THE AILING PLANET (Important Questions & Answers)

 

1. What does the sign 'The world’s most dangerous animal' at a cage in the zoo in Lusaka, Zambia, mean?

The message on the sign in a cage at Lusaka Zoo in Zambia suggests that humans tend to be very self-centered. Despite our advancements and civilization surpassing that of other animals, we still haven't embraced a world built on cooperation. Unlike other creatures, humans often desire to dominate the planet instead of coexisting with it. This leads to forgetting that humans, like other beings, cannot thrive independently. Instead, we need to learn to live in a way that supports the Earth's sustainability, which in turn ensures our own well-being.

2. How are the main biological systems of the Earth being used up?

There are four major biological systems on Earth – fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands. These systems are crucial not only for survival but also as the main sources of materials for most of our needs. Essentially, they form the foundation of the global economy. However, due to the increasing demand for protein, the need for fish is constantly rising, leading to the depletion of fish stocks. Besides being a source of food, these four systems supply almost all raw materials for industries, excluding minerals and petroleum-derived synthetics. Human demands on these systems have reached unsustainable levels in many parts of the world, diminishing their productivity. This results in the failure of fisheries, disappearance of forests, degradation of grasslands into barren areas, and consequently, deterioration of croplands. Overfishing is a common occurrence in a world focused on protein consumption. In poorer countries, local forests are being significantly reduced to obtain firewood for cooking. Firewood has become so expensive in some areas that the cost of fueling the fire is higher than the ingredients in the pot.

3. Why does the author argue that the expansion of the world population is a significant factor disrupting the future of human society?

The author asserts that the continuous growth of the global population is a potent influence distorting the future of human society. This is because an increasing population not only raises the demand for food but also exhausts existing resources at an unsustainable rate. Fertility rates are decreasing due to rising incomes, widespread education, and improved health. Consequently, development serves as the most effective means of contraception. However, if the current pace of population growth persists, achieving development may become unattainable. The affluent become wealthier, while the impoverished have more children, perpetuating their poverty. Having more children does not necessarily mean a larger workforce but rather an increase in unemployed individuals. The suggestion is not to treat humans like livestock and enforce sterilization, but there is no viable alternative to voluntary family planning that does not involve some level of persuasion. Essentially, the choice lies between implementing population control and perpetuating poverty.

4. "We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children". Explain.

Mr. Lester Brown has made a groundbreaking statement that draws attention to humanity's place in the universe. Many people assume that the Earth is rightfully theirs, passed down from their ancestors. However, they tend to overlook the crucial reality that the true owners of the land are our children. We, as individuals, are merely custodians or trustees, responsible for ensuring development that caters to present needs while safeguarding the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs.

It is essential not to deplete the Earth's resources that our descendants will depend on. Unfortunately, in our pursuit of feeding a growing population, we have been exploiting the legacy meant for our children. The excessive use of natural resources for immediate gains is detrimental. This overuse contributes to the deterioration of our environment, negatively impacting the well-being of the planet.

To address this issue, we must reconsider our consumption of non-renewable resources and adopt more sustainable practices. Preserving natural resources is crucial, as they should be handed down to our children in their pristine state. After all, it is the younger generations who are the true inheritors and owners of the Earth.

 

4. "The problems of overpopulation that directly affect our everyday life". Explain.

Excessive population growth results in numerous challenges in our daily lives. The fundamental human necessities—food, clothing, and shelter—are now in a concerning state. Fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands are facing significant pressure, reaching unsustainable levels in various regions. To satisfy the demand for protein, overfishing is prevalent, leading to the depletion of fish resources. Deforestation for firewood is rampant, turning once-thriving forests into barren areas. Grasslands are transforming into deserts, and while artificial fertilizers enhance crop productivity, the strain on croplands is evident.

The impacts of overpopulation extend beyond environmental concerns. It impedes development and hampers the accessibility of education and healthcare for the general population. Notably, there is a correlation between poverty and higher birth rates among the impoverished. Unfortunately, this perpetuates a cycle of endless poverty rather than providing a solution. The misconception that more children equate to more workers is flawed; instead, it results in a surplus of people without job opportunities, leading to widespread unemployment.

The strain on public transport is evident, with long queues becoming a common sight. In essence, overpopulation contributes to environmental degradation and reduces our life expectancy by fostering the spread of various diseases.

5. "Are we to leave our successors a scorched planet of advancing desert, impoverished landscapes and an ailing environment?" Explain.

I completely agree with the statement's perspective. It is highly likely that such a situation could occur in the future, and there are valid reasons for this concern. Our resources are limited, and if we continue to use them without consideration, they will not last forever. Fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands are essential components of the global economic system, providing us with food and raw materials for industry. The growing population is exerting significant pressure on these resources, leading to a decline in their productivity.

The excessive utilization of these resources has already damaged their sustainability in many parts of the world. The consequences are severe and disastrous. Fisheries face collapse, forests are disappearing, grasslands are turning into barren wastelands, and croplands are losing their fertility. Deforestation contributes to increased dryness and heat, resulting in reduced rainfall. Consequently, there is a potential for the Earth to become an overheated environment, characterized by expanding deserts, degraded landscapes, and an ailing ecosystem in the future.

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