Driving Forces: Environment
Driving Forces: Environment
The Earth consists of four realms: the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere and the Biosphere. The Biosphere is the realm of Earth that contains all of the planet’s living organisms. Plants and algae are the Earth’s two primary energy production components that support and maintain life for all species. Humans are the largest consumer of the Earth’s productivity, and population and consumption are both growing today at faster rates than the planet can support. By consuming more than the Earth produces, humans are using energy resources necessary for life for other living species. Those species that are most adaptable to their evolving environments are the most likely to survive and continue to exist. However, continuing over-consumption is dangerous to all living species and the balance of life. No form of life lives independently of other life forms.
Temperature and precipitation control the Earth’s climate and physical environment. Every climate ranges from Arctic to Tropic and from Wet to Dry. The three most extreme environments are the cold arctic, the hot, wet tropical rain forest and the hot, dry tropical desert. Human comfort is greatest within the moderate realm of each extreme condition. It is within these moderate environments that Earth’s production is greatest. It’s also within moderate regions where competition for resources is the greatest. When resources are over extracted there are a chain of events set in place that begin impacting neighboring environments creating unintended consequences. These situations often begin with invasive species overtaking native production, ultimately destroying habitats through environmental transformations. Competition for resources and over extraction also result in damaged and polluted environments caused by remaining waste. Pollution contaminates air, water, soil and food which in turn cause illness and disease.
While we do not know exactly why the Incas, Aztecs and Anasazi are now extinct civilizations and societies, we do know that it was over consumption and the over extraction of resources that led to their demise. Problems facing civilization today around the world are certainly greater than any other time in history. Modern demands for resources and greater forms of technology are placing all of humankind in danger.
While you may not agree that climate change is caused by human forces, it cannot be denied that chemical fertilizers and pesticides are damaging nature and other species; that coastal development is polluting the oceans’ waters; that air pollution is damaging health; that arctic and Antarctic ice is melting, that coral reefs and fish are dying; that our drinking water is contaminated, and our rainforests, the most productive environments in nature, are being cut down for lumber and farming.
We must awaken to reality and change our ways of life – and thinking! Instead of Driving Forces having negative connotations globally, we can harness these powers for making positive contributions to the world and for sustaining life on this planet.
Please provide us with your thoughts – and we’ll respond. We’ll also connect you with others so you can learn how they think as well!
Thanx!