Man is considered the dominant specie among all animals. The domination of man is evidenced from activities that affect the environment and other animals. Consequently, these activities trigger environmental degradation and pollution. In addition, there is evidence relating poor environmental care to the increased emergence of diseases that affect man.
However, the analysis on the different cycles of life associates human beings with the environmental hazards. The link between environmental degradation and human beings explains the consequences of the same in relation to the emergence of modern-age diseases.
The following discussion emphasizes on the role of man in environmental degradation and modern-age diseases.
First, farming practices such as clearing land and chemical use have a negative effect on the environment (Lappe 854). Land use systems and relevant changes of the same have been associated with environmental pollution for many years (Lappe 855). The use of land for agricultural and industrial reasons has led to deforestation, pollution and emission of dangerous gases and chemicals into the environment.
An emerging concern is pollution of the air, water, and the environment as causative agents and triggers for modern-age diseases (Lappe 858). Emissions from food, transportation systems and carbon-dioxide into the atmosphere are the highest contributor to the greenhouse effect (Lappe 859). A significant amount of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) gases are emitted into the atmosphere from households, industries and factories (Lappe 859).
CFCs and greenhouse gases contribute to the continued destruction of the ozone layer, therefore, leading to the penetration of radiation rays into the earth surface. The element of ignorance by man in engaging in activities that contribute to the increased amount of the CFCs and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere has become a norm in the 21st century (Lappe 859). Interventions to limit these activities have not had a significant effect on environmental conservation. In fact, people are yet to adopt alternative sources of energy.
In modern times, cancer is considered a major cause of deaths in many countries. In the contemporary world, many of the cancer patients do not have a history of the same in the family lineage (Tarter 823). Apparently, this explains why cancer is considered a modern-age ailment. Research on the causative agents has associated the environment as a major trigger for cancer, and not just genetics (Tarter 825). Exposure of man to chemicals derived from the environmental pollution is a common finding among majority of the cancer patients.
Environmentalists argue that some of the harmful chemicals are not easily absorbed into the plants system. Therefore, chemical traces are transferred to the water systems, which are ingested by man if not properly treated. Organic pollutants and other genetically modified foods have become an important part of the diet in the contemporary homesteads. As a result, the accumulation of the chemicals in the body takes time before they attack the immune system rendering an individual’s body unable to defend itself from the disease (Tarter 832).
In conclusion, there are various systems in the environment that are linked to the continued deterioration of health in the society. In a bid to develop effective interventions for environmental degradation and modern-age diseases, it is important to address factors that contribute to the prevalence of the same. Although it is a burden to conserve the environment, it is relatively important to protect the same for mutual benefit. Therefore, making the environment a safe habitat for man and animals is a moral duty (Tarter 827).
Works Cited
Lappe, Anna. “The climate crisis at the end of our fork.” From inquiry to academic writing: A text and reader. Ed. Greene Stuart and Lidinsky April. Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 2012. 852-865. Print.
Tarter, Jim. “Some live more downstream than others: cancer, gender, and environmental justice.” From inquiry to academic writing: A text and reader. Ed. Greene Stuart and Lidinsky April. Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 2012. 822-835. Print.