Natural resources are those supplies that occur on their own on planet and are easily depleted through over utilization. In this regard, the society has a moral obligation to protect and conserve natural resources. This not only facilitates longevity of natural resources for use in the future but also enhances sustainable development. Conservation of natural resources encompasses actions that aid in keeping natural resources against human destruction. The society should condemn illegal logging and highly recommend people to plant more trees (James et al. 387). This is an excellent methodof conserving forests as the practice replaces the number of trees cut down for various reasons.It also enhances our survival through combating threats such as global warming. Besides, recycling paper products would take the issue of natural resources conservation a notch higher.
Another natural resource in dire need of protection by the society is water. For instance in an attempt to reduce water scarcity we can use just enough water for bathing. Alternatively, we can save tones and tones of water by opting toclean our vehicles through wiping them. Apart from that, protection of forests also ensures protection of water towers which supplies us with water (James et al. 386). These water towers also harbor various species of fauna and flora both indigenous and exotic. Therefore it is the society’s responsibility to protect these resources from extinction and depletion since this enhances biodiversity richness.In this regard, the society ought to embrace efficient and eco-friendly disposal mechanisms and avoid dumping agricultural, industrial and residential wastes inour water bodies.
In their book Reading Literature and Writing Argument, James, Missy, and Alan suggests that Protection of wildlife including fisheries is our responsibility. Wildlife conservation entails protecting national parks, botanical gardens, lakes, zoos etcetera from human settlement thus avoiding human-wildlife conflict (James et al. 386). This enhances the wellbeing of our wildlife from illegal fishing and poaching which impacts adversely to our economy since our wildlife is a source of revenue. It is therefore necessary for us to ensure that threatened and endangered species secured against extinction. This includes birds, insects, animals and plant species in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
It is our responsibility to protect soil from pollution by using fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals sparingly. Soil erosion should be abated at all costs as well soil fertility to enhance its well-being, crop productivity as well as the protection of the microorganisms found in the soil. We can also conserve natural resources such as fossil fuels byreplacing them withhydro-power, wind as well as solar energy(James et al. 386). These sources are environmentally friendly compared to the fossil fuels which emits greenhouse gases into the environment thus causing air pollution. James, Missy, and Alan also asserts that we can offset air pollution by using bicycles, walking or using public means of transport. This reduces the amount of carbon IV oxide emitted into the air by motor vehicles thus reducing air pollution.
Community sensitization as recommended by James, Missy and Alan regarding why and how to protect and conserve our natural resources such as trees, water, wildlife, soil to name just a few can play a major role towards environmental wellness. It is also our responsibility to condemn illegal acts that degrade our natural resources such as poaching, illegal logging and other unsustainable utilization of our natural resources (James et al. 387). The use of incentives to motivate individuals can greatly contribute to a better societal perception concerning conservation of our environment.
Works Cited
James, Missy, and Alan Merickel. Reading Literature and Writing Argument. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2013. Print.