The topic may just seem like a question to you, but this has been on my mind for some time now. The worry gave me no choice but to talk about it.
Have you ever walked through your neighbourhood and noticed a sudden heat rise? What about the trees you saw around you some years ago? Have they diminished in numbers or increased, or has the trash seemed to multiply overnight? To answer my own question, yes, I did. I have noticed many changes in the environment. Last year, during one of my trips to Accra, Ghana, I visited a once green park where children used to play. This year, as I went back, I saw that parts of it were barren, with dry soil cracking under the sun and piles of plastic waste scattered around. It hit me hard, and all I could say was: This is what happens when sustainability slips through our fingers.
Let us educate each other. Sustainability is not just a buzzword that is thrown around by corporations or policymakers. I will personally compare it to a thread that is holding our environment, our communities, and our governments together. But then, what happens if that thread breaks? What if sustainability fails?
In this post, I will take my time to share with you the consequences, real-world examples, and some insights into what failure looks like and why it matters to both you and me.
What Does "Sustainability Failing" Really Mean?
When we talk about sustainability failing what comes to mind? I envision it as a breakdown in our ability to balance today's needs with tomorrow's survival. This includes:
Natural resources are being depleted faster than they are regenerated, and communities are suffering from inequality, instability, and poor quality of life. The more I think about it, the more it hurts me that we are living this planet behind in filth, dirt, and unrest for the next generation. I am an environmental studies student, and to let you know, the health of our environment is important, and we must make sure of it.
The Domino Effect of Unsustainable Practices
I researched a lot on this topic before coming out to share these facts with you, and I found out that the effects that unsustainability will bring when it continues rampant will be massive. These impacts won't come one by one. They will pile up like dominoes. That is why I call it the Domino Effect. You may be wondering, but visit the YouTube search bar and just type " Galamsey in Ghana". Hit the enter button and see the effects that illegal mining practices have brought upon natural resources. You don't know what happens to the environment when we engage in unsustainable practices? Let me tell you:
- The environment collapses, and that is where you see the rise in global temperature and extreme weather events, leading to scarcity of clean water and arable land, and the extinction of species at an alarming rate
- There is economic turbulence where industries collapse, relying on natural resources, and poverty increases due to unemployment.
- There is social instability where health issues continue to increase due to pollution and unsafe living conditions.
Let us put all jokes aside. We may think we are hurting the environment by fighting selfishly for our basic needs today, but when the impact comes, it comes to all of us. And do you know the sad parts, even the innocent ones will face huge consequences.
Come, let us explore the Reality on the Ground.
During my own case study and research, I found out on BBC News that Cape Town in 2018 faced a severe water crisis which the city nearly ran out of clean water due to the ignoring of water sustainability. Let us even say this happened a few years ago, but right now, even as you are reading this, it is happening right in front of our eyes. Let me bring you to Ghana, my country, where Galamsey," the illegal mining of gold," is a war between the government and some localities.
It is not because they are not aware of the dangers, but because of selfishness and greed for money. As we are talking right now, some water sites have been shut down due to the filth and the use of chemicals that come into the recycling sites. How do you expect me to transport that filth and mercury-muddy water to someone's home for consumption? I will as well do more harm than good.
That aside, let us talk about plastic pollution. Has it not become so severe? Thanks to the Buzstop boys, some areas and drainage systems in Ghana are being cleared currently to make the city and the environment sustainable. Imagine people building in waterways as if there is competition for land. Can't you call experts to help you with the construction of your home to meet the layout and plan of the city's development? I blame no one but the chiefs, landowners, and land authorities who value money over the environment.
Why Does It Matter? Here is Why
I am writing this not only to educate a few people, but everyone, no matter the country in which you find yourself. It is easy to think sustainability is someone else's problem, like the governments, scientists, or big corporations. But pause for a moment.
- How would your life change or be like if food prices doubled by tomorrow?
- What would it mean if your tap ran dry for weeks?
- Can your children play in polluted air without consequences?
Yes, these are the reasons why sustainability matters to all of us. It matters to me personally, and it matters to you personally, too.
It Is Already Here, So How Can We Prevent It From Failing?
We can prevent sustainability from failing, but it requires collective and individual efforts and responsibilities. Let me help you with the breakdowns:
- Governments and Businesses must invest in renewable energies, regulate the actions, inactions, and practices of industries, and protect the forests and oceans
- You and I can do specific things daily, like reducing waste but promoting recycling, educating our friends and families who have little or no knowledge about the dangers, we must conserve energy, and support brands that support sustainability
Our Shared Responsibility: My Conclusion
When sustainability fails, the results are real, they're painful results and not abstract ones, but ones close to home. It is therefore our shared responsibility to safeguard and protect our natural resources and the environment, no matter where you find yourself.
Now Your Turn
What changes are you making in your daily life to live more sustainably? I may pick up litter around. What about you? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
