Counsels on Wellness

Counsel #5 — Environmental Issues

Picture: Counsel #5 — Environmental Issues CWe 157.1

The traffic congestion of large cites, industrial activities, and dense populations cause air pollution, leading to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and decreased quality of life. The constant hum of traffic and urban life creates noise pollution, disrupting sleep patterns, causing stress, and hindering cognitive function.^[167] CWe 157.2

• Limited Green Space: Urban landscapes are often dominated by concrete jungles, with limited parks, green spaces, and natural habitats. This lack of greenery reduces air quality, increases ambient temperatures (urban heat island effect), and disrupts natural ecosystems and exacerbates air pollution.
• Water Pollution: Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roads and rooftops carries pollutants into waterways, contaminating rivers, streams, and ultimately affecting water sources. Additionally, inadequate sewage treatment can further pollute water bodies.
• Climate Change Impact: Densely populated cities are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, further accelerating extreme weather events.
• Light Pollution: Excessive artificial lighting disrupts natural light cycles, impacting wildlife and human sleep patterns.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul.” Psalms 23:2, 3a NKJV CWe 157.3

“Go where you can look upon the works of God. Find rest of spirit in the beauty and quietude and peace of nature.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 367 CWe 157.4

Reflect: If you live in a city, what eco-friendly practices could you adopt to improve your living environment? CWe 157.5