Ecological integrity is one of the new concepts that are being discussed in conferences around the word by different ecologists. However, the final definition of ecological integrity has not yet been reached. It is clear that the activities of human beings on the earth results in a number of changes on the environment, which can either, be helpful in the enhancement of some species, ecological process, and ecosystems. On the other hand, the same human activities on earth may lead to serious damages to other species, ecological processes as, well as, ecosystems. In this case, the definition of ecological integrity should be able to integrate and ensure there is a clear distinction between responses, which help to improve the ecosystems quality and at the same time reduce degradation (Noss, Laura, and David, 19). Nature can be explained using by different people using different concepts. However, I believe that nature is what comes in to being on its own. This may include animals, plants and other physical features such as mountains, rivers and valleys. The features can be explained to have come into being using science, religion or even social adaptation.
Natural resources are very important; hence the have to be conserved. Overexploitation of the natural resources can lead to their extinction. If the natural resources become extinct, it will be very hard for life of both animals and plants to continue normally. The resources that I use daily include: water from the rivers, trees from forests, petroleum, soil, and oxygen from the air. Water can be classified as a renewable natural resource because the water that we use and later on dispose as waste evaporates as water vapor and later on falls back on the earth as rain (Noss, Laura, and David, 14). At least one in a while, I use products that come from trees. Trees are renewable natural resources because when trees are cut down, they can easily be replaces by reforestation, which means replanting of trees in the areas where trees have been cut.
Another natural resource that I commonly use daily is petroleum. It is a non-renewable resource because once petroleum is over exploited and it gets finished in a certain place, then, nothing can be done about it. The only way to obtain more oil is to look for other places that have oil ores to drill. Lastly, Oxygen is also a natural resource that I use daily. I breathe in oxygen every single second of my life (Noss, Laura, and David, 37). Oxygen is a renewable resource because it is emitted by plant during photosynthesis. In this case, if there is need for more oxygen, people are required to increase vegetation. Soil is a natural resource that we use daily for many reasons. Soil is a non-renewable resource that cannot be replaced. However, it may be made better by adding fertilizers and improving its quality.
Environmental degradation is a term used to refer to the deterioration of the natural environment either due to the depletion of the natural resources or due to the overexploitation of the environment by human beings; thus the destruction of the natural ecosystems. My impact on the environment is positive. This is because I make sure to recycle all the recyclable items such as plastic bags. Additionally, I also participate in tree planting activities; where I plant at least thirty six trees every year.
Social issues refer to the problems that affect people in the society. Such issues are brought about by the misuse of the available natural resources. My use of natural resources such water, soil, petroleum and air most of the time does not affect other living things. This is because I use the natural resources sustainable keeping in mind that the same resources should also be used by other living things, as well as, the future generations (Noss, Laura, and David, 35).
Sustainability goals are those goals that are set to help ensure there is sustainable use of natural resources, which aim at conserving the natural resources. I believe, I can make a difference by carrying out capacity building and educating the illiterate people on the importance of the natural resources and their conservation. Some of the things that I can do to be kinder to the environment include; planting of trees and mobilizing local people to also participate in planting of trees.
My short term goals are include is ensuring that local people are aware of the significance of the natural resources so that they can start using them sustainable, as well as, conserving them. I would want for people to know the importance of using clean energy in order to reduce pollution and climate change at large. My mid-term goals are to see the more people are involved in planting of more trees, as a way of trying to solving the problem of climate change and global warming. My long term goals are to ensure that there is reduced air pollution due to the adoption and use of clean energy (Noss, Laura, and David, 21). Secondly, I would want to see that at least 30% of our country is occupied by forest because trees provide so many solutions to many environmental problems.
Works Cited
Noss, Reed F, Laura Westra, and David Pimentel. Ecological Integrity: Integrating Environment, Conservation, and Health. Washington, D.C: Island Press, 2000. Print.
