Ecology and environmental protection - how do they interact?

Ecology

13 April 2023

Ecology and environmental protection - different definitions, one objective

Ecology and environmental protection - is there a difference? What do they have in common? To find out, it is worth quoting the definitions of both terms. Ecology is the science that studies the interrelationships and relationships present between living organisms and the environment in which they live. Scientists monitor these and describe all the results of their research. There are two divisions of ecology - the ecology of species and the ecology of multispecies assemblages. The former deals with living organisms of only one species, while the latter studies diverse living organisms that function in a common environmental space.

What is environmental protection? Any action that aims to keep the environment in the best possible condition. In addition to this, it is an effort to mitigate the effects of damage already caused to the environment by human activity. Although ecology and environmental protection have separate definitions, they share the same goal, namely to care for the earth's resources and the state of the planet. Research undertaken within ecology is used to learn about the world around us and to observe changes in nature. When ecologists observe that an animal or plant species is in danger of extinction, they seek to protect it. When they recognise diseases of organisms, they seek to counteract them.

Ecology in daily life as support for environmental protection

Environmental principles need to be implemented in everyday life. Even small behaviour in the household is a great help to environmental protection. By the fact that the Earth suffers the most as a result of human activity, humans are also the only ones who can help it. Environmental protection - examples of actions:

Cycle or public transport instead of a car - exhaust fumes produced by cars lead to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Choosing to cycle or take public transport reduces the amount of carbon dioxide;

Reduce consumption of animal products - animal farms use huge amounts of water and contribute to deforestation, so it makes sense to reduce meat consumption so that the demand for the production of these products decreases;

Less plastic and segregation of waste - plastic harms organisms living in marine and ocean waters, and its decomposition and production contribute to greenhouse gases. It is worth betting on reusable products (shopping bags, fruit and vegetable pouches, drinking tubes, etc.);

Saving water - the level of potable water on Earth is declining, so it is necessary to take care to conserve this resource. This can be done, for example, by turning off the water when brushing your teeth, watering plants with rainwater or using touchless basin taps;

Moving away from coal - coal-fired power stations are a way of producing heat that is harmful to the air and the atmosphere, so it makes sense to opt for solutions other than a coal-fired cooker in your homes (heat pumps, natural gas boilers or photovoltaic panels).

Education versus environmental awareness - everyone's behaviour counts

Environmental science is necessary and important. Many studies show that environmental awareness is increasing in Poland, but it is still not high enough. There is also a need for greater government involvement in climate issues. Environmental education by scientists and published reports on the state of the climate or the air make people aware of the great challenge we face. Environmental education must already be implemented among the youngest - in schools and at home. From the first years of life, children should learn about ways to protect the environment, such as segregating rubbish or limiting plastic drinking straws. Introducing eco-friendly habits into everyday life builds awareness of the world around us and its problems.

Environmental protection in Poland - major challenges

According to research by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, in Poland the environmental elements that need the most attention are air quality, polluted water and waste. The poor state of the air is particularly noticeable in large cities (Warsaw or Krakow) and is mainly due to pollution from coal-fired cookers and power plants. Car exhaust fumes also have an impact on smog formation. Moving away from coal is the biggest challenge facing Poland.

Environmental protection - action on the rubbish problem needs to be solved by better separation of waste, as a large proportion of it is still mixed. Recycling is one of the key elements in the fight for a better Earth. Water is polluted by, among other things, sewage. In order to combat this, more treatment plants are needed, as well as a reduction in e.g. agricultural pesticides that are harmful to water and land, which pollute reservoirs, especially in the countryside.

Air pollution in Poland - how to act together to win against it?

There is no one-size-fits-all method to protect the environment. Ways of combating pollution vary somewhat depending on the problem. In the case of air pollution, the key is to reduce emissions. Everyone living in a big city, but not only, should get a purifier to start changing the air they breathe every day. In addition, driving should be reduced to a minimum. Public transport or even walking or cycling is much better. Electric and hybrid cars are also becoming increasingly popular. If you have a coal cooker, it is worth thinking about changing your heating method. In addition to the previously mentioned heat pumps or photovoltaic panels, underfloor heating can also be installed. If everyone makes at least some of these changes to their lives, you will certainly notice a difference in air quality.

The role of ecology and environmental protection in putting green solutions into practice

The role of ecology and environmental protection in putting green solutions into practice is enormous. In fact, it is only through a high degree of climate awareness and ecological literacy that we are able to engage in environmental protection activities. In order to implement environmentally friendly habits on a daily basis, it is necessary to be aware of their meaning and purpose. Organising environmental protection in one's own home is a pleasure, but it requires commitment and willingness.

Environmental protection and ecology are closely linked. The effects of human activity already have to be faced today. Ecologists are constantly developing new solutions to fight for the well-being of our planet. In restoring the Earth to a better state, ecological knowledge and a high level of awareness among people are useful. Television or books are just some of the sources from which it is useful to learn about the state of the soil, air or water. In order to take care of the environment, it is necessary to study ecology and use the knowledge of this science on a daily basis.