I was privileged to be in an intellectual gathering where a lot of discussions were raised about the relationship between man and the environment, whether the relationship between the two has been mutually beneficial or a one-way traffic?
Looking at the thoughts shared in the discussion, I can say that man had been getting more from nature over the years. Not just because of the growing population of man which has necessitated the need for increase in consumption but also the expansion of man over the surface of the earth which has led to the destruction of natural gifts of nature and increase in carbon-monoxide.
For example, in Senegal there are mangroves and these tropical plants are known for massive consumption of carbon thus ensuring the supply of more oxygen resultantly having positive effects on the climate. Unfortunately, people started cutting the mangrove for personal use and this almost endangered them (mangroves) if not for restrictions put in place.
I believe man is yet to know the various implications of his actions on his environment. At some point, discussion on how the current age and their practices would affect future generations came up and I cannot but agree that there is need for intentional restrictions to be put in place if the current generation of human plans considering the future folks living a good life.
For starters we need to preserve the major beings instrumental to our existence and number one on the list is the pollinators, the bees! People consume honey a lot, farmers in charge of harvesting this should be guided on how to handle the bees in charge of hives so they get preserved.
I learnt a lot from the session and personally I feel we should be more of givers than takers. We consume a lot and this affects the planet. We need to start asking questions on how we can contribute to the planet. Planting of trees, processing wastes into manures other than burning and emitting carbon to the detriment of our environment and climate, among other suggestions are ways I believe we can save our planet.