Pollution, a Culture Engraved Within Us: Exploring the Deep Roots of Environmental Degradation

By Malachi Sunguro

Whenever I see an ambulance I see death, I see it moving all around us, in pandemics, in accidents. And today new to join the group of pushing us closer to the edge of existential crisis is the Earth herself—cuddling herself in a blanket of greenhouse gases and sucking up her ozone layer. Once again the story hasn't changed: it's us humans to blame. Because if we did take care of the world around us then the earth wouldn't have started self-destructing.

My parents are always telling me the sky is the limit, but will it still be the limit in 50 years' time when I'm in my late 60s? Will the earth still have strength to keep hold of the weight of the sky by then with all the things we fill it with?

The Deep-Rooted Nature of Environmental Destruction

I don't think of pollution or environmental degradation as a "now" thing. I always think of it as something that's been a part of us for a while, perhaps ever since human existence. I think it runs in our veins like it's part of our bloodline. This human species is capable of nothing but asserting its dominance—and it's not entirely negative. We have made a ruckus in terms of development on this earth. It's just that perhaps we should've been eco-friendly from the beginning and not allowed these centuries worth of habits to haunt us now. It's going to take so much for us to break these cycles. We need to change the way we think.

When we think of "pollution," we start imagining images of smog-choked skies, plastic-choked oceans, and landscapes mutilated by human activity. We have this perception of pollution as a consequence of industrialization and modern lifestyles, but what if pollution is more than just a byproduct of progress?

How about thinking of it as a cultural norm that is deeply engraved in our collective consciousness, in our societies, and is shaped by centuries of human interaction with the environment? From ancient civilizations to the present day, the traces of pollution can be found woven into the fabric of human history. We need to open our eyes to see that this issue is beyond a "now" or "today" problem. The roots of this culture of pollution are multifaceted—it's more than just a today issue, it's a big issue more complex than we perceive it.

Historical Patterns of Environmental Exploitation

Throughout history, generations have equated economic growth with success, often at the expense of environmental preservation. The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, as factories burped smoke into the air and rivers turned into toxic cesspools—all this in the name of industrial expansion. Yes, that desire for dominance that is deep within us didn't start today. Back then, expansion and growth was a priority task. Now I think the tables have changed—it's time for a change in priority.

Let's not forget the rise of consumer culture in the 20th century fueled a throwaway mentality, where single-use plastics and disposable products became ubiquitous. This culture of convenience has normalized wasteful practices, leading to mountains of trash in landfills and oceans. For centuries we have put progress and expansion ahead of care of the environment, so I think it's time for this cliché narrative to change.

The Human-Nature Disconnect

Above all, we have created a barrier between humans and the natural world. We have drifted apart, and such a situation has reinforced this culture of pollution. As urbanization has increased and people have become more detached from nature, the consequences of environmental degradation have become less visible and immediate. This lack of direct connection to the consequences of our actions has allowed pollution to persist unchecked.

When we get the shade of a tree in our urban cities, it's like drinking water from an oasis in the midst of a desert. When we see vast landscapes of nature, it feels like an orchard or an enchanted environment that needs to be guarded and protected to survive its bitter fate of being scrapped by humans. We seem like villains from this point of view of the narrative. So let's rewrite it.

Breaking Free: A Path Forward

Breaking free from this entrenched culture of pollution requires a fundamental shift in mindset and behavior. Education and awareness about the environmental impact of human activities are crucial in fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward the planet. Encouraging sustainable practices, promoting eco-friendly alternatives, and advocating for policies that prioritize environmental conservation are essential steps in combating pollution.

Ultimately, addressing pollution as a cultural phenomenon requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of environmental degradation. By recognizing and challenging the deep-seated beliefs and practices that have normalized pollution, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future—a future where our cultural legacy is one of preservation, not destruction.

We can start new habits, begin a new era not of progress and expansion but one that protects nature as much as she deserves to be. Awareness is a starting point on this journey of the earth's recovery—not just talking about it, but thinking about it more often, acting upon these thoughts.