My View of the 21st Century Environmentalism
Nature and human being, and their cohabitation are ongoing debating issues during this century. These problems, however, were less topical for the civilization during a couple of previous centuries. Thousands of environmental activists have applied their best efforts to protect and preserve the ‘natural’ world, but it looks like their methods were not well developed. The 21st century conception of nature concerns with ‘green living’, energy saving, and seeking sustainable ways to protect the most endangered species all over the planet. Yet, it is not limited to this. Those responsibilities form only a small fraction of all issues we face today while protecting ‘the wildness’ of nature. Not surprising that our civilization has arrived at the crossroads and asks these days for a new environmentalism that is more powerful and sophisticated than we have ever seen.
Background
Environmental reasons, which are our concern, are rooted in air, water and soil quality of the present day. Efficient use of resources such as energy and water, and minimizing waste can help us sustain more stable biodiversity. Numerous public polls and discussions on climate change were initiated for people to arrive at conclusion that it is the duty of everyone to participate in saving and protecting the ‘natural’ world. To think like an environmentalist, I believe that present issues of climate change and changes we see to our natural environment are heavily dependent on one another. Popular critics and researchers, however, view environmental threats as flaws in our society and its systems. I admit, therefore, it is high time we thought about alternatives and changing our present course.
Environmental Issues
The 21st century wildlife is irreversibly declining due to severe climate changes and human interventions. We are also warned of the high risk of climate change and flooding that is caused by extreme weather. Like we need to eat and breathe every day, we need to respond more rapidly to all environmental concerns of our century. A good thing, however, is that the numbers of people around the world, who volunteer to take radical action about climate change, is steadily increasing. For instance, more people become motivated to recycle and reduce energy consumption in their households now than before. Many locals do their best to save their natural environment. Regional and local economies are also concerned about developing new technologies that would allow them produce renewable energy for their own country and export. A big number of communities take regular actions to reduce carbon-based energy. Perhaps in a few years time we can already vision how to produce only clean energy.
Unfortunately, the environmental movement across the world’s countries is not seamless at all. Many naturalists today still face many challenges. Yet, the urge of millions of people to come together and start saving their environment should be nurtured.
Prospective Solutions
Future Thinkers and Doers
Starting with the previous century, we experienced the arrival of science and technology. They came rapidly and stayed as part of our lives ever since, stretching well into present century. Their increasing role in our society is undeniable. The 21st century’s advanced science and technology should help us to better manage environmental issues. Unfortunately, being technology smart did not help us that much with the issues of ‘natural’ world. It took a longer time, before people started to arrive at environmental awareness. Only now those topical issues are solved among the public and policymakers. The future will see moving toward lower-impact ways of sustaining people on the planet. To succeed in environmental mega communities is crucial for all of us. We will win, if we reach a harmony between civilization and nature.
As regards environment, the 21st century represents all about ‘green living’, energy saving, and protecting the most endangered species on the planet. To protect ‘the wildness’ of nature, we have come to face many responsibilities. We understood that our environmental reasons are rooted in air, water and soil quality. It means that only efficient use of resources and minimizing waste can help us sustain biodiversity. Many of the environmental threats we face are seen as flaws in our society and its systems. Perhaps the time has come to think about alternative ways.
Many naturalists across the world today face many challenges. But still, the urge of millions of people to save their natural environment is stronger. It is also true that civilization has arrived at the crossroads and asks for a new kind of environmentalism. To my mind, one such an option is to form environmental mega communities. Their motto could be nature in human lives, and human lives in nature. Another option, which I find less favorable, could be separating nature from humans. Although, advanced science and technology is a great advantage today, being technology smart does not mean that we are smart enough to solve current environmental issues.
