Biosphere Protection Science
Environmental issues refers to the evaluation of risk posed by current use of resources and their consequences, whether these are associated with human activity or not. The focus on such evaluations has developed into a wide area of concern in recent times. In fact, it is now being referred to as an essential component of occupational health. The environment has become an increasingly important and urgent topic for many employees because of the increasing strain on the environment, particularly the environment of the work place. Work related chemicals, air pollution, toxic wastes and other forms of pollutants have been identified as posing significant risks for the health and safety of those working in the sectors.
The natural environment encompasses all living and non living things existing in the Earth environment or all of the living organisms existing on its surface. The word is mostly often used to describe the Earth’s ecosystems or any specific parts of the Earth excluding the atmosphere. Today, the term has become more vague referring to a larger range of topics that include the following: the global ecology, biosphere management, the human environment, ecosystem engineering, and resource systems.
A well-balanced ecosystem provides a variety of living organisms with a wide range of roles and function. Ecosystems also provide a platform for biodiversity conservation; however, human activities such as deforestation and overfishing have resulted in the reduction of large portions of the biomes. This has led to a reduction in the eco-systems’ capacity to restore itself. Many people’s lives and livelihoods are intimately connected to the health of the ecosystems they live in. In the process, ecosystems support many different types of human functions, ranging from controlling temperature, regulating precipitation and air quality, regulating water quantity and quality, and regulating food supply.
Studies show that human interference has destroyed much of the natural environment. One of the most severe environmental consequences is habitat loss, especially in the realms of tourism and other industries. The reduction in the natural environment has been accompanied by an increase in human interaction, leading to a marked deterioration of the eco-systems and reduction in social norms. It is estimated that there are at least 20 million extinctions due to human interference. The main drivers of this phenomenon are habitat loss and climate change.
Man’s impact on the environment has led to the death of thousands of species of living organisms, many of which were considered ‘extinct’. In addition, large portions of the earth’s ecosystems have been reduced to barren and inhospitable land forms, greatly affecting the food chain. The biotic community serves as a vital link between humans and their natural environments. If the ecosystem is in good condition, the food chain will be maintained, the energy source will be consistent and sustainable, and human health will be maintained.
It is imperative to protect the environment in order to preserve the earth’s biomes and the biodiversity that resides within them. As such, environmental scientists have been developing methods and means that will help them to achieve these goals. The most common goal is to reduce the amount of energy and material consumed by humans and other living organisms, as well as to prevent or mitigate environmental damage. Scientists have also been working hard to better understand the effects of global warming on our environment and on its various facets. They have developed new technologies for both research and application.