Finding solutions is difficult because different groups have different political and economic views on what constitutes an environmental problem. Finding solutions has not always been complicated because in the past the economy was less complicated and few people understood the long-term environmental consequences of their actions.
The natural world is organized into relational units between organisms and their environment called ecosystems. An ecosystem approach requires consideration of these relational units. It is the right approach because it looks at the natural world in its natural state — without cultural or political bias.
The wilderness North: the protection of rights and beliefs of native peoples and the role of government in managing wilderness. The agricultural Middle: erosion of exposed soil and the threat of pesticides and fertilizers entering the groundwater. The dry West: salt build-up in soil from dry-land irrigation and increased conflict between management of land for livestock and the desire to preserve what remains of the "wilderness." The forested West: land-use debate over government-owned land and destruction of the old-growth forest ecosystem. The Great Lakes and industrial Northeast: solid waste disposal issues and contamination of waterways. The diverse South: development of housing on fragile coastal sites and pollution of the Mississippi River.
The environment is the surrounding conditions that affect people and organisms. More broadly, it means everything that affects an organism during its lifetime. For example, the environment of the grizzly bear includes the physical conditions, such as climate and habitat, as well as political and social decisions that affect its life. An ecosystem is a region in which organisms and their physical environment form an interacting unit. An example is the old-growth forest of the forested West.
Environmental conflicts arise when groups disagree on what constitutes an environmental problem. Some people may feel justified in their use of a natural resource while others may feel there is a diminished environment. Compromise between the groups is necessary. Government should assist in assuring that all points of view are recognized and that a fair decision is made. Economic and regional issues and long-term impact should be taken into consideration when reaching the final compromise.
