Humanity’s Imprint on Nature: Climate Change, Ocean Acidification, and the Ethical Call for Stewardship

In his book "The End of Nature," McKibben argues that we are currently experiencing what he terms "the end of nature." This concept encompasses the idea that human activities have brought about profound and irreversible transformations to the natural world, effectively erasing the existence of untouched, pristine wilderness. This contention is strengthened by several factors that McKibben outlines in his work. Firstly, is his argument that climate change stands as the most compelling reason for the demise of nature. McKibben elaborates on how human actions, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels, have led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, this has triggered global warming and disrupted the Earth's climate equilibrium, resulting in a fundamental alteration of the environment. As McKibben puts it, "The Earth has undergone substantial and irrevocable modifications, changes that, while not necessarily perpetual, will endure far beyond the scope of human history" (Introduction, p. 8). McKibben also delves into the impact of technological progress and human intervention on the demise of nature. Human actions, such as deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization, have brought significant alterations to the natural landscape. In this context, he remarks, "We find ourselves, in every connotation of that age-old term, solitary" (Introduction, p. 10).

In Chapter 1, McKibben directs his focus toward the vanishing wilderness and the infiltration of human activities into previously untouched territories. Through the text, he mourns the disappearance of truly wild places, where nature remained unaltered by human interference. He emphasizes this by stating, "Conventional conceptions of unspoiled, wild spaces are gradually fading away" (Chapter 1, p. 31). He contends that the concept of pristine, untouched nature is no longer sustainable, given that humans have left their imprint on virtually every corner of the planet. In this context, he observes, "Nature, once perceived as eternal and benevolent, has abruptly become capricious and ominous" (Chapter 1, p. 36).

I agree with Bill McKibben's proposition that we are currently witnessing the demise of Mother Nature. Notably, climate change, stemming from human activities, has incontrovertibly emerged as a consequence that reverberates across global ecosystems and the environment. To summarize, McKibben's idea of "the end of nature" is firmly grounded in the profound and inescapable alterations that humanity has wrought upon the environment. The evidence presented in the text, coupled with the tangible repercussions of climate change, form a persuasive argument that planet Earth is undeniably undergoing an environmental metamorphosis.

Ocean acidification stands as a consequential environmental issue, arising from the escalated concentration of carbon dioxide within the Earth's atmosphere. The combustion of fossil fuels, encompassing coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy generation, is the root of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. This influx of CO2 functions as a greenhouse gas, leading to heat entrapment and contributing significantly to global warming and climate change. The Earth's oceans play a pivotal role in the regulation of the planet's climate. They serve as one of the largest carbon repositories, absorbing a considerable portion of the surplus CO2 disseminated into the atmosphere. Although this absorption does mitigate the atmospheric warming resulting from CO2, it exacts a toll. Upon the absorption of CO2 by seawater, a chemical metamorphosis takes place as it interacts with water to generate carbonic acid (H2CO3). The imminent damage posed by ocean acidification to the environment, underscored in the film "Lethal Seas" and elucidated in Upton and Folger's article, is of considerable magnitude.

Ocean acidification exerts plague-like effects on marine life, especially organisms reliant on calcium carbonate for the construction of their shells and skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and certain plankton species. As seawater becomes more acidic, it hinders the ability of these organisms to initiate and maintain their calcium carbonate structures. This can result in reduced growth rates and brittle shells, diminishing the survivability of the species. The repercussions on shell-forming organisms have the potential to disrupt the marine food chain. Numerous species depend on these organisms as a dominant food source, complications experienced by improper nutrition can reverberate throughout the ecosystem, eventually impacting larger marine species, including fish the human population consumes. Ocean acidification can lead to a demise in biodiversity, as some species prove more sensitive to shifting oceanic conditions than others. This can result in alterations to the composition of marine ecosystems, possibly leading to the dominance of species less susceptible to acidification. Numerous human communities depend on marine resources for their subsistence and livelihoods. Ocean acidification jeopardizes these livelihoods by diminishing the abundance and quality of commercial fish and shellfish.

