Environment refers to everything surrounding living and nonliving things on our planet that provides resources, shelter and protection from radiation and pathogens that aid their survival. Without healthy environments, many species would struggle to remain alive; humans too require clean air and food that provides essential nutrition for survival – not smoking, unhealthy diets and excessive alcohol consumption which pose risks – plus essential resources like water, oil, coal metals and so forth are derived from them as part of living things’ survival.
Environment can be divided into two broad categories: Abiotic and Biotic. Abiotic environments refer to nonliving parts of an ecosystem such as soil and water, while biotic environments refer to living organisms within that ecosystem. Both components interact through cycles; for instance, Sunlight passes from plants through animals and decomposers before dissipating into their surroundings after being used by organisms for various metabolic processes and then eventually being dispersed back out again into their immediate surroundings.
The natural environment or world comprises all living and nonliving things found naturally on Earth or in any given region, such as ecosystems and their features, physical phenomena that occur globally, as well as all their constituent parts and features. Unfortunately, many misinterpret this term as only meaning those parts that haven’t been altered by humans; but this would be inaccurate because humans have had an immense effect on this very dynamic and beautiful place they call Earth since humanity came into being.
Photosynthesis transformed our planet, enriching the atmosphere with oxygen to allow animals to survive on it and producing profound environmental change that transcended all other human activities. This activity alone left an indelible mark.
An environment conducive to human and other life forms on Earth is vitally important. People depend on it for food, fuel, fiber and other raw materials they need for building homes, clothing and other products – as well as enjoying its beauty for recreational activities and improving mental wellbeing, according to research conducted by TEEB (Technology and Ecosystem Assessment).
People need a healthy relationship with the environment. They must preserve it for future generations and try to balance their activities with nature’s needs, as any disruption to it could have serious repercussions such as pollution of air, water and land; biodiversity loss; and climate change.
Humans can wreak havoc on the environment in several ways. One way is through burning fossil fuels or using chemicals for agriculture; another way is through harvesting too many trees and plants for timber; yet another is polluting oceans with plastic debris and other pollutants that enter our waters.
