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This paper explores the modern day problems we are experiencing on an ecosystemic level. More specifically, the issues of population growth, human modification of ecosystems, world hunger and obesity will be explored. Findings from the assigned readings will show the consequences and possible solutions of these issues.
Modern Day Ecosystemic Issues
With our fast paced growing society we face many challenges and consequences that wreak havoc on our ecosystem. The challenges of human modification, high population growth, world hunger, and obesity are just a few of those problems. Human modification is when changes are made to the environment by humans to benefit humans. Of course, these modifications can and usually do cause some disastrous effects on a biotic community. Deforestation is an example of human modification. Population growth poses issues of having to increase food production, increase the number of educational facilities and jobs, increase public and medical services and so on. Moreover, population growth contributes to failed states. World hunger affects a huge amount of people and Obesity is on the rise in the United States.
Literature Review
A familiar form of human modification in the environment for me is deforestation. According to the text, when farmers chop down the dominant hardwood trees in an eastern forest to clear the land for cultivation, the changes produced by this removal (i.e., loss of animal species that depend on the trees for food and shelter, loss of shade-loving plants that proliferate under the canopy, change in soil microbiota, raising of soil temperature, increase in soil erosion, and so forth) (11). In this specific case, the biotic community is adversely affected but it does not negatively affect humans too much.
High population growth is another issue we face which contributes to failed states. According to Our Global Environment: a Health Perspective, the top ten countries in the most recent Failed States Index are all nations characterized by exceptionally high birth rates and a high percentage of their population under the age of 15 (51). This means that having a higher rate of young people negatively affects societies as compared to societies with age ratios that are balanced. Among the things that would characterize a failed state are unemployment, conflict, risk of conflict, low economic status, low amount of food resources, and so on. Moreover, studies have shown a direct link between youthful populations and outbreaks of civil unrest (51).
Many couples in developing countries tend to have many children. Thus, family planning in these countries can be extremely difficult. There are a few reasons why women in developing countries tend to keep on giving birth to more children despite having an already large family. One reason could be the lack of access to contraceptives. Another reason could simply be that they choose to have more children based on their own beliefs, pressure from family and their husband to have more children, and traditions. According to an article on The Guardian News, a large family size is a cultural ideal in Niger in a similar way that in the US or UK, a romantic relationship is a cultural ideal (Filipovic). So, I feel the most effective approach would be to not criticize their cultural ideals and tell them to have less children. Instead, changing their perspective on ideas surrounding family so that the mother and her current children can lead healthier lives. Educating the mother on how continuing to have children could harm her health can help as well. Helping mothers who consider not having anymore children get easier access to contraceptives would be a huge help as well. I think this is the best approach since if you were to criticize their ideals or push on contraceptive usage they will be less likely to listen and take your advice. If you influence them and help to reshape the way they feel about family, educate them, and giving them easy access to contraceptives then they will be more likely to accept it.
World hunger is one of the most difficult problems we face globally. There are many determining factors as to why world hunger exists. Poverty and lack of food distribution are some of the main reasons why world hunger exists. However, there is one way that could help to solve the problem. According to the textbook, if by contrast, everyone were to consume a Mediterranean-style diet, featuring moderate amounts of meat along with vegetables, cheese, pasta, and seafood, the worlds harvest could adequately support about 5 billion people (77). Moreover, a strictly vegetarian diet such as that consumed by the average Indian could meet the food needs of 10 billion people (77). This means that consuming a diet that is lower on the food chain can actually help to solve the issue of world hunger.
Discussion
We face a number of ecosystemic problems globally. Nationally, we face the issue of the obesity epidemic. The obesity epidemic we are experiencing is due to a number of reasons and causes a vast array of health issues. The cost of healthy foods are usually much more expensive than fast food and junk foods. Families who do not have sufficient funds must choose the option that will feed the entire family. Even families who receive government assistance to purchase groceries face the issue of trying to spend their money as wisely as possible. This means they can end up buying more processed foods that have a longer shelf life as opposed to fresh foods which need to be consumed quickly. Minimum working wages are also not enough to support a healthy diet for most. Other factors such as low physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, behavioral choices, eating disorders, and genetics play a part in the obesity epidemic as well. Obesity causes health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and even stroke. Policy actions could be taken to reduce current trends. Improving government assistance programs so that families are able to get more fresh food could help tremendously. Also, activating a policy that could somehow improve costs on fresh foods would help lower income families gain access to better health. Reasonably raising the minimum working wages could also help others to afford a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
In summation, there are many ecosystemic issues in the world. Human modification of environments, high population growth, world hunger, and obesity are some of the largest issues we face globally and nationally. Our fast paced growing society has adapted in several ways that arent always beneficial to our environment or to our health. It is important to educate those around us and work towards having an environment that is healthy.
Citations
- Filipovic, J. (2017, March 15). Why have four children when you could have seven? Family planning in Niger. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/mar/15/why-have-four-children-when-you-could-have-seven-contraception-niger
- Nadakavukaren, A. (2014). Our global environment a health perspective. Brantford, Ont.: W. Ross MacDonald School.
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