Endangered species

There are many endangered species around the globe. Many things effect the survivability of a species. There are genetic components which effect their ability to adapt to their environment as well as mutations that can directly result in their destruction. Pollution is another cause of species disappearing from the planet. While some factors that effect a species survival are beyond our control, there are things we can do to slow the process. Invasive species are a problem worldwide and in a lot of ways, it is our fault. Whether or not we directly introduced an invasive species into an environment, we can be responsible for controlling or eradicating it once it is introduced.

Some invasive species arrive on their own by hitching a ride with either another species or with humans. There has been an indirect introduction of many species through travel. Creatures come with us on airplanes, boats, trains and cars. In some cases, it is because a passenger does so on purpose, by concealing the creature to bring home as a pet. But more frequently, we may not notice the extra passengers when we leave for our destination.

Invasive species take over food sources, fight for habitat and can also carry or spread disease that can wipe out entire populations. While a grey squirrel in the US may have a natural immunity to a disease, one in the UK may not. By introducing that disease to the UK, you may inadvertently wipe out the entire squirrel population in the UK. In the UK the red squirrel is an endangered species, while the grey squirrel is an invasive species which has caused many difficulties in the survival of the red squirrel including the spread of disease.

We have also introduced some invasive species on purpose. When you are planting seeds in your garden, do you wonder how that plant will do in your climate? If there is any question as to the viability of a plant in your region, chances are, the plant shouldn’t be here. That plant may spread and take over large areas of land and it may also put other species in danger . We have also introduced invasive species in order to destroy another. Some places have introduced predators to lower the population of a prey animal. While it may be effective at first, it is possible that the new species has no natural predator in its new habitat and its population will also get out of control. It is also possible that he introduced species will find a new food source and over indulge. This process has been linked to the placement of several species on the endangered species list.

Two problems for any ecosystem are endangered species and invasive species. While they are two opposite sides of the coin, the two can have a direct correlation. Invasive species can be the cause of another becoming an endangered species. As with many environmental factors, gaining or losing a species can have a devastating effect on the health of any ecosystem.

Environmental issues

There are many environmental issues that deserve attention. One of the greatest issues for the environment and for public health, is the availability of clean drinking water. There are many countries that have scare natural supplies of fresh water. In addition, there are countries whose supply of clean drinking water is extremely limited. Solutions to several problems are necessary in order to insure clean drinking water worldwide. First, those countries with limited access to fresh water sources, need to find ways to convert salt water into fresh, clean water. Next, those countries with polluted water, must find a way to clean their water and prevent future pollution. Clean drinking water is an environmental issues that deserves all of our attention.

There have been some advances in third world countries with regard to clean drinking water. Villages that previously had no clean water, are now able to get it thanks to cooperation with surrounding areas. It should be noted, that some villages were not educated as to the correlation between clean water and individual health. If a population is not knowledgeable as to the importance of an environmental issue, they are not likely to do anything to change. If however, we educate the general public with regards to environmental issues and their effect on our health, we are more likely to achieve positive results.

An example of the necessity of clean water is the current situation in Haiti. They are currently experiencing many environmental issues, not the least of which, is the scarcity of clean drinking water. Those that survived the initial quake and its aftershocks, struggled to find food, medicine and water. Many additional lives were lost because they did not have clean drinking water available. The environment in Haiti changed as a direct result of the earthquake. While there may have been limited sources of clean drinking water available before the quake, it was almost non existent afterwards. The devastation in Haiti become quite clear when we think of people dieing simply because they do not have water. It is a horror to watch people that have survived such enormous devastation, lose their lives for something so many of us take for granted. We often take out tap for granted. We turn it on, clean water comes out. However, that can change in an instant. It takes such a small amount of pollution to destroy the portability of water.

Environmentally issues are important for the survival of this planet and its inhabitants. The environment is a work in process and it constantly changes. While we may not be able to effect some of those changes, we can prevent destruction caused by humans. Pollution is one of the greatest threats to the environment and it is a direct effect of our actions. The availability of clean drinking water is an environmental issue that effects all of us. The health of the environment has a direct correlation with our health. If we live in an area with high rates of pollution, we are more likely to get ill and have a shorter life span. However, if we live an environment that is healthy and thriving, we do will thrive.