Caring for the earth: What should be the stance on development vs nature preservation
Are you living in a big city? Take a moment to look around you. What you will likely see are towering high-rise buildings, symbols of progress and development.
These structures are often seen as the hallmark of urbanization.
But, hidden behind this facade of progress lies a pressing dilemma:
The cost of this development is often paid by the environment.
As a Christian, you are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Earth. This raises an important question:
What should be your stance on the relentless expansion of infrastructure at the expense of nature preservation?
In this article, we will guide you toward a middle ground. This is so you can navigate the tension between the need for infrastructural development and the imperative of preserving the natural world.
Environmental degradation
Environmental degradation refers to the breakdown of the Earth's ecosystems or the decline of the natural environment. This is through the consumption of vital resources like air, water, and soil, along with the destruction of natural habitats and the eradication of wildlife.
Moreover, this encompasses any changes or disruptions in the natural world that are considered harmful or undesirable.
Causes
The deterioration of our environment is not a singular or isolated phenomenon. Rather, it results from the intricate interplay of various interconnected factors.
To gain a deeper understanding of the causes of ecological impact, we must dissect these contributing elements.
Rapid human population growth
One of the foremost drivers of environmental degradation is the exponential growth of the human population.
As more individuals inhabit the planet, the demand for resources intensifies. This includes not only necessities such as food, water, and shelter. It also includes the consumption of energy, transportation, and goods.
The sheer number of people on Earth places immense pressure on our natural ecosystems. They struggle to sustainably provide for the ever-expanding human populace.
Unrelenting economic expansion
Economic growth is crucial for improving living standards and eradicating poverty. But it often comes at an environmental cost.
As economies expand, industries flourish, and consumption increases. This leads to heightened extraction of natural resources, more energy consumption, and greater production of goods.
For instance, China is facing booming populations in mountainous regions. As a result, they are embarking on an ambitious endeavor - leveling mountaintops to make way for urban development.
Escalating per capita wealth
The rising wealth of individuals across the globe is often associated with improved living standards and higher incomes. But it presents another facet of the problem.
As people attain greater affluence, they tend to consume more. Hence, they are driving demand for resource-intensive products and services. This increased consumption contributes to resource depletion, waste generation, and emissions, further straining the environment.
Resource-depleting and polluting technologies
The technologies we use to meet our daily needs and desires play a critical role in environmental degradation.
Many of these technologies rely on finite resources. This includes fossil fuels, minerals, and water.
Additionally, some industrial processes release pollutants and greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. As a result, air quality is degraded, and climate change is hastened.
Environmental Fallout
Moving mountains, literally and figuratively, is a complex and perilous endeavor, even when executed with precision.
Unfortunately, many of these projects lack adequate planning, resulting in severe environmental consequences. Erosion, landslides, and dust storms have already emerged as pressing issues. Rivers are blocked or polluted. Moreover, valuable forests, farmlands, and wildlife habitats are sacrificed.
One example of this is the Guadalupe Canyon.
It was once a lush riparian corridor spanning northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. But the canyon is now facing significant environmental challenges.
In pursuit of fulfilling campaign promises, the Department of Homeland Security is dynamiting cliff sides and carving switchback roads up steep mountains. This is to construct a 30-foot-tall border wall through the canyon. This costly endeavor will do little to curb undocumented immigration. But it will irreparably damage an essential North American wildlife corridor.
Christian responsibility of caring for the earth
The Bible underscores three compelling reasons why Christians bear a profound responsibility for caring for the environment.
Firstly, God Himself affirms that His creation is inherently good. The material world holds a special place in God's heart, as He continually sustains it. In the absence of His sustaining hand, the world would descend into chaos.
Secondly, in Genesis 1:28 and 2:15, God explicitly charges humanity with the responsibility of caring for His creation.
He entrusts us with the task of overseeing both the living and non-living elements of His handiwork.
Moreover, our role is to exercise dominion over creation wisely and compassionately. This is without exploiting it for selfish gain. By fulfilling this divine mandate, we enable the Earth to thrive and fulfill its intended purpose, which is to bring glory to God.
The third reason underscores the future hope that Christians hold in their hearts.
The Bible anticipates a renewal and recreation of the cosmos, often referred to as the "new heavens and new earth."
This vision is shared by both the Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 65, Revelation 21). In this renewed creation, God's intended fullness of life will be realized. It will be a place where God dwells among His people, and both humanity and the entire creation will unite in worship and adoration.
Therefore, how we care for the environment today should serve as a preview of our responsibilities in the new creation.
Importance of infrastructure development
It is undeniable that Christians are entrusted with the task of caring for the Earth. But it is important to recognize that responsible environmental stewardship does not necessarily mean halting all infrastructure development.
Infrastructure serves as the backbone of a nation's progress.
It facilitates trade, allowing goods and services to flow efficiently. In turn, it benefits both local and international markets. Moreover, it promotes economic inclusivity. This is by offering opportunities for employment and narrowing income disparities within societies.
As developing countries continue to experience population growth, the need for high-quality, sustainable infrastructure becomes even more imperative.
Supporting sustainable architecture
As Christians, we may not have the power to halt all infrastructure development. But we do possess the ability to advocate for and support sustainable architectural practices.
Sustainable architecture aligns with our responsibility to care for God's creation.
It encourages us to minimize the negative impact of construction on the environment while fostering spaces that promote the well-being of their occupants.
One example of sustainable architecture is Frank Lloyd Wright’s visions.
Even in an era when sustainable or green architecture was not as widely discussed as it is today Wright was setting precedents.
He emphasized the use of natural materials as a fundamental aspect of his designs.
To him, honoring the local environment meant meticulous consideration of material usage, harnessing natural light, prioritizing functionality, and incorporating sustainability to minimize the impact on surroundings.
Moreover, His designs embraced concepts like natural ventilation and daylighting. This is not only for their sustainability but also for their economic benefits, potentially providing natural heating and cooling.
Another example is Anupama Khundoo. She is a contemporary architect who continues the legacy of sustainable architecture by integrating modern and traditional materials with local artisanry.
Her unique approach revolves around a profound understanding of materiality and technology. This is combined with a deep appreciation for local craftsmanship. This allows her to create spaces characterized by identity and beauty. Her palette of materials ranges from concrete to rammed earth and repurposed terracotta bowls.
Notably, the Voluntariat Homes project in Pondicherry stands as a testament to unconventional material usage. Here, environmentally friendly and cost-effective mud bricks were handcrafted on-site by local artisans. And, the entire building was fired as a whole to create catenary-shaped domes.
Middle ground
In this world, development often comes at the expense of the environment. As a result, it can sometimes feel challenging for Christians to fully fulfill their duty of caring for the Earth. However, remember that there is always a middle ground that we can advocate for.
By supporting sustainable practices, promoting eco-conscious architecture, and actively engaging in efforts to protect our planet, we can strike that balance.
Our faith calls us to be caretakers of God's creation. In finding this middle ground, we honor that sacred responsibility. Hence, we are ensuring a more sustainable and harmonious future for all.
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