WHY SHOULD TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT BE YOUR TOP PRIORITY?

In a time marked by exceptional technological advancements and bustling urbanisation, the importance of preserving and nurturing our environment has never been more critical. The Earth, our only home, provides us with sustenance, resources, and a vibrant ecosystem that supports all living things. Despite all of this, the environment often takes a back seat in our list of priorities. In this blog post, we will dive further into why taking care of the environment should be at the top of our agenda, addressing its impact on human well-being, sustainability, and the responsibility we hold for future generations.

HUMAN WELLBEING

The health of our environment is intricately linked to human well-being in several ways. Clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil are essential components that have a direct impact on our physical health. Poor air quality can lead to or worsen pre-existing respiratory diseases, contaminated water can lead to the spread of waterborne illnesses and degraded soil can affect agricultural productivity with the potential of threatening food security.

Furthermore, the natural world has proven emotional and psychological benefits for us humans. Green spaces and natural landscapes have been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Natural ecosystems provide us with opportunities to relax and get involved in recreational activities such as hiking, surfing, and snowboarding. Hence, fostering a connection with the natural world is crucial for our overall wellbeing.

SUSTAINABILITY

Taking care of the environment is also linked to sustainability in a few ways. The Earth and its ecosystems are interconnected systems where neglecting one aspect has a domino effect that can affect the balance of the entire ecosystem. Unsustainable practices such as deforestation, overfishing, and overconsumption of resources all lead to irreversible damage. By adopting sustainable practices, however, we can preserve these resources and ensure that they are available for longer. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind energy, and hydropower, and practising responsible consumption of resources with minimal waste as well as the use of effective waste management practices. All these steps can help contribute to the preservation of our environment and their availability for future generations.

BIODIVERSITY

The diversity of life on Earth, also known as biodiversity,  plays a key role in maintaining the health and resilience of our natural ecosystems to changes. Each species, no matter how small, contributes to the functioning of an ecosystem. However, environmental degradation can affect the natural habitats of plants and animals, leading to a loss of biodiversity. This, in turn, can have massive effects on nutrient and water cycles, reduce farming productivity, and affect food webs. 

To conclude, our Earth is linked to many things such as our wellbeing, sustainability, and biodiversity. It’s not merely a moral obligation but rather a necessity for the survival and well-being of current and future generations. As individuals, communities, and societies, I believe that we hold the power to make sustainable choices, advocate for policy changes on a local, national, and international level, and embrace a lifestyle that respects and nurtures the Earth. By doing so, we can not only secure a brighter future for ourselves but also leave a legacy for generations to come. The time to prioritise our environment is now - a small step today can contribute to a giant leap towards a greener and more sustainable future. 

By: Ashwani Raj Thakur