Human population basically depends on the earth’s natural resources to sustain life’s cycle and its growing needs. The product of technology, infrastructures, business firms and financial factors, together with the social and cultural aspects greatly affect the consumption of nowadays. Consequently, the production activities resulted from these various demands are mainly responsible of the environmental impacts that remain a problem of today that needs
Consumption comes in two kinds: “the acquisition and use of material things” and “the depletion of the earth’s limited resources” (Clowney & Mosto, 2009). Naturally, society has various demands in response to its convenience and satisfaction. However, the consumption of more than what the basic needs require results to more demands and production. These services can be illustrated from simple daily activity such as using fossil fuel for a car or even to a greater production such as coal power plants. Obviously, the use of natural resources does not limit to energy but also extends to fertile land, water and other minerals. The improper use and rapid consumption of these resources result to damage, degradation and pollution. These effects can be seen in the changing climate, water reserves, forest destruction and extinction of species.
The idealistic principles of preserving the earth’s resources would be impossible if people continuously view it as a system which exists to primarily supply their unlimited needs and wants. The patterns and effects that consumers have created must be addressed accordingly. The challenge requires actions and implementations of the proposals from various environmental studies. It takes more than just words to see a different change, but people are a step closer when they have an attitude that sees the world a habitat where they live.
Works Cited
Clowney, David, and Patricia Mosto. "Sustainability, consumption, business, and energy." Earthcare: An Anthology in Environmental Ethics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 2009. 665-685. Web. 2 July 2015.
