Introduction
Sustainability and affection are more interconnected and intertwined than is believed. The idea of creating a sustainable environment, building sustainable infrastructure, and a relationship of respect between humans and nature stems from affection and the desire to care for living beings.
Sustainability is essential for humans’ fulfilling lives and the planet’s survival. Affection, on the other hand, is crucial for people’s mental health and well-being. It is vital to prioritize both affection and sustainability. Without the former, it is impossible to shape the human bonds that move us toward sustainability goals. At the same time, without the latter, no environment will be suitable for the human race’s prosperity.
Fostering Sustainability Through Human Affection
Human connection and bonding are inextricably linked with sustainability. How people connect with each other directly impacts the human ability to sustain themselves and the planet. At the core of sustainability lies the necessity to find ways to meet the needs of humans without sacrificing the future of the following generations.
Thus, the essence of sustainability as an idea is the love we feel toward the people that will come after us. To ensure this, it is necessary to understand deeply how human actions impact the environment and work together. Marwa Al-Sabouni mentions how dismantling certain features of the Syrian cities and disregarding nature affected the environment and the people who lived there (Blackwood, 2021). This demonstrates the importance of caring about the needs of people and the flora and fauna when constructing living spaces.
Maintaining agricultural lands is also essential for a sustainable environment and human well-being. Agriculture is the backbone of human civilization, providing food and other essential resources for survival. However, modern agricultural practices have led to environmental degradation and health issues.
By prioritizing love and affection towards humans and understanding the need to take care of people’s and children’s physical and mental health, focusing on preserving farmlands will be seen as more relevant. Berry (2013) argues that “land abuse cannot brighten the human prospect. There is, in fact, no distinction between the fate of the land and the fate of the people”. How people take care of the land will shape their future.
Understanding our place in this world and our connection with it is crucial for fostering sustainability and human affection. Berry (2013) mentions that “for humans to have a responsible relationship with the world, they must imagine their places. To have a place, to live and belong in a place, to live from a place, we must imagine it.“ A vision of our future and our place in the world is the key to sustainability through affection.
Conclusion
To conclude, sustainability and affection cannot be separated. The core of sustainability is caring about the future of those who will live after us. To ensure sustainability, it is necessary to consider its relation to human connection, agriculture, and understanding people’s place in the world. With these ideas in mind, sustainability will become more achievable, and people’s well-being will be prioritized.
References
Berry, W. (2013). It all turns on affection. Irish Pages, 7(2), 122-141. Web.
Blackwood, S. (Executive producer). (2021). Marwa Al-Sabouni: Architectrue as a matter of life and death. [Audio podcast episode]. In The Ralston College Podcast. Ralston College. Web.