Ecological Principles

Ecological Principles

Luscious green forests serve as the habitat of many diverse animal and plant species

More so , these forests not only nurture a rich biodiversity but they also provide an immense amount of natural resources for human consumption . However , due to changing times , the latter became the priority for the utilization of the forest . Because of the emergence of large-scale industries , many of U .S . lands including forests are being turned into commercial spaces for the benefit of corporations and consumers . Actually , only 15 .8 of the protected (cited in

Ganly , 2007 ,

. 1 ) and over 95 of U .S . forests in the span of 200 years have been prone to logging (Save America 's Forests , 2008 , Crisis in America 's Forest

In line with this , the U .S . Forest Service is primarily responsible for the degradation of national forests . Acres of forest land have been cut down to gain monetary profit (Save America 's Forests , 2008 , Crisis in America 's Forest . Because of land misuse , millions of species have been displaced wherein 443 of the or threatened (cited in Ganly , 2007 ,

. 1 . There have been instances wherein wild animals were seen in suburban homes because their natural habitat have been destroyed causing panic over the human population . If animal invasion in human territories intensifies , this can cause virus outbreaks , alterations in landscapes and stress on the human population Furthermore , the more serious and direct effects of rapid forest deforestation are flash floods than can both ruin agricultural crops and infrastructures , soil degradation that can cause erosion and landslides and the extinction of many species of animals and plants

The U .S economy , being driven by capitalism , is considered as the number one consumer in the world . As such , U .S . feels the need to retain its status as the leader in the world market . In to do so , the U .S government must ensure that every citizen of the United States have a high standard of living . Standard of living is defined as the measurement of the consumption of an individual , a group of people or a country . However , some factors that are difficult to quantify like the ecological impact are not included in measuring the standard of living (Web Finance Inc , 2008 , Standard of Living . This goal is mostly achieved at the expense of the environment . In relation to this , I don 't agree with what an American delegate said to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development that the U .S . standard of living is not up for negotiation . Increase in consumption leads to a high demand that causes a direct amplification in supplies . In for manufacturers to reach the demand of their consumers , they must increase their raw materials . Since these materials are mostly derived from the environment , natural resources are rapidly deteriorating

As an American , I am guilty together with my family in contributing to this problem . More so , many American households practice a non-ecofriendly lifestyle . Because of technological advances...