Sustainable Development vs. Modern Ways of Living

The natural environment is impacted by various factors; one of them is the influence of human activities. For quite some time, the global population has been increasing, while the resources remain static. Due to these effects, human beings struggle to obtain the basic needs and congest over a small space to set up industries, practice agriculture, among other economic activities. It is believed that as the time goes, more pressure is imparted to the surrounding, which threatens the safety of the environment. Despite the concerted efforts by various governments to protect natural resources, the cases of fatal emissions and deforestations continue to hit the headlines of the news. The relationship between the environment and people is complimentary. Disruption of the balance is accompanied by negative results, which in the long-run affect the populace negatively. Norton and Mercier (2016) are pointing out that “throughout history human behavior has always had an impact on the environment, but that it has only been relatively recently that we realized that some of our impacts threaten our continual survival.”

The wake of modern technology has revolutionalized the way things are done. Almost every sector of the economy feels the impacts of information technology, hence making it easy to manage the daily routines. Conservation departments in various countries employ concerted efforts, to popularize the best ways through which the populace can take part in protecting the surrounding. For example, there is the prolific use of Social Media to educate people on best ways of ensuring the environment is clean. Again, there is enough scholarly work done on the topics of environment, which have recommended workable procedures for improving the relationship between human beings and the environment. Coupling technology and science can significantly offer solutions to some of the challenges, which human beings face due to the destruction of the environment. For instance, climate change has centered the discussion of nations across the world. It has come to light that people are posing threats for themselves, by indulging in activities that prompt the nature to fight back. To ameliorate the problems, it’s important to use science and technology corporately, to arrive at workable solutions. I stand with the arguments of the cornucopias, which are of the idea that the science and technology plays a significant role in curbing the challenge.

Although the world population is believed to increase in the coming future, the states and responsible organizations cannot watch the environment being degraded. It’s a great idea to note that in the coming ten years, the present population will be almost double. The argument of catastrophist that the world is doomed due to population increase still holds waters. However, controlling the activities of the people would reduce the dangerous destruction of the environment. My judgment is held between catastrophist and cornucopian. The setting of policies and continued monitoring of the surrounding would significantly influence people to respond to the set-out guidelines. I strongly propose technology and science in solving the current environmental situation.

Sustainable development is achieved when the resources are well managed and utilized for the benefit of the people. One way to ensure equitable distribution of the resources is by teaching people to use what they have correctly. When the environment is destroyed, one should not expect any meaningful milestones regarding development. The arguments in the previous paragraphs opine that cornucopian is the way to go to save the environment. Although the investment in research and technology could be expensive, it’s considered cheap in the long -run. The scientists conduct their study and give recommendations on the best way to conserve what surrounds us. This is opposed to the catastrophists, who are in a way pessimistic. We should be striving towards incorporation of science and technology in environmental concerns, as they offer precise solutions. Furthermore, modern ways are established, which lowers the costs of management. The overall effects are economic growth and rejuvenation of other income generating activities such as tourism. The move is achievable because various states have started embracing the role of technology in almost all sectors of the economy. In the developed states, research dictates the nature of strategies to adopt in solving particular issues in the society. In the same vein, developing nations have started to embrace similar ways. In some areas where the threat of poaching has been an issue of concern, drones are used to monitor illegal killing of animals. Again, the government uses technology to check whether the companies follow the environmental laws.

Relating the topic of the environment to urban growth and automobile dependence draws a lot of reference to the reader. In the modern time, people have become avid users of cars while going to work, shopping, or any other activity far from their homes. It’s estimated that ten thousand tons of carbon dioxide are emitted on a daily basis, by automobiles. Indicative figures illustrate that accumulation of this gas can have a significant impact on the environment. As alluded earlier, the problem can be solved by embracing the new technology. For example, Tesla has been recognized for manufacturing electric cars, which do not pollute the environment. Through innovation, they have been able to solve a social challenge. Furthermore, the topic of human development asserts that there has been a population increase over the years. As this happens, the resources are diminishing due to heightened pressure. The consequences are witnessed in the form of deforestation, climate change, air and water pollution, among others.