Question

Some people argue that human actions have caused and will continue to cause harm to Earth’s environment. They believe that we as a people are not responsible stewards of humankind and that our actions will lead to the destruction of life on Earth. Other people argue that although our technological advancements may have caused environmental changes, these advancements have made general living conditions (extended lifespan, improved medical care, and knowledge transfer, for example) better for most people. Therefore, we as a people are being responsible stewards of humankind Based on the information presented in this unit, respond to this statement: “The best actions a people can take make life better for each other.” Which of the arguments above—or another argument you’d like to present—best addresses this statement. Explain your answer.

Answer 1

if we make life better for ourselves, we can do the same thing, in a larger extent, to help others.

we, as human beings, have created the pollution that exists on earth. technology also creates this pollution. as technology increases and helps people lead easier/better lives, the old technology is abandoned. look at the data for LCD screens as trash, the lead that a CRT can produce in the environment, the circuitry that is strewn throughout the dumps of the world, if they make it to the dumps, the chemical waste produced just in making more of the tecnologically better devices.

look at recycling numbers across the country. in my town in a north eastern coastal state, recycling is very well received and can make a difference. i know people in the midwest where recycling is not even an option. recycling will only work if everyone does it. it can't work if only a few people do it based on cost/benefit numbers.

so, if people want to do better for everyone, they have to start with themselves and then move on to others. to paraphrase, to act globally, people need to start locally