Man is the most knowledgeable species of creation. Unlike other animals, he is endowed with the power of reasoning, judgment and instinct. Having being created with the ultimate command to dominate, he was assigned the most revered position of nature’s curator. His distinct role in repositioning, restructuring and reinventing the earth is only a proof of his superintendence over every work of existence. In addition to the exclusive right to till any part of the earth, man was saddled with the responsibility to protect the earth; to tend its plants and animals. 

Regrettably, the appetite of man for the resources of the earth seems to override his responsibility to protect it. Instead of being a guarding angel, he has become the destroyer of the very thing he was meant to protect. Human activities in the areas of science innovation, agriculture, commerce, transportation, etc. have done so much harm to the serenity, safety of the earth and indeed its self-sustaining ability. All this is happening as a result of man’s appetite for a perceived ‘better’ and ‘simpler’ life.

The amount of greenhouse gases which include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere have continued to increase since the industrial revolution of the 1750s. The effect of this is the increase in the earth’s average temperature; resulting to climate change with the attendant effects of drought in some parts and floods in other parts of the earth; both resulting to food shortage, water scarcity, diseases and even deaths.

Our air, water and land environment is continually being polluted by human activities like use of diesel/petrol cars, industrial machines, mining, refining of petroleum, bush burning and other unwholesome agricultural practices.

From the evidence of things, it appears that man’s relationship with the earth is that of a parasite and its host as man seems not to care what happens to the earth as long as he gets what he wants out of the earth. This unfortunately could be dragging the earth to its abrupt end. 

The unprecedented frequency of floods in some parts of the world is also said to be a direct consequence of human activities such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse, building on drainages and accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in water channels. None selective felling of trees, poaching, and other activities that destroy natural biotic habitat have made man the greatest enemy of the serene earth. These activities have resulted to desertification and extinction of some species of animals. From the evidence of things, it appears that man’s relationship with the earth is that of a parasite and its host as man seems not to care what happens to the earth as long as he gets what he wants out of the earth. This unfortunately could be dragging the earth to its abrupt end. 

Against this background, it is imperative for humans to rise up to their original responsibility and devise means of saving the earth from eminent collapse. For instance, instead of building on drainages and water ways, we could ensure strict adherence to approved building plans, but where such plans do not exist, it would be best to seek professional advice before building structures to avoid flood and erosion. We can choose to dispose of our domestic and industrial wastes in ways that will not impact the environment negatively. Similarly, we could avoid unnecessary burning of bushes and use of non-biodegradable materials as much as possible. We can resolve to stop using water-proof bags for shopping, recycle used plastic, aluminum, iron and other metallic materials. 

In order to protect and preserve biodiversity, man must make deliberate efforts to regrow forests, stop hunting the young animals and small fishes. Only mature game should be hunted. Agriculture must be practiced in ways that encourage cover cropping in order to protect the earth from the devastating effects of erosion, extreme evaporation and hence desertification. 

Yet if men must not cut down trees for firewood, if we must not use fossil fuels or non-biodegradable materials, we will need better alternatives. Therefore, government and other relevant organizations must develop, improve and encourage use of eco-friendly sources of energy. Research into solar and wind energy should be intensified to make it cheaper and effective hence, attractive to the average man. 

We owe our children and the generations to come the legacy of an earth full of its potentials. This we can only achieve if our attitude toward our environment is positively changed in a way that, the earth and all of its resources are sufficiently protected and preserved.