Case Study

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 5

CASE STUDY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The issue I've been reading about is Environmental Ethics, this study delves into normative issues as
well as principles that govern human interactions with the natural environment as well as their context and
implications, and how environmental issues should be resolved and what should we do in response to such
problems, and what actions, strategies, and lifestyles are most efficient would be.

BACKGROUND

Climate change is a global phenomenon of climate transformation driven by changes throughout the
planet's normal climate (temperature, precipitation, and wind) driven primarily by human actions. Hence,
temperatures and sea levels are rising over the world, which may be leading to larger, more destructive storms.
Climate change is to blame for all of this. Climate change is defined as a 30-year period of progressive changes
in all of our planet's linked weather variables. The data demonstrates that the Earth is warming, and it is up to
us to make the required changes to make the planet healthier. The increase in temperature, as a result of rising
global temperatures linked to climate change, ice sheets and glaciers are melting at a faster rate from season to
season. As a result, sea levels are rising in various parts of the world. Increased flooding and erosive erosion
have begun to harm coasts as a result of increasing sea levels and expanding ocean waters as a result of rising
temperatures.

Human actions on Earth are altering the natural greenhouse. The use of fossil fuels such as coal and
oil has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the last century (CO2). This
occurs because the combustion of coal or oil produces CO2 by combining carbon in the air with oxygen. The
clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other human activities has raised greenhouse gas concentrations
to a lesser amount. Therefore, droughts, floods, and excessive temperatures are examples of climate extremes
that can cause crop losses and affect agricultural producers' livelihoods as well as community food security
around the world. Fracking is a problematic drilling technique that involves injecting high-pressure liquid into
subterranean shale to produce natural gas and petroleum. Global warming and climate change have been
connected to carbon emissions from fossil fuels like this.

1. Loss of biodiversity

The planet's biodiversity is in danger, and the major perpetrator is the one who, ironically, relies on it
the most: humans. One of humanity's greatest difficulties is slowing biodiversity loss, which is defined as
the reduction or absence of the variety of living beings that occupy the globe. The diversity of living
species that occupy the world, its many degrees of biological organization and genetic variability, as well
as the natural patterns found in ecosystems are all examples of biodiversity.

In a UN report published in 2019, scientists warned that one million species - out of an estimated total
of eight million - are threatened with extinction, many within decades. Some researchers even consider we
are in the middle of the sixth mass extinction event in Earth’s history. Earlier known mass extinctions
wiped out between 60% and 95% of all species. It takes millions of years for ecosystems to recover from
such an event.
2. Overpopulation
Human overpopulation is one of the most severe environmental challenges, contributing to global
warming, pollution, habitat loss, the sixth mass extinction, intensive farming methods, and the rapid
consumption of scarce natural resources such as fresh water, arable land, and fossil fuels.

Humanity numbered 1.6 billion individuals at the turn of the twentieth century; we currently number
around 7.5 billion. By 2050, we're expected to be about 10 billion people. Growing global populations,
paired with rising wealth, are putting increasing strain on vital natural resources such as water. The
majority of the expansion is taking place on the African continent, as well as in southern and eastern Asia.

3. Air pollution
Carbon overloading of the atmosphere and ocean waters. CO2 in the atmosphere absorbs and re-emits
infrared-wavelength radiation, resulting in warmer air, soils, and ocean surface waters, which is beneficial
because the earth would otherwise be frozen solid.

Unfortunately, there is currently an excessive amount of carbon in the atmosphere. CO2


concentrations in the atmosphere have risen from 280 parts per million (ppm) 200 years ago to around 400
ppm now, thanks to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation for agriculture, and industrial activities.

4. Species Extinction
Wild animals are hunted to extinction for bush meat, ivory, and "medicinal" products on land. Large
industrial fishing boats with bottom-trawling or purse-seine nets clean out entire fish populations at sea.
Loss and destruction of habitat are also major contributors to an unprecedented wave of extinction
triggered by a single species.

Species not only deserve to survive, but they also give products and "services" that are necessary for
human survival. Consider bees and their pollination abilities, which are essential for food production.

5. Deforestation
Wild forests, particularly in the tropics, are being destroyed to make way for cattle ranching, soybean
or palm oil plantations, or other agricultural monocultures. Forests represent around 30% of the planet's
surface area now, which is about half of what they were before agriculture began around 11,000 years ago.
Every year, around 7.3 million hectares (18 million acres) of forest are destroyed, primarily in the tropics.

Natural forests are not only biodiversity reserves, but they also operate as carbon sinks, removing
carbon from the atmosphere and oceans.

CASE EVALUATION

As these problems illustrate, Environmental issues are widespread and span national borders and
governments. There are incentives to disregard transboundary impacts and neglect the management of shared
resources, especially when the benefits are diffuse and free riding on others' efforts is appealing. Although, the
knowledge of the human causes and implications of global change is lacking, but not just due to research
shortages. Global change challenges raise significant theoretical and methodological issues that have not been
effectively addressed, in part because social scientists have not been called upon to work on these issues.
Hence, it may seem exaggerated to argue that the planet is in danger from an environmental standpoint, but it
is true. An overview of environmental issues will reveal the scope and gravity of the problem.

The combustion of fossil fuels also contributes to global climate change, often known as global
warming, due to the well-known greenhouse effect, which is caused by the trapping of gases in the atmosphere
and has caused the globe to warm by nearly 1°C during the last century. In addition, climate change threatens
to cause a slew of other issues, including an increase in disease spread through food and water, starvation due
to lower agricultural productivity and drought, an increase in storms and other natural disasters, and the
extinction of various species. In fact, all these problems have been producing, and will continue to produce,
higher mortality rates across the planet. The World Health Organization (2010) estimates that climate change
causes more than 140,000 excess deaths worldwide annually.

