As for the natural environment， most of the damage it suffers is caused by human activities.
As people grow richer and more numerous， they naturally use up more resources， and some of them are being exhausted. The list includes fossil fuels， minerals and rare species. There are many ways of conserving these resources like reusing and recycling instead of constantly turning to the original resources.
One of the greatest threats we face is the global changes that happen when some substances in the air reach harmful levels. These levels increase when some poisonous or radioactive gases are released. One outcome of that is the greenhouse effect. This is the phenomenon when the atmosphere retains radiation from the sun， causing the planet to warm up， as does a greenhouse. The consequences for life on the planet could prove disastrous. The only real solution is to curb the consumption of power and fuel.
Another global problem caused by pollution concerns the ozone layer， in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful ultra violet rays. It is being damaged by various chemicals， so we must find alternative substances for the many domestic and industrial uses.
The destruction of the rain forest is a more local problem. The rain forests are destroyed mainly to provide land for cattle， or to be logged for the timber industry. This destruction damages the biosphere， by producing less oxygen. An alternative lies in managing the forests， using them to create eco-tourism.
Acid rain is produced by industrial pollution， causing acid deposition on the ground， killing plants and animals. Lakes and rivers die and buildings and monuments waste away. Solutions should be found in legislation that restrict pollution by the transport and industry.
Desertification is the spread of deserts to fertile land. This happens mainly because of poor land management， especially overgrazing by cattle. However， this can be helped by better planning of herds and conservation techniques.
As for protecting the cultural environment， we can control urban development close to historic houses and buildings. That will help lessen the shock effect of modern high-rise buildings next to the old townhouses in many cities. There should be stricter control of building higher structures in certain areas. Land zoning should be more regulated and developers cannot do what they want. We must be sensible for future generations.
