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Saving The Earth: How Biology and Ecology are our Saviours

Written by: Vera Mkhsian



The degradation of Earth's ecosystems is a consequence of human actions such as deforestation, industrialization, and pollution. Our Earth is our home and our healing ground, it provides us warmth and safety. Yet the Activities that humans have led to climate change, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of natural resources, has caused Earth to slowly crumble. To mitigate these impacts and restore the health of the planet, it is essential to adopt holistic approaches that integrate principles from biology, ecology, and evolution.


Science offers tools and techniques that can be applied to remediate environmental damage and promote Earth healing. Bioremediation, for example, utilizes microorganisms to degrade pollutants and clean up contaminated environments. Genetic engineering allows for the development of crops with enhanced resilience to climate change and pests, thereby ensuring food security and reducing agricultural impacts on the environment. Additionally, biodiversity conservation efforts are crucial for restoring ecosystem functions and resilience, as diverse ecosystems are more resistant to disturbances and better able to adapt to changing conditions. Examples include the restoration of degraded coral reefs through the transplantation of resilient coral species and the implementation of wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented habitats and facilitate species movement. An amazing Non-Profit where you can learn more about coral reefs and their help on our world is Marine Conservation Costa Rica.



Explanation of Bioremediation

There are three different Types of Bioremediation; Biostimulation, this is where to begin the process the bacteria must stimulate. In forms of gas and liquid vital nutrients substances are mixed with the contaminated soil. This starts up the growth of the microbes which helps with the removal of the contamination of the soil through the bacteria. The second type is Bioaugmentation with this type in order to remove the pollutants, specific locations call for the use of microorganisms.  The bioaugmentation method is employed in unique circumstances. There is just one significant flaw in this procedure. Controlling the proliferation of microorganisms throughout the process of eliminating a specific contamination becomes nearly difficult. The third and last, Intrinsic Bioremediation. Since soil and water are the two biomes most likely to contain pollutants and poisons, these are the environments where intrinsic bioremediation works best. Intrinsic bioremediation is mostly utilized in subterranean environments, such as underground fuel storage facilities. It can be challenging to locate leaks in such areas, and pollutants and other impurities may seep in and taint the gasoline. Solely microorganisms are able to cleanse the tanks and eliminate the poisons.


Ecology provides frameworks and methodologies for restoring degraded ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of human activities. Ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation, such as reforestation and habitat restoration, not only sequester carbon but also enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services. Ecological restoration practices aim to rehabilitate degraded landscapes by reintroducing native species, restoring natural hydrological processes, and enhancing soil fertility. Furthermore, ecological engineering strategies can be employed to design and manage ecosystems in ways that optimize their functions and resilience. Examples include the restoration of urban riparian zones to improve water quality and biodiversity and the creation of green infrastructure projects like bioswales and constructed wetlands to manage stormwater runoff and reduce urban flooding.


Evolutionary principles offer insights into the dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, informing conservation and restoration strategies. Understanding the role of evolutionary processes in shaping species interactions and adaptations is essential for effective biodiversity conservation. Moreover, adopting adaptive management strategies that consider evolutionary dynamics can improve the resilience of ecosystems to environmental changes. Sustainable land management practices that promote genetic diversity and facilitate evolutionary responses to environmental stressors are also crucial for long-term Earth healing. Examples include the use of assisted gene flow techniques to enhance the adaptive capacity of tree populations threatened by climate change and the restoration of degraded grasslands using locally adapted plant genotypes.


Numerous case studies demonstrate the successful application of biology, ecology, and evolution in Earth healing initiatives. Examples include the use of microbial consortia for bioremediation of oil spills, large-scale reforestation projects to restore degraded forests, and the implementation of adaptive management approaches in protected areas. These case studies highlight the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing environmental challenges and achieving positive outcomes for ecosystem health and resilience. Additionally, projects like community-led river restoration efforts to improve fish habitat and water quality showcase the importance of stakeholder engagement and local knowledge in successful Earth healing initiatives.


Despite the potential benefits of interdisciplinary approaches to Earth healing, several challenges need to be addressed. These include the complexity of ecological systems, the unpredictability of evolutionary processes, and ethical considerations associated with genetic engineering and ecological manipulation. However, there are also numerous opportunities for collaboration and innovation, including the development of novel biotechnologies, the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches, and the engagement of local communities in conservation and restoration efforts. Examples of innovative solutions include the use of citizen science initiatives to monitor and manage invasive species and the application of blockchain technology to track and verify sustainable sourcing of natural resources.

 



Visual representation of the complexity of ecological systems, these systems become complex become complex when different species of plants closide in the same environment in this case different species of trees are growing in the habitat side by side one another(source MDPI)

Our Earth deserves our love and our will for it to Live, so taking little steps to not using your car as much, to recycling, and growing your crops, can lead to a better future. Science and our Kindness can come together to aid our Earth's healing Journey. So by reading and listening to your brain comprehending all of the actions we caused to slowly kill our Home, it can bring us to appreciate what we have and what we can do to repay what was Gifted to us. To the day where our Peace, Love, and Knowledge wins, we can all say thanks to each other and to the Earth for not giving up.

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References:


National Research Council (US) Committee on Scientific Issues in the Endangered Species Act (1995) The role of Habitat Conservation and Recovery Planning, Science and the Endangered Species Act. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232378/ 


PNAS Assisted gene flow using cryopreserved sperm in critically endangered coral https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2110559118#:~:text=As%20a%20form%20of%20assisted,1%2C%204%2C%205).





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