Recently, the words “poor environmental situation”, “disturbance of the ecological balance”, and “ecological disaster” have been heard more and more often. Before discussing whether such a catastrophe threatens the world, it is necessary to find out what the concept of "ecological balance" means. Despite the fact that the term was first introduced back in high school, many have little idea of the meaning of this phrase.
Environmental dictionaries explain that ecological equilibrium is the ratio (both qualitative and quantitative) of all natural processes, environmental components, human factors that ensure the long and sustainable existence of biogeocenosis. Biogeocenosis is a holistic system consisting of a complex of plants, animals, other living organisms, tightly interconnected by abiotic factors (atmosphere, environment, geostructures, lighting, climate, etc.)
In other words, ecological equilibrium is the relative stability of biological processes, climate, and the community of living organisms inherent in a particular territory.
The sustainability of the ecosystem provides a combination of autotrophs and heterotrophs. The first (they are also called producers) are organisms that are able to process inorganic substances into organic compounds. Heterotrophs need these organic products for their vital functions. Such organisms are also called consumers or reducers.
Ecological balance can be measured. Typically, the measure is the diversity of species, as well as their sustainability.
If the changes go beyond the usual environmental standards, there is a violation of the ecological balance. Its result is a sharp reduction in some species and the reproduction of others. An example of an environmental disaster: the story of the extermination of sparrows in China or the breeding of rabbits in Australia. Illiterate human intervention in these cases led to the death of rivers, the disappearance of many animal species.
The atmospheric gas composition (both dependent and not dependent on human activity), water pollution, and global environmental pollution can upset the ecological balance.
Most often, the balance is disturbed due to the results of human activity.
Man occupies more and more land for his activities, displacing living organisms from their usual habitats.
Industrial development contributes to the depletion of natural resources, urban growth pollutes the atmosphere, natural reservoirs.
Violation of the ecological balance in places of residence, some scientists believe, can become a real "end of the world." Their example is the Aral Sea, which, as a result of human activity, has turned from the fourth largest body of water in the world into an offensive sewage collector.
Other scientists are not so pessimistic, they are sure that a change in the ecological situation does not lead to a disturbance, but to a change in the ecological system, forcing people and animals to adapt to new conditions. But even experts have no doubt: environmental pollution can lead to the fact that a person will be outside the system where he is able to survive.
In order to avoid this, it is necessary to cultivate environmental awareness from early childhood. This is not so difficult. A conscious attitude to nature begins with small. If the baby learns not to break branches, not to stomp lawns and not to destroy grass, then becoming an adult, he will be able to at least think about how much harm his work brings to the outside world. And he who knows how to think will never destroy his own home, will not destroy the world in which his children live.