Our natural environment consists of both living and non-living components, which are commonly
referred to as just 'the environment.' The key constitutes of our environment include two main
areas. The complete ecological units functioning as a natural overall structure with minimum human
interference is the first main area of the environment. This eco system consists of animals,
vegetation, rocks, atmosphere and microorganisms.
The second key environmental component constitutes anything and everything not specifically
human-originated, but also lack clear boundaries while belonging to universal natural resources and
physical phenomena. Among these are water, air, climate, energy, magnetism, electric charge and
radiation.
If you take a look around you, you will see that nature and man's creations are at odds everywhere.
What we have built constitutes the built environment. Any geographic region can be considered to be
a natural environment only if the effect of human beings on it is as little as possible.
Wilderness, does not automatically mean a natural environment. Any area where there is no human
interference at all is a wilderness. There are other conditions that need to be met if a region is
to be considered a natural environment. National forests and nature reserves are considered to be
part of the latter.
Our natural environment is under threat and it's a commonly known fact. Arctic glaciers are melting,
the hot climates are getting hotter and rains are falling out of season. The role of natural
environmentalist groups are very relevant in this situation. They broaden the horizons for actions
and policies on preserving the environment to be enforced by governments and society. Preserving the
environment includes protecting what remains, restoring and extending the natural environment (some
areas were previously occupied by humans and are now desolate, creating new wilderness areas).
There are plenty of things to be done to preserve the earth - pollution is a major concern that
needs to be tackled. The depletion of non-renewable sources of energy is another concern. Many
species have been wiped out and many others are on the brink of extinction. Land, air and water are
not inexhaustible resources. The environmentalists try to preserve and protect the earth and its
ecosystem in many ways, trying to tackle these problems.
With all the pollution that the earth has to face every day, there is every need to be concerned
about our natural environment. Industrial plants, huge development projects - everything that is
supposed to advance the human race sets the Earth back drastically. Global warming is just one of
the many things we have to worry about.
Taking up the challenge to protect and preserve our environment is everyone's responsibility. It
cannot be simply put off till tomorrow. Global environmental preservation starts right inside your
own home.
