@ green | May-June . 2024

When natural resource preservation is neglected , there would be financial losses and increased environmental susceptibility

These invaluable resources , stretching across vast expanses of forests and extending to the depths of our oceans , sustain life and are fundamental pillars for ensuring our planet ’ s steady and harmonious future .

The depletion of natural resources affects environmental conditions through multiple channels , including global warming , soil erosion , increased greenhouse gas emissions , biodiversity loss , and species extinction . Insufficient management of these resources in developing nations results in adverse outcomes such as heightened drought and flooding rates .

This mismanagement harms regional economies and escalates production ’ s social , environmental , and financial costs ( Zhang et al ., 2022 ). Natural resources uphold ecological equilibrium , sustain life and hold substantial economic value . They serve as vital sources of employment , income , and essential raw materials for various sectors . The economic utilisation of natural resources intersects directly with endeavours to address climate change and promote sustainability .

Regarding policies and regulations , the United Nations has implemented numerous initiatives and measures to address climate change and the associated global warming phenomenon . For example , the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) issued its Fifth Assessment Report , with preparations underway for the Sixth Assessment Report focusing on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius rather than 2 degrees Celsius . The IPCC projects that the rise of 2100 sea levels could be reduced by 10 centimetres , and coral reef degradation could range from 70 to 90 per cent under a global warming scenario of 1.5 degrees Celsius ( United Nations , n . d ). Establishing boundaries for global warming will contribute to fostering a fair and sustainable society ( Raudha , 2022 ).

REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL RISK , SAVING NATURAL RESOURCES

Historically , the harvest and use of natural resources , especially non-renewable ones like fossil fuels , have been essential to economic growth . However , the overuse of these limited resources has increased greenhouse gas emissions and caused environmental deterioration . Therefore , switching to renewable energy sources and implementing sustainable resource management techniques for long-term viability , economic resilience , and ecological concerns is vital .

Furthermore , the loss of biodiversity and the deterioration of ecosystems brought on by unsustainable economic activity can significantly negatively affect the economy . Providing ecosystem services , such as pollination , clean water and air , and climate management , is crucial for human well-being and supports many economic sectors , including tourism , agriculture , and healthcare . When natural resource preservation is

BY NUR HANIE MOHD LATIFF

Postdoctoral fellow Global Centre for Environmental Remediation ( GCER ), College of Engineering , Science , and Environment , University of Newcastle , New South Wales , Australia International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ) International Islamic University Malaysia

And

DZULJASTRI ABDUL RAZAK

Research Fellow International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ) International Islamic University Malaysia neglected , these services are put in danger , which may result in financial losses and increased susceptibility to environmental threats .

Conversely , financial gains associated with conservation and sustainable resource management can be substantial . In addition to helping slow climate change , green technologies , renewable energy infrastructure , and ecosystem restoration initiatives also boost economic expansion , generate employment , and increase resistance to environmental shocks . A circular economy , which maximises resource reuse , recycling , and regeneration , can reduce environmental stress and waste production while opening new business opportunities .

In addition , combating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability can lower long-term costs and improve economic competitiveness . By reducing the effects of climate change , like extreme weather and rising sea levels , communities and companies may better prepare for changing environmental circumstances and avoid costly damages . Adopting sustainable practices also helps companies and industries stand out in the market and innovate , putting them in a solid position to prosper in the quickly changing global economy .

SEE THE IMPACT !

Environmental disasters have increased globally in recent years , highlighting how urgent it is to address environmental degradation and climate change . These calamities have far-reaching effects , ranging from destructive wildfires that consume large wood areas to catastrophic hurricanes and floods that cause havoc for coastal populations .

Due to extended droughts brought on by climate change and record-breaking temperatures , Australia saw enormous bushfires in 2019 and 2020 . Millions of acres of land were destroyed , wildlife was killed , and substantial economic losses resulted from these fires . The Amazon rainforest , also known as the “ lungs of the Earth ”, saw severe wildfires that resulted in extensive destruction and decreased biodiversity . Extreme weather events and wildfires have increased frequency and severity in many regions . Typhoons , hurricanes , and cyclones are growing increasingly powerful and devastating , and the hardest-hit coastal areas are those that are least prepared . Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico in 2017 , resulting in extensive blackouts , destruction of infrastructure , and fatalities . Similarly , Cyclone Idai , which hit Malawi , Zimbabwe , and Mozambique in 2019 , caused devastating flooding and humanitarian issues .

Another effect of climate change is rising sea levels , which seriously threaten island nations and low-lying coastal communities . Vulnerable nations like Tuvalu and the Maldives face heightened risks of flooding and population displacement due to rising sea levels . Permafrost and melting ice caps in the Arctic are causing ecosystems to become unstable and accelerating coastal erosion , endangering wildlife habitats and indigenous cultures . Furthermore , major environmental concerns are still associated with pollution and industrial accidents , which can harm ecosystems and human health . A significant oil spill off the coast of Mauritius in 2020 threatened marine life , mangroves , and coral reefs , causing extensive ecological harm . Analogously , the 2020 explosion in the port of Beirut unleashed harmful substances into the atmosphere and water , jeopardising public health and aggravating environmental contamination .

These environmental disasters highlight the connections between ecological deterioration , social vulnerabilities , and climate change . Coordinated efforts are needed to address these issues locally , nationally , and internationally . These efforts should include investments in resilience-building , sustainable development , and climate adaptation strategies . We cannot lessen the effects of environmental catastrophes and protect the health and welfare of present and future generations unless we work together and demonstrate a solid commitment to environmental stewardship .

SPIRITUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Many development and climate change adaptations are not sustainable because they are related , guided , and funded by external agendas ( Luetz & Nunn , 2021 ). Although spirituality is the foundation of cultural beliefs and practices , many developments and plans are based on scientific and technocratic worldviews in which climate change is seen as a “ scientific issue ” rather than a “ spiritual ” issue . Hence , many climate change initiatives failed because they do not respond to the recipients ’ faith and sustainability world views ( Bertana , 2020 )

Islam promotes sustainable development economically and socially . It has been integral to the Muslim way of life since the seventh century . The concept is based on several Quranic verses that serve as guidelines for sustainable development .

“ It is he who made the earth tame for you , so walk among its slopes and eat his provision and to him is the resurrection ” ( Quran , Al-Mulk , 67:15 )