This study discusses how global environmental sustainability may be realized in the far future. To do so, we will explore the words studied in weeks 1–4. These concepts include biodiversity, ecosystems, agricultural productivity, water resources, energy demands, waste management, and social, economic, and political considerations. Thus, this paper will examine how these terms and their modifications may help achieve global sustainability. Humans have developed and lived in many diverse communities and situations. However, our dependence on the environment for certain resources has remained constant. Our ecosystems provide fresh water, energy, and more. However, environmental demands have increased as our lifestyles become more industrialized, threatening our ecosystems and their diversity. This may affect our long-term sustainability.
Thus, it’s crucial to consider how changing habits will help us achieve global sustainability. We can better understand sustainable living in the future by studying biodiversity, ecosystems, agricultural productivity, water resources, energy demands, waste management, and social, economic, and political concerns. An in-depth investigation may also reveal the measures we must take to make such a future viable.
Human Relationship with Nature
Human-nature connections will change in a sustainable future. Environmental sustainability requires changing our daily habits to save natural resources (Kattumuri, 2018). Thus, resource conservation and environmental protection allow humans to benefit from biodiversity. Hurricanes, floods, and droughts will still occur, but their consequences will be reduced. Humans will control floods and droughts by improving water management. Rainwater collection reduces water shortages and droughts. City and town landscapes may also defend against storm surges and floods.
Humans must also change how they utilize natural resources. Transitioning from fossil fuels to wind, solar, and hydroelectric electricity will minimize resource exploitation (Jhariya et al., 2022). Reusable and biodegradable goods will replace single-use plastics. Food choices reflect this product shift. Plant-based diets lower carbon footprints by reducing animal production and offering better nutrition. To profit from nature, one must also comprehend it. Humans must respect and comprehend ecosystems beyond cities and towns to live sustainably. This includes knowing how animals affect the ecosystem and the need to safeguard endangered species and their habitats. Clean air and water will be highly valued, encouraging people to decrease their energy use and understand the effects of pollution. Humanity must shift from a consumer-focused to a stewardship perspective to achieve environmental sustainability. These developments may show us a sustainable future.
Earth’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the Future
We must first comprehend how human influence affects biodiversity and ecosystems to understand sustainable living in the future. Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world or a particular habitat or ecosystem and is crucial to our environment. Humans can improve biodiversity by creating protected areas and limiting development (Carrington, 2018). This prevents human involvement in destroying natural habitats and ecosystems. Human waste must be reduced to reduce ecosystem impact. This includes composting organic materials, decreasing single-use plastics, and adopting more sustainable habits. Humans can also repair environments by eliminating invasive species, reintroducing native species, and building homes for native species. Humans must also limit their daily energy and water use to better manage resources and protect the environment. Thus, human influence can increase and decrease biodiversity and ecosystem effectiveness, so it’s important to create policies regulating environmental activities. It can help create a more sustainable future.
Agricultural Production in a Sustainable Future
Since the agricultural revolution, agriculture has been essential to society and sustainable life. Thus, for a sustainable outcome, agricultural production must be considered. Traditional agriculture operations can benefit the environment in many ways (Oberč & Schnell, n.d.). First, organic farming maximizes agricultural production while being eco-friendly. Instead, then utilizing chemical fertilizers that harm local ecosystems, this method boosts soil nutrient concentration. No-till farming (direct drilling) reduces soil erosion and improves water retention. Technology can also help sustain agriculture. Robotic tractors, plant, and animal sensors, and drones can optimize outputs and reduce human input. These tools enable accurate operations and sustainable farm-to-end product systems. These tools also improve crop growth and save water and chemical use.
Water Resources in the Future
Future sustainability requires water resource management. Fresh water is scarce, so we must utilize it wisely. If managed properly, ocean water can be a substantial food source. We explore future freshwater and ocean water utilization here. Tradeoffs and technology acceptance are crucial to sustainable freshwater use. Technological solutions can address water scarcity and quality, but tradeoffs between economic, environmental, and social objectives must be carefully considered and acceptable to stakeholders (Ellerbeck, 2023). Technology can help maximize water use. Desalination and wastewater reuse can reduce water waste and pollution.
