Latin America ( Physical system ) - Essay Example

Latin America Ecosystem al affiliation: Latin America Ecosystem All living things on earth exist within an ecosystem. Ecosystem refers to the system formed from the interaction of living organisms and their physical environment (Hobbs, 2007, p. 3). Examples of ecosystems that people interact with include marine and terrestrial. Any ecosystem can benefit its environs depending on the environmental cycle. Changes in the environment caused by human beings alters the functioning of the ecosystem. The components that will be affected include the basic material needs, good social relation, security, and freedom of choice (Hobbs, 2007, p. 269). Recently, the president of Ecuador (Correa) has been in defense of the oil extractions plans in the Amazon (Laht.com, 2014).

According to the president, the plans to carry out the oil extraction will have minimal impact to the people and the environment. The government of Ecuador plans to extract oil from Yasuni National Park located in the amazon forest. This forest contains a high level of biodiversity and acts as an ecosystem to thousands of organisms. Altering the ecosystem in favor of the economy will lead to deforestation and climate change. Cutting down of the trees in order to obtain oil will mean reduced carbon absorption.

Moreover, this region offers habitat to a different organism, and it is a source of water for human beings. Once the operations begin, the mentioned advantages will be affected negatively.The extraction of oil has several effects on the country. On the positive side, it is going to improve the country’s economy by increasing GDP and providing employment. On the negative side, this event will destroy the habitat and will contribute a lot to global warming due to the emission of industrial waste into the environment.

This move by the president sparked several concerns of displeasure. Environmental organizations were concerned on how this move to destroy acres of land in search for oil. However, this move by the president will have numerous political effects in the country. For instance, there have been rising concerns about the president’s leadership, whether he is fit to rule the country (Smith, 2014). People wonder if he has their interest at heart. The president managed to garner political support through the parliament to facilitate his pursuit.

The bill was passed in support of the new project. Non-governmental institutions are infuriated by this act. As a result, they embarked on a campaign to oppose the bill. The country is set to experience a political divide. On one hand, some advocate for oil dependency to improve the economy. On the other hand, some want the preservation of the natural ecosystem. The issue presented in the Latin American country is quite difficult. It is hard trying to satisfy both fighting parties. In my opinion, the government should not pursue with its plans for the oil extraction.

As much the economic aspect is important, the environmental aspects needs more attention for sustainability. Moreover, experts argue that this project will promote a habit of oil dependence that may lead to depletion of oil reservoirs in the country (Dudenhoefer, 2013). In conclusion, Human activities have immense consequences on ecosystem. Therefore, it is imperative for the world to be cautious of the each and every undertaking they purpose in indulge. Failure to practice proper waste management will negatively impact on the ecosystem that will put human survival on earth in jeopardy.

ReferencesDudenhoefer, D. (2013). Ecuador’s Amazon Drilling Plan Raises Concerns Over Environment, Oil Dependency. Worldpoliticsreview.com. Retrieved 11 November 2014, from http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/13279/ecuador-s-amazon-drilling-plan-raises-concerns-over-environment-oil-dependencyHobbs, J. (2007). Fundamentals of world regional Geography. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.Laht.com,. (2014). Latin American Herald Tribune - Ecuador�s Correa Defends Oil Extraction in Amazon, Says Impact Will Be Minimal.

Retrieved 11 November 2014, from http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2359830&CategoryId=14089Smith, D. (2014). Correa’s and Ecuador’s Success drive The Economist Nuts. New Economic Perspectives. Retrieved 11 November 2014, from http://neweconomicperspectives.org/2013/02/correas-and-ecuadors-success-drive-the-economist-nuts.html