Environment

I will take care of the Earth and the life on it.

Humanists believe everyone can and should play a role in caring for the Earth and its inhabitants. We depend on our planet to sustain us with its precious resources, such as clean air and water, plants and creatures of all kinds, including the insects that pollinate our crops. Our planet’s ecosystems need us to be good stewards, to take responsibility and limit human impact. To maintain biodiversity and the balance of nature we must accept that other species have every right to exist alongside us and we need to research their needs and mutual dependence.

Activity 1 – Observing the Natural World

Before we can take care of the natural environment around us, we need knowledge of it.

By taking the trouble to find out the names of plants and creatures, we can begin to notice them and to understand their needs and the pressures they are under.

In the area around your school or where you live, make a list of:

• Trees
• Birds
• Butterflies
• Animals (including fish and amphibians)

Persuade your school to get hold of books so that you can find out their names and keep a record of when you see them: date, season, time of day, in rain or sunshine. Think about starting a Natural History Club. Compile an inventory (a list) of the birds and animals in your area. If you do this every month you may see how the pattern of sightings changes according to what flowers and trees are fruiting or crops are ripening.  

Activity 2 – Supporting the Natural Environment

Look out for threats to your local environment.

• Is there litter? What happens to waste plastic? Do people dispose of waste safely?
• What happens to dirty water and other fluids? Is it kept away from streams with clean drinking water? Are toilets placed so they will not contaminate the water supply?
• Are trees being cut down, when they should not be? If so, could you arrange a working party to plant replacement trees?

Sometimes there are conflicts between nature and wildlife? Monkeys and birds eat crops. Can you work with the community and Wildlife Authority rangers to find solutions that work for humans and animals? At the same time, you could find out how you might get a job conserving wildlife with Uganda Wildlife Authority.