Blog Post #7 - What should be the top environmental priority for the next 40 years?

The article I read discussed multiple global problems, and debated which of them was the most important. The first problem addressed was the rapidly growing population and trouble educating everyone. The second problem addressed was the ocean and the pollution that is hazardous to our health. The ocen makes up 72% of the earth and without it we are without life. The third problem, going hand in hand with the ocean, was water. It talked about sanitation and hygiene, and unsanitary water’s effect on health and life. The next issue is that of energy, and finding alternative sources or using less energy. Finally was an issue in which I had not given much thought, which is food security. It said that it is predicted by 2050, we would need 70% more food. However it also said that 30-40% of food bought to eat was wasted.

I think if everyone does what they can, some of these, if not all, can eventually be alleviated if not almost eliminated. It is a long shot, but people must start paying attention because eventually several of these could affect basic needs and survival. It is interesting to see just how much these issues are interrelated. By educating more people, individuals can learn about the issues and seek solutions such as energy alternatives. Education could also make people more conscious about the environment which should in itself make them more mindful about wasting and pollution.
I see all of these problems as a major threat to society. It is hard to choose a most important, because several of them are basic needs (food, water, safety), but people may not be aware of the extent of them without education. Basic needs of course, are the most important.

There are some immediate solutions that most everyone can act on. These include not buying food that isn’t going to be eaten, turning off lights and appliances that are not in use, avoiding pollution, and recycling. Another important step is to be aware of environmental problems and try not to worsen them, or try to make them better within your means. Other problems could be helped with governmental restrictions and policies on emissions, energy usage, water cleanliness, sanitation, and penalty for pollution.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2011/oct/12/top-environmental-priority-debate-earthwatch