The concept of the “earliest environment” is often associated with the pristine and untouched aspects of the natural world as it existed before significant human intervention and its key features include: (a). Biodiversity: The earliest environments were rich in biodiversity. This biodiversity is crucial for the health of the planet, as it ensures the resilience of ecosystems against changes and disruptions. (b). Clean Air and Water: Before industrialization and widespread pollution, the air and water were much cleaner. This is vital for the health of all living organisms, including humans. (c). Natural Carbon Sinks: Forests, oceans and wetlands in their natural state act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to regulate the global climate. (d). Ecosystem Services: The natural environment provides numerous ecosystem services, such as pollination of crops, purification of water and regulation of the climate. (e). Human Health and Well-being: There is increasing evidence that connection with nature is beneficial for human mental and physical health. The earliest environments offered abundant opportunities for such connection. (f). Genetic Reservoir: The variety of species in untouched environments serve as a genetic reservoir, which is important for the future of agriculture, medicine and biotechnology. (g). Climate Regulation: Natural environment plays a key role in climate regulation through processes like photosynthesis, transpiration and the storage of carbon. (h). Inspiration and Learning: The complexity and beauty of the earliest environment has always been a source of inspiration and learning for people, influencing art, science and philosophy. (i). Sustainable Resources: When managed sustainably, natural environments can provide resources like food, medicine and materials without depleting them
Environment and human health: The earliest environment, often characterized by its pristine and natural state, played a significant role in shaping human health in various ways. It can provide insights into how modern environments might be impacting our health and well-being today. In ways more than one the earliest environment influenced human health: (a). Air Quality: The air in the earliest environments was free from the pollutants that are common today. Breathing clean air reduces the risk of respiratory conditions, allergies and even some neurological disorders. (b). Water Quality: Clean and uncontaminated water sources in the earliest environments meant lower risk of waterborne diseases, which are still a major health concern in many parts of the world. (c). Physical Activity: The lifestyle in the earliest environments often required more physical activity, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health, muscle strength and overall physical well-being. (d). Diet and Nutrition: Early human diets were more reliant on natural and unprocessed foods, which are generally healthier. This meant lower rates of modern diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. (e). Exposure to Microbes: The natural environment exposed early humans to a wide variety of microbes, which helped in developing a robust immune system, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. (f). Mental Health: Being in nature and natural environments has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. The earliest environments offered abundant opportunities for such natural interactions. (g). Social Interaction and Community Health: Early environment often fostered strong community bonds and social interactions, which are important for mental and emotional well-being. (j). Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: The absence of industrial chemicals and pollutants in the earliest environments meant lower exposure to substances that can contribute to chronic diseases, including cancers. Understanding the health benefits associated with the earliest environment highlights the importance of preserving natural spaces and incorporating elements of nature into modern urban planning and lifestyles.
Deficiencies of the environment: While the earliest environments offered many benefits, there were also significant challenges and demerits that affected early human life and health. Understanding these challenges provides a more balanced view of our relationship with the natural world. The key demerits of the earliest environment include: (a). Lack of Medical Knowledge and Technology: Without modern medical knowledge and technology, early humans had limited means to treat injuries and diseases. This led to higher mortality rates from conditions that are now easily treatable. (b). Exposure to Natural Hazards: Early humans were more exposed to natural hazards such as floods, fires, earthquakes and extreme weather conditions, without the infrastructure and technology to mitigate their impacts. (c). Limited Food Security: The earliest environments did not guarantee a consistent food supply. Hunting and gathering were unpredictable and could lead to periods of scarcity or famine. (d). Predation and Dangerous Wildlife: Early humans coexisted with a range of dangerous wildlife, posing risks of attacks and injuries. (e). Infectious Diseases: While exposure to a variety of microbes could strengthen the immune system, it also meant a higher risk of infectious diseases, some of which could be fatal or cause serious epidemics. (f). Physical Strain and Injuries: The physically demanding lifestyle of early humans, necessary for survival, often led to injuries, wear and tear on the body and could be particularly harsh for the elderly or infirm. (g). Shorter Lifespans: Due to the combination of the above factors, early humans generally had shorter lifespans compared to modern humans. (h). Lack of Comfort and Convenience: Early environments lacked the comforts and conveniences of modern life, such as heating, shelter and sanitary facilities, making life physically challenging. (i). Limited Knowledge and Communication: Without advanced language, writing and education systems, the transfer of knowledge and communication was limited, slowing down the pace of technological and societal advancement. Thus, although, the earliest environment was more natural and less polluted, it also presented substantial challenges to survival and well-being.
— The writer is Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, B N Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
