We Destroy It We Should Save It!

by Hümeyra IMIRZALIOGLU KOÇAK

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than three million children under five die each year from environment-related causes and conditions.

This makes the environment one of the most critical contributors to the threat of a global disaster. The interaction of humans with the environment often causes destruction of natural resources. This change affects the entire ecosystem and creates deadly health problems.

Lack of safe water contributes to needless children’s deaths. Nearly 1.7 million children die of diarrhea, and almost three million worldwide from malaria and other diseases. Environmental degradation allows mosquitoes and other insects to pollute water sources.

Toxic wastes dispersed into the air and water supply are a real threat to our health. Not only do poor countries suffer, but developed countries also are more concerned now with industrial pollution and toxic wastes. Chemical fertilizers kills fish and species, it causes people expose to acute pesticide poisoning. Toxic chemical compounds produced by industry contribute to increasing cancer rates, asthma, and other avoidable health conditions. For example there are 1.5 million deaths a year of respiratory diseases. (who2006b)

Increasing populations and growing energy demands still depend on biomass fuels and coal to meet energy needs. Burning coal causing carbon dioxide pollution while cars create approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year. Other gases also has tremendous influence creating a “greenhouse” effect that contributes to global warming. Global warming and glacial melting will cause sea levels to rise adding to coastal erosion, more hurricanes, plant and animal species extinction and dramatic water shortages.

Picture of CarbonMonoxide/biomass burning
Credits:NASA

The toxic wastes of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami contributed pollutants into the environment. Contaminated water in these areas brought more attention to environmental risks. Celebrities concerned with environmental issues have raised awareness in the disaster areas and third world countries.

After the tragic event of 9/11 we all are worried about the possibility of security of a terrorist threat while we neglected environmental security. Wars result in a devastating impact on human and environmental security. The threat of nuclear weapons and biological attacks switched government’s focus on more military expenditures, instead of funding earth saving environmental programs.

What then can we do about the environment as individuals;

We could buy or grow organic food, use recycled products, plant more trees instead of cutting them down and save energy in our homes and cars. This alone would have a significant positive impact on environment. In one minute, 50 acres of rainforest are destroyed.

More than 1,000,000,000 (one billion) trees are used to make disposable diapers every year. Every day cars burn 2 gallons of fuel and 20 pounds of carbon dioxide are released into the air. Educating ourselves is essential to raise the awareness of the risks in our homes, communities and work. The goal is sustainable energy sources.

Let’s not forget that all living species have right to live life in a cleaner and safer environment. Next time when we purchase a hair spray or product contains chemicals we should think twice and remember our responsibility to help save the planet earth.

Picture of aerosol_India
Credits: Image courtesy NASA/GSFC/LaRC/JPL

Globalization gives us a chance to act together with people all over the world. Non-Governmental Organizations and other civil activists need to work closely with government to find effective solutions to avert the drastic consequences. Hopefully before our beautiful world is further destroyed. 

References:UNICEF (MDG)
World Health Organization

Humeyra Imirzalioglu Kocak
- June 20, 2006