Island Civilization

        The Earth, in its existing condition and with the current behavior of our species, will be destroyed in time. Humans do not consider the distant future. The only contemplation of the future done by our species is for a couple years down the road. We do not see ourselves as a whole, but rather as individuals that do not play large roles. The consequences of our species’ actions are presently destroying the wilderness and the Earth. The idea of Island Civilization is one that is bizarre, and seems to be rather impossible. It will cause much controversy, but in the long run it will lead to a lasting planet Earth. Saving the planet, after the trends and behaviors that humans have set is the hardest obstacle for mankind.

            The relationship and how humans view the world has changed drastically throughout time. In the beginning there was no wilderness, no area that was uncivilized and untamed. It is when humans divided themselves between the wild and the civilized that the wilderness became distinct. Destroying the land and establishing civilization meant success for much of humankind. As time progressed the way humans viewed nature began to change and develop. Humans could see the beauty and the fun that the wilderness held within. This helped the arguments for the preservation of the wilderness. The humans’ perspective of wilderness changed yet again when they viewed it as an equivalent. Wilderness was created by God, and therefore should be treated like so.

            Considering what could be in the future there are many scenarios about the condition of the Earth. For example, the garden scenario in which humans will have total control over nature. Humans will have altered every inch of the earth. The diversity will be gone, there will no longer be untamed and untouched nature. Humans will have officially tampered with the development and evolution of the planet. Another possible scenario is called future primitive. In this scenario we will think back on the technological civilization that we have been striving for as a mistake. The human race will go back to the hunter and gatherer stage of life. Although this would help the environment and the earth it would also destroy any chances of breakthroughs and amazing triumphs.

            Overall, Island Civilization would mean removing the incorporation of civilization in the wilderness. For example, our homes could be on poles in the mountains where we would not disturb the natural settings, or underground so as to not clear the land. In order for our species to accomplish these many high set goals we simply need motivation.  

            Imagining life living in cramped quarters on islands in locations that are less than desirable seems miserable and intolerable. The spoiled lives that our species lives today compared to what is needed for our species to survive is outrageous. There is no comparison to the lives we are living today to the lives that we would live if we were to pursue Island Civilization.

            I believe that in order to successfully accomplish anything that will benefit our planet humans need to have the motivation. It takes willpower and determination to accomplish anything. In order to encourage the members of our species to be motivated we need to educate them and make sure there is total awareness and understanding. Individuals do not realize that the small deeds they do have an impact on our planet’s well being. Humans need to see the possible outcomes of our actions.

            Even though Island Civilization is an extreme plan that would steer many away, I believe that it is better than nothing. I am not sure that the technological civilization that we have created will ever downsize to Island Civilization, but there are other options. We can take numerous plans and ideas away from the concept of Island Civilization. There are less extreme alternatives that would allow our species to adopt new behaviors and actions that would slowly add to the restoration and survival of our planet. Island Civilization is an option that our species should be introduced to. The thought of Island Civilization seems to be impossible. It is something that would involve the participation and support of the entire world. Island Civilization would mean changing everyday life to the point of no recognition. The idea seems to be extremely wild and irrational. However, it is possible, and it could possibly lead to saving and preserving the Earth.