The 21st century has begun. What changes do you
think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.
Change is what has
brought development to the human race. It is also what has brought dispute and
doom to our race as well. Change takes such a huge part of our society that one
could say the course of history itself is a train of continuous changes. Even
the simplest behavior or mistake that one individual makes could lead to a
trail of events that could end up changing how the entire human race thinks.
This is especially so in the 21st century with developed technology
and fast exchange of information worldwide. We are now capable of so much more
than a century before and hold even more possibilities and potential for
further development. Therefore, people expect the twenty-first century to
become a breaking point for mankind with all different kinds of
accomplishments, such as exploring the space frontier. However, what people
fail to notice is that there is also a negative side to change. Just as much how
we’ve created potential for development, we’ve also made ourselves vulnerable
by creating new threats that we’ve never seen before. Therefore, in the new century,
we can expect new discoveries to be made, but also extreme changes that will
critically damage our race.
One
that’s expected to have the biggest impact in the twenty-first century is
climate change caused by global warming. The start of this problem roots all
the way back to the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution has always
been known as the number one tipping point in human history that has allowed us
to strive. However, it’s because of the industrial revolution that we have
become so heavily dependent on fossil fuels, emitting thousands of tons of
greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Consequently, the Earth’s temperature
has been steadily rising and the rate has increased during the last twelve
years in the twenty-first century. Scientists say that we have to keep within
the threshold of two degrees above pre-industrialization temperature. The
general consensus is that two degrees is when the Earth’s is knocked of its
natural cycle and so we have to act before it’s too late. In addition, the threat
seems to be imminent as scientists claim that we have to reduce our emissions
by a significant amount until 2015 or we won’t be given another chance. The
most dangerous aspect of global warming is that it’s a change that occurs on a
long period of time. As the human species have evolved to deal with direct threats,
such as a raid, dangers that occur on a wide time horizon are not easily perceived.
In addition, in order for one to live an eco-friendly life, he or she has to
give up the industrialized way of life and the profits it may bring. With a
lack of a clear harm or an absolute profit, people tend to push the idea of
global warming to the corners of our brain. When climate change hits our
society in such conditions, the results would be catastrophic.
Another
disastrous change in the 21st century is the lack of resources.
There are several aspects that have contributed to the development of this
problem. One is the increase in population due to the development of medical
technology and increase in quality of life. Another is consumerism. Now, people
no longer think carefully before buying a certain object or throwing it away.
Instead of weighing the costs and benefits, they consume depending on their logos
or popularity and throw away even if it’s still good for use. Not only that,
but also the pollution brought along by industrialization has poisoned the air
we breathe in and the water we drink, causing certain resources to be unfit for
use. Such phenomenon wouldn’t have been a problem during the
pre-industrialization times. Even during the very beginning of industrialization,
these problems were hard to notice. However, as the rate at which these
problems grow increases and the intensity becomes hard to fully grasp, it’s now
time for Mother Nature to retaliate. During the first decade of the
twenty-first century, we have seen scientists and the media showing a sudden
concern in the decrease in resources. We have also seen Mother Nature suffer
from incurable symptoms, incapable to support as anymore and oil prices
skyrocket to the roof. This is just the beginning. Many predict that within the
twenty-first century, the accumulated rate in which we consume and contaminate
would end in a catastrophe.
Of
course, there is still much controversy over the effects of global warming and
climate change. Some believe it’s merely another step in the cycle of nature.
However, the crucial fact that nobody can ignore is that the human race is
clearly taking up a big part in this process and that the Earth is not reacting
so well until now. Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, the four
seasons seem to forget at which time to arrive, and parts of the Earth are literally
dying. In the end, it’s inevitable that these two critical changes will happen
within the twenty-first century, looking at the rate at which the problems are
developing. However, it’s also crucial to believe in the power of man. The
power to pull out all there is inside of oneself and display god-like abilities
when put in a rather abysmal situation has saved our race from many
apocalypses. The same could apply in this case as well. In addition, we cannot
ignore what we’ve achieved until now and the positive changes awaiting us in
the twenty-first century. Another ninety years awaits us, and there is much we
will accomplish.
