Man Vs. Nature

Today I read “The Historical Roots of our Ecological Crisis” by Lynn White. It explained in detail how intentionally and unintentionally human behavior affects the wildlife all around us. All throughout life humans have been altering the natural world in favor of our own lifestyle and frequently forget the impact we’re having on the environment and animal life. From as far as we can go back the more science and technology grew the more we began to exploit nature instead of act as a part of it. The evidence is apparent: No other creature has truly soiled the earth like humans.

In Christianity it was man that had named the creatures of Earth and therefore assumed dominance over them. So it is thought humans are made in God’s image so the rest of the natural world is ours to do with. White believes that we will not ease ourselves out of this ecological mess no matter how many scientific and technological advances we make unless we get a new religion or begin to reform our old one.

Out of all human shames came Saint Francis of Assisi who firmly believed in the humility of mankind. It was said that he spoke with animals and repented for the error of his ways. His vision of God was unique because it was an alternative form of Christianity in which he tried substituting man as equal with the rest of the creatures rather than man ruling over all. Though he failed in trying to justify man’s relation to creatures it does bring to light that the root of the problem is partially because of religion and so we must remedy it with the same religion.

Saint Francis’s vision of Christianity has enlightened a new perspective and I believe many Christians in today’s society are beginning to realize exactly how valuable nature is to us. We as humans have such a tremendous influence over nature that we often believe we are superior. However, even though we have a natural advantage over the surrounding environment we do owe our respects to nature.

Should we Conserve?

I strongly believe that wildlife conservation sanctuarys are necessary, but how can the human population and wildlfe live together without interfering with the other? I don't think we can, I think we have to understand that we as humans need to give up some of our modern necessities to let wildlife strive for the future generations.

In New york city there is a river called the Bronx River that used to be full of oysters and other estuary animals. In the 1900's big compaines begain buildling factories and poluting the river. Now The river is being cleaned and communities around the river is being educated about the estuary and why it is important to keep the river mantained and livable for the animals. Factories have now started cooperating with the non-profits organizations that clean the river.

We need to conserve parts of nature in every state. Can you imagine a state with no nature? That was what I saw till high school. I lived right next to a river and never realized that nature was right outside of my window. But to have nature I beleive we need to conserve it before we can preserve it. We need to fix what we have before we can leave it alone, for our future.