Poison Waters
What are the implications of this dilemma for human growth and development?
This dilemma of water pollution has a great effect on human growth and development. As it has been seen in the video, Puget Sound is said to be in intensive care unit. This is because the water has significantly been polluted. A testimony to this is the population of killer whales or the orcas. These whales are a good example because they predate on other fish thus they absorb chemicals or other compounds from other marine organisms that they predate on (Rick, 2009). The whales are dying and only a few of them are making it to maturity. This is a trend that is being replicated by humans since the polluted water is affecting fertility through effects such as decreased sperm counts. And as Vicky Blazer states in the film, the endocrine system of fish resembles that of humans thus their hormonal systems is similar to those of humans thus they should be indicator species of how the pollution is affecting human growth and development.
What can we do to work towards a solution to this problem that impacts everyone?
What can be done to solve this problem is to first speak up. The authorities need to know that we are concerned about what is going on in our surroundings. It is only through this way that they can take action. The laws that exist currently came as a result of people rising up to fight the pollution problem. Secondly, people need to watch what chemicals or any other hazardous compounds are being let into the environment because it all ends up in the water bodies as is the case with storm drains. People should avoid cutting vegetation and laying concrete/tarmac everywhere even in places not necessary because this interferes with the natural order of water seeping into the ground. Laws should be enacted to prevent people from abusing land even if they own them.
Reference
Rick, Y. (Director). (2009). Poisoned Waters [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from http://video.pbs.org/video/1114515379
