Due to the imbalanced distribution of people and natural resources, raw materials are frequently transported from place to place to serve those in need. However, the holistic nature of Earth’s ecological system foreshadows disastrous consequences for this behavior.
Since the establishment of ancient civilizations, there has been an inherent tension between humans’ social development and natural environment. The only difference made by modern technological advancement is that humans have become able to obtain natural resources from remote areas, where there is lower urbanization and population density. This transportation of resources seems to dismiss the immediate negative influences caused by the consumption of natural resources, but it misses the oneness of our ecological system. With the constant circulation of natural elements and symbiotic relationship among various organisms, any local exploitation of resources will transform into natural disasters suffered by all.
Compared to transporting natural resources from other places, using local resources has no advantage in terms of avoiding direct damage to the natural environment. However, it can help save people from profound and large-scale natural disasters. While we are living in a mutual-connected environment, it is the local people who will first face the consequences caused by exploitation of natural resources. This punishment by the great nature can act as a warning sign, preventing people from further deprivation of local resources. As a result, the negative effects can be curbed before spreading elsewhere, and people will be encouraged to develop greener ways of using natural resources.
In conclusion, using local resources is a better way to protect the environment than transporting resources from other places. By warning people about the possible natural disasters and encouraging them to seek for alternatives, moderate consumption of local resources can help foster sustainable development.