It is important to preserve nature

Friday, 7 October 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Are we doing enough to preserve nature? If we do not preserve nature, we have to face a lot of difficulties and problems. If we look at the world, you see the confusion and the chaos that we encounter or face.

There is shortage of water in most of the countries. There are food shortages. People do not have proper houses to live in. There is serious pollution everywhere. Sea level is rising. Air pollution problem is very serious. We are using too many vehicles. Illicit drugs are being sold in all countries. Alcoholism has become a problem. People are under mental stress.

Natural world is governed by the laws of biology, chemistry and physics. The planet has been there for billions of years. We are all protected and governed by nature.

A healthy environment provides nutrients that flow up the food chain, from plants to animals, to provide energy. The nutrients are then recycled to repeat the process.

We must understand these very basic principles of nature and try to live with nature. We should not depend too much on concrete structures and all sort of chemicals.

By preserving nature, the planet and all its inhabitants are guaranteed a constant supply of clean water and fresh air.

We very often go against nature. We depend too much on artificial things. We want air conditioned rooms. We do not like to walk. We do not like to prepare our meals. We want everything readymade.

Trees produce the oxygen that humans and other animals need to breathe and absorb the carbon dioxide that they exhale. Trees absorb airborne pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. They also remove toxins from the soil and help to reduce noise pollution.

We do not realise the importance of nature. We try to destroy nature. See the man-elephant conflict. See how many water collecting areas we have filled and constructed concrete structures; how many trees we are destroying daily. How many are planting trees. Is not this a very tragic situation?

Clean water is necessary for all living things. All animals and plants are made mostly of water and require a constant supply of clean water to remain healthy.

How many water preserving areas have we destroyed? How many rivers and tanks have we misused and have become polluted?

Water falls to Earth as rain to water plants, provide drinking water for animals, and maintain rivers, lakes and oceans. It evaporates and forms the clouds that then release rain to repeat the water cycle.

We must understand this process or the cycle and preserve the nature. We must protect the environment. Nature has given us rivers, canals, lakes, oceans and forests. There are various types of birds and animals. We must protect wildlife.

Overbuilt environments disrupt and overwhelm nature’s processes by removing trees and polluting the water and air, which leads to decreased biodiversity and overall natural health.

Let us think about nature more seriously. Let us respect nature. Let us live close to nature. Let us protect wildlife. Let us not cut trees and build concrete structures everywhere. Animals are not destroying the environment. It is we who destroy the environment and make even the animals also suffer.

D. Weeratunga

Chartered Engineer, Chartered HR Manager

Nugegoda