In order to live sustainably, we must try our best to avoid mistakes that cause harm to the environment, including ourselves. Especially from history, we can always learn something, including sustainability lessons. In this book, we will look at the mistakes we should avoid and how to integrate past knowledge into modern technologies.

1 chapter

What mistakes should we avoid? What are their consequences, historical examples?

1. Deforestation

Even though forests are being felled for the wellbeing of mankind, it poses a great threat to the environment. Deforestation has a very big impact on the environment around us: global warming is being promoted, more carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere. When the forests are being felled, Earth's ability to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the environment is severely reduced. In the future, this action could cause serious damage to our planet, so it is necessary to manage forests responsibly, promote resource creation and protect biodiversity.

Historical examples

● European colonists, expanding their territories, abundantly crossed North America's forests in order to obtain the recourses necessary for agriculture and construction. As a result of intensive felling, many ecosystems were destroyed, and the species of domestic animals almost disappeared.

● The civilization of the Easter Islands collapsed due to excessive deforestation, which led to soil erosion and lack of food.

2. Excessive tillage

Although tillage provides better and more favorable conditions for the growth of various crops, excessive tillage reduces pasture areas, and it can lead to the contamination of soil itself and the water in it. Also, when cultivating the land, the habitats of animals, animals themselves and plants are disappearing. To avoid this, it is necessary to apply sustainable land use, sustainable farming systems and protect the soil from erosion.

Historical examples

● In the United States, in the 20th century, intensive agriculture without safety measures led to soil erosion and an ecological disaster (the Dust Bowl drought). 

● In ancient Mesopotamia, improper use of irrigation systems led to the salting and salinity of soil.

3. Excessive use of natural resources

We must use natural recourses safely and in moderation. Unsustainable use of resources is one of the main drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss. As a result of excessive use, thousands of lives have been lost, billions in losses have been suffered. The increasing frequency of droughts and forest fires is the result of excessive use of natural resources. Over time, the water is also disappearing and the likelihood of flooding increases. These consequences require recourses to be managed responsibly, to rely on research and to avoid oversupply.

Historical examples

● The ancient Roman Empire used the natural resources extremely intensively in order to maintain its large empire, but this only contributed to its collapse.

● In the 20th century, there was a fishing disaster for the Bank of Teran - overfishing led to a fall in the fish population.

4. Social inequality

Social inequality is a widespread problem in the world, which has a big impact on our lives. It affects our income, education, health care and even housing. One of the biggest problems risen from social inequality is poverty, from which millions of people suffer every day. Another consequence is a different education. People's race, gender or social status can severely limit educational opportunities. In order to achieve equality, we ourselves need to strive for social justice and prosperity in society.

Historical examples

● In the 18th century there was a high social inequality between nobles, clergy and ordinary citizens. This led to the French Revolution, during which the monarchy was overthrown and a transition to a modern non-looming society was made.

● In the 19th century slavery was developing in America. The living conditions were difficult, their suffering was great and social inequality prevailed. Slavery led to a civil war in the United States, which ended in the abolition of slavery.

2 chapter

How to integrate past knowledge into modern technologies?