How We Change Nature
For centuries, humans have lived on Earth, using its resources to build homes, grow food, and develop societies. However, our actions have also left a significant mark on the natural world. This mark is often called our "footprint," and sadly, much of it is damaging. We are constantly changing nature, sometimes in ways that are difficult to reverse. Our planet is facing many environmental challenges today because of human activity.
One of the most visible problems is pollution. The air we breathe is often filled with smoke from factories and cars, especially in busy areas. This is causing respiratory problems for many people. Rivers and lakes are frequently polluted by industrial waste and plastic, which harms aquatic life. For example, plastic bottles and bags are often found floating in the Rahue River here in Osorno, and this plastic can seriously damage the local ecosystem because animals can eat it or get trapped in it. Soil is also affected by chemicals from farming, which can reduce its ability to grow healthy plants.
Another major issue is deforestation. Forests, which are vital for producing oxygen and providing homes for countless species, are being cut down at an alarming rate. This is happening to make space for farms, cities, or to get wood. As a result, many animals are losing their natural habitats, and some species are becoming endangered. For example, parts of the native Valdivian rainforest in Chile have been cleared over the years, which has impacted its unique biodiversity. Our demand for resources is growing, and this is putting immense pressure on natural environments. It’s clear that our way of life has had a profound impact on the planet, and understanding this is the first step towards a healthier future.
The River's Sad Secret
Last summer, Tomás was walking his dog, Luna, along a small, quiet stream near his grandparents' farm outside Osorno. This stream used to be a beautiful place; the water was always clear, and small fish were swimming happily among the rocks. He remembered spending hours there as a child, watching the dragonflies. But that day, something was different. A strange, unpleasant smell was coming from the water.
As he walked closer, he saw a terrible sight. The surface of the water was covered with a thin, oily film, and plastic bags were caught on the branches along the bank. A dead fish was floating near the edge. Tomás felt a pang of sadness. He knew that a small factory upstream had recently opened, and he realized that chemicals were probably being released into the water. "This stream is being destroyed," he thought, his heart heavy. Luna, usually playful, was sniffing the contaminated water cautiously, her tail low. The once vibrant stream was now a silent witness to human carelessness. Tomás knew that if this continued, the stream would become completely lifeless.
The Missing Forest
María loved to tell her granddaughter, Sofia, stories about the old forest that used to stand where the new shopping center now is located in Osorno. "When I was a little girl," María would begin, "that forest was magical. Tall trees were touching the sky, and the air was always cool and damp. Many different birds were singing there, and sometimes, if you were very quiet, you could see a pudú hiding among the bushes." Sofia would listen with wide eyes, trying to imagine it.
One day, Sofia asked, "Grandma, why was the forest cut down?" María sighed. "Well, the city was growing, and more houses were needed. Also, new shops were planned. So, the trees were removed to make space. It happened very quickly, almost overnight. The sounds of chainsaws were heard for weeks, and then, silence. Now, where the tall trees once stood, there are concrete buildings and car parks. The birds have gone to other places, and the pudú has disappeared. It was necessary for the city, perhaps, but a piece of nature was lost forever. It is a sad reminder of how quickly human development can change our natural world."
