As human population increased through time, new settlements were developed. This has further forced the agricultural sector to be modernized and industrialization slowly took pace. The need of development superseded the need for preserving the nature. Eventually this has increased the burden to the nature.

In Malaysia we face a nnual haze, and as we know the negotiations are still not bearing fruit with our neighbour. Tropical countries are given abundance in types of trees and animals in our forest. The soil will be covered with dead flora and fauna known as humus. Humus eventually becomes peat (peat land) that can go to few metres from the surface.

Other than natural forest fire (rarely takes place), open burning can cause the peat to catch on fire, the fire can be put off at the surface, however, beneath the surface, the fire may be still burning, it can continue to travel underground and create a new forest fire elsewhere. Incidents such as this do take place in Malaysia, but it is still very few compared to contribution from Indonesia. Forest clearing is to accommodate the need of food for the world, agriculture needs vast piece of land. However, the reverse effect to human is equally devastating.
 
Moreover, we still have natural hazards such as flood and landslides. Flood basically occurs due to bad drainage. It is due to two main reasons, poor drainage design and clogged drains due to irresponsibly dumping of rubbish. The damages due to floods reach millions of Ringgits every year. The prevention of flood must be done integrated or wholly, as it is like a "chain reaction". Department of Irrigation and Draining is the government body which overseas the implementation of flood mitigation.

Landslides do occur naturally without human disturbance, which is the will of the nature. However, with human interference the landslide occurs more rampant and in some cases may cause lost of lives. Unstable hill slopes are most likely to fail if there is continuous heavy rainfall. In some countries especially Europe, tunnels are used as an alternative. It preserves the nature and serves the traffic flow. However, the cost of construction and operation is very high for Malaysia.

Human activity in general pollute the nature. We can pollute the air, water and soil. But nature's main characteristic is, it is bound to cycle. Everything we throw to the nature will return to us in one way or another. So act carefully, treat environment with great care. Future is in your hand.

Yellowpost : 11 - 17  January 2008