Review of Reading 1: The Challenges We Face

The reading "The Challenges We Face" is a piece about the environmental problems we still face today, as in comparison to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro publication of the environmental ailments occurring. Time wrote The Challenges We Face in 2002, noting how 10 years later, much of the issues remain the same, although we, as a world, have seemed to grow in knowledge as to ways to combat such a phenomenon. In response to such examination, finding ways to a healthier future for our planet and all that lives in it was the focus to the 2002 Johannesburg meeting and publication.
Astonishingly, it is estimated that the amount we extract from the environment surpasses that of its replenishment by 20%; meaning it will take approximately 14.4 months to replace what is used in a 12 month period. The concept of sustainable development is a means of reversing such a pattern. More in depth talk of sustainable development can be found at Global Issues.
In this article, the various areas of concern are broken down more specifically to create better focus on how environmental issues are all around us.
Population and Health:
As always, the worlds population is always on the rise. However, the increase from 1975 to 2000 was lower than the increase from 1950 to 1975. Although small, the slowing of growth rate can help in the decrease spread of infectious and deadly diseases world-wide. Programs targeted toward women in areas of increased education and job training have high hopes of creating a healthier generation in their children.
Food
Currently, 2/3 of the world's population is in danger of starvation, lacking opportunity to safe and nutritious foods. The debate of how to hinder this problem is ongoing, but what is known is that better crop rotation and irrigation are two ways to protect crops and their soil from exhaustion and erosion.
Water
Only about 2.5% of the Earth's water is fresh water, and with each person using aproximately 50 quarts a day for daily living, it is clear we need to find a way to be smarter about water usage. With agriculture needing around 2/3 of that fresh water, the 'more crop per drop' proposial calls for three actions to take place: 1. more efficient irrigation techniques, 2. planting crops that demand lesser amounts of water, and 3. better monitor the growing conditions of crops.
Energy and Climate
As it always has been, the issue of global warming and carbon monoxide gases in the air is still of high concern. Development of cheaper and cleaner energy sources is in the works for the near future. I found it quite interesting that more underdeveloped nations have created micro-hydroelectic plants that take water from their streams and rivers, run it through turbines, and avoiding dams or catchment areas all together. These plants are able to contirbute 200 kilowatts of energy to the public, meaning electricity for up to 500 homes and bussinesses at a low environmental cost.
Biodiversity
Currently, over 11,000 species of animals and plants are threatened with extinction, and it is believed of half of the Earth's species could become extinct by the end of the century if quick action is not taken. With that being only the beginning, as many other aspects of life depend on these such lost species. To combat this problem, it must occur locally.

With all this evidence as just skimming the real threat of this issue, it is evident homes and bussiness alike should begin more environmentally friendly practices.

Although we all know these issues and the severity of them, I particuarlly was surprised by learning of the development of other countries. The ways in which lesser developed countries utilizing their surroundings in environmentally friendly ways is a starting point that will hopefully spread throughout the world. What also triggered a diffetent way of thinking to me was the idea that by mistreating the Earth, the Earth will naturally get rid of us in a similar way it dismissed countless threatening species before. By stating it in terms of us agianst Mother Nature, realizing there is no way we, as people, can not come out on top in anyway.

To learn more about the two reports discussed in this article, consult the following links:
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (1992)
World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (2002)