Today’s world is plagued with worries about the way human beings are affecting the environment and whether the consequences of our actions will prove too much for us to deal with.  The other side of the argument preaches that there is nothing to worry about, for we have or can develop the technology to overcome any obstacle that may cross our path, including the threat of extinction.  In light of the very serious problems caused by overpopulating our earth and overtaxing its resources, it is important for people to look to the past and see what such damage can do.

Environmental degradation is a major factor in the fall of many ancient civilizations, such as the Maya and the Babylonians.  The stripping and misuse of the land prevents a growing society from being able to meet the needs of its people, inevitably leading to starvation and acting as a catalyst to collapse.  In a society as large as what we have today, a mass starvation event would kill millions, perhaps billions, of people.  It is imperative that we prevent such an event before it occurs instead of waiting for the hammer to fall and then picking up the pieces.

It is these examples from history, these mini-events (comparably speaking), where we may find our answers.  By looking into the mistakes that were made and truly accepting that they may happen to us, there is a chance to gain insight into possible solutions.  The need for knowledge extends beyond environmental problems as well, and examples of past mistakes can help us in confronting a great many issues.  History has taken many human lives due to ignorance, and if we can not learn from those who have perished, what good have they done and what good does it do us?