The relationship between humans and nature has historically been characterized by destruction and reproduction for survival, evident in practices like agriculture, livestock, fishing, and hunting. In ancient times, human ecological impact was minimal due to low population density and nomadic lifestyles, allowing nature to regenerate. However, with the advent of agriculture, animal domestication, and settled communities around 8000-5000 BC, human societies began to transform their environments, leading to social, political, and economic developments. The 20th century, marked by events like wars, revolutions, and technological advancements, significantly altered this balance, resulting in the current environmental crisis. This crisis is defined by nature's inability to regenerate at the same pace as human-induced alterations, highlighting the conflict between growth limits and natural limits. Key causes include poor land use, indifference to environmental degradation, overpopulation, excessive resource extraction, inefficient resource use, unsustainable industrial growth, and a lack of social awareness. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century was a pivotal moment, accelerating resource exploitation and pollution, leading to migrations and increased population density. This revolution changed the relationship with nature in terms of pace, amplitude, level, and awareness. Pace is driven by market competition, demanding constant production and intensive resource use. Amplitude reflects globalization, expanding markets but also increasing distances in production and waste management. Level refers to the evolution of energy sources, enabling deeper resource appropriation. Consciousness, however, points to the growing concern over resource depletion and pollution. Environmental problems arise from a contradiction between the rhythms of biogeochemical cycles and human production cycles, leading to contemporary issues like climate change, global warming, ecological loss, and biodiversity decline. In response, international agreements, treaties, and alliances have been formed to address environmental challenges globally.
