By Clairene R.J. McDavid-Adams, MSc, BSc
Symbiotic relationships are important in biological systems. They are even necessary to maintain balance within some ecosystems. A critical question that we should ask ourselves as human beings is whether we are contributing positively to our natural environment or posing a serious present and future threat to the quality of the environment we live in and interact with. Air, water and land pollution present some direct and indirect challenges for us as human beings. The catch-22 is that humans have negatively impacted the environment by industrialization, urbanization and other conveniences to which we have now become accustomed. However, as we enjoy the new way of life, our health and ecosystem are on the decline as the quality of our air, water and land have been compromised (Denchak 2018, Endesa 2020).
Degradation in the quality of the elements of the environment has made some places unsafe and unsuitable for habitation. This is of course the great “pollution problem” (Manisalidis et al., 2020)! Rick Perry in understanding the awesomeness of our environment made the statement that “The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we inhabit are not only critical elements in the quality of life we enjoy – they are a reflection of the majesty of our Creator.” (Brainyquote.com) If we put this in context, we each have a responsibility to care for our environmental space and well-being, because it is what we have been gifted with and given charge over.
So the question may be asked; Why should I care about pollution issues? There are a number of reasons to care! Both short term and long term health and environmental effects are associated with air, water and land pollution. The fact is well established that susceptible groups, such as children, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk to be affected by these pollution effects (UN Environment Programme, 2019; World Health Organization, 2019).
Paying the Price
We also need to think about what kind of footprint we are leaving for future generations. What is the legacy we are passing on as it relates to the care and sustenance of our home planet? Would our progeny be forced to walk around with respirators and only be able to use tertiary level treated water? Life has provided us with a number of cycles that are supposed to provide balance. However, as with anything else, extreme abuse and misuse will affect the function and efficiency of these operating systems. Hopefully, we can have some redemption on an individual level if not on a community or global level.
REFERENCES
Denchak, Melissa. 2018. “Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know.” https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know.
Endesa. 2020. “How to Live a Low-Pollution Life?” https://www.endesa.com/en/blogs
/endesa-s-blog/futur/producing-less-pollution-in-your-day-to-day-life.
Manisalidis, Ioannis, Elisavet Stavropoulou, Agathangelos Stavropoulos, Eugenia Bezirtzoglou. 2020. “Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review. Front Public Health.” Frontiers in Public Health 8:14. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00014.
UN Environment Programme. 2019. “Five Reasons You Should Care About Air Pollution” https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/five-reasons-you-should-care-about-air-pollution.
WHO (World Health Organization). 2019. “Health Consequences of Air Pollution on Populations.” https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2019-what-are-health-consequences-of-air-pollution-on-populations.
