Eng-101
The Importance of Nurturing the Environment
English 101
With the erosion of underwater ecosystems, deforestation of untouched ecosystems, and the
progression of climate change, what are the everyday activities that are harming the Earth?
Some argue that steps to be more earth friendly are too hard to adapt to, and they are either
unwilling to change their current way of life or they are not given the resources to participate in
an environmentally conscious lifestyle. While consumers enjoy convenience and individual
preference and freedoms, there are small changes even the most reluctant of society can make to
create a positive impact. Earth is the only planet of its kind in this solar system, and the only
planets similar to it are thousands of lightyears away. It is of the utmost importance that
communities and governments take the steps necessary to incite positive changes and slow down
any damage that has already been done to the environment before it is too late.
The O-zone layer is like a veil that surrounds and protects the Earth. As the O-zone layer gets
thinner, harmful UV rays are allowed to penetrate the protective barrier, which are extremely
harmful to human health. The, “Atmospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun, particularly harmful UVB-type rays. Exposure to UVB radiation is linked with increased
risk of skin cancer and cataracts, as well as damage to plants and marine ecosystems” (Nunez).
Trees are extremely beneficial to the environment because of their ability to absorb carbon
dioxide in the air during photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that is a
major contributor to the destruction of the O-zone layer. Deforestation is a major issue due to its
rapid nature of eliminating trees, therefore, we lose our major ally in the elimination of
, greenhouse gasses in the air. This is crucial due to trees being the most effective natural source of
removing CO2 from the air.
The pollution of the ocean with chemicals and garbage is detrimental to marine ecosystems
all over the world. This pollution results with the loss of species and ecosystems that help
provide coastal protection from rough waves and tropical storms. Not only do fish consume
microplastics and chemicals but eventually those same fish make their way into the human food
chain, ultimately affecting human health leading to long term reproductive issues, cancer, and
even damage to the nervous system.
The United States is tied with Australia for the country having the highest consumption of
meat, specifically red meat. The livestock industry contributes to the increase in greenhouse
gasses in the atmosphere, essentially thinning the o-zone layer, contributing to climate change.
To reduce the impact of livestock farming, a diet shift will be necessary. Organic fruits and
vegetables as well as protein rich alternatives to sustain a well balanced diet are not as attainable
to lower income families and are impractical for those living in poverty. Meat is a simplified and
cost effective way to provide the body with the protein, fats, and the nutrients that it needs.
Research shows that, “Red meat is nutrient dense and provides a simplified option for a high
amount of protein consumption. Red meat has been an important part of the human diet
throughout human evolution. When included as part of a healthy, varied diet, red meat provides a
rich source of high biological value protein and essential nutrients, some of which are more
bioavailable than in alternative food sources” (Wyness). It is not expected to completely cut red
meat from diets altogether, it is suggested though, that people reduce their consumption and even
try new alternatives such as chicken, fish, and lentils. With this reduction in consumption, it
would drastically decrease the carbon footprint that the livestock farming industry has on the
The Importance of Nurturing the Environment
English 101
With the erosion of underwater ecosystems, deforestation of untouched ecosystems, and the
progression of climate change, what are the everyday activities that are harming the Earth?
Some argue that steps to be more earth friendly are too hard to adapt to, and they are either
unwilling to change their current way of life or they are not given the resources to participate in
an environmentally conscious lifestyle. While consumers enjoy convenience and individual
preference and freedoms, there are small changes even the most reluctant of society can make to
create a positive impact. Earth is the only planet of its kind in this solar system, and the only
planets similar to it are thousands of lightyears away. It is of the utmost importance that
communities and governments take the steps necessary to incite positive changes and slow down
any damage that has already been done to the environment before it is too late.
The O-zone layer is like a veil that surrounds and protects the Earth. As the O-zone layer gets
thinner, harmful UV rays are allowed to penetrate the protective barrier, which are extremely
harmful to human health. The, “Atmospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun, particularly harmful UVB-type rays. Exposure to UVB radiation is linked with increased
risk of skin cancer and cataracts, as well as damage to plants and marine ecosystems” (Nunez).
Trees are extremely beneficial to the environment because of their ability to absorb carbon
dioxide in the air during photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that is a
major contributor to the destruction of the O-zone layer. Deforestation is a major issue due to its
rapid nature of eliminating trees, therefore, we lose our major ally in the elimination of
, greenhouse gasses in the air. This is crucial due to trees being the most effective natural source of
removing CO2 from the air.
The pollution of the ocean with chemicals and garbage is detrimental to marine ecosystems
all over the world. This pollution results with the loss of species and ecosystems that help
provide coastal protection from rough waves and tropical storms. Not only do fish consume
microplastics and chemicals but eventually those same fish make their way into the human food
chain, ultimately affecting human health leading to long term reproductive issues, cancer, and
even damage to the nervous system.
The United States is tied with Australia for the country having the highest consumption of
meat, specifically red meat. The livestock industry contributes to the increase in greenhouse
gasses in the atmosphere, essentially thinning the o-zone layer, contributing to climate change.
To reduce the impact of livestock farming, a diet shift will be necessary. Organic fruits and
vegetables as well as protein rich alternatives to sustain a well balanced diet are not as attainable
to lower income families and are impractical for those living in poverty. Meat is a simplified and
cost effective way to provide the body with the protein, fats, and the nutrients that it needs.
Research shows that, “Red meat is nutrient dense and provides a simplified option for a high
amount of protein consumption. Red meat has been an important part of the human diet
throughout human evolution. When included as part of a healthy, varied diet, red meat provides a
rich source of high biological value protein and essential nutrients, some of which are more
bioavailable than in alternative food sources” (Wyness). It is not expected to completely cut red
meat from diets altogether, it is suggested though, that people reduce their consumption and even
try new alternatives such as chicken, fish, and lentils. With this reduction in consumption, it
would drastically decrease the carbon footprint that the livestock farming industry has on the
