Sustainability, like many words, can have several definitions. The definition of a word can change and grow depending on the context it is used in, but it can also change as the person using the word changes or gains knowledge. At the beginning of the year I defined sustainability as how long something lasts. It was simple, to sustain something meant to make it last longer. Now, the word means so much more. Sustainability is the ability to live in a way that is not detrimental to the planet, to adapt to new environmental problems in an eco-friendly way, and to keep searching for a way to keep this planet around as long as possible. The only way we can sustain ourselves, our race, is if we sustain the planet as well. Taking this class has really given a whole new meaning to the "butterfly effect"(the idea that one small action can have extreme consequences). We live in a pretty sheltered are when it comes to pollution and the fact that we don't see huge amounts of litter or smog allows us to belittle the problems we have caused. One of the biggest issues we face as we move forwards is the lack of knowledge when it comes to environmental science. The fact that we can turn a shoulder and pretend the environment is okay shows ignorant people can be when it comes to the environment. After lack of knowledge I would say population growth is probably the second largest problem we face. The world can only sustain so many people and we are quickly running out of resources. The countries booming in population are generally still developing countries, so these people will continue to live in poverty as the population continues to grow.
Our trash is invading the homes of wildlife, harming and often times killing them. Animals are ingesting/getting caught in our garbage because we can't make the effort to throw it in a trash can or recycle it. Since we don't see the problem it is easy to ignore that there is one. How long will it take for us to become responsible for our actions?
The quest for new sources of energy, new technology has given us terrifying and unfathomable power. Nuclear power, while it is a cleaner form of energy, has the power to destroy entire villages, towns, and regions. One misstep can lead to the abandonment of an entire region for decades to come , as is the case with Chernobyl.
As we make these mistakes (Radiation leaks, pollution, etc.) we have come to learn how they are affecting our planet and our future. We will never have a chance to start over but we do have the chance to reverse the damage we have already done. Because of this we are now working harder than ever to grow and learn what the world can become if we take care of it.
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