Conservation of the environment is a matter of concern in the contemporary society as we discuss in this paper. Richness and beauty of natural environment is threatened more and more as with the progress of technology, urbanization, and industrialization. Environmental conservation is a virtue that cannot be overemphasized since it covers matters such as protection of ecosystems, conserving the diversity of species, and conserving natural resources that are required in the support of life. People should have a good understanding and value conservation of the environment to improve on the standards of living for future generations.
Conserving Biological Diversity
The first and paramount importance of environmental conservation is to conserve the biological diversity. Biological diversity can be defined as the quality and quantity of plants, animals and microorganisms, fungi – and the natural environments which support them. This heterogeneity is indeed critical to maintain, sustain and support the various ecosystems that are associated with the various ecosystem services for instance; air and water quality and soil health. But they have come at a cost of habitat destruction through activities like deforestation, air and water pollution, and more critically climate change. According to the World Wildlife Fund (the international organisation), the vertebrates in the world are at least 60% less than in early 1970s. This kind of reduction is bad for the health and survival of species and the goods and services that are derived from them.
Protecting Natural Resources
Another field of conservation is the protection of the nation's resources resources Conservation also relates to protection of natural resources. Minerals, water, forests, and energy resources are scarce and indispensable in the development of wealth-prescribing human needs. Exploitation of these resources to the later has led to depletion, degradation among other effects on the environment. For example, logging has produced deforestation, which in its turn caused such effects as erasing of soil cover, violation of the water cycle, and elimination of the habitat for a countless number of beings. Likewise, over fishing has led to fleet pollution and destruction of fish stocks through over harvesting which affects food security to millions of persons. Sustainable use of resources, diminishing the rates of natural resource consumption, promoting the use of renewable resources in electricity generating are crucial for future generations.
Addressing Climate Change
Other factor that has contributed to increased need for environment conservation is climatic change. Most of the world's water and land resources have continued to be used to support and facilitate the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and various industrial processes that enhance the production of green house gases fostering world warming and climate change. It has been established that climate change impacts are not limited and are characterized by effects such as, sea-level rise, changes in frequency and intensity of weather-related events, alterations in ecosystems and biotic structures. For instance, oceans – which support marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods – are suffering from coral-bleaching-triggering ocean-acidification and warmth. Climate change countermeasures include activities like afforestation, carbon fixation, and support of using green energy sources.
Improving Human Health and Welfare
As much as security of ecosystems, natural resources, and climate, environmental conservation has a bearing to human health and welfare. This calls for a healthy environment since air, water and food are basic needs of man that he cannot do without. There has been major loss of the health of the people due to pollution that has been as a result of industrialization, agriculture and improper methods of waste disposal has affected the air, water and the soil. For instance contamination of air limits health in a manner that results into respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and death. This is the indication that water pollution results to water borne diseases and millions of people are affected with such diseases. To that extent , while preserving the environment , there will of course be a reduction in the pollution of the environment and therefore an improvement in the health of the public.
Economic and Social Benefits
Moreover, environmental conservation is politically and socially productive, and economically useful. Ecological systems offer diverse benefits to human welfare and economic value. For instance, they offer products such as wood, help in the climatic control and serve as areas of recreation. It is well known that wetlands clean water, protect against floods and supports fisheries. That way, the reservation of these ecosystems will guarantee that they are always offering the services in question. Also, environmental conservation will also lead to employment opportunities in areas such as Green energy, wildlife, and Agricultural value-addition, hence leading to development and poverty eradication.
Promoting Awareness and Education
The other aspects of environmental conservation include the promotion of awareness and education among people of the society. Just like the adage goes, 'knowledge is power', informing people of the necessity of conserving the environment as well as the pitfalls of environmental unfriendliness will go a long way in changing the attitudes of people. This comprises the attempts to minimize the use of natural resources, use of energy, and the harassment of wildlife, and the effort that is made to consévation. Environmental education is the process of imparting knowledge and understanding, principles, skills, values and attitudes, regarding the environment and the efficient use of the available resources, to enable individuals or communities to participate in the manifestation and formulation of policies that seek to restore the environment.
