Introduction
Rachel Carson and Jared Diamond are authors of works that focus on the human relationship to the environment. In their works, they explore the subject of ethics and its influence on how a person behaves toward the nature that surrounds him or her. The authors make ethical arguments that show that people are responsible to future generations for the kind of world they leave behind. Humanity must take the protection of nature seriously and take care of it carefully to live in cleanliness and safety. I also believe that human attitudes toward the environment and other people are fully interconnected, and each of our actions can have other consequences.
Main body
Ethical considerations are an essential part of the state of the environment. In her essay, The Obligation to Endure, Carson emphasizes that future generations may be severely affected by the use of nuclear weapons, potent chemicals, and waste (Carson 2014). The author says that we must endure now to leave a better environment for the next generation. As proof of this argument, she highlights the fact that chemicals have a devastating effect on all life on the planet. The poisoning of animals, fish, and birds, the increase in the incidence of cancer among the population, as well as numerous health problems, are devastating for the modern world. Carson argues that if humanity continues to be negligent in its actions, it will ultimately lose its commitment to future generations and push them into suffering.
In his essay, The World as Polder, Diamond writes that a person needs to think more globally about the possible consequences of his actions. It suggests that humans cannot feel the interconnectedness of their actions towards the environment because they see themselves as part of a particular group of people. For example, Diamond uses the deforestation and wildlife killing situation to demonstrate the proportion of these actions about nature (Diamond 2013). The author emphasizes that these actions cause social unrest and contribute to the degradation of society, while it should recognize the shared responsibility for nature.
The authors, Diamond and Carson, provide concrete evidence as to why human self-perception is a reflection of his or her relationship to the environment. For example, Carson cites genetic diseases and the active emergence of tumors in an increasing number of people due to exposure to harmful chemicals (Carson 2014). Any action has its own social and environmental consequences, and in the case of irresponsible behavior, it can be harmful to the individual. Diamond, for example, focuses on history, comparing modern climate change and resource use with past difficult periods in history (Diamond 2013). Thus, both authors are inclined to believe that by ignoring the signs that nature has given humanity, it may face problems that society cannot solve.
I am convinced that our relationship with the environment and interpersonal relationships between individuals are interrelated. Moreover, for me, there is a direct link between these indicators. The gradual deterioration of the environment may lead to a regular increase in social unrest. This example illustrates the possibility of political disputes over nature and resources. For example, consider climate change, which has recently been actively seeking global warming worldwide. This event may further exacerbate the problem of lack of resources on Earth, and this will entail further conflicts over water, land, and minerals (Rosa and Collado 2019). In addition to global causes, I am convinced that the use of harmful chemicals can have a devastating effect on human health and reduce human viability. Being irresponsible to the environment, we have the same relationship to our health, harming both ourselves and other people living on the planet.
The above arguments may indicate that humanity is on the verge of an environmental crisis and is constantly risking its existence. Nevertheless, it is essential to realize that individual actions alone cannot solve this problem alone, and only shared responsibility for the environment can make a difference. In the first place, a person needs to recognize the relationship between his or her behavior in life and the world in which he or she lives. According to Diamond, humanity is a global polder, so every organism must work together with others (Diamond 2013). These beliefs will help a person to understand the fact that life is a constant struggle for survival, but in this case, the person is the enemy of himself. Thus, to change the world around you, you need to start with your changes to live in a world that is comfortable for this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authors have made compelling arguments about what we owe to future generations and why it is so crucial for humanity to protect the environment together. Neglecting the state of nature can lead to social and environmental impacts that seamlessly spill over into political strife. I believe that human relationships with the world and human interactions are interconnected, so we are both responsible for each other and nature. Thus, everyone is part of a system that functions only when each piece of machinery is involved.
Works Cited
Carson, Rachel. “The Obligation to Endure.” The Ecological Design and Planning Reader, Island Press/Center for Resource Economics, 2014, pp. 122–130.
Diamond, Jared M. “The World as Polder: What Does It Mean to Us Today.” Yale Environment 360, Yale School of the Environment.” Yale School of the Environment, vol. 360, 2013.
Rosa, Claudio D., and Silvia Collado. “Experiences in Nature and Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors: Setting the Ground for Future Research.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, 2019. Web.