Ecology: Life in the “Unstable Biosphere”

Abstract

In this chapter, Kovaleva analyzes the modern ecological situation, characterized by an imbalance in the circulation of matter and energy, reduction of the area of the active functioning of the biosphere and biodiversity. Biosphere parameters are approaching acceptable limits of changes, the transition through which entails a loss of system stability and its destruction. Humankind, as thousands of years ago, obtains almost all food as a result of the use of soil energy in agriculture and animal husbandry. These circumstances are forcing many countries to expand the plowing of land by reducing the area of forests, meadows, and pastures. Meanwhile, the share of arable soils on the planet and the productivity of biocenoses are declining. Replacing natural ecosystems with anthropogenic ones leads to the openness of the cycles of elements, primarily biophilic ones—carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus—and the removal of elements from biological cycles, which in turn reduces the stability of the biosphere as a whole. Urbanization, which implies a loss of highly fertile agricultural land, deforestation, and a significant reduction in biological diversity, seriously impacts global ecology. In this chapter, Kovaleva considers the problems of negative anthropogenic impact both within the framework of the global crisis and within the framework of local crisis conditions. She analyzes the experience of implementing global and local measures aimed at the minimization or elimination of anthropogenic damage to the environment, as well as available theoretical and methodological scientific research from various countries aimed at solving the identified problems. Kovaleva outlines priorities in resolving those problems in the framework of developing a science-based strategy for sustainable development and suggests measures to improve the environment and rehabilitate contaminated territories. The author maintains that the next few decades will be of decisive importance for the formation and implementation of a new global agenda aimed at ensuring the survival of humankind.