Hi there! In this blog post, I will be addressing my first step of research from my project plan surrounding my question: “How do human efforts and attempts to fix nature compare to letting nature heal itself?”
Inquiry question: “How do human efforts and attempts to fix nature compare to letting nature heal itself?”
My Step 1 of research: Studies surrounding the topic of human intervention – what are some of the positive effects of human intervention?
Agriculture:
While it is true that some common agricultural practices can have negative impacts on the environment through carbon emissions and chemicals, agriculture also has the potential to be positive if it is a sustainable kind. (1) Sustainable agriculture reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions but also supports healthier soil. (1) These methods can help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change, even offering long-term environmental benefits. (1) Taking it a step further, regenerative agriculture is a farming method that works with nature to restore soil health and ecosystems. This method not only guarantees positive impacts on the environment, but it also promotes carbon sequestration, which could help fight climate change. (4) Overall, both sustainable and regenerative agriculture have the same goal of minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural production, conserving natural resources like water and soil, and protecting biodiversity. (4)
Clean Energy Sources:
Humans have used non-renewable energy sources like coal and oil for years, even though we know they have harmful effects on the environment. (2) These sources release carbon emissions that have played a major role in damaging ecosystems and contributing to climate change. (1) Adopting cleaner sources like wind and solar energy, for example, is a much better option because it produces no emissions, making it one of the most environmentally friendly choices. (2) In fact, switching to renewable energy sources can reduce the harm we cause significantly. (2) This matters a lot because carbon emissions from non-renewable energy sources have hurt the earth’s ecosystems. (2) The good news is that many businesses today are moving away from non-renewable energy and turning to solar, as solar panels are cleaner and more affordable. (2) Solar panels can help cut energy costs over time, making them a financially and environmentally good solution. (2)
Environmental Education and Awareness:
We often underestimate the power of educating young minds, but because they are very impressionable, spreading awareness about our environmental impact at a young age can be very impactful. (3) If we want to begin “fixing” the damage we’ve caused, we need to think about how we educate the next generation. (3) One way to do this is through campaigns that promote environmental stewardship and encourage individuals to take action. (3) These campaigns provide people with the tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices, which can create a ripple effect that extends beyond just the classroom. (3) A great example of these campaigns is the National Environmental Education Foundation’s “Greening STEM” campaign. (5) It integrates environmental education with science, technology, engineering, and math, helping guide collaboration between schools and community partners to create educational experiences for young people. (5)
References:
- Positive human impacts on the environment – Cecily Layzell https://imagine5.com/positive-human-impact-on-the-environment/
- 7 Positive Effects of Human Activities on the Environment. Impact Day (2023, December 13) https://impactday.eu/blog/positive-human-impacts/
- The Positive Impact of Humans on the Environment. Trout Brook Arborists (2023, December 15) https://troutbrooktree.com/positive-impact-of-humans-on-the-environment-2024/
- Sustainable Agriculture: Definition, principles and benefits. The Endowment Fund. https://www.fondsdedotationroullier.org/en/the-endowment-fund/sustainable-agriculture-definition-principles-and-benefits/#:~:text=The%20environmental%20benefits%20of%20sustainable,balanced%20planet%20for%20future%20generations.
- Greening stem projects. NEEF. https://www.neefusa.org/what-we-do/k-12-education/greening-stem-projects#:~:text=Greening%20STEM%20projects%20bring%20STEM,environmental%20stewardship%20for%20young%20people.
Thanks for reading!
