The environment and natural disasters

In the wake of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti last week, there has been quite a bit of chatter about to the causes of such devastating natural disasters. Though some natural forces, such as hurricanes, can be forecasted and preparations can be made, earthquakes do not allow for any preparation and strike without warning. One of the many terms flying around in all this chatter is environmental degradation. Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil. This deterioration contributes to the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. There are many ways in which the natural resources are destroyed, most of which are inflicted by humankind. Through the development of new buildings, production of products, and the ever-changing demands of society, natural resources are diminishing. The consumer-driven society demands the consumption and destruction of valuable natural resources such as wetlands, forests, and other natural resources and habitats for wildlife. Wetlands aren’t just plots of soggy land; they provide numerous values to the ecosystem and area wildlife. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Wetlands are considered valuable because they clean the water, recharge water supplies, reduce flood risks, and provide fish and wildlife habitat.” One main function of wetlands is water storage; functioning like natural tubs or sponges, wetlands store water and then slowly release it, slowing the water’s momentum. Some of the benefits of slowing water’s momentum are decreasing erosive potential, reducing flood heights, and contributing base flow to surface water systems during dry periods. This helps to protect the surrounding areas from being brutally damaged by water-related natural disasters. Many environmental experts attribute the excessive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to environmental degradation of the Louisiana wetlands. Development and construction as well as natural degradation are causing Louisiana’s wetlands to be washed away. A wetland the size of a football field disappears every 35 minutes. This depletion of the coastal wetlands allows storms to tear through the area and barely slow down. It also allows for floods to rise at faster rates, making preparations and evacuations nearly impossible. While forests make great sources of lumber for the construction of buildings, bridges, paper, and other staples of a functioning society, forests also provide a wealth of natural support for the ecosystem as well as a habitat for a diverse wildlife population. It is no secret that forests and plant life are essential for life on earth, and the benefits provided by forests are abundant. According to the Nature Conservancy, “They [forests] give us shade and shelter, refuge and refreshment, clean air and water.” This isn’t new news, but it seems we sometimes need reminding that forests and plant life are essential to our own existence. With all the pollution we create in our daily commutes and constant consumption, it would behoove us to take a little more care for that which is keeping our air clean, and make sure there are forests around to do the same for future generations. Approximately 32 million acres of trees are lost each year to deforestation which also contributes 20-25% of all carbon pollution causing global climate change and contributes to the impoverishment of forest-dependent communities. Deforestation is the second leading contributor of carbon emissions worldwide. The deterioration and degradation of the planet’s natural resources not only increases the changes and severity of natural disasters, but also greatly impacts the lives of less privileged populations — unfortunately it is the children of these regions who are hit the hardest. According to an article on “The Guide to the Global Environment” from the United Nations Environment Programme, “In the poorest regions of the world an estimated one in five children will not live to see their 5th birthday, primarily because of environment-related diseases.” The figures and statistics show how this affects the lives of those who are less fortunate. It is astounding, and such statistics (in and of themselves) are a call to action to help stop environmental degradation. Though natural disasters are unavoidable and can still be devastating, their severity is heightened by the increasing amount of depletion of natural resources and barriers. Wetlands, forests, and other natural resources help slow and lessen the impact natural disasters have on the environment and its inhabitants; however, with the depletion of these natural combatants, natural disasters are gaining momentum with very little slowing them down, leaving devastation and destruction in their wake.