Literature review
Environmental solutions are often limited to the specific area they are supposed to benefit. As a result of these solutions, another question arises: Can environmental solutions become global solutions? As a leader at the Newton Environmental Program, I always wonder if some of the conservation measures I have seen in my hometown in Patagonia could be implemented in New England as well. Therefore, the question becomes even more specific: Can environmental solutions formulated for a specific place be implemented globally?
How to preserve and restore the environment has been a rising concern for every nation in the world. As a consequence of human development, environmental solutions are born either to guide, restrain, or entirely halt this development that could otherwise affect the environment (Kevin Long; Importance of Environmental Solutions). Some scholars and environmental experts argue that environmental solutions can only be successful when limited to a specific area. And some others believe that it is possible to create environmental solutions at a global scale. Solar Power can be classified into this category.“Solar power is the the conversion of the energy from the sun to usable electricity” (Solar Power; University of Minnesota). Because every single place on earth has natural sunshine, Solar Power is a great solution to conventional power sources such as hydroelectric, thermoelectric, and nuclear. In the other hand, some environmental solutions apply to such specific ecosystems that it is unlikely that they would work effectively anywhere else. The reintroduction plan for the Lord Howe Island stick insect is something that could not be implemented anywhere else in world but in the island itself. This insect was declared extinct in 1960 due to the introduction of rats into Lord Howe Island in the early 20th century, but was recently found in a small volcanic island a couple miles from Lord Howe. “due to the presence of rats and mice beyond the mesh of their current quarters,they are obliged to remain there until we ... eradicate the rodents.” (Becky Crew; Scientific American magazine). Given that the Lord Howe Island insect can only be found in this small island, the plan for his reintroduction is only applicable to this specific area.
All these sources demonstrate the importance of environmental solutions, both local and global. Even though these solutions differ in their respective ranges of implementation, they both seek to ensure a better future for the environment. This is why a sustainable human development should always be accompanied with environmental solutions to guide their progress. If we depend upon the environment to develop our society, its conservation should be a main priority. Like Kenyan environmental and political activist Wangari Maathai said: “The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves.”- Wangari Maathai
Works cited
Long, Kevin. "Importance of Environmental Solutions." Weblog post. Ezine Articles. N.p., 05 Nov. 2009. Web.
Damaschke, Nate. "Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power, Facts about Solar Power." Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power, Facts about Solar Power. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2016. <http://www.tc.umn.edu/~dama0023/solar.html>.
Crew, Becky. "Lord Howe Island Stick Insects Are Going Home." Scientific American Blog Network. N.p., 22 Aug. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.
Maathai, Wangari. "Greenpeace.com." Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/be/3f/9d/be3f9d94a557afebda9b05f6f482d6b3.jpg>.
Environmental solutions are often limited to the specific area they are supposed to benefit. As a result of these solutions, another question arises: Can environmental solutions become global solutions? As a leader at the Newton Environmental Program, I always wonder if some of the conservation measures I have seen in my hometown in Patagonia could be implemented in New England as well. Therefore, the question becomes even more specific: Can environmental solutions formulated for a specific place be implemented globally?
How to preserve and restore the environment has been a rising concern for every nation in the world. As a consequence of human development, environmental solutions are born either to guide, restrain, or entirely halt this development that could otherwise affect the environment (Kevin Long; Importance of Environmental Solutions). Some scholars and environmental experts argue that environmental solutions can only be successful when limited to a specific area. And some others believe that it is possible to create environmental solutions at a global scale. Solar Power can be classified into this category.“Solar power is the the conversion of the energy from the sun to usable electricity” (Solar Power; University of Minnesota). Because every single place on earth has natural sunshine, Solar Power is a great solution to conventional power sources such as hydroelectric, thermoelectric, and nuclear. In the other hand, some environmental solutions apply to such specific ecosystems that it is unlikely that they would work effectively anywhere else. The reintroduction plan for the Lord Howe Island stick insect is something that could not be implemented anywhere else in world but in the island itself. This insect was declared extinct in 1960 due to the introduction of rats into Lord Howe Island in the early 20th century, but was recently found in a small volcanic island a couple miles from Lord Howe. “due to the presence of rats and mice beyond the mesh of their current quarters,they are obliged to remain there until we ... eradicate the rodents.” (Becky Crew; Scientific American magazine). Given that the Lord Howe Island insect can only be found in this small island, the plan for his reintroduction is only applicable to this specific area.
All these sources demonstrate the importance of environmental solutions, both local and global. Even though these solutions differ in their respective ranges of implementation, they both seek to ensure a better future for the environment. This is why a sustainable human development should always be accompanied with environmental solutions to guide their progress. If we depend upon the environment to develop our society, its conservation should be a main priority. Like Kenyan environmental and political activist Wangari Maathai said: “The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves.”- Wangari Maathai
Works cited
Long, Kevin. "Importance of Environmental Solutions." Weblog post. Ezine Articles. N.p., 05 Nov. 2009. Web.
Damaschke, Nate. "Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power, Facts about Solar Power." Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power, Facts about Solar Power. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2016. <http://www.tc.umn.edu/~dama0023/solar.html>.
Crew, Becky. "Lord Howe Island Stick Insects Are Going Home." Scientific American Blog Network. N.p., 22 Aug. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.
Maathai, Wangari. "Greenpeace.com." Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/be/3f/9d/be3f9d94a557afebda9b05f6f482d6b3.jpg>.