Johnna Boore
Ecology

Ecology is a topic related to environmental issues that will have an impact on our future. Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and deforestation are some of the ecological problems in the nation that should be taken into consideration. The best solution to these problems are creating a nation that, instead of only money and wealth, consider ecology and environmental issues priorities. If this is not taken into account, our children and younger generations may suffer because of our mistakes.
The environmental status of our nation is getting worse every day. For example, global warming is a well-known topic in which we may be able to take action to control. Although it would be a challenge, eliminating fossil fuels would be one way to control global warming. Using plant-derived plastics, biodiesel, and wind power would help lessen the use of these oils. Another way is to build new highways and better roads, as even in the most efficient vehicles bad roads can lower the fuel economy. This would help cut greenhouse gas emissions and drive economic growth in developing countries. Building energy efficient buildings and improving cement making processes also can help control global warming as it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the developed world and prevent them in the developing world. Other things that would help global warming include moving closer to work, consuming less, being more efficient, and eating smart.
Every year there are 3 million tons of toxic elements put into our land, water, air. This waste causes a loss of 15 million acres of land, along with leading to respiratory and other health problems within humans. To help with this problem, we can recycle, reuse as many items as possible, use biodegradable products, store all liquid chemicals in spill-proof containers, and do not dump motor oil. To help with air pollution, we can carpool to avoid as many traveling vehicles, keep your car up-to-date with maintenance. Avoiding aerosol and lighter fluid also will help.
Biodiversity is often overlooked due to the economy being more concerned with other issues. Some fail to realize the importance of all species, and the role that every creature was made to play. For example, a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops and greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. There are a list of things that we can do to help this problem. One is buying wood from sustainable legal sources, as much of our wood is coming from our natural forests, which is causing some animals to go extinct. A major portion of our biodiversity lives within the sea, so eating fish not in danger would be another way to help control this. Also, not buying items that may have been made out of animals that are in danger of becoming extinct would also be a help.
Ocean Acidification is a factor in biodiversity as well. This is caused again by fuel fossils. When carbon dioxide end up from the air into the ocean, it is preventing ocean creatures to build their shells and building reefs. Many people today depend on sea food as their primary source of protein. This acid is killing many species and habitats at a rate ten times faster than what was projected. There are things we can to do help. We need a groundswell of informed citizens to get Congress to have the backbone to stand up to the entrenched interests