Why is Caring for Ecosystems Important?

It is important to take care of ecosystems because they are fundamental to life. Maintaining a natural balance in these is essential for nature to take its course.

An ecosystem comprises all the elements that coexist in a natural space and their relationship with the environment. There are them of all kinds and sizes; they are all important and interconnected.

Human intervention has led to the disappearance of many ecosystems, with consequent negative effects, such as the extinction of species.

The 5 reasons to care for ecosystems

Avoiding climate change

One of the most pressing problems facing humankind in the coming years is climate change.

Industrial activity is one of the reasons why this change is taking place, given that it has emitted enormous amounts of polluting gases.

If no concrete action is taken to prevent climate change, sea level may rise, leading to the disappearance of small islands and coastal areas.

In addition, the rise in temperature will make desertification progress, making life difficult in many areas.

Encouraging economic activities

While damage to ecosystems has often been caused by attempts to achieve greater economic benefits, there is no doubt that in the long run its destruction can damage the global economy.

For example, there are countries with a fishing tradition that are seeing the depletion of fishing grounds where they used to fish, either through overfishing or pollution.

Similarly, the deforestation generated to encourage the cultivation of certain products ends up damaging the quality of the land, which eventually loses production.

The advance of desertification due to climate change also affects crops and livestock.

Avoiding social conflicts over scarce goods

All of the above has repercussions on the human being. Experts say that the next wars may be for a good that is becoming scarce in some areas: water.

The disappearance of aquifers, whether due to global warming, excessive exploitation or pollution, is causing water shortages in some countries.

This will lead to major migrations, with the resulting social conflicts that can occur. It also affects crop areas, which can lead to severe famine.

Improving people's health

Worsening human health is real if certain behaviours that damage the environment and its ecosystems are not corrected.

Environmental pollution in large cities has led to an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases. Allergies have also increased in recent years and are expected to continue to do so.

Contamination of arable soils by heavy metals can also adversely affect health.

Create a favorable environment for future generations

The conservation of animal and plant species should be a moral as well as an economic obligation.

Leaving the planet as best as possible for the next generations must be seen as a compromise.