MAN HAS always been dependent on the environment for food, shelter, recreation and livelihood opportunities. From the oceans and rivers to mangroves and rainforests, we benefit from the natural resources found in these environments. We also acknowledge that there are many natural processes that occur in the environment that benefit us and collectively sustain our planet. There is no doubt that the environment is an integral and necessary part of our everyday life. To develop a better appreciation for this environment which sustains all life on earth, we must learn about the basic components and processes that occur within it.

So, what makes up the environment?
The environment consists of both living and non-living things and natural processes that are continuously occurring around them. Living things include plants and animals, while non-living things include soils, air and water. Environments are unique and may include many habitats which would usually support a wide range of animals and plants.

What threatens the environment?
Over the years, we have seen the degradation and even complete loss of some of the most pristine environments on the planet. Our efforts to advance our lifestyles and the pressures of an increasing global population have led to an accelerating demand on environmental resources. Moving away from rural lifestyles has led to the clearing of areas to build houses and roads. The clearing and filling of wetlands has also become very prevalent as people settle along coastlands. Some of the other common activities that have an impact on the environment include logging, pollution, and the over-harvesting of natural resources, such as fish and wildlife.

Deforestation is a serious global issue as it relates to combating Climate Change. Forest ecosystems provide essential services, including the purification of water, recycling of nutrients and storage of carbon. The latter function is particularly important because it removes significant amounts of carbon dioxide, one of the most prevalent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been recognized as being a major cause of global warming, or an increase in the Earth’s atmospheric temperature. This causes Climate Change, which is associated with the extreme weather events being felt now more than ever, and will continue to be a major problem in the future.

How can we help to combat the many challenges to the environment?
One of the most important concepts for finding a balance between human demands on the environment and its limits is sustainability. As an individual, family, community or nation, we all need food, water and shelter to survive. We therefore cannot realistically stop using the natural resources found in the environment. We can, however, practise ‘sustainable-use’ of these resources. This simply means that we wisely use today, but leave for tomorrow.

At the individual or family level, it does not require much effort, and ultimately helps to save you money. Here are some things you can do to live a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle:
Support local farmers and food manufacturers
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Do not waste water and electricity in the home and office
Invest in energy-efficient devices — TVs, microwave ovens, laptops, security lights, etc.
Walk, ride or use public transportation more often
We can all make a difference if we each adapt lifestyles with the environment in mind. Collectively, we can contribute significantly to the world’s fight against our changing climate. You can make a change for the better in 2010!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division. The Environmental Protection Agency, 7 Broad and Charles Street, Charlestown, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com