Human activities have contributed significantly to the environmental problems that the world is facing. They include the use of pesticides and spraying of massive quantities of chemicals during oil exploration among others. Whereas there are benefits linked to the use of these chemicals, the cost of environmental degradation is far more than people anticipate. For this reason, there has been a dispute on whether the environment should be conserved or the human needs should be met at the expense of affecting other organisms physically, economically, emotionally, and psychologically among other ways. It is important to note that people and these organisms rely on one another. Hence, there is the need to conserve the health of the environment and the entire ecosystem.
In Favor of Conserving the Environment
The use of pesticides that contain dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) became widespread after the World War II. However, the chemical elements present in the pesticides kill organisms indiscriminately including songbirds that are not the intended target (Watson 53). Equally, the pesticides have had adverse effects on human beings. In particular, the pesticides accumulate in the human body and especially in the fatty tissues. Therefore, pesticides pose a danger to farmers who use concentrated chemicals to spray their crops. In a move to ensure the environment is clean to allow all organisms to thrive, organic farming and integrated pest management should be encouraged. It is important to note that the ecological imbalance that exists is due to the increase in the use of pesticides from 32,000 tons in 1960 to 615,000 tons currently (Watson 55).
Secondly, spraying of huge amounts of chemicals on the Gulf Coast by the British Petroleum (BP) has led to adverse impacts on the environment. The chemicals once they enter the marsh grass create a huge problem as there is poisoning of the marine waters. Ultimately, there is the death of natural organisms such as shrimp, finfish, crab, and oysters among others (Klein 66). Moreover, the chemicals used during oil exploration weaken the roots that hold the marsh together. In their absence, there is a threat that the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River Delta will be washed away increasing the hurricane incidence. The people are affected also as the land that is available for occupation has decreased owing to the effects the chemicals have on human beings (Klein 67). Hence, environmental conservation will ensure crowded skies and the rich waters will have more life.
Against Environmental Conservation
There are benefits attached to the use of pesticides and further chemical sprays in oil exploration. In particular, pesticides have saved the lives of over 500 million individuals since World War II (Watson 52). Crop yields have tripled over time owing to the use of pesticides that have eliminated tent caterpillars, gypsy moths, and beetles. Apart from the agricultural yields, the use of pesticides has saved the acreage of natural habitat that would be destroyed by pests. On the other hand, the chemicals used in oil exploration contribute to a successful exercise that has over time seen the gas prices becoming relatively affordable (Klein 71). Besides, technological advancements have minimized chemical spillage enabling the survival of natural organisms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of environmental conservation outweigh the costs that come with the use of pesticides and other chemicals. In particular, there is the need for integrated pest management as this will ensure natural organisms thrive in their ecosystem. Similarly, a reduction in chemical spillage to the ocean owing to oil exploration will translate to increased shrimp, finfish, crab, and oyster population. Hence, there is the need to promote the health of the environment.
Works Cited
Klein, Naomi. “A Hole in the World.” Rollins and Bauknight, pp. 65 – 75.
Watson, Bruce. “Sounding the Alarm.” Rollins and Bauknight, pp. 51 – 56.
