It is difficult to balance the needs of an ever-increasing population, with the needs of the natural environment. Conservation of flora and fauna has never been as important as it is now. Strides have been made in the past fifty years to provide protection for the environment. While strides have been significant, more community involvement will greatly benefit conservation efforts.
Throughout history, the United States has had an inconsistent record in conservation efforts. Some pro-conservation actions like the creation of a national parks system are countered by the encouragement of energy industries that have detrimental effects on the environment. Continued American urbanization is driving animals from their natural homes. Action needs to be taken to protect our animal and plant brethren.
The need for conservation is quite obvious from a look at United States history. At the time of the formation of the union, the mountain lion and the American bison both had territories spanning much of North America. Now, the bison only exists in limited pockets, primarily due to the efforts of conservationists assisting its survival and the mountain lion has become locally extinct in most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.
Conservation is commonly thought of as protecting animal life, but efforts are also made to protect plant life. The United States was once home to substantial amounts of old growth forests, which are important because of their biodiversity and as oxygen producing sites. Much of the old growth in the United States has been logged, and efforts are still made by logging companies to deforest these areas. Old-growth lumber has great value to less scrupulous companies. This issue is also severe in South America, where noticeable amounts of the Amazon Rainforest are still being demolished by loggers and land developers
As a singular individual, one can assist in conservation with the simple actions of recycling, limiting the use of energy-expending devices, and general environmental stewardship. Sadly, these efforts have a negligible effect on the grand scheme of things, and do little to stop the greater threats to our natural world.
Involving citizens in conservation efforts is the biggest step to saving the environment. Conservation organizations in the United States numbers are in the hundreds, and many are looking for volunteers at all times. Some organizations include The Nature Conservancy, the National Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club.
The plight of the environment can often be overlooked, especially with the recent trends towards “green” living that are touted in the media. The reality is, these efforts are limited in scope, and more needs to be done.
Corporate entities have not shown the integrity to be trusted with the environment in the past, and they should not be trusted now. Legislation protecting the environment must be campaigned for and organizations that defend it need to be supported.
Corey Krajewski is a Staff Writer for the Bona Venture. His email is
krajewcj11@bonaventure.edu
