I believe that sustainability is the skill to adapt. Earth's natural systems and human cultural systems and economies must adapt to Earth's continuously changing environments. Sustainability has three major components: natural capital, human activities, and solutions.
Natural capital is the natural resources and services that allow all forms of life to survive and supports our economy. Natural resources are materials and services found in nature that directly help humans. There are two types of resources: renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable would be materials such as air, water, soil, and plants. Nonrenewable items would be copper, oil, and coal; fossil fuels. Natural services are processes of nature which support forms of life and economies. Natural services include air and water purification.
Many human activities are continuously degrading natural capital. Pollution has been harming the world's oceans, and it is far from being solved. Some say laws and regulations should be enforced. The oceans are continuously filling up with trash discarded by cities and boats. Ocean trash affects marine life, economies and degrades human health. Plastics do not biodegrade. Many sea turtles consume jellyfish, and when a turtle sees a plastic bag it believes it is food. The turtles swallow the bags and suffocate, drown or starve. Without proper action, this issue will only continue to worsen.
Environmental scientists are searching for solutions to the degradation of natural capital. Florida has a law protecting all of the turtles found there. Ocean Conservancy has been working worldwide with fishermen, fishery managers, lawmakers and conservation groups to create a safer environment for sea turtles. This conservationist group has also helped establish safe nesting sites for sea turtles, such as the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. To help: do not litter and pick up trash. Even if trash is not at the beach, it usually finds its way to the ocean. Trash harms all aquatic and land animals.
Ocean Conservancy: Sea Turtles