However, technology and pollution reduction can sustain ocean use. Developing environmentally friendly technology for ocean-based activities and controlling human activities (i.e., marine transport, shipping, fishing, and recreation) can help preserve and protect this precious resource (Ellerbeck, 2023). Artificial upwelling can refill the ocean and preserve its natural equilibrium through geoengineering. Reducing ocean pollution protects ecosystems and optimizes resource utilization.
Energy Needs in a Sustainable Future
For global sustainability, energy consumption and production must be sustainable. Energy sustainability requires renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, and hydropower are among the cleanest energy sources and help minimize carbon emissions, preserving the atmosphere and climate (Carrington, 2018). Renewable energy sources are best for the environment since they reduce ecological consequences and capital and operating expenses.
Small-scale energy harvesting techniques can help make energy sustainable in the future. These methods lessen reliance on large-scale energy supplies and allow remote solar and wind energy production. Additionally, advances in battery technology can store and use renewable energies during peak demand. Energy sustainability requires addressing home, business, and industrial energy efficiency (Carrington, 2018). LED lights, intelligent buildings, and eco-friendly appliances may drastically reduce energy use while delivering all the amenities. High energy efficiency minimizes energy production, lowering carbon emissions while meeting energy needs.
Waste Management in the Sustainable Future
MSW—packaging, non-durable goods, durable goods, food waste, and yard trimmings—makes up most of the human garbage. Sustainable MSW management is vital for global sustainability. To achieve sustainability, waste management must alter. Sustainability requires rethinking “waste.” Responsible consumption implies choosing sustainable production processes, products, and packaging that use less energy and raw materials and can be reused or recycled (Ellerbeck, 2023). It’s also necessary to reduce the trash in all areas of life and work for MSW footprint reduction in all sectors. Waste repurposing is also crucial. Closed-loop recycling and carbon capture and storage are important to sustainability. Energy and nutrient recovery, like methane generation, can provide sustainable resources for the future. Finally, we must rethink waste management and move toward a more sustainable future.
Social, Economic, and Political Factors That Impact Sustainability
Global sustainability requires consideration of many social, economic, and political variables. Political conflicts have left many environmental issues unaddressed, requiring global governance and cooperation. To genuinely benefit from sustainability, the global economy must change to a more egalitarian and sustainable form (Carrington, 2018). Education, awareness, and public engagement can encourage responsible behavior and production and promote sustainability. These factors must be considered to achieve sustainability.
Conclusion
To sum up, global environmental sustainability requires individuals to live in peace with their environment, replenish natural resources, and avoid overconsumption. Traditional and advanced agricultural production, effective water use, renewable energy sources, and rethinking waste and the environment are essential. A sustainable future requires political cooperation, global education, public engagement, and a more balanced and equitable economic model. Finally, a sustainable society means conquering many obstacles and managing social, economic, and political tradeoffs. A truly sustainable future requires a successful combination of all these aspects.
References
Carrington, D. (2018, November 10). What is biodiversity, and why does it matter to us? The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/12/what-is-biodiversity-and-why-does-it-matter-to-us
Ellerbeck. (2023). Here are three tech solutions to improve access to fresh water. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/water-crisis-technology-solutions/
Jhariya, M. K., Banerjee, A., & Meena, R. S. (2022). Importance of natural resources conservation: Moving toward the sustainable world. Natural Resources Conservation and Advances for Sustainability, pp. 3–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-822976-7.00027-2
Kattumuri, R. (2018). Sustaining natural resources in a changing environment: evidence, policy, and impact. Contemporary Social Science, 13(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/21582041.2017.1418903
Oberč, B., & Schnell, A. (n.d.). INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE Exploring the pathways towards the future of farming Approaches to sustainable agriculture. https://portals.iucn.org/library/efiles/documents/2020-017-En.pdf
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