The Human Influence on the Environment

The Human Plague On Earth

The earth is a living organism that changes daily because of the gravitational effects of the sun, and moon. These effects cause the oceans to change in levels and tidal motions, and produce physical stress on the earth’s crust. Scientists have spent decades trying to understand the different changes the earth has experienced, and the causes of the various changes. Early humans are suspected to have little to no concept of what causes variations in climate, ocean tides, earthquakes, and other phenomena the earth experiences on a regular cycle. Researchers surmise that the earth has experienced several catastrophic events that have changed the face of the planet. These events, whether a natural phenomena or an event like a meteoric collision have caused dramatic changes in climate, land mass, and oceanic properties. 

The Human Factor

The human factor dates back to early man. Although early man did not have advanced machinery, major city centers, or any personal conveniences humanity has today, man still had an active role in environmental influence. Early man used stones as tools and weapons for hunting, and self defense (Long, & Chakov, 2009). Trees would be cut down to provide shelter and clothing. As man progressed, mining became a popular method of obtaining precious metals needed to create tools, and used for trade. As man progressed, precious metals and gems became the standard currency for trade between neighboring countries, and the need for increased production escalated (Long, & Chakov, 2009).

As society grew, the need for housing became an important aspect of humanity. Because metal was not a common material used for construction, people relied on wood produced from the flourishing forests. As the need for food production grew, land was acquired by cutting down trees to produce farming lands (Long & Chakov, 2009). By the time the first organized social cultures developed, major land masses were being changed from natural habitats to cities that houses masses of people. The need for advancement prompted humanity to seek alternative methods of construction, mining, and food production (Long & Chakov, 2009). Consideration for the earth or the environment was not a concern for humans during these periods because there were no noticeable changes. When humans advanced to the machine age, the needs of society and demand for production grew with complete abandonment of concern for the environment. Factories were built to produce goods in massive scale throughout the world. Pollutants from these factories filled the air with no regard for conservation because humans were not aware that the pollutants being released would produce negative effects on the environment.

The Earth and Nature

The earth and her environment are a delicate combination. The oceans provide home for countless species of aquatic life. Rivers and streams provide a constant renewal of water to the oceans, and along the path, provide flourishing abundance of plant life, and aquatic sanctuaries for smaller creatures. Forests serve as natural air cleaners that filter out some pollutants, and expel clean byproducts that provide out atmosphere with a natural balance. Forests also provide dense sanctuaries for countless insects, avian and ground dwelling animals, and hide secrets that Mother Nature keeps locked away.

There are other aspects to nature as well. Volcanos roar and spew molten lava that destroys everything in its path, but in return that same lava creates new landmasses. Tectonic plates constantly push and grind against each other building up pressure immense that it finally gives way to violent earthquakes. These earthquakes reshape the earth around them; create valleys and hills where there was once flat land. Natural phenomena like lightening storms can result in major forest fires that destroy great numbers of trees and life. However, even this violent action provides a service. Naturally occurring forest fires burn undergrowth and old trees so new life can emerge. The burned ashes and remnants of trees and bushes produce nourishment to the new growth, making it stronger and healthier.

Destruction

Much of the earth faces destruction from natural sources that serve to change the face of the planet through natural evolution. Earthquakes create new mountains and valleys, volcanoes create new land expansion and create islands where there was once nothing but water. Other natural planetary actions like storms cause fires that clear overgrown forest areas, and flood low-lying lands to create marshes. These are all actions that are part of earth’s master plan. But there are forces that go above earth’s master plan. Meteor strikes devastate massive areas of land, and have been the primary theory of the destruction of prehistoric earth. Solar flares interrupt the earth’s magnetic fields and cause energy shifts. These are part of the universe’s master plan

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Then there is mankind, a plague that spread so rapidly across the earth. The earth has no natural defenses against this plague, and with every generation the earth suffers more destruction from the hands of mankind than all of the natural phenomena combined. One of mankind’s main contributions to the destruction of earth is war. Military action produces extreme damage to the health of earth, the water, and the air; all requirements of supporting life (Lindsay-Poland, 2001). Machines of war like naval fleets cause damage to aquatic environments, and produce sounds that interrupt natural migration paths of certain marine creatures. Nuclear testing destroys vast amounts of land mass, and leaves behind toxic wastelands that remain desolate for decades or longer. Toxins from bomb  and munitions testing leave behind toxic heavy metals and chemicals that infiltrate the water table, resulting in countless cases of cancer in humans, and devastation of plant and animal life (Lindsay-Poland, 2001). Another contribution of mankind is deforestation. According to Encyclopedia Britannica (2013) “Deforestation is the clearing or thinning of forests, the cause of which is normally implied to be human Activity” (para. 1). Every year, thousands of rain forest, and forests throughout the world suffer destruction because the growth of mankind requires new land to expand living space for the growing population, materials for construction, and land for farming (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013). The effects of deforestation are vast. Logging creates open, drier spaces where once closed and wetter spaces existed, resulting in vulnerability to fires, and killing effects of natural phenomena like drought (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013).Global dangers are also a concern of deforestation. Healthy forests reduce carbon as they grow, provide stability to hillsides, which reduces landslides, and soil degradation. Deforestation creates excess carbon dioxide or greenhouse gasses that create changes in global climate. It destroys natural habitats for countless species that require forested areas for survival, resulting in extinction of some species of animals, and plants alike (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013).

Pros and Cons

There are arguments on both sides of ecological issues. Some believe that mankind truly has no substantial influence on climate changes and other natural phenomena. These people surmise that the earth has undergone numerous environmental changes throughout history, and that issues like global warming are a naturally occurring event. These people attribute issues of deforestation as a positive aspect of human growth, stating that as humanity grows, it is only natural for man to take from forests to produce viable farmland and space for population growth. Those who support war efforts believe that testing is a requirement to produce military advancements, and that the areas used for testing of munitions are far enough from societal hubs that any perceived dangers are negated. Environmentalists on the other side of the issue believe that most of the atmospheric changes are a result of human actions. Scientists on both sides of the argument that produce compelling data for each side have performed countess studies. However, the fact remains; mankind is destroying the earth, and the natural balance of the environment. Cities with paved streets increase temperatures, dams alter natural paths of rivers, and deforestation reduces precious environments required by some species for survival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, one must determine which side of environmental issues he or she stands. Compelling data indicates that the environment experiences naturally occurring changes that greatly influence the earth. There is also an abundance of compelling data that shows mankind’s actions are a major influence on the natural environment, and that the devastation mankind inflicts on the environment irreversibly destroys plant life, animal habitats, and oceanic balance. Mankind will not cease to advance, but the earth, and the environment cannot advance along with us. If mankind truly wants to keep earth healthy and able to support not just our lives, however, the life of all the other creatures that inhabit the earth, we must find a balance between necessity and preservation of all the earth’s valuable resources.

References

deforestation. (2013). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/155854/deforestation

Lindsay-Poland, J. (2001). Reclaiming the earth from military destruction. Fellowship, 67(7-8), 13-13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/209422589?accountid=35812

Long, H., Chakov, K.,  (2009). Social Evolution - Anthropological Theories. Retrieved from http://anthropology.ua.edu/cultures/cultures.php?culture=Social%20Evolutionism