Introduction
Nature refers to the surroundings and external conditions that influence the way living organisms grow and develop. For humankind, nature influences the way they live, work and interact with the living and the non-living. Human beings do not exist in isolation; they require support from the rest of the life forms. The environment consists of physical elements such as water bodies, soil, minerals on the earth surface and space. Biological compositions include wildlife and micro-organisms. The other component of nature is culture, which is made of the economy, social well being, politics and other man-made features (Ambrosius 2-3). This essay will discuss nature and its importance to human beings. Man is interconnected with the environment and cannot exist in isolation.
Importance of Nature to Humans
There is a need to balance the economic, recreational and aesthetic benefits that humans experience from nature. Preservation of these natural resources is indirectly related to man’s own existence (James and Alan 265-267). Man depends on nature and the environment to obtain the goods and the services required for growth and development. Humans and the environment are inseparable and form a strong system in which both parties interact to promote life.
Through this interrelationship, humans can alter the system to improve the quality of life (Richling 114). For instance, natural resources in the biophysical environment are useful to mankind, directly or indirectly. Water is directly reliable for consumption and, in activities like agriculture. Nature promotes relationships among societies, for example, some minerals are used as a form of value exchange and for aesthetic purposes. Resources are used to build transport facilities and ease man’s mobility (Stapp 34).
Nature supports life and, should be conserved to ensure that future generations also get a chance to utilize it (James and Alan 265). Humans have the ability to alter nature for their own convenience. However, this does not give them the right to destroy nature or engage in activities that have negative effects on the environment. Destructive development affects the quality of life that humans lead in the long term. Pollution and industrial wastes destroy groundwater and risk the health of humans and other living organisms. Therefore, nature determines the survival of humans; they are obliged to protect and conserve the environment for them to lead healthy lives (Stapp 5).
Nature acts as a source of inspiration to mankind. When distressed, people opt to go to a peaceful environment, for instance, at the river banks to watch the waters as they flow. This heals them and, diverts their attention from the source of their worries to calm them down. Traditionally, people attached spiritual values to nature. For example, they believed that nature could take away all the evils and dissolve them thus, gain them peace (James and Alan 265). It depicts integrity and is used by poets to express the wonder that is portrayed by natural creations. Heavenly bodies like stars may not be accessible, but they impress humans and influence their behavior. Nature is not mean and this encourages humans to act the same way (James and Alan 354).
Conclusion
Man cannot exist in isolation from the environment due to the interconnectedness nature of the system. It forms an integral part of human life and, determines the quality of life that they lead. Therefore, humans may change some forms of nature but have no right to impact nature negatively. Negative effects on nature affect living organisms including the humans in the long run. To ensure that the benefits of nature are experienced even in the long term, it is essential to conserve and protect the environment. Nature benefits individuals economically, spiritually, socially and also meets their aesthetic needs.
Works Cited
Ambrosius, Wendy. Deep Ecology: A Debate on the Role of Humans in the Environment. 2005. Web.
James, Missy, and Alan Merickel. Reading Literature and Writing Argument. New York: Longman, 2012. Print.
Richling, Andrzej. “The Concept of the Natural System and its Importance for the Development of Intergrated Research on the Natural Enviroment.” Warszawa 11 (2004): 5-11. Web.
Stapp, William B. “The Concept of Environmental Education.” The Journal of Environmental Education 1.1 (1969): 33-36. Web.