In the article titled "Ocean Acidification," Upton and Folger deliver a comprehensive analysis of ocean acidification and its potential ramifications. They demonstrate how the elevation of CO2 levels resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels represents a principal catalyst of this predicament, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue. In summary, ocean acidification emerges as a direct outcome of augmented atmospheric CO2 levels, predominantly stemming from the burning of fossil fuels. This phenomenon poses a formidable hazard to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities reliant on the ocean.

Lynn White Jr. in his work "The Historical Roots of our Ecological Crisis," argued that Christianity, along with its anthropocentric perspective, has been a contributing factor to the environmental crisis. White asserted that the Judeo-Christian tradition, particularly its interpretation of biblical texts, propagated a mindset of dominion over nature. According to White, the biblical concept of humans having power over the Earth had led to the exploitative treatment of the environment. He maintained Christianity's perception of nature as a resource for human utility. White's argument insinuated that Christianity carries a degree of responsibility for the ecological crisis due to its influence on societal attitudes toward the environment. In response to White's thesis, Christopher Dobel, in his essay "The Judeo-Christian Stewardship Attitude toward Nature," presented an alternative viewpoint. Dobel argued that within the Judeo-Christian tradition, the concept of stewardship could form the basis of a viable Christian environmental ideological reform. He argued that the stewardship model underscores the significance of responsible management of the Earth. Dobel proposed that “if interpreted in this light, the Judeo-Christian tradition could foster a more sustainable and ecologically aware approach to nature.”

Dobel's perspective represents the importance of revolutionizing Christian environmental ethics. He argued that by highlighting stewardship, Christianity could harmonize with the tenets of environmental conservation. These two articles encapsulate a broader issue concerning the role of Christianity, in the context of environmental issues. While White's argument focuses on the potential negative impact of Christian doctrine, Dobel offers an alternative interpretation that advances environmental responsibility within the framework of the Christian faith. Ultimately, the debate regarding the involvement of Christianity in the environmental crisis is reliant on the comprehension and application of religious teachings in the Church.

Pope Francis's encyclical "Laudato Si" explores a range of fundamental themes that bridge the environment and Christianity. The Pope underscores the interconnectedness of all living creatures and the natural world. He advocates for the concept of "integral ecology," which takes into account the well-being of the Earth and its inhabitants, including humans. This perspective encourages a deeper appreciation of the environment and its significance to human existence. The encyclical also highlights the dire consequences of environmental degradation, encompassing the pressing issues of climate change, deforestation, and diminishing biodiversity. Pope Francis expresses deep apprehension regarding the repercussions of these challenges, particularly on marginalized and impoverished communities globally. Furthermore, Pope Francis critiques contemporary consumerism and the pursuit of technological advancement. He contends that these pursuits often result in environmental deterioration and social inequalities. In essence, "Laudato Si" serves as a call to action for people, governments, and the global community at large. Pope Francis asks for a collective responsibility and emphasizes the necessity of addressing environmental challenges through the adoption of sustainable practices and policies. Pope Francis's encyclical strives to demonstrate the congruence of Christianity and environmentalism. It underlines the moral and ethical obligations of humanity to nurture the environment and safeguard the Earth. The Pope said that, when viewed through an ecological lens, Christianity inherently supports the concept of stewardship and the responsible custodianship of the planet.

Laudato Si primarily focuses on humanity's relationship with the environment, it also acknowledges the intrinsic value of all living beings and the need to respect the environment for its own sake. Pope Francis encourages a shift away from an anthropocentric view towards an integral ecology that values the well-being of all creation. One aspect some critics may find lacking is a more detailed exploration of the intersection between religion and indigenous or non-Christian spiritual traditions, which often possess rich environmental ethics. The ecological crisis can be considered a religious issue because it involves ethical and moral considerations. Pope Francis argues that caring for the environment is an ethical and spiritual duty and that neglecting our responsibilities toward creation is a violation of religious and moral principles. Furthermore, many religious traditions emphasize the interconnectedness of all life, which aligns with the ecological perspective of the encyclical. In summary, "Laudato Si" highlights the interconnectedness of the environment, social justice, and spirituality. It argues that Christianity and environmentalism can coexist and even reinforce one another, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect the environment and care for our common home.


Works Cited

“Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015): Francis.” Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015) | Francis, 18 June 2015, www.vatican.va/content/frances... Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis - CMU, www.cmu.ca/faculty/gmatties/lynnwhiterootsofcrisis.pdf. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.