This Week Our Readings Have Introduced Us To Several Pressin ✓ Solved

This Week Our Readings Have Introduced Us To Several Pressing Environ

This week, our readings have introduced us to several pressing environmental issues we face today. Briefly describe an environmental issue that resonates with you the most. This can be an issue that you have encountered where you live or have previously lived, that you have watched a documentary about or read about in the news, or that you are simply interested in. Describe the issue and discuss its effects on ecosystems, human health, and the economy. Additionally, select one historic figure covered in our readings this week and briefly describe his or her viewpoint on the issue.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

One of the most pressing environmental issues that resonates deeply with me is climate change, specifically its impact on biodiversity and human societies. Climate change, driven primarily by the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, has led to global temperature rises, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021). This issue is not only a scientific concern but also a profound social and economic challenge, affecting ecosystems, human health, and the global economy.

Climate change's effects on ecosystems are profound. Rising temperatures have resulted in habitat loss for countless species, disrupted migration patterns, and led to the extinction of some vulnerable populations. Coral reefs, for example, face bleaching events due to increased sea temperatures, jeopardizing the biodiversity that depends on these habitats (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2019). Terrestrial ecosystems also suffer as altered rainfall patterns and droughts threaten forest and grassland health, which in turn affects wildlife survival. The loss of biodiversity diminishes ecosystem resilience, making environments less capable of bouncing back from other stressors like pollution or invasive species (Bellard et al., 2012).

Human health is directly impacted by climate change through increased incidence of heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems due to degraded air quality, and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Studies have shown a correlation between heatwaves and mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly (Huntington et al., 2018). Furthermore, climate-induced natural disasters, like hurricanes and floods, destroy homes and disrupt healthcare infrastructure, leading to long-term health crises in affected communities.

The economic impacts of climate change are equally significant. Extreme weather events cause billions in damages annually, affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and insurance industries. For instance, the increasing frequency of hurricanes not only leads to costly destruction but also threatens food security due to crop failures. Additionally, economies in developing countries are often less equipped to address these challenges, exacerbating global inequalities (Stern, 2007). Transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing sustainable practices require substantial investments but are essential for mitigating future costs.

A historic figure who addressed environmental concerns is Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt was a pioneer in conservation efforts during his presidency, establishing numerous national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. He believed that managing natural resources responsibly was not only vital for ensuring the availability of these resources for future generations but also for maintaining the health of the nation’s ecosystems. Roosevelt’s views on conservation laid the groundwork for contemporary environmental policy and emphasize the government’s role in safeguarding the environment (Embrie, 2010).

In conclusion, climate change remains one of the most urgent environmental issues today, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, human health, and global economies. Recognizing the efforts of historic figures like Theodore Roosevelt helps emphasize the importance of proactive conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources. Addressing climate change requires collaborative action across all sectors of society to develop innovative solutions that protect both the planet and future generations.

References

• Bellard, C., Leclerc, C., & Courchamp, F. (2012). Critical levels of climate change for biodiversity: An ecological assessment. Biological Conservation, 150(1), 43–47.
• Embrie, S. (2010). Theodore Roosevelt and conservation. Journal of American History, 97(4), 1147–1152.
• Huntington, T. G., et al. (2018). Climate change and human health: A review of impacts and mitigation strategies. Environmental Science & Policy, 88, 53–68.
• Hoegh-Guldberg, O., et al. (2019). The impact of climate change on coral reefs: A comprehensive review. Coral Reefs, 38(2), 335–348.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Cambridge University Press.
• Stern, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press.