Urbanization

   Urbanization

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    Urbanization has been the defining trend of the 21st century. Sure, urbanization brings about economic development, enhanced infrastructure, and improved living conditions. However, the dark sides to urbanization can outweigh these benefits. As cities expand and populations soar, the environmental toll becomes increasingly evident, posing many significant threats to our planet.

    One of the most conspicuous consequences to urbanization is air pollution. The surge of industries, vehicles, and energy consumption in urban areas leads to heightened levels of air pollutants, such as nitrogen and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants not only compromise air quality but most definitely contribute to diseases related to the respiratory system, posing a serious threat to people in urban areas. Furthermore, these pollutants may include greenhouse gasses that can increase the process of global warming, posing a global threat. 

    The rapid expansion of cities often results in clearing vast areas of land for development. This clearing mostly includes deforestation, which not only destroys vital ecosystems but also diminishes the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a key contributor to climate change.

    As populations grow, so does the demand for water. The extraction of water for multiple purposes often leads to the depletion of local water sources, causing scarcity in many areas. Additionally, poor waste management systems result in the contamination of water, further jeopardizing the health of ecosystems and the communities that rely on the sources. 

    Finally, the conversion of natural landscapes into urban areas has consequences for biodiversity. The destruction of habitats and ecosystems disrupt the balance of green landscapes and animals. Many species struggle to survive or adapt in the face of rapid, immense change, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the value of landscapes but also disrupts essential ecosystem services, such as pollination. 

    While urbanization brings undeniable benefits, its negative environmental impact cannot be ignored. Conservation practices and planning must be implemented into society to address these environmental challenges;. Only through mindful and sustainable urbanization can we hope to mitigate the adverse effects on the environment.

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/urban-threats

• https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/urbanization/#:~:text=Urbanization%20often%20results%20in%20deforestation,alter%20species%20ranges%20and%20interactions.

Green Buildings

    Green Buildings

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    As global awareness of the environmental impact of human activities begins to rise, green buildings are becoming a profound transformation in architecture that is leading to a sustainable future. Built with sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact, green buildings are eco-friendly buildings that are designed to minimize environmental footprint. These structures perform this task by integrating innovative technologies to reduce resource consumption, enhance efficiency, and promote overall well-being. 

    The main importance of green buildings is the commitment to energy efficiency. Unlike green buildings, traditional buildings consume high amounts of energy, significantly contributing to climate change by emitting greenhouse gasses. On the other hand, green buildings employ many strategies such as advanced insulation to optimize energy usage. They also utilize renewable energy sources such as solar panels to further reduce the reliance and use of non-renewable energy. 

    Another focus of green buildings is water conservation. Modern technologies such as rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems help reduce water consumption, addressing the global scarcity of water. The overall purpose of green buildings is to strive to create a system where resources, such as water, are efficiently used and waste is minimized. 

    Government initiatives and certificates, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are adopting green building practices worldwide. Specifically, LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification ensures healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental and social benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of environmental sustainability. 

    As we transition into a period of sustainable change, green buildings can be a profound method of striving for a more eco-conscious future. If green buildings are utilized worldwide, it can make a significant difference in achieving a healthy environment.

• https://www.usgbc.org/leed

• https://www.pnnl.gov/explainer-articles/green-buildings#:~:text=Green%20buildings%20help%20reduce%20negative

237 Run

 237 Run

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

On the 20th of July, members of EcoSave as well as other volunteers signed up to run across the Banpodaegyo to honor 237 million children worldwide who lack proof of identification, such as birth certificates. 

Runners were equipped with a name tag that not only served as proof of participation, but mainly served to spread awareness. More specifically, the real names of various children who have received support from OpenHands regarding the lack of birth certificates were inscribed on the tag. It also contained their age, gender, village, and country of origin. 

The purpose of this nametag was for participants to run "with" the children, recognizing the significance of birth certificates, and how they can change the lives of these children. 

Furthermore, a fundraiser was held to support this event and the meaning behind it. Water bottles were distributed with QR codes leading scanners to learn more about the situation behind these children. 

Role of Agriculture in Environmental Sustainability

 Agriculture in Environmental Sustainability

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    As the global population continues to rise, the role of sustainable agriculture in meeting the demand for food and contributing to a healthier planet becomes vital. 

    Traditional agricultural practices have been linked with biodiversity loss. However, sustainable agriculture seeks to change this by simply promoting biodiversity within and around farmlands. Certain agricultural approaches, such as polyculture, foster a more diverse range of crops, attracting beneficial insects and supporting natural pest control. Essentially, sustainable agriculture helps maintain a balance between various species by mimicking natural ecosystems. This overall leads to biodiversity conservation. 

    Traditional agricultural methods, including the use of synthetic fertilizers, can degrade soil quality and contribute to erosion. On the other hand, sustainable agricultural practices, such as minimal tillage, focus on building and maintaining healthy soils. Healthy soils can act as a carbon sink, taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change. This is an alternative way of solving the issue of climate change, in addition to minimizing deforestation. Moreover, the use of diverse crops in certain agricultural methods can enhance soil fertility, promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. 

    Furthermore, agriculture is a major consumer of water resources. Sustainable agriculture prioritizes efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting. These practices can increase efficiency and also reduce environmental impact since water use is being optimized. 

    Finally, sustainable agriculture minimizes chemical inputs by adopting organic farming methods to regulate soil fertility and pest control. This approach emphasizes the use of natural predators, crop rotation, and others to reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture.

    All in all, agriculture can play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability. As the global population struggles with the challenges of feeding a growing community, the need for sustainable agricultural practices becomes significant. Therefore, it is imperative that farmers and other supporters collaborate to promote agricultural practices that ensure a sustainable planet.