Environment is the place that surrounds us, the place where we live. Maintaining its cleanliness reflects the character of each individual within it, and preserving it is important for both the environment and ourselves. God created the environment and nature with breathtaking beauty, and it is our responsibility to protect and care for it so that it becomes even more beautiful. After we protect it, we see the results: increased beauty, an abundance of trees, fresh water and wells, and clean air. Therefore, we must all protect the environment, from the oldest member of society to the youngest among us.
A clean and healthy environment is essential for the life of all living beings on Earth. The oxygen we breathe is the most important resource that comes from the environment in which we live. Therefore, the issue of environmental protection is extremely important. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that increased air pollution leads to a rise in asthma, heart attacks, premature death, and other health problems. Furthermore, there is ample evidence that most indoor air can be up to five times more toxic than outdoor air. However, air pollution is not the only environmental issue. Water pollution, which increases the incidence of infectious intestinal diseases, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders, is another significant concern.
The role of individuals in preserving the environment is embodied in the places where they live, whether in their homes, neighborhoods, cities, or countries as a whole. Cleanliness is the foundation of all progress and advancement, a hallmark of civilization, and a manifestation of faith, as we have learned since childhood that cleanliness is a part of faith.
Environmental conservation and protection are among the most important issues that humanity must consider in order to reduce the destruction of ecosystems of all kinds and the environmental degradation that, in turn, threatens the long-term health of animals, humans, and plants due to human activities. Thus, all decisions made by humans affect the environment in one way or another, whether they relate to food, purchases, transportation methods, or other aspects.
Currently, environmental pollution has become a global concern due to its short- and long-term consequences. Therefore, all relevant institutions and centers must collaborate to reduce this pollution and raise public awareness of its seriousness. The following outlines are the role of some of these institutions and centers:
Scientific Research Institutions and Centers: Scientific research institutions and centers play a crucial role in providing solutions to environmental problems and in discovering alternative, environmentally friendly methods to replace those that cause environmental degradation. The work of these institutions and centers is not limited to assessing environmental pollutants and their harmful effects on the environment.
Media Institutions: The role of media institutions lies in raising public awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution and its impact on the health of all living organisms. This is achieved through educational programs that guide individuals on how to interact with the environment correctly, as well as highlighting methods for recycling and disposing of waste.
Educational Institutions: The role of educational institutions, including schools, institutes, colleges, and universities, is demonstrated by incorporating specialized topics related to the environment and its preservation into school curricula. This includes both curricular and extracurricular activities that enhance students' awareness and responsibility towards the environment.
Governmental Institutions: The greatest responsibility for environmental protection rests with government institutions. This involves enacting strict laws and monitoring systems for the types of chemicals used in industries and managing pollutants effectively. Some developed countries have already passed laws prohibiting the use of toxic substances that negatively affect human life and other living organisms.
Prof. Dr. Mona Abdul Wahab Khaleel
College of Nursing / Al- Mustaqbal University
Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.