Nature: Our biggest friend. Our biggest threat.

 

With the recent increase in hurricanes, it has become increasingly clear the significant role that the environment plays in our wellbeing and security. The 72 deaths in Florida caused by hurricane Irma show that the effects we have on our planet have begun to impact our societies in very significant ways, endangering our economies and livelihoods much like we have endangered nature’s biodiversity and species.

 

After the Industrial Revolution, intense amounts of greenhouse gases and pollution began being appearing in our environment. The increased consumerism since then only aggravated the pollution and waste production, as well as the unsustainable extraction of resources. The resilience of our ecosystems shielded us from the consequences of our actions. Until now. Changes in global weather patterns, rising temperatures and rapidly decreasing resource reserves are only a few of the effects which have began being felt.

 

The climatic changes brought by the destruction of the environment have already had a great economic impact around the world. The drought in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2014 and 2016 is believed to have been caused by deforestation in the Amazon forest and led to inequality increasing in the region. In Canada, the fishing industry is struggling due to the depletion of cod after decades of overfishing. And after decades of continuous and reckless degradation of our environment, this economic impact cannot be unexpected.

 

Besides the toll our unsustainable practices have caused on our economy, the social impact will be greater than ever. Deforestation will permanently change precipitation patterns and cause food shortages while food demand increases steadily. Rising global temperatures and the melting of glaciers and ice caps will cause water levels to rise and leave many coastal cities under water. The changes in weather patterns, increase in droughts, floodings, food and water scarcity is likely to leave to many refugees. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes that struck Puerto Rico, for example, many were left without food or water. Furthermore, bats going to the US were cancelled as American authorities feared a great influx of refugees coming from the island. Until today, the majority of the citizens in the island is without electricity. With every extreme weather event, followed by death and destruction, it becomes clearer that the impact we are having on our planet is an immediate threat.

 

The overexploitation of Earth’s resources will result in the depletion of many necessities and lead conflict between populations. This can already be seen today. In Central Asia, for example, there is increasing tension over water resources after the building of dams led to a changes in the water availability and distribution. In the conflict between Israel and Palestine, a region already suffering from water shortages, water was used as an weapon by manipulating and blocking the flow of the river and.

 

Despite the centuries of devastation of our ecosystems, nature’s resilience has kept us at an equilibrium state. However, if the tipping points are surpassed, such as the complete destruction of the Amazon forest, or the melting of entire glaciers. A new, permanent state will be reached. In order to avoid worsening the consequences, changes must be made. Not only are legislation and treaties necessary, but a profound behavioural change of each individual is necessary. Our unsustainable habits must change and we must realise our deep and indisputable dependence on nature.