“People are the only element that can choose to create or restore balance” – Anonymous
I was recently shown a documentary that showed a photographer trying to capture the beauty and beauty of nature through his lens. However, he quickly realized that humans as an element of nature are playing a role in affecting the stability of the rest of nature’s forces, which includes water, fire, and earth.
The documentary demonstrated how the apathetic natures of humans have begun to have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, its inhabitants and other elements. This demonstrates that stability of all five elements is necessary to ensure a nation is free from dangers. The imbalance of any one element can have a negative effect on the balance of all the elements.
The movie is about the United States of America, but it’s only one aspect of the movie. However, it can be quickly compared to our country, where the elements of fire are not present, but the four other elements, earth, air and water, are present and unfortunately imbalanced.
Different geopolitical zones of Nigeria have their own unique elements that wage health-linked war against communities. These are mostly caused by the human element which, without remorse, pollutes the other elements to gain or because they are ignorant.
According to the International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioural Science (IESBS), an environmental hazard is a dangerous substance or event in the earth and its ecosystem that could have adverse effects on humans and the things they value.
An environmental risk is a byproduct of environmental hazards. This refers mainly to health consequences that can arise from pollution, climate changes, radiation noise, land-use patterns, drug use, and other factors.
Some parts of the country are experiencing land, water and pollution problems. This is because of the political and economic structure. However, some people are not protected from the harshness of the environment and its effects.
It is fair to say that the Lagos State government has managed to reduce some of these environmental hazards to a minimum level in Nigeria. But, the human factor seems to be an integral problem that creates environmental risks.
Dr. Dolapo Fasawe heads the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency LASPEC. It is clearly focused on reforming State policy in matters relating to environmental protection and risk.
The Lagos State government has a new approach to managing environmental risks. It has chosen to concentrate on identifying the risk factor and preventing it.
Indisputable evidence has shown that the State government was able to address environmental problems by creating agencies such the Lagos State Waste Management Agency. (LAWMA) -to manage waste management and reduce risk to overall health. The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office is (LASWMO) and other agencies to prevent environmental harms.
However, man continues his threat to the environment by his destructive human behaviour. This has caused imbalance in other elements.
The severity of human behavior’s impact on the environment is however measured by the population and geographic location of those most affected by these risk factors. This could include flash floods and erosion, poor air quality, climate changes, climate change, cholera, cancer, and many other consequences.
The gory image of Styrofoam floating in water-clogged streets was posted on the internet years ago in the Surulere axis, Lagos State.
Others have criticized the government for not creating a drainage system. However, it is important to emphasize that the human-induced havoc continues to be huge.
Lagos residents should understand that the quality our lives as humans is greatly influenced by the quality of the environment we live in. Many people don’t understand that the environment we live in, like the air we breathe, is vital to our lives.
Or how can we explain those who make their living in an unsanitary and inhospitable environment. It is still quite common to see people dumping things on the roads from their cars.
Stinking gutters still take pride of place on the streets next to easily-located food vendors, making it easier to dispose of garbage.
Even some of the fanciest areas are not exempted “pure water” sachets (which surely rank very high on the list of the most environmentally-unfriendly products ever invented!Bottles and unofficial garbage dumps are found around the gates of well-manicured lawns and posh homes.
This is a shameful habit in a state where environmental sanitation is a priority. It is detrimental to the common good.
Humans seem to be unaware of the environmental risks that exist and can cause havoc if they are not properly addressed. The adverse effects of contamination are the alteration in the natural characteristics of the atmosphere by open defecation or improper disposal, burning fossil fuel, and any other environmental risk trigger factors that may cause climate change.
The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are trapped because of contamination of natural characteristics. Most of the time, heat complaints are a result our collective actions.
Maybe single-use plastic, which is the biggest enemy of the ecosystem’s health, can be tackled and the nation could be on its way back to normalcy.
Single-use plastics have taken over the market and, due to its inability of decompose properly, it has contributed to environmental hazards. The Federal Government could intensify its efforts to create alternatives to single use plastic. Humans will, in fact, evolve with the changes.
The National Agency for Food Drugs Administration Control’s (NAFDAC), which has decided to ban the sachet manufacture of sachet alcohol, is a positive step. It would not only prevent the harmful effect on people, but it would also reduce the non-biodegradable waste in society.
It is impossible to emphasize the positive effects of an eco-friendly environment. They promote healthy living, which will intentionally lower the cost of living and increase mental health.
Nature can be angry and cause havoc. We need to change how we view environmental issues. The earth is our home for the moment. It is where we live and breathe, eat, and raise our children.
We cannot afford to damage the environment as our entire essence is dependent on it. We can live without any pollution or hazards from human-induced activities if we have a positive attitude toward the environment.
Future generations can grow and live in peace by protecting the environment. They won’t have to deal with any contamination we have caused. Protecting the environment is the best way to avoid diseases and other environmental hazards.
Otuyemi is part of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy. Alausa, Ikeja.
