Rachel Louise Carson, an American marine biologist, author and conservationist once remarked: “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” A particular thought relating to this quote might suggest: “The red and succulent berries on the fruitful tree of life, provide a source of sweetness, for our bitterness and strife.” Proverbs 17:19 confirms: “Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.”
The entire concept of Ecology and the Environment is summarised in the initial verses of the Bible. Ecology not only enriches our world by its research, but it is also crucial to the well-being of the universe. It provides knowledge and studies the significant relationship between mankind and nature. The information gleaned is vital to the successful production of food supplies and seeks to maintain clean air and water. It helps to preserve and sustain biodiversity in an ever-changing world climate. It significantly aids nature conservation and promotes growth and survival of many species in areas of impecuniosity. The environment, in conjunction, provides us with the necessary resources to maintain production and survival.
The universe has been formed at the pleasure of God since the beginning of time. Ecology, as it is defined, is a branch of biology that deals with the relationship of organisms to one another and their physical surroundings. It includes all living things and creatures that dwell on land or in the seas and the environment in which they live. It explores the algorithm and vital connections between the various sciences appertaining to this particular field. It includes human beings, aquatic species, animals, plant life and the like.
An organism is defined as an individual animal, plant or other single-celled life form. Sir David Attenborough, the English-born broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and author once remarked: "An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment."
An Ecologist is defined as a scientist who studies the inter-relationship within the many distinct fields. There are several scientific studies that the field of ecology engages. These include such interests as agriculture, forestry and fisheries to name but a few.
Genesis 1:1-2 reminds us: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Verse 9 continues: And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.”
Verses 20-31 continue: “And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds - livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.
And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”
Ecology seeks to establish the benefits of ecosystems and provide the best proposals to make use of the Earth's resources in such a way that it will help the environment to provide better living conditions for future generations to come. Jagadish Vasudev, an India-born yoga guru once remarked: "Every worm, every insect, every animal is working for the ecological well-being of the planet. Only we humans, who claim to be the most intelligent species here, are not doing that."
The Natural Environment encompasses both living and non-living things occurring through nature. Although ecology and the environment are different aspects with their own individual respective studies, they are closely linked in their own importance. Mankind has a duty to protect the environment to maintain the benefits of life. Psalm 24:1 reminds us: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
God has provided everything for a fruitful and beneficial life. We need nothing more, except to provide the necessary respect for everything He has given us. We should remember that we are merely inhabitants of God's universe and abide purely at His sole pleasure. The Earth is not ours to abuse. We can all play our part in many ways. If we discard our waste indiscriminately, we not only pollute our land or waters, it can furnish climate change which may result in rapid global warming. It is not only disrespectful to others, it spoils the beauty of the earth. Jeremiah 2:7 reminds us: "And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination.”
Some people firmly believe that by becoming vegetarians and avoiding meat, they play an important role in the protection of our planet. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk once remarked: “By eating meat we share the responsibility of climate change, the destruction of our forests, and the poisoning of our air and water. The simple act of becoming a vegetarian will make a difference in the health of our planet.”
Conserving water, which remains a necessity in life for survival, will also benefit our planet. Revelation 21:6 states: And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty, I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.” Revelation 22:1 continues: Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
Amen.
