Gwanyama Gracelyne
Stephen Van Dyck
English 145
24TH April, 2019
Have Humans Changed the Planet for Better or Worse
Growing up in Africa, a developing country where many resources such as land have not yet been exploited, and comparing it to where I am today in the United States of America, a developed country, I can greatly compare and appreciate how human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, good roads and many others have affected our planet. Comparing both countries, although not overlooking the benefits involved, I argue that humans have indeed changed our planet in many negative ways. The effects of deforestation, pollution, global warming and human manipulation of species have led to detrimental effects on our planet, affecting us directly or indirectly.
One large impact on our environment is global warming. It can be defined as a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants. These gases can be produced through industrialization or factory farming. When released into the atmosphere they deplete the ozone which protects us from the harmful ultraviolent radiations. This has indeed led to a detrimental effect as we, humans and other species are exposed to these rays leading to increase diseases such as skin cancer. This could be avoided by reducing or eliminating the amount of gases released into the atmosphere and hence reducing the risk to developing these pathologies.
Another detrimental effect is pollution. This could be water, environmental or light pollution. Overpopulation of our planet by humans has led to a rise in the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This accumulates in the clouds and mixes with the rain forming acidic rain. Acidic rain alters the neutrality of the oceans and land affecting various ecosystems living there. Environmental pollution on the other hand can be caused by the increased production of plastics. These plastics are not biodegradable and hence when littered they cause a release of the chemicals used to make them, further exposing us to increase risk of developing different types of cancers. Finally, there is the last type of pollution, light pollution. Verlyn Klinkenborg defines it as “the result of bad lighting design, which allows artificial light to shine outward and upward into the sky, where it’s not wanted, instead of focusing it downward, where it is”(216). Her definition correlates to what we see today in our world. In the night our streets are lit up attracting insects and exposing them to other animals such as bats. This has gradually led to the extinction of various species.
Another overlooked bad effect would be deforestation. Comparing Africa to the United States of America where deforestation is reduced, there are little or no natural disasters such as landslides. In “Deforestation and Erosion in Nepalese Himalaya – is the link myth or reality?” W. J. Ramsay states the various factors associated with deforestation and landslides. He describes how root withdrawals affect the stabilities of the land hence the landslides (245). Also, trees are considered homes for many animals hence the process of cutting them down strips most animals of their home and these animals find their ways to live among us humans as either parasites or nuisances. Some may even be the source of diseases. One of the main functions of trees is to reduce the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide and use it up in the process of photosynthesis. This therefore means that, deforestation will lead to an increasing amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide which could be detrimental to our health. All this can be avoided by limiting or minimizing the amount of trees we cut down.
Truthfully, the unfavorable effects cause by humans on our planet could also be done indirectly. This could be done majorly through mass movements either by land or sea from one end of the continent to another. This has showed the involvement of certain species in areas not expected leading to the gradual extinction of other species in the same ecosystem as they survive by competition. These can also be used to explain how various diseases are spread across continents. In “The truth about invasive species,” Alan Burdick tries to find the source of invasive species on our planet. He also looks in-depth into the effects of what they are causing to us humans and he concludes by showing us that it has given us the opportunity to understand the occurrence of certain zoonotic epidemics and exploit the unused resources we have (81-85).
Although negative effects are more, it is shortsighted to ignore the beneficial effects that humans have imparted on our planet. One possible effect is the production of vast lands after deforestation that man utilizes for farming. This has led to a reduction in the amount of animals that are killed daily to be provided as a source of nutrition for humans. The availability of these vast land exposes us to research on them and the ecosystems living there.
In conclusion, there are a lot of effects yet to be discovered due to the effects of humans on our planet. We should also be vigilant of what changes we notice around us and try to find the initial source. If the cause of this could be eliminated or hindered, then it should be implemented. Notwithstanding, I would not overlook the benefits such as using up vast lands from deforestation for farming helping us grow our foods.
Works Cited
Burdick, Alan. “The Truth About Invasive Species” 50 Essays. Arlington Street, Boston: MA, 2007: 81-85. Print.
Ramsay, W. “Deforestation and Erosion in Nepalese Himalaya – is the link myth or reality?” Hydrologie.org. Vancouver, August 1997. Web. 24 April 2019.
Klinkenborg, Verlyn. “Our Vanishing Night” 50 Essays. Arlington Street, Boston: MA, 2007. Print.