Articles on the Environmental Issues Essay

The earth is in dire need of solutions to combat environmental problems. We have two great weapons that could fight environmental enemies. These are technological innovations and humans’ personal capacity and discipline. Which among these would be more effective and efficient when it comes to the battle of saving the only known living planet in the universe? It has been said that technological advances were largely responsible for the continuous destruction of nature, and so these are also the very things that can provide solutions for its restoration. One technological development being considered and being anticipated is the use of electronic paper. This would make a real paper made from tress a thing of the past. With an electronic paper, people can read newspapers, magazines, and books in the same sheet of paper. The possibility of water-powered and solar-powered cars is increasing. This would not only let people save on gas, and thus save money. It can also save the environment by reducing pollution caused by modern cars that use gas to operate. Solar energy is not only possible with cars. In fact, there are already a number of households and offices that enjoy the benefits of sun’s energy, which does not only produce heat, but also electricity. These are only a few of the top ten emerging environmental technologies from Live Science. All of these sounds good, but this kind of technology may not be practical because of production cost. Another problem would be the distribution and availability of a particular technology to people around the world. Solar-powered cars may not be used in places that do not have enough sunlight. There may be people who could not afford technological advancements such as electronic papers, and solar power collectors, because of their cost. Nevertheless, even if we are not scientists who can invent technologies aiming to save the environment, and/or we do not have the purchasing power to avail some of them, we can still opt for technology-free means of solving environmental issues. All we have to do is to take responsibility, and use our ingenuity to breathe life again to Mother Nature. One good example is to start planting trees, flowers, and other plants. These reduce carbon dioxide, which is a component of greenhouse gases, because they naturally need this gas for their food production. We could also use what nature provides. Use biodegradable products. Use paper bags, than plastic ones. Choose clothes, bed sheets and towels made of cotton. We could also choose those made from hemp. The good thing about this plant is that it can be recycled many times. Even if we do not have solar cells and solar thermal collectors, we can still enjoy solar power by using its light during the day. Besides these means, we also need to be responsible and disciplined in using and maximizing natural resources. Good examples would be conservation of water, electricity and other forms of energy. These technology-free means are hard work, and to achieve long-term and good results, these have to become established habits. Changing our ways is difficult, and takes much time. It seems that to alter technology is much faster and easier compared to changing flaws in a person’s character that has affected not only himself, but everything around him. Advancement in technology, and human ingenuity and discipline has their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to environmental concerns. However, when they are combined, we can produce maximum results. We do not need to depend on technology solely for solutions regarding environmental issues. Since this is everybody’s responsibility, every one should also participate and be responsible in taking care of nature. It is not what you choose to do that counts. The most important thing is you choose to take a step away from apathy and do something to achieve results. Global Warning on Global Warming: Action Needed Now No matter how scientists and environmentalists do to warn people about the dangers brought about by global warming, people could not seem to care enough. Even terms used in this environmental concern do not sound alarming at all. Have you handed a reading material to someone with the title: GLOBAL WARMING AND GREENHOUSE GASES? Have you noticed their reaction? They would probably ask, â€Å"What is global warming, and what is wrong with a mere increase in temperature? † They may also add, â€Å"By the way, greenhouse gases, is it not good for plants? † Apparently, people do not seem to be bothered about global warming as much as they are worried about global financial crisis. Global warming is indeed a change in temperature caused by greenhouse gases, which have heat-trapping capacity. As long as it reach normal temperature, this is good. In fact, without global warming and greenhouse gases it would be too cold on earth that life would be impossible. However, the increase uses of cars and increase number of factories have contributed greatly to too much greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Thus, the earth’s temperature increased evidently, enough to melt the ice sheets in the Arctic. This would cause increased sea level, thus low lands would disappear to the sea. Also, heat waves would be frequent. These are just some of the dangers of global warming. Some scientists think that there is not much time to solve the problem. Immediate action could mean the difference between life and death. Here are a few ways on how people can move into action: Be interested. Have a commitment to make matters of the environment your own. Although money makes the world go round, there would no place money would be used for if we neglect what the earth needs. Be informed. No matter how global warming and greenhouse gases sound, they can be dangerous to the only planet we live in. Get information to right places. Do not assume what they are be just referring to their names. Read books, newspapers and other sources about the environment and what you can do to help. Be updated. We are so engrossed by what happens to other people –celebrities, public figures, etc. Thus, we are updated by everything that happens to them. In the same way, we have to be totally concern about the everyday changes in our environment. We have to be updated in terms of information, and in terms of ways on how we can be useful on solving this worldwide problem. If we are interested, we begin to gather information. As we gather information, we have to be updated. After all, we live in a fast-paced world. This is how one is moved to action. If a person is interested, well-informed and updated, he begins to take action. Action speaks louder than words, and this is what our dying nature needs. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, â€Å"When a man says to me, â€Å"I have the intensest love of nature,† at once I know that he has none. † Moreover, David Orr asserted, â€Å"When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. † This is true because the earth is our only habitat, the only planet that can sustain life. If we leave it alone in its ailments, it is as if we leave ourselves to die in illness. We cannot give this responsibility to other living creatures. Our existence lies on our planet, and our planet’s existence lies in us. Global warming should really be a global warning. Now that we can still act to resolve the matter, everyone must do what he could to heed the call, because actions are needed now.