Emmalee Burlile's view on Environmental Regulations

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Warner Pacific College

October 24, 2011

            Regulations and laws in many different areas are important keys to our society.  Without these rules, our country would be in much more chaos then it is currently.  In order to help protect this land where we live, there must be Environmental laws and regulations as well.  According to scientists, “Earth is currently entering its sixth mass extinction event – and we are the cause” (Withgott & Brennan, 2011, p. 60).  Unfortunately, the extinction of many animals and plants are due to human’s interaction and killing either purposefully (more often than not) or accidentally.  Although there will always be people who disobey and break laws that are put into place to prevent this extinction from happening, this does not mean that the law should be abandoned.  In my opinion, this gives the enforcement of those laws even more importance. 

            For example, just last month South Africa and Vietnam teamed up with the department of environmental affairs to protect the remaining rhinoceros population from poachers (Bauer).  These rhinos are killed for their horns and then the bodies are harshly discarded.  This is happening at an alarming rate and if the rate continues, it will not be long before rhinos are extinct.  After these countries met, plans were put into place to “promote the protection and respect of all natural wildlife in South Africa as well as Vietnam” (Bauer).  They went beyond the protection of rhinos and are working together to promote environmental regulations across both countries.  South Africa also has plans to host similar talks with Thailand and China in the near future. 

            I love hearing stories like this where governments or organizations put forth effort to help our environment.  There is a lot more work to be done and unfortunately, we are a selfish culture who sometimes refuses to participate unless we think it will directly affect us.  But this DOES directly affect us.  There are so many animals on the brink of extinction because WE put them there.  If we continue to kill off animals at this rate, what will be left?  Now, I am not saying that everyone should be a vegetarian.  I love my bacon and eggs just as much as the next person but there are regulations put into place around what meat can be used and how it’s used to prevent over-use and possible extinction.  We also don’t butcher an animal just for one specific body part like what is happening with the Rhinos.  In most cases, we use the WHOLE animal.  From the cow’s tongue to its hind quarters, each part of the animal serves a purpose. 

            There is a common phrase or saying called the “butterfly effect.”  It says that if a butterfly flaps its wings, it may cause a hurricane half way around the world.  We must not forget that everything is connected.

References 

Bauer, Nickolaus. "SA, Vietnam Team up to Thwart Rhino Poachers - News - Mail & Guardian Online." & Guardian Online: The Smart News Source. 27 Sept. 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2011. http://mg.co.za/article/2011-09-28-sa-vietnam-team-up-to-thwart-rhino-poachers 

Withgott, J., & Brennan, S.  (2011). Environment: The Science Behind the Stories. Fourth Edition. San Francisco, California: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.