Ecology
Origin of the term
Ecology (from Greek oikos + logos = house + study of) is a natural science that concerns the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment and the interactions between these organisms.
The term was used for the first time by the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel in 1869. Ecology is a relatively new discipline of study and although today it is a large domain of knowledge, it made its first steps only one hundred years ago.
What is ecology
Environmental protection - the preservation, proper use and restoration of natural resources and components of the natural environment, in particular wild plants and animals, natural complex systems and ecosystems. The methods of environmental protection include:
* the establishment of national parks, natural reserves, etc.
* legal protection of plant and animal species
* the listing of natural monuments.
Environmental protection also includes keeping the environment clean and tidy, the reduction of pollutants and of the consumption of such resources as water or thermal power.
Ecology in vogue
The issues of environmental protection and ecology have a vast coverage in today's media. However, the words "ecology" and "ecological" are often misused. Is that a fashion or a necessity? Probably both. The term "ecological product" is often used in advertising to stimulate demand for goods but in many instances the slogan is misleading. E.g. paper bags that replace plastic shopping bags are pro-environmental and ecological. The growing popularity of ecology is illustrated by organic farms. Organic farming means an environmentally friendly agriculture, production of healthy food and preservation of agricultural landscape. Organic farms are operated in the member states of the European Union. We must be aware of the need to protect air, water and soil, our obligation to reduce the amount of waste and to research into environmentally safe methods of energy generation, the need to apply waste-free or waste-reducing technologies, economical use of natural resources and the biosphere as well as a reasonable use of chemicals.
We are part of nature, when we destroy it, ignoring its rights - we destroy ourselves.
When and how can we improve environmental awareness?
Everybody will mention school, and undoubtedly this is right. The objective of a comprehensive education of young people should be not only to deliver an appropriate set of information but also to develop such skills and attitudes as are necessary to prevent emerging threats to the natural environment efficiently.
The importance of home education cannot be overlooked, however. Here, the original attitudes of children are modelled, which usually determine behaviours in adult life. Making the young generation aware of the importance of environmental protection, we give them the opportunity for a longer and healthier life in future.
Today, ecology is a necessity
The existence of man in the natural environment has involved the appropriation of ever new areas for human needs, as the population and economy has grown. This has resulted in an expanding use of resources derived from the natural environment. With the passage of time, people have become aware that the resources are not unlimited, and their intensive, often excessive use adversely affects the natural environment which can result in a reduced wealth of society and deteriorating standards of living.
At present, ecology is a necessity. If man fails to engage in environmental protection "in time", many species of plants and animals would probably be entered in the Red List as extinct today. Environmental pollution is also dangerous for people. Diseases of the respiratory system caused by excessive amounts of dust and exhaust gases are often fatal. Therefore, we must prevent the degradation of the natural environment.
