Introduction
Over the years, the public has been controlling nature and not nature controlling humans. However, it is time for humans to think of working with nature and not being against it (Miller). Climate is a global pandemic that needs effective human mitigation through a productive collaboration between nature and humans. Floyd Dominy has dramatically supported building dams and reservoirs to save human civilization. Some proponents, like David Brower, think it was a terrible idea to state that the dams created by Duminy have no benefits to humanity (Sahagún). Brower does not support the creation of an artificial environment but supports people refraining from natural environments for sustainability. However, Dominy supports his argument that creating water lakes and reservoirs is a win-win situation for humanity. It is seen that these lakes only satisfy the rich while a large number of the majority have no access to sufficient and clean water.
In his opinion, Dominy thinks he has done his best to save human civilization. But he has forgotten the minority in society who cannot access his artificial environment. Dominy activities are worthwhile and can turn natural resources into beneficial resources for people. But he needs to remember to have regulations and laws that will ensure fair distribution and access to sufficient water by everyone. Although many of the reservoirs are built to have a positive impact, such as controlling floods, the rich now use these water catchments for recreational activities. In this case, it is time for the local government to ensure that these artificial environments can be protected and offer fair advantages to the population. California should enact laws and policies that will provide efficient use of natural resources and a more just manner to ensure equity for everyone.
Humans can build many reservoirs, but artificial solutions could be more effective with the ongoing climate change. Human beings are overwhelming the consumption of nature at a high rate. It is not controlling; instead, it changes human habits into more rehabilitating and sustainable ones. People need to think of regeneration rather than maintaining nature, where people can plant more trees and refrain from activities that might accelerate climate change.
Nature has been defined as anything that occurs naturally without human interference, ranging from fauna, flora, and even landscaping. In many situations, nature significantly impacts humans, and vice versa, where humans also significantly affect nature. However, the best way is not to be against it but rather have a symbiotic relationship where humans and nature can interact harmoniously (Sahagún). For instance, deforestation can be done for the benefit of the human population, but it is harmful when it comes to nature. People need to be more sustainable when it comes to nature, where people can indulge in activities that favour nature for long-term benefits from nature. Humans depend on nature for various purposes, including urban expansion, water use, and energy resources. Therefore, developing sustainable means of generating these commodities is the best way of establishing harmony between nature and human beings.
Nature and Source of Water
Humans should use natural resources more sustainably to ensure sustainability and long-term benefits. It is time for humans to protect nature and not be against it. Humans should understand it is not a competition, as only humans have control over nature and not nature. It is the way people use and conserve nature that determines its occurrence. Biodiversity has been impacted with severe consequences due to overexploitation of nature, leading to water and air pollution. People should utilize land and water sustainably by changing their lifestyles and livelihoods.
Nature will never control human beings, but an artificial environment built by humans might significantly impact human lifestyle and livelihood. How people manipulate nature is how it will respond. Humans should reconsider how they manipulate their environment, such as building dams and reservoirs, which can be termed an artificial environment. Humans should start by reconsidering sustainably rebuilding the synthetic environment and not showcase any future harm. From this point, people can also impose regulations and policies on using natural resources such as land and water for long-term sustainability.
It is time for people to think of SLWM or, instead, Sustainable Land and Water Management. SLWM is how humans utilize natural resources like land, water, and water to have valuable commodities to satisfy their needs while establishing a sustainable environmental integration for a long-term service of nature (Sahagún). SLWM can be incorporated into daily human activities to eliminate constraints on natural resources like water and land. Humans should have movements that constantly address water and land scarcity, proper mitigation of climate changes, and ways to fight insufficient production of natural resources. For instance, people can incorporate technology and other inventions to establish sustainability rather than overexploiting natural resources.
James and Murphy think water is impacted by an ongoing scarcity that needs effective mitigation. Human planners and developers should start implementing approaches to mitigate water scarcity, leading to sustainability. People in California are thinking of having more water reservoirs, such as lakes, to overcome the water scarcity. However, they need to ensure equality and efficiency regarding water usage to eliminate the current problem. Imposing water rationing or cuts will not help eliminate the issue but will create a more unjust society regarding water distribution and utilization. The state should impose an effective water policy that offers a long-term solution. For instance, the building of Griffin Lake does not translate into equal distribution and water usage (Murphy and James). Therefore, lawmakers should ensure a perfect state water policy is imposed to ensure the sustainability of nature and the usage of its resources.
Human Rights and Responsibilities on Land
Everyone is entitled to sufficient, reliable, clean water. The international, federal and local bodies recognize water and land as critical human rights. Authorities must ensure everyone in their jurisdiction is treated with utmost prosperity, dignity, and health. However, this is not the case in many areas, such as California, where many people suffer more water. In contrast, a few people have taken control of these resources (Murphy and James). Humans are responsible for ensuring sustainability and good water management that promotes sanitation for human well-being.
There are marginalized communities that are impacted by discrimination when it comes to sharing and using natural resources. Therefore, ensuring everyone has proper sanitation and water access is still a human responsibility. Land and water complement each other, where land can be productive in the presence of water. However, policies and regulations should be imposed to ensure long-term benefits from these resources. The two are fundamental human rights but are only available due to poor regulations and guidelines.
Over the years, leaders and lawmakers have developed regulations and policies that favour nature development. These policies have been enacted to favour privatizing these resources to boost the economy and personal enterprises. However, this implementation does not favour the minorities in the areas who are landless and poor. The main issue is not natural factors but social and political factors that have brought inequality regarding access to natural resources. It is time lawmakers support reforms and regulations that will overturn these political inequalities to ensure equal access to freedoms and rights for everyone in society. In California, where droughts are rampant, the rich have easy access to water for recreational activities. However, people experiencing poverty in the area still need efficient and sufficient water.
Conclusion
Even with climate change and rampant drought in the regions, lawmakers should support equality regarding sharing and access to natural resources. People can deal with water shortages by building artificial environments like reservoirs and lakes, but some still have no water access. People should ensure the sustainable form of nature rather than controlling it. Popel should start working with nature and not against it for a long-term and positive impact. Humans are entitled to rights over land and water, but their responsibility is also to ensure sustainability and equality. People should start managing rather than controlling as nature will reciprocate with what is given. For instance, pollution will not cease climate change but rather result in its rampage to humanity. They must efficiently access and distribute natural resources and simultaneously impose sustainable management through activities like recycling, reuse and reduction of unnecessary consumptions.
Works Cited
Miller, Char. Not so golden state: sustainability vs. the California dream. Trinity University Press, 2016.
Murphy, Rosalie, and Ian James. “Your Browser is Not Supported.” Your Browser is Not Supported | Desertsun.com, 17 Apr. 2015, www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2015/04/17/unchecked-growth-questions-water/25952941/.
Sahagún, Louis. “California’s Aging Dams Face New Perils, 50 Years After Sylmar Quake Crisis.” Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2021, www.latimes.com/environment/story/2021-02-10/earthquakes-climate-change-threaten-california-dams.
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