Blog #2: “How do human efforts and attempts to fix nature compare to letting nature heal itself?”

Hi there! In this blog post, I will provide three steps to my research surrounding nature and the environment that will help guide me in my later posts. Additionally, I will provide 5 valid sources that may be useful to address my question: “How do human efforts and attempts to fix nature compare to letting nature heal itself?” and explain how my question will have implications for individuals and communities.

1: Case studies surrounding the topic of human intervention: Human intervention happens frequently in nature. Some examples include urbanization, industrialization, genetic modification, coral reef restoration, reforestation projects, and farmland management. Exploring cases surrounding human intervention could lead me to discover methods and outcomes of human efforts to restore or improve natural environments. Additionally, studying these cases may lead me to realize both the advantages and disadvantages of human intervention.

2: Natural recovery processes: Natural recovery processes in nature involve procedures for ecosystems to heal & regenerate after disturbances caused by physical, chemical, or biological changes. There are many kinds of natural recovery processes, such as revegetation, where plants restore degraded areas. Another example is soil formation, which involves natural processes like weathering, erosion, and decomposition that contribute to soil development. Additionally, in cases of oil spill recovery, natural processes and mechanisms such as the biodegradation of oil and the re-establishment of vegetation can help ecosystems recover from oil spills. Looking into these examples may help highlight the effectiveness of nature’s natural healing abilities.

3. Expert opinions on nature-based solutions and scientific studies: Many experts are working on developing nature-based solutions to address environmental issues. Their opinions and scientific perspectives on these solutions and scientific studies may be suitable for providing a balanced view of the pros and cons of both human interventions and allowing nature to recover and heal on its own.

My question about nature will have implications for both individuals and my community because it encourages others to reflect on how humans interact with the environment, leading to more awareness. It can also inspire communities to adopt nature-based solutions, which are often more cost-effective and inclusive. Additionally, reflecting on this question can help individuals and communities understand the balance between human intervention and allowing nature to recover on its own. This understanding can help guide policies which combat climate change and protect biodiversity.