In today’s world, everything we do and use has an impact on our world, as the world has an impact on us.
A New Green History of the World by Clive Ponting, gives the story of Easter Island, people who, starting from an extremely limited resource base, constructed one of the most advanced societies in the world for the technology they had available. Polynesian settlers first brought over chickens, rats, and also tried to plant semi-tropical plants but the climate was too severe for them, so their diet consisted of chickens and sweet potatoes. Since there were not a lot of crops, they had plenty of free time and labour which the clan chiefs were able to direct into ceremonial activities. The result was the creation of the most advanced of all the Polynesian societies and one of the most complex in the world for its limited resource base. Since their cultural priorities were to build ahu’s they found out the trees could act as logs to help travel the ahu’s to their intended destination. Polynesians also used the trees to build houses to live in, canoes for fishing, agriculture clearing, and fuel for heating and cooking. As they cut these trees down, they did not think to replant or replace them. When their supply of trees were gone, they could no longer build canoes to fish or leave the island, and they had to result to cannibalism to survive until they could no longer do that.
Today is not the first time we are facing environmental problems; they have been going on for quite some time (as noticed in Easter Island), just more noticeable today with our population and usage. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being states that more land was converted to cropland in the 30 years after 1950 than in the 150 years between 1700 and 1850. Areas of rapid change in forest land cover and land degradation are in hurt because of this. With changes in the ecosystems, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate changes that affect all countries. Even though the relative economic importance of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry are declining in industrial countries, the importance of other ecosystem services such as aesthetic enjoyment and recreational options are growing. If we do not find solutions for the economy, we will not be able to enjoy the recreational options offered to us. With the deforestation, it generally leads to decreased rainfall and forests need rainfall in order to survive and we need fresh water to drink.
The lesson learned from Easter Island and what we know about trees, proves that we just can’t continue to cut the trees down without replacing them. Trees store carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. They hold soil in place to prevent erosion and keep water supplies clean. Forests provide habitat for countless species of plants and animals. Protecting our remaining forests and planting trees to replace those cut down is something we can all do and need to do. For every one tree you cut down, you must replace three saplings to make up for it!
Hi Maegan!
ReplyDeleteYou have made some great points about deforestation and the impact that it can have on an ecosystem and a society. After reading the Eco Millennium Assessment, I have found that there are also several things that can be done legislatively and through the communities to encourage more sustainable management of our forests. Some of these include integrating sustainable forest management practices into businesses, empowering local communities that support sustainable use of forest products, and reform of forest governance.
Beth - Yes, I do agree that more people need to be involved whether it has to be enforced for the people to realize that we cannot continue to live like this!
DeleteGreat point, Beth!
DeleteHi, Maegen;
ReplyDeleteI like the creative way you have woven your article: around the simple act of tree planting. Great use of both readings!
Maegen, I like the way you have written your blog and how easy it is to read. Trees play a huge role in our environment and I do not think many people realize how big of a deal it is to lose a tree (as silly as it sounds). If people continue to hurt the environment by cutting down the trees, over farming, and putting waste on the land, our precious earth with suffer. I agree with Beth, if it starts to suffer bad enough, the legislature will have to step in sooner or later according to the Ecosystem Millennium article. Trees are expensive to purchase, but how could you put a price on your life?
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