For a long time, the uninterrupted growth of the human species has raised the question of whether nature should be exploited in favour of our own welfare. In this context, although there are valid points to both sides, it is my contention that degrading the environment to the extent that we have done so far is not justifiable nor smart.
It is undeniable that natural resources have been necessary to ensure technological progress in crucial fields such as medicine and agriculture throughout human history. As a result, we are now able to have healthier and longer lives, a trend that should be continuously fostered by conscious use of what Earth has to offer us.
By making sure essential elements such as water, fossil fuels and native plants are not depleted, we do not only protect other forms of life, which have the right to exist on this planet as well. We also enable our own future survival, since we depend heavily on these factors to do anything from growing food to generating energy and producing all sorts of medication.
Sustainable practices even prevent natural disasters, as we have been witnessing more and more frequently. To mention one example, research studies have shown how beaver compounds protect vast areas of land from wildfire, thanks to biologists’ efforts to preserve this species.
In conclusion, whereas this is a contentious issue, we ought to keep in mind what unites us all as a species: the desire to keep living increasingly better lives. And this will only be feasible if we still have natural resources at our disposal in the future.