Nevertheless, the environment is critical to the long-term viability of life on Earth as we know it. All
living species rely on the planet's resources to thrive, and if people continue to pollute and overuse them, they
might be fully destroyed or exhausted in a few of years. A number of environmental challenges have recently
reached new heights, influencing businesses and governments all around the world.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

1.) Renewable energy should be used instead of fossil fuels. Reforestation. Reduce agricultural emissions.
Industrial procedures must be altered.

2.) Maintain what's left of natural forests and replant damaged regions with native tree species to
rehabilitate degraded areas. This necessitates good governance, but many tropical countries are still
developing, with growing populations, uneven rule of law, and pervasive cronyism and bribery in land
allocation.

3.) To prevent additional biodiversity loss, concerted measures are required. One aspect of this is
protecting and restoring habitats; another is preventing poaching and animal trading. This should be done in
collaboration with locals, so that wildlife conservation is in their best interests both socially and economically.

4.) No-till agriculture, crop rotation, and water-retention through terrace-building are just a few of the soil
conservation and restoration approaches available. Given the importance of maintaining healthy soils for food
security, we'll most likely overcome this obstacle in the long run.

5.) Improve landfill garbage compaction with sophisticated technology like stationary compactors, which
helps free up space for other productive purposes. It comes in a variety of capacities and configurations to
handle different garbage quantities.

6.) Increase forest cover, restore sea grasses and boost use of agricultural cover crops to reduce the
amount of CO2 in atmosphere.

7.) Invest in and promote the development of sustainable technology.

8.) Commercial and residential structures should strive for zero-emission or zero-waste status.

9.) Accelerate the development that monitors acidity levels in order to give long-term and real-time pH
data to researchers and shellfish farmers.
10.) To prevent soil erosion, use more effective spill containment and storm water runoff controls, as well
as planting trees near water bodies.

11.) The government should adopt and enforce stricter regulations and legislation relating to biodiversity
conservation.

12.) Investigate novel methods for preserving biodiversity and educating the public about it.

13.) Stop habitat degradation and encourage habitat restoration, as well as living in a sustainable manner.
Reduce the number of invading species.

14.) Ecosystem services, goods, processes, market approaches, and organizational structures are modified
or creative solutions that contribute to increased sustainability, productivity, and eco-benefits (ecological and
economic).

15.) Increase productivity and profitability by recognizing potential for improvement in material, water,
and energy efficiency, waste minimization, responsible consumption and production, and shared risks and
rewards throughout value chains, resulting in increased wealth and employment.

CONCLUSIONS

Indeed that, It's important to remember that studying environmental concerns isn't just about figuring
out how to solve terrible problems. Rather, a key aspect of the topic is figuring out how to restore many of the
harms that have already occurred, as well as prevent future ones. These are encouraging and hopeful measures
that indicate necessary progress toward a more environmentally friendly economy.

I would like to educate people and provide reasons for them to be environmentally conscious. The
theory and philosophy should provide methods, such as rules, standards, and norms that can be suggested to
those who are concerned about the future of the planet. Hence, I'd like to emphasize awareness and adaptation,
as these are the two most important aspects in protecting this wonderful gift known as the environment. Each
of us can and should do our part to mitigate the effects of these environmental challenges and preserve a
healthy planet for future generations.

I believe that in order to meet the growing challenges posed by climate change, we must adapt new
lifestyles. To achieve this, we must first establish a global culture of sustainable growth, in which energy is
used wisely and efficiently, a circular economy is a strong bet, and lasting and eco-friendly products are
commonplace.

Therefore, I would like to recommend to use social media platform to help educate more people. It
might not seem like much to like, comment and share posts, but our goal is to surprise at how much
influence those steps have. We only need to see one tweet to change our perspective. Hence, using our
online presence to the planet’s advantage, are easily-digestible post with accurate information can do wonders.
Climate change awareness is critical for anyone who care about the environment. Therefore, we need
everyone's help if we are to protect the environment.
REFERENCES

 Youmatter. (2019). Climate Change - Meaning, Definition, Causes & Consequences -


Youmatter. Retrieved from Youmatter website:
https://youmatter.world/en/definition/climate-change-meaning-definition-causes-and-
consequences/
 Society, N. G., & Society, N. G. (n.d.). Climate Change. Retrieved from
www.nationalgeographic.org website:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/topics/resource-library-climate-change/?
q=&page=1&per_page=25
 Boehlke, J. (2018, December 11). Biodiversity loss, a risk for the environment and for
humanity. Retrieved from Iberdrola website:
https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/biodiversity-loss
 Biodiversity loss: what is causing it and why is it a concern? | News | European Parliament.
(2020). Retrieved from Europa.eu website:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20200109STO69929/biodivers
ity-loss-what-is-causing-it-and-why-is-it-a-concern
 Everything Connects. (2013, November 20). Overpopulation Effects. Retrieved from
Everything Connects website: https://www.everythingconnects.org/overpopulation-
effects.html
 Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com. (2019). Five of the world’s biggest environmental problems
| DW | 11.10.2016. Retrieved from DW.COM website: https://www.dw.com/en/five-of-the-
worlds-biggest-environmental-problems/a-35915705
 Three Environmental Issues and Ways to Combat Them -- Environmental Protection. (2016).
Retrieved June 23, 2021, from Environmental Protection website:
https://eponline.com/Articles/2019/11/25/Three-Environmental-Issues-and-Ways-to-
Combat-Them.aspx?Page=3#
 15.3 The Environment | Social Problems. (n.d.). Retrieved from courses.lumenlearning.com
website: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-socialproblems/chapter/15-3-the-
environment/

You might also like