The Dangers in Extinction

What would life be like without the animals we share it with? In my opinion, it would be quite boring. Different species of animals give us a broader knowledge of life itself. And without that knowledge, our human race cannot progress. As each day progresses, however, we lose a little bit of that knowledge for our future generations. With many animals already extinct and some on the endangered species list, we cannot afford to continue with our current behaviors. As a race, we have greatly increased the natural rate of extinction. The largest contributor to extinction among many species has been habitat destruction. "Unfortunately, homes for wild things are disappearing at a very fast rate in our crowded modern world"(Patent 9). In order for us to prosper, we are destroying the lives around us. Clearing land for commercial use, cutting down trees to use for paper products, and waste disposal in bodies of water has caused a rapid depletion of species. "There is a growing realization that human activities increasingly are threatening the health of the natural systems that make life possible on this planet. Humankind has the power to alter nature fundamentally, perhaps irreversibly"(Stefoff 6). We have caused the extinction of many animals, and if we are not careful, we will cause our own.

Works Cited:

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Habitats: Saving Wild Places. Hillside, N.J., U.S.A.: Enslow, 1993. Print.

Stefoff, Rebecca. Extinction. New York: Chelsea House, 1992. Print.

Reduse, Reuse, Recycle.

What exactly is going green? "Going green" refers to the movement toward a more environmentally friendly way of life. One major aspect of an environmentally friendly lifestyle is recycling. Over the past several decades, our globe has drastically increased greenhouse emissions and pollution. Several factors have contributed to a more polluted earth, including non-biodegradable substances. Metals and plastics are a huge contributor pollution. The town of Los Angles, California, "voted...to ban plastic grocery bags in areas of the county under its jurisdiction"(Lin). Not only plastic bags, but plastic bottles are destroying our world's ocean habitat. The pollutants have been the cause of death for sea life around the world. The pollutants are not only killing but also cluttering. In Los Angles, "[plastic items] are what we call in our county, urban tumbleweed"(Lin). In the past few years alone, our globe has taken many measures in order to prevent pollution. The main step has been recycling. Recycling has now become a way of life for many Americans and people around the world. "...on America Recycles Day, President Obama signed a proclamation celebrating the strides the country has made in recycling"(Unknown). In a positive effort to improve our environment, recycling is being encouraged more than ever. If we each do our part, we can save the environment one step at a time.

Work Cited:

Lin II, Rong-Gong. "L.A. County Passes Ban on Plastic Grocery Bags." Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA). 17 Nov 2010: A.1. SIRS Researcher. Web. 10 Dec 2010.

Unknown. "President Signs America Recycles Day Proclamation." America.gov Press Release. 16 Nov 2010: n.p. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 10 Dec 2010.

"Google Image Result for Http://www.co.kandiyohi.mn.us/depts/recycle/images/recycle-logo.jpg." Google. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

Underneath the Fog

The environmental movement encompasses several areas of concern. A major topic of the movement is water and air pollution. After several decades of a booming industry and developing economic growth, the environment has taken a large hit. From our vehicle pollution to industrious manufacturing, air and water quality has severly depleted over the past several decades. Developing countries such as India and China are experiencing rapid population increase. This increase has caused a major rise in water and air pollution. Underdeveloped countries do not enforce air quality regulations. The overpopulation of India has caused unsanitary water sources across the country. The United States, however, has placed regulations on air and water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released an article stating, "Since 1970 we have seen a steady trajectory of less pollution in our communities and greater economic opportunity throughout our nation. We will continue those trends as we face the clean air challenges of the next 40 years, including working to cut greenhouse gases and grow the American clean energy economy" (Unknown). In order for our globe to maintain health, we must do our part. In an article by Newt Gingrich, he quotes, "A vital, fully functional Earth composed of abundant communities of diverse wildlife; healthy streams, lakes, and oceans; and clean air requires a strong commitment to better environmental practices in homes, communities, and workplaces" (Gingrich). Cleaner air and water is just a start to the revitalization of our environment, but it is an important step none the less.

Work Cited
Gingrich, Newt, and Terry L. Maple. "Forging a New, Bipartisan Environmental Movement."
Issues in Science and Technology Vol. 24, No. 2. Winter 2008: 24-26. SIRS Researcher.
Web. 06 Dec 2010.
Image: Schneider, By Keith. "Feature Articles-U.S. Climate Action Network." U.S. Climate
Action Network. Web. 06 Dec. 2010. http://www.usclimatenetwork.org/news-room/feature-articles.
Unknown. "EPA's Clean Air Act Turns 40." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 14 Sep
2010: n.p. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 06 Dec 2010.

Goin' Green

The purpose of this blog is to explain the beginning of the environmental movement. In the future posts, the blog will articulate how the environmental movement started and how it originated. It will also inform the reader about the purpose behind the environmental movement. The movement originated almost fifty years ago, and to this day has strengthened. From what started as a radical protest, has developed into a conscious understanding. Humanity has realized over the past few decades that our earth is not a renewable resource. As a human race, we must fight to maintain the earth’s beauty. From animal rights to global warming, the environmental movement encompasses many issues. Some issues, more than others, have raised global awareness. Issues such as global warming, energy use, water use, and animal rights are just a few of the problems at the forefront of the movement. The environmental movement has not only developed with time, but also with passion. As the world has began to see the effects that humanity has posed over the past few years, the movement has become personal. If we as a human race cannot change our daily habits, then our earth will no longer be here to enjoy.