Humans are exploiting the existing resources far beyond their needs causing huge ecological deficit. How is this situation going to affect our future life? Suggest your own ways to cut down on this ever-increasing deficit.

A write up
by Ms. Bindu K. Joy

Since time immemorial, man has been depending on the environment for most of his basic needs. But, because of the Industrial Revolution, the machines and factories of the western world changed production forever. According to Worldwide Fund for Nature’s bi-anneal report, our over-consumption is threatening ourselves and all our species with extinction. 50 words

There is a decline in the Planet’s capacity to provide food, fibre and timber and absorb carbon monoxide. We are using 25% more resources than are renewed naturally in a year. Uncontrolled deforestation and habitat destruction is the cause for the world’s man-animal conflict. This growing pressure on ecosystem may threaten both biodiversity and human life. For example, the deforestation endangered the biodiversity of the Amazon rain forests. According to some Environmental Groups’ latest findings, the ecological ‘overshoot’ will be 100% by 2050, making the likelihood of large scale ecosystem collapse likely and conflict and political tension certain. 100 words

There are many ways to cut down on this ecological deficit. The increasing population can be slowed down by having smaller families. Thus we can improve the equality of life and reduce consumption. Using excessive resources for the production of goods should be prevented. Reclamation of land through better management and protection of soils, fisheries and forest will help lot. Cooperative Societies and Self Help Groups can do great service in this direction. And above all, instead of demanding exotic foods we need to learn to make do with locally available foods. 90 words

In short, all growth must be sustainable by the environment and brought about in a manner that seeks to nurture nature. This can be achieved by factoring the environment in all our projects, and proper assessment of the environmental impact of all such ventures. 45 words

285 words.
Typeset by Jaypee. 13/12/08