Tackling Environmental Problems: Are People and the Environment Antithetical?

Abstract

In the era where human communities have been plunged into unprecedented environmental problems, scientists and policymakers have been forced to revisit and reflect on the relationship between humanity and the natural environment. In light of all these developments, fundamental questions have been asked, such as, should nature be left alone? Are humans separate from nature? Is it too late to turn back the clock? How can we tackle the climate crisis? At the core of these questions lies the issue of the human-environment relationship, with humans being both dependent on and simultaneously harming the environment. Although the dependence of humans on natural systems is acknowledged, there seems to be uncertainty about balancing human well-being, ecosystem, and environmental integrity. It appears as though these three factors cannot co-exist harmoniously. In this contribution, we discuss the axioms of the environment and humanity and extract lessons that can be used to address the increased environmental concerns that have challenged the world. We also present a rationale for using an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to address environmental problems, proposing a Nature-integrated in Whole Systems Framework. We argue that environmental problems cannot be successfully addressed without incorporating human dimensions and treating systems as wholes. We base our argument on the fact that the challenges facing humanity are so intertwined that addressing one issue without considering the others is futile. We propose that we need to integrate nature into every aspect of life.