The term “Environment” refers to the setting in which we interact, exist and breathe. It is one of the fundamental necessities for all living organisms. It includes both biotic and abiotic elements that are present around us. It supplies essentials including air, water, food, and land, which are crucial for human health. For thousands of years, the environment has supported the growth and well-being of people, animals, and plants. It contributes to preserving the natural equilibrium and satisfies every requirement a person might have, including food, shelter, and air. Environmental factors control daily natural cycles and these organic cycles maintain equilibrium between the environment and all living beings. Additionally, it gives us access to water, animals, air, and other necessities for living along with fertile land.
One of the main reasons for environmental deterioration is the quick rise of the human population and over - consumption of natural resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, food, water, and land. Another significant issue that is damaging the ecology as a whole is deforestation. The entire ecosystem is negatively impacted by the environmental pollution, such as that in the air, water, and soil. Another leading cause of environmental degradation is harmful human activities. Pollution, poor environmental regulations, chemicals, greenhouse gases, global warming, ozone depletion, and other human activities are responsible for ecological degradation.
With every individual on the planet taking just one small step, we can easily rescue the earth. We should reduce the amount of waste by properly disposing of garbage only in their designated locations. Ceasing the use of poly bags, reusing some old items in novel ways, repairing and using broken items instead of tossing them away, estimating the cost of repairs, using rechargeable batteries or renewable alkaline batteries, using fluorescent lighting, utilizing rainwater collection to reduce water waste, minimizing the use of electricity, etc. People must act responsibly and with consideration for the environment to preserve a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
We rely on the food web or food chain produced by environmental elements. The survival of life on this planet depends on us taking care of our environment. The environment that we live in is capable of sustaining not only humans but also millions of other species of plants, animals, reptiles, insects, etc. Though, there is one requirement that human interference with the environment should be at its lowest. Our environment has an ample supply of water, food, air, and other valuable resources as of now. It has sustained all the needs of species for millions of years. The continuous process of evaporation and rain, year after year, gets our rivers running and ponds swelled. Trees live for hundreds of years, giving a fresh supply of oxygen and fruits every season. The soils also produce new vegetation and immediately get ready for the other.
There could be no better example of self-sustainability than the environment we live in. Moreover, it also has an exceptional ability to repair itself up to a certain extent. But, despite all its sustainability and repairing abilities, the environment also has a limit. Human interference in the form of pollution, habitat destruction, resource depletion, and others is taking a heavy toll on the environment. Though the environment is self-sustainable and could repair its damages, it depends up to a large extent on how humans treat it. The way we treat our environment, the same we will get in return. The message is clear, treat the environment well and it will shower you with goodies. Mistreat it and be prepared to be mistreated as well.
Mahek Dhameja
JSJC 2022