livestock’s Long Shadow-Environmental Issues and Option” (Environmental Science and Technology Online, 2007, p.1). I have also started recycling and re-using bottles and newspapers which help in reducing the garbage in the street. I also use buckets of water when cleaning the car instead of hose in order to minimize water consumption which is a scarce resource. When I brush my teeth, I use a glass of water and do not allow the water to run. I also turn off the television and computer when I am not using them. I also open the windows so that the sunlight will enter my room and I do not need to turn on the lights during the day. These are just some of the ways we can help in protecting our environment. We must all do our share in helping the environment. It is time for all of us to take action.
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