Human Population Depends On Natural Resources ✓ Solved
The human population depends on various natural resources
The human population depends on various natural resources, plants, and other members of the animal kingdom for our survival and lifestyles. Take a day in your life at home and at work and think of items or ways you could reduce or do away with. In what ways does the reduction promote resource depletion? As a nurse, how would you advocate for mitigating unrestricted consumption and its effects on the human population and health? OR Take any two finite/non-renewable resources and discuss ways to conserve them or promote their sustainable use. How do the effects of resource depletion intersect with socioeconomic status, gender, race/ethnicity, and health outcomes? Explain. Next, in what ways can nurses encourage sustainability in their personal and professional settings?
Paper For Above Instructions
As the human population continues to grow, the demand for natural resources and the sustainability of our environment have become pressing issues. The human dependency on the environment includes various natural resources such as water, air, minerals, and flora and fauna, all essential for survival and lifestyle. This paper discusses how we can reduce our consumption of natural resources in our daily lives and at the workplace, methods to conserve finite resources, and how nurses can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability.
Reducing Personal and Professional Resource Consumption
In our daily lives, be it at home or work, we utilize numerous items that rely on finite natural resources. For example, at home, we may depend on electricity, water, and food, each involving the consumption of natural resources. To promote reduction, simple actions can have significant impacts. For instance, turning off lights when not in use and using energy-efficient appliances can reduce energy consumption dramatically.
At work, the use of digital documentation instead of printed materials can conserve paper, a critical natural resource. Utilizing telecommuting options can also reduce fossil fuel consumption associated with commuting. As a nurse, observing these practices not only conserves resources but sets an example for peers and patients alike.
The Interconnection Between Resource Reduction and Depletion
While personal and institutional reductions in resource consumption can alleviate pressure on the environment, it is essential to acknowledge how reductions correlate with resource depletion. Unrestricted consumption depletes finite resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, and water. As these resources become scarce due to over-exploitation, costs rise, and accessibility declines, leading to socioeconomic disparities wherein lower-income populations bear the brunt of resource scarcity (UNDP, 2016).
Additionally, resource depletion intersects with gender and race/ethnicity, influencing health outcomes. Historically marginalized communities often have limited access to natural resources and suffer disproportionately from environmental degradation. For instance, communities of color are frequently situated near polluting industries, leading to adverse health outcomes such as asthma and other respiratory issues (American Public Health Association, 2019).
Conservation of Finite Resources
Two significant finite resources that require urgent conservation efforts are water and fossil fuels. Water scarcity affects billions globally, and promoting efficient use in households and industries is crucial. Implementing practices such as rainwater harvesting can significantly reduce water waste (World Health Organization, 2019).
Equally critical is the conservation of fossil fuels. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric can drastically reduce dependence on oil and coal. Encouraging public transportation and electric vehicles also contributes to this transition, promoting broader awareness and responsibility regarding fossil fuel use (International Energy Agency, 2021).
Role of Nurses in Sustainability
Nurses play a fundamental role in advocating for sustainability both in their personal lives and professional practice. By leading by example, nurses can engage in and promote environmentally friendly practices, such as using sustainable materials in healthcare settings and advocating for policies that support sustainable health practices (Drechsel et al., 2018).
Furthermore, nurses can educate patients on sustainability practices. For example, discussing nutrition and the environmental impact of food choices during consultations can encourage patients to make healthier, more sustainable decisions. This can be particularly effective in promoting plant-based diets, which have a lower environmental footprint compared to meat-based diets (Römer et al., 2020). By fostering awareness and encouraging sustainable practices, nurses contribute to the health of the population and the planet.
Conclusion
The interdependence of the human population and natural resources emphasizes the need for responsible consumption and conservation strategies. By recognizing how our daily habits impact resource depletion and advocating for sustainable practices, especially in the nursing profession, we can contribute to better health outcomes and a sustainable future. Addressing the intersection of resource depletion with socioeconomic and demographic factors is critical to ensure fairness and equity in health care and environmental stewardship.
References
- American Public Health Association. (2019). Health in All Policies: A Guide for State and Local Governments.
- Drechsel, P., et al. (2018). The Role of Wastewater in the Circular Economy. Water and Climate.
- International Energy Agency. (2021). World Energy Outlook 2021.
- Römer, H., et al. (2020). The environmental impact of plant-based and animal-based diets: What are the health implications? Global Health.
- UNDP. (2016). Human Development Report 2016: Human Development for Everyone.
- World Health Organization. (2019). The drinking-water challenge: A global perspective.