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From the beginning of time, mankind has had to face obstacles in the game of survival.

As knowledge has been gained through trial and error, human beings have developed methods that have led to the progression of the homo sapien race. These methods however, have been found to be futile in preventing the destruction of the structures in place to ensure comfort to all. These elements that are able to destroy life and property are referred to as environmental hazards. When the actual destruction occurs they are termed environmental disasters. Human activity has been shown to intensify the activity of these hazards through incorrect practices that lead to environmental degradation. The environmental disasters that pose a threat to our world can either be described as creeping hazards as in the case of soil erosion, droughts, and destruction of coral reef or sudden/unpredictable hazards as in the case of hurricane, earthquake and volcanic eruptions. The creeping hazard, soil erosion, involves the displacement of soil by the element (wind, water, or moving ice). This environmental activity is a natural process, however social and cultural practices have caused accelerated soil erosion which has widespread effects of society. Soil erosion is an example of environmental ruin; nevertheless, it can be alleviated by soil conservation methods so that affected lands can be restored. The second hazard, the drought, is a usually long period when rainfall is lower than usual levels, causing depletion of water available to living organisms. This hazard is dependent on the climate the country is located. In the Caribbean wet and dry seasons are experienced by inhabitants. The conditions in theses seasons are based on the size, relief and location of areas within the larger location thus leading to increase susceptibility of Caribbean nation to drought. Conservation and storing of water by the physical environment (groundwater store) makes water available during the dry season. Drought itself occurs when these stores are depleted. Other than size, relief,

location shifts in global pattern brings about drought in the Caribbean, two such changes being the El Nino effect and the Southern Oscillations. These two systems combined are responsible for prolonged droughts in different parts of the world. Drought, like soil erosion, is aided by improper human action and this offset harmful effects to the day to day lives of human beings. The final creeping hazard is the obliteration of coral reefs. Coral reefs are instrumental in the development and success of industries in the Caribbean. It also supports the maintenance of the various flora and fauna that exist. Annihilation of this great asset whether by man or nature leads to the slow deterioration of the industries and leads to other environmental perils turning into catastrophes as the impact of these disasters are no longer reduced by the coral reef. Inevitable hazards, that is, hazards human beings have absolutely no control over, are hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes. These three when they bring destruction on a nation (people and property) are called natural disasters. Depending on the category of the hurricane and the wind speed associated the country may be slightly affected or severely devastated. For earthquakes the theory of plate tectonics comes into play. This theory states that the earths crust is composed of several large slabs or plates of rigid crustal materials and some smaller ones, which are in continuous movement. The plate margins present lead to earthquakes being generated. Earthquakes can result in landslides, tsunamis, rockslides and mudslides. Volcanoes similarly are associated with plate margins. The eruption of volcanoes results in air pollution and loss of lives. The likelihood of creeping hazards turning into actual disasters increase significantly by exploitation of resources by the wealthy and by the damage done by the poor when trying to make a living by usage of these resources. Social awareness needs to be employed to reduce the

harm being done. For the sudden threats, disaster mitigation and natural disaster preparedness plans need to be implemented.

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