By Moh’d Hassan Tukur
The environment is everything that surrounds us — the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we walk on, and the plants and animals that make up our natural world. It also includes the roads, buildings, and other structures created by humans. In simple terms, the environment is our home, and the way we treat it determines the quality of life we enjoy. We’re all concerned about climate change as it affects the environment, but when it looks like a problem for future generations, you should ask yourself, ‘will climate change even affect me?’ No matter what you care about, climate change is already affecting our world environment today.
But we still have time to limit the worst impact.
A healthy environment is essential for survival. It provides us with clean air, fresh water, fertile soil for farming, and natural resources for building and production. Forests, rivers, and wildlife help balance nature and maintain the climate that supports all living things. Without a healthy environment, human life would be difficult, if not impossible.
Therefore the importance of the environment cannot be overstated. Clean air reduces the spread of diseases, while safe water prevents infections and promotes good health. Trees and plants supply oxygen and help reduce global warming. Proper waste management prevents pollution and protects our communities from sickness and bad odors.
A good environment also contributes to community development. When a community is clean, green, and well-organized, people take pride in their surroundings. It attracts investors, tourists, and new opportunities for business and employment. Children grow up healthier, and citizens become more responsible in protecting public spaces.
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However, when the environment is neglected — when people dump waste carelessly, cut down trees, or pollute the air and water — it affects everyone. Diseases increase, the land becomes less fertile, and the beauty of our surroundings disappears.
Did you know that 2 in every 3 people worldwide live in environments of severe water scarcity? Even a small increase in global temperatures will destabilise the water cycle and could make water scarcity much worse. Climate change affects rainfall patterns, meaning both drought and flooding will be more common, and more intense. And although it’s hardly comparable with life-threatening floods, climate change may already be making you late for work.
To build a better future, everyone must play a role in protecting the environment. We can start by keeping our streets clean, planting trees, avoiding open burning, and properly disposing of waste. Schools, religious centers, and community leaders should also promote environmental awareness among people of all ages.
A clean environment means a healthy, happy, and progressive community. Let us all join hands to care for our environment today, for the benefit of tomorrow.
