Sunday, May 6, 2007
http://www.environment.no/templates/themepage____2122.aspxThis article looks at a specific case study which is Norway. "Norway has a very large variety of natural habitats over short distances. These riches are the combined result of Norway's geographical position, its varied and rugged landscape and some thousand years of human activities." However, man’s irresponsible actions destroy the environment and have begun to threaten these various kinds of natural habitats. The most obvious causes are the destruction of habitats, the introduction of alien species, over-exploitation and pollution.
"Biological diversity is the expression used to describe variation at all levels in the natural world, from ecosystems and habitats to species and also variation within each species, or genetic diversity." In southern Norway, the low-lying areas are under threat because of overexploitation and intensive use. Because of this, more than 3000 species have been placed on the Norwegian Red List of threatened species.
One underlying cause of pressures on the environment is production and consumption. A demand for holiday homes along the coast of Southern Norway results in the destruction of natural habitats to build cabins and cottages. However, even though growing international trade, globalisation of the markets and poor coordination between policies and measures applied in different sectors of the economy can add to pressures on the environment, these technological advances can have positive effects, depending on how they are used.
In the past, hunting and fishing was the cause of loss of species and habitat. However today, it is due to the various purposes we use the land for that destroys the wildlife. "Modern intensive agriculture involves the use of commercial fertilizers and pesticides. Farms on marginal farmlands are being abandoned, and old, species-rich types of vegetation are disappearing as a result. All these developments tend to reduce biological diversity." Also, in the last 20-30 years, the introduction of alien species of plants and animals has had negative effects on the original fauna and flora there. This problem is also evident in oceans, besides overexploitation and pollution.
Climate change caused by human activity may cause certain alpine species in Norway to become extinct.
And how is Norway responding to this threat to biodiversity?
According to the aritcle, "Norway is responding in many ways to safeguard its scenery, countryside, plants and animals and natural resources. Valuable habitats, areas and species have been protected, and this is still important. More recently, the importance of legislation to restrict or ban specific activities has been growing. International cooperation to deal with environmental problems has become more and more extensive during the past century, and is now considered essential. At national level, Norway has adopted the principle that all sectors must take responsibility for their impact on biological diversity, and we are now working out how to put this principle into practice."
Environmental expert
Jean Ng
2D'06
; i'm lovin' it
