Man is a result of nature and depends on it for survival, including the acquisition of air, water, food, and various everyday objects. However, despite this reliance, humans often possess a pessimistic view towards nature. The phrase “conquest of nature” is frequently employed to describe activities like space exploration and river control, reflecting humanity’s approach to nature. Our planet, Earth, stands out in the solar system as one of eight planets existing within the Milky Way.
Among all known planets, only Earth possesses conditions favorable for life and lacks any evidence of life on other planets. The planet has been uniquely designed by nature to support human existence and ensure their survival by providing comfortable living conditions. A significant contributing factor is the optimal distance from the sun, which enables us to receive sufficient warmth necessary for sustaining life. Scientists hypothesize that if Earth were positioned even a few thousand kilometers closer to the sun, temperatures would reach such extreme levels that no form of life could endure.
Our planet, situated at an optimal distance from the sun, benefits from warmth and suitable living conditions. This location also ensures that our closest atmosphere is filled with ample air for humans and animals to breathe. Breathing, as our most essential and constant requirement, allows us to obtain vital oxygen from this air. Consequently, we can rely on its presence without fail – all we need to do is continue breathing.
Although the significance of clean air for our survival and well-being cannot be overstated, we are presently contaminating the atmosphere through various activities. The proliferation of factories worldwide has resulted in smoke emissions, thereby contributing to air pollution. Furthermore, the escalating number of vehicles in urban regions exacerbates air contamination. It appears that humans have disregarded this critical element. If we persist with this level of pollution, a time will come when breathing becomes challenging. Additionally, deforestation exacerbates these detrimental actions.
Trees, natural air purifiers, are being cut down extensively for various reasons such as obtaining timber for furniture and other items, acquiring wood for rural home and hearth fuel, and obtaining forest products like resins and herbs. Additionally, forests are being cleared to make way for housing colonies, roads, industries, and more due to both the greed for forest products and the need for land caused by the consistent growth in human population. Humans have failed to manage their population effectively.
Currently, no solution has been discovered for population control. The increase in population results in a greater need for housing, food, and other products. Consequently, forests are being swiftly cleared without regard. This deforestation leads to soil erosion and desertification. Despite nature offering us ample reserves of minerals and resources, we are depleting them so quickly that their complete exhaustion is imminent.
Oil reserves in certain basins are showing signs of depletion, as evidenced by the significant increase in crude oil prices in 2007. This surge indicates a diminishing supply and increasing demand for petroleum products. The burning of oil in vehicles and industries also contributes to pollution. Experts predict that the planet will exhaust its entire oil reserves within the next 50-60 years. Additionally, coal, another extensively extracted mineral, is used as fuel across various industries.
Global warming, caused primarily by burning coal, is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent problems such as the melting of glaciers and mountain snow. This has led to a rise in the Earth’s average temperature, resulting in various issues including the depletion of water reservoirs like glaciers. The melted ice water is swiftly making its way into the oceans through rivers and streams, causing submersion in seawater for many coastal areas and islands. Additionally, global warming has resulted in unfavorable climate changes across nearly every continent.
The rainfall pattern has undergone significant changes; Mumbai is encountering heavy rain while certain regions of Meghalaya are facing low rainfall. Frequent hurricanes have become a problem in America, and areas that were accustomed to regular rain now suffer from droughts. These alterations can be attributed directly to unsustainable practices carried out by mankind. Additionally, the gradual depletion of coal mines necessitates finding alternative fuel sources for industries in the future. Moreover, there is excessive utilization of vital minerals like iron, bauxite, and manganese alongside coal.
The manufacturing of steel is a daily process that contributes to the production of various heavy industrial goods. Steel plays a vital role in the creation of items such as railway tracks, wheels, girders, bridges, torr, refrigerators, vehicles, and railways. Unfortunately, this widespread use has resulted in the depletion of resources. Furthermore, other resources are being consumed excessively without careful consideration. It appears that we fail to appreciate the abundant gifts bestowed upon us by nature. Nature has blessed us with magnificent rivers that supply clean drinking water and irrigation for our fields.
Unfortunately, our rivers and other water bodies are in a deplorable condition. They are being polluted by harmful chemical effluents discharged without any consideration. Sewerage and drainage water flow into these bodies untreated. Additionally, cities frequently dispose of their waste in these water bodies. Moreover, in many places, people use these water bodies for washing clothes, utensils, and livestock. Consequently, our rivers become contaminated with silt, mud, and rubbish.
Water has long been celebrated as the “elixir of life,” and there was a time when rivers were revered as sacred natural wonders. Sadly, today people display an indifferent attitude towards them.
Unfortunately, the mistreatment of animals and birds that inhabit our jungles is a direct result of the diverse range of species created by God. The reckless destruction of trees and forests disrupts the delicate ecological balance, adversely impacting all these creatures. This mistreatment encompasses deforestation, soil erosion, global warming, air pollution, water pollution, and encroachment on their natural habitats. Consequently, numerous species have already disappeared while others remain in danger of extinction.
Humankind’s disregard for nature has serious implications, as we fail to acknowledge the consequences of our actions. Despite our indifference, nature possesses its own mechanisms for addressing this behavior and has been kind to us thus far. Nevertheless, if we persist with our hostile approach towards nature, it could jeopardize the survival of humanity. The aftermath of maintaining this mindset could manifest as floods, famines, epidemics, hurricanes, and tsunamis—inflicting great suffering and devastation upon mankind. Hence, it is wise for us to alter our behaviors and live in harmony with the natural world.
