The relationship between humans and nature is damaged. Nature, which was once the center of our world, is know undervalued and taken for granted. It is possible that this change in appreciation is due to other factors other than the expanding of technology, but all signs point to technology as the divide between humans and nature. Nature is undervalued in that humans don't take the time to appreciate the beauty and wonders nature beholds. For example, today, New York City is one of the most visited places on earth, much more visited than the state parks. I think the lack of appreciation for nature can be seen in the amount of money that is invested into advancing technology, versus the amount of money our government put towards preserving and healing the environment.
In my life, I travel through big cities a lot to go to soccer tournaments. The disregard to the harm of nature is very concerning. While traveling through Long Island last weekend, there were countless of factories located on the shores, and the harmful chemicals being released into the waters are toxic. This again displays how the production of goods using technology is a higher priority than keeping the environment protected. The more damaged the relationship with nature becomes, the more damaged our earth will be. Sadly, disrespect towards nature can be seen in small towns like Keene as well. My road contains a swamp, and in the warmer days, it becomes a dumping ground for junk people don't want to keep. I've seen everything from sofas, televisions, and tires thrown into the swamp. In addition, beer cans and litter is scattered across many of the streets in Keene.
I hope one day more people can see the world as I see it. The world to me is a beautiful place. I don't know where my passion for the environment comes from, but I've always enjoyed the outdoors. With technological advances, nature can easily be forgotten, and we can forget the beauty that surrounds us. Technology is a distraction for humans, and I hope that one day nature can get the recognition is deserves. I think the children growing up today are growing up in a society that is desensitized to harming nature, which is a troubling sign. Children are surrounded by so many technologies, that they grew up with a skewed vision of nature truly is. In order to heal the earth, our relationship with nature needs to be repaired.
I love how you compared the amount of money put into manufacturing compared to the amount of money put into the environment and then provided examples, Casey. It really made me stop and think as I was reading it. It made me visualize the situation, which was kind of like a wake up call for me. I also agree with your opinion about the world being a beautiful place, but do you feel as though it is being destroyed? Or do you think people simply don't take care of it as much? (If that makes sense.) I also think that children growing up and being desensitized to nature is also a problem. It's scary to think about. Do you think as teenagers being on their phones all the time, that we are a model for those kids or is it more their parents? The earth takes care of us, so we should take care of it as well! :)
ReplyDeleteThe reference to New York City you talk about in your post is very true, how we visit what we have built that destroys nature rather than an untouched nature. I found that very interesting. It is truly sad that things we have made with hardly any consideration on what we are doing to the natural environment. Do you think we could be better off without our big cities? This could possibly help solve our climate and environmental problems. Great thoughts and awesome post!!
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that you are able to relate this to personal experience because you travel to big cities a lot is very valuable. I also have a very strong passion for the environment like you that I don't know where it came from but I think people need to view the world from your perspective more. The fact that people dump trash into the swamp by your house disgusts me! yuck! great post though!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, I agree that nature is for sure taken for granted and that many people don't realize what is around them. I think its really interesting how you tied in personal experiences with this blog post. You really gave supporting details on your thoughts. I can't believe that people would trash a swamp so near to you, that is just not okay. I too have always enjoyed to outdoors and have a great love for doing new things in nature. I really enjoyed reading this post.
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