The environmental problems we face
today are not new. However, according to Ecosystems and Human Well-Being, our
ecosystem has changed more rapidly in the past fifty years than any other
period. These changes are caused by the need of natural recourses necessary for
our survival, such as food and water. While these changes have assisted in our
well being, if the diminishing of our ecosystem continues, it will negatively
affect the generations to come.
In
the article Fingerprints of Global Warming on Wild Animals and Plants, it is
stated that over the past one hundred years the temperature has steadily increased
and will continue to do so quickly. If the earth continues to experience these
changes in temperature, all species will be affected, especially animals and
plants.
In
Lessons of Easter Island, the people of the island experienced depletion of natural
recourses to the point of cannibalism. Ecological issues have been encountered
all throughout history, for example the scarcity of trees in the 1500s caused
the people of Easter Island to live in caves until eventually building houses
made out of stone. By the 1600s, the island was almost completely barren of
trees. If these issues are ignored, our limited natural resources will run out
and we will see a day without certain necessities of life, like the people of
Easter Island.
Jenny, I enjoyed reading your post. The way you presented the idea of environmental history problems being repeated was great. I agree with your argument on how the ecosystem has changed quickly over recent years. As years go by technological advancements are made; therefore, the need for more resources to be available increases.
ReplyDeleteBy adding an additional example of how global warming specifically affects wild animals and plants would support this topic in a great way.
Hi, Jenny;
ReplyDeleteYour blog is well organized and clearly written. Could you tell us a little more about HOW this degradation of ecosystem services will "negatively affect the generations to come"? Thanks!
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you began your blog by discussing how some of the changes over the past fifty years have been a necessity for our survival, but that we maybe going a little overboard. I agree that some of things we do to the land is necessary for us to grow specific crops and raise certain livestock. I also agree that the way the temperatures are rising can affect us all. I am curious if you might have found any recent examples of this, especially as it has been unusually warm this winter season here in Oklahoma. If you could find an example to use along with that paragraph, I think you could definitely persuade the reader to begin making some changes. I also enjoyed the last paragraph as I think it helps to give the reader an idea of what could be our future in generations to come if we do not make a change now.
Hi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and I feel that you made some good points. I found it interesting that the earths temperature is increasing and will continue to do so which can cause serious hard the our planets. Did your source include and explanation for the temperature increase or any ways to help prevent this from happening? I think you made a good point when you related the Easter Island story to current time and how that could happen today if we don't make necessary changes. I do agree with you that we need to take action and not ignore these issues.
Temperature changes are one way that the ecosystem's degradation can affect the earth's water supply by causing water evaporation and diminish water resources.
ReplyDeleteChayla, I liked your comment about how Oklahoma has been unusually warm this winter, a big change from last year's ice storms!
Thank you all for your suggestions, these are definitely things that I'll consider including on this week's post! =]