Our Only Planet: Ethics To Conserve And Protect Essay

The first reading chapter “Global population: Full Earth?” of the book “A new Environmental Ethics” discussed how the humans play their role in this planet, and how we humans do justice in treating our planet. I like the topics discussing about the rapid population growth and what will become of the earth’s future generation. About the population growth, it says that as the number of people increases, environmental problems such as acid rain, global warming, oil spills, pesticides in groundwater, DDT in eggshells, deforestation, soil losses, biodiversity loss, and pollution also increases (207-208). I agree that population growth is a problem. A large number of people require a large number of resources. And where do we get these resources? We get these demanded resources from the nature. Different problems in the environment arise because humans are getting more resources than what they need. I think humans are overusing the resources that are provided by our environment. We get more than what the nature can produce in a specific time like the way we cut more and more trees in one day yet it took almost 50 years for a tree to grow mature. Also, the readings discussed that birth control is important in answering the problem of population growth (210). I agree that we should not blame the poor families with a lot of children about the population problem. Instead, it is more important if we advocate for a smart parenting programs wherein families should plan for a number of children of whom they can provide the needs of each other. Another interesting topic discussed by the reading is the “Future Generations on the Planet with Promise”. I believe that the youth and children of today is the hope of the future. As a student, I think I have an important role to play in the future and in saving what we have now. This Earth deserves more care and love so it can live until for the next generations to come. As the reading stated, Earth is the only planet that can support and sustain life (222). We have a very beautiful and loving planet. It is right that we love and protect it back.
The next reading “Climate Change Is a Moral Problem for You, Right Now” of the book “Moral Ground” tackles the situation we are in today and the crucial responsibilities that we, humans, have to act in this planet (322). I find it most interesting because nowadays we evidently know that climate change is a serious problem and now it is more a moral problem if you will look into it deeply. Indeed, I have reflected on the responsibilities that we carry as we walk on this planet. Since we are the sole living species with the most intelligent brain, we have the responsibility to act accordingly. We have to do what is right not only for us and our benefits but also for the planet where we love. Humans make the process of climate change fast that eventually lead into the nature’s degradation. With the great amount of dangerous materials and gases: the atmosphere is damaged, more and more rivers and bodies of water are polluted, the air is not clean anymore, and most of the lands are polluted and are not capable of growing plants anymore. I think climate change is one of the major problems of this generation because the living conditions of the future depend on how we can still save and conserve the planet earth.
The third reading is “Planning for Climate Change” which is another chapter of the book “Boundaries”. With the arising environmental issues, it is just right to come up with solutions to these consequences. Answering these problems will take a lot of time, intelligence and actions to work upon. Reviving a damaged ecosystem is not easy. The Earth needs time to heal. As I quote “Though virtually all experts agree that humans could do something to mitigate the climate change trend that has already begun, there are differences about how that mitigation should be approached and how effective it can be” (218). A comprehensive plan is needed. As I reflect on the subject matter, I think, collective efforts from different nations of the world is important.
Another reading is “The ethical issues in water privatization” also from the book “Boundaries” is quite intriguing for me. Water pollution is a threat that hard to endure. But privatization of water consumption is the practical way to control the pollution. But above all, water must be free for consumption. Since it is privatized, usage of this clean water must cost an amount. Water requires no cost to everyone, but the maintenance to keep it safe must be affordable to all level of people (134).
The last reading is “The Inuit Right to Culture Based on Ice and Snow” of the book “Moral Ground”. Culture and tradition of those northerners are at stake with this global change. Global warming is a big issue especially with their location since meltdown can affect to their living. The Inuit’s are calling for us to remain attentive in observance of climate change as human right (29). The bottom line is we have to respect the earth as how we respect ourselves.
Earth is not merely something that we selfishly manipulate for our own benefits. Earth is alive. This is where we get our resources. This is the source of life. The day will come that we will be running out of these resources. The day will come that this Earth will be harshly damaged that it can no longer support life. And that day will be the day that humankind will realize the chaos they had done in the past. It is never too late. We only have one planet to live in; only one to protect.