PSIR 3c. Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. UPSC 2023, 15 Marks
Rapid environmental degradation poses a multifaceted threat to human security, affecting access to essential resources, exacerbating conflicts, and displacing populations. Addressing these challenges requires concerted global efforts, sustainable resource management, and proactive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Failure to do so could lead to severe humanitarian crises and increased vulnerability for communities worldwide.
Introduction
Rapid environmental degradation is a pressing global issue with far-reaching implications for human security. This article explores the multifaceted ways in which environmental degradation threatens human security, supported by relevant examples.
1. Water Scarcity
Impact: Depletion of freshwater sources threatens access to clean drinking water and agricultural production, causing food and water insecurity.
Example: The Aral Sea in Central Asia has shrunk drastically due to excessive irrigation, leaving nearby communities struggling with water scarcity.
2. Climate Change
Impact: Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise result in displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
Example: Cyclone Idai in 2019 affected Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, displacing thousands and causing food shortages.
3. Loss of Biodiversity
Impact: Erosion of biodiversity affects ecosystems, disrupts food chains, and threatens global food security.
Example: The decline of honeybee populations worldwide endangers pollination of crops and food production.
4. Deforestation
Impact: Destruction of forests contributes to habitat loss, disrupts ecosystems, and exacerbates climate change.
Example: The Amazon rainforest's deforestation threatens its role as a carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot.
5. Soil Degradation
Impact: Soil erosion and degradation reduce agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity and displacement.
Example: Soil erosion in China's Loess Plateau has displaced millions and harmed agriculture.
6. Ocean Acidification
Impact: Acidic oceans harm marine life, affecting fisheries and coastal communities' livelihoods.
Example: Coral reefs, vital for fisheries and tourism, are dying due to ocean acidification and warming.
7. Pollution
Impact: Air, water, and soil pollution contribute to health problems, reducing life expectancy and well-being.
Example: Air pollution in New Delhi, India, has reached hazardous levels, causing respiratory illnesses.
8. Resource Scarcity and Conflict
Impact: Competition for dwindling resources can lead to conflicts and displacement.
Example: Water disputes between upstream and downstream countries, like the Nile River conflict, can escalate into regional tensions.
9. Forced Migration
Impact: Environmental factors, such as droughts and floods, contribute to forced migration and refugee crises.
Example: Syrian refugees, in part, resulted from a prolonged drought that led to crop failures and displacement.
Conclusion
Rapid environmental degradation poses a multifaceted threat to human security, affecting access to essential resources, exacerbating conflicts, and displacing populations. Addressing these challenges requires concerted global efforts, sustainable resource management, and proactive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Failure to do so could lead to severe humanitarian crises and increased vulnerability for communities worldwide.