We Will Pay the Price to Nature

There is a simple truth that we have forgotten! As human beings, if we are still indifferent to the protection of the environment and nature, and the conditions of existence, it means that we are still not aware of the great danger that awaits us. I can say without further ado that this approach, this indifference will turn around and affect all of us negatively, and we will not be able to avoid paying a price to nature.

The environment is the air that surrounds us, the water we drink, the soil we feed on, and the living environment of all living things in general. Ecologically, it is everything that is related to humans, living or non-living.

We should not forget the fact that people observe the environment with a more accurate awareness and stay in closer relations throughout their lives, while the lifestyle is slow and technology has not yet developed that much. Maybe he had more time for that. For example, when someone saw a beautiful tree, a flowing stream, or a fragrant flower, they would say, “This is a blessing, we should appreciate it.” Therefore, he would protect and watch more.

He came across a friend he loved on the way, pointed to the shadow of a tree and said, "Well, let's take a breather and drink tea here, and we can have a couple of words. What's up?" he would say. They chatted, talked, purified each other from their life difficulties and troubles. By talking...

He thanked God for the smell and taste of a green pepper plucked from the garden or a peach tasted from its branch, and appreciated it. Maybe he didn't despise nature and the environment from a one-to-one relationship and he would take care of it. It was sensitive. He had time for that too.

Sensitivity is to establish a relationship with people, the environment-nature-world and the events we experience, to show sensitivity and to take responsibility.

Today, living conditions and style have completely changed. Technology, the pace of life, the alienation of people from people, the disconnection of communication have made people quite insensitive. As a result of technological progress and industrial development, insensitive behaviors, excessive consumption, waste, "take-use-dispose" mentality have led to consequences such as nature pollution, extinction of living species, depletion of energy resources, nuclear danger, and have turned the world's ecological balance upside down.

The artificial environment created by man for himself on earth is constantly developing against nature. Or, as the natural environment shrinks, the artificial environment expands against it. Consumption of natural resources, polluted air, soil, water, trees cut down and forests destroyed every day threaten the future of humanity. I can say without exaggeration that our future is in serious danger.

Towards the end of the 20th century, environmental pollution knew no bounds, health problems increased remarkably, and therefore, as a result of the speed of communication between all countries of the world and the instant dissemination of information, a certain "environmental awareness" entered our agenda.

So is that enough? Of course not. It is imperative that all people, countries and even states directly feel responsible. A planned and long-term work should be started without wasting a day. I do not find the existing international agreements and practices on this subject sufficient.

The priority in acquiring a true and real environmental awareness and protecting the environment should be in education. I foresee education in four basic areas; The first education should begin in the family, in the pre-school home life. Afterwards, they should be supported during the school period and young people should be educated with more scientific approaches.

In the third stage, social life, local community habits and this education should be integrated, and it should be ensured that individuals who are sensitive to the environment are raised. People who are willing to take positive thoughts and initiatives against environmental problems are sensitive to the environment. As this level of awareness increases, it will be easier for us to protect the environment. For this reason, an active education system that reacts to insensitivity and all negativities should be developed.

In the fourth place, social media is written, verbal and visual media and all internet communication ways – facebook, whatsapp, messenger etc. - should be sensitive to this issue. The basis of this long-term, planned work that I have listed; should be considered as an "ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION" that prioritizes environmental problems and environmental awareness.

Humanity is in a great change, either individually or socially. As he grows, he becomes selfish. Man is pushed into solitude. He hides this from himself with the claim that "I live free". Maybe he is free, but he is alone. Individualization and isolation also cause emotional blindness and deafness.

In order to shelter birds such as doves, sparrows and pigeons on cold winter days, birdhouses were built on the exteriors of some buildings, especially places of worship. This sensitive application stands before us today only as “a leaf from history”.

The cultural pattern that has been prevalent at the global level in the last few centuries, "CONSUMER CONSUMPTION APPROACH-ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS" is not a viable cultural paradigm for our planet, which is home to seven to eight billion people. We have to create a sustainable civilization that will last for thousands of years without destroying this planet that gave us a chance to live.

We have to ensure that our lifestyle, habits, consumption culture and economy are sustainable for future generations. We cannot continue to live irresponsibly and insensitive to the environment. Either we will achieve this or the world's ecosystems will be destroyed; great climate changes, giant storms, massive droughts, floods, water shortages, sudden heat waves and mass human migrations that will emerge as a result!

I know that I paint a very pessimistic picture. Although we have started to see the signs, I am sure that we do not want such a future for ourselves, our children, grandchildren and all humanity!