Environment
“With population and consumption continuing to grow, the per-capita resources left to be harvested are shrinking. The long-term prospects are not promising. Awakened at last to this approaching difficulty, we have begun a frantic search for substitutes” (Wilson, 946). E.O. Wilson argues that humans are harming the planet, and need to turn to other options for resources in order to save it.
Humans have been robbing the planet of its key resources for years. These resources, such as forests, petroleum, and ground water, are ultimately running out, subjecting the planet to detrimental effects. We humans only focus on our own needs and wants, not giving so much as a thought to others of our own kind or even other species. The utter carelessness of humanity is the initial cause of the decline of earth’s key resources. But what can we do about this? How can we stop this? It is our responsibility to respect the environment and have boundaries that are not crossed. We need to utilize moral reasoning and set standards for ourselves and our treatment of nature. Having our own ethics will make us more likely to hold ourselves accountable for our mistakes and mistreatment of nature. If humanity continues to harm and disrespect nature, we too will start to feel the effects of it. There can be a balance between completely taking advantage of nature’s resources and not utilizing them at all. The planet’s key resources are not unlimited, and if nature is continually harmed, these resources will be ended. Once these resources are gone, the growth of humans in society will be halted as well. We won’t be able to harvest foods for consumption and our economy will plummet. Without the help of nature, our opportunities are limited. So the time is now for change. If we continue to treat nature this way, we will suffer the consequences as well. The fate of the planet is in your hands.
I really enjoyed your post and your view on how key resources impact the environment to such a great extent! I thought one of your most compelling arguments was that you recognized the balance between taking advantage of the earths resources and not using them. I also really enjoyed how you explained that our actions not only have effects on other species but will have many negative effects on us as well. Do you think there needs to be legal action taken to stop the over use of our resources, or do think individuals can change their actions on their own?
ReplyDeleteI think your argument is very well thought out and I agree with all of the points you made. I, too, believe that humans need to care and respect the world around us more and that without these extra thoughts throughout the day, the environment will start to diminish and will only get worse. I like how you included yourself in your argument instead of placing yourself in a higher role than the audience. For example, when you say phrases like "We" and "our" it is an effective way to connect personally with the audience. What do you believe is the most common way that humans are hurting the environment? And what can we do to fix it?
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