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Man vs. Nature: Handling Conflict in Writing with Examples

Krystal N. Craiker

A story without conflict isn’t much of a story at all. There are seven main types of conflict in fiction , and most stories can fall into one or more of these categories.

One of these conflicts is known as man vs. nature.

Man vs. nature is a story that writers come back to over and over.

Humans have been in conflict with nature since the dawn of humankind. Sometimes nature wins, and sometimes humans do.

Because it’s grounded in a reality we all know, man vs. nature can provide endless possibilities for fictional story ideas.

In fact, some of your favorite books and movies might feature this conflict!

What Is Man vs. Nature?

What are some examples of man vs. nature, what are some good man vs. nature books, what are the best man vs. nature movies.

The man vs. nature conflict is when the protagonist, either alone or together with the other characters, is in direct opposition to the forces of nature.

There is some event or situation in the natural world that is causing a problem. If more than one character is affected, your characters must work together to overcome the problem.

While the story will still have antagonists , the major conflict is with nature itself. This might occur in the form of a natural disaster like a tornado or blizzard. Drought and famine are common in literature.

There could be a supernatural force behind the nature conflict, although the supernatural element is not the main player in the conflict. The man vs. nature conflict can also be about when a character faces resistance from a specific element of nature in achieving their goals.

Sometimes, you might see the natural world as the “good guy” in these stories, while other times you might root for the characters.

It’s important to note that man vs. nature does not refer to only male characters. In this sense, “man” refers to humankind.

Modern scholars and writers often refer to the conflict as person vs. nature or character vs. nature. We’ll be using these interchangeably in this article.

Is Man vs. Nature a Theme?

You might hear people refer to the theme of man vs. nature. However, it’s less a theme and more a conflict.

A good story has several major components: a theme, a message or moral, a conflict, character goals and motivations, and a plot structure.

The conflict drives the overall story and pushes the characters into action. Theme, on the other hand, is the overall meaning of a story. The theme is conveyed through different elements like characters, setting, and conflict.

In person vs. nature conflicts, there are many themes that might appear. Here are some common themes that fit well with person vs. nature stories:

• Perseverance/the indomitable human spirit
• Change vs. tradition
• Pride as a downfall
• Greed as a downfall
• Chaos vs. order
• Dangers of materialism, capitalism, or technology
• Inevitability of death and/or destruction
• The power of nature

This is by no means an exhaustive list of themes that might feature in a character vs. nature conflict.

The theme works with the conflict, and the man vs. nature conflict highlights the theme. Together, these provide a message to the reader.

What Are the Major Types of Conflict in Literature?

Man vs. nature is just one type of conflict. There are seven major types recognized by most writers and scholars. They are:

• Person vs. person
• Person vs. society
• Person vs. nature
• Person vs. supernatural
• Person vs. technology
• Person vs. self
• Person vs. destiny

Each of these can be the underlying conflict in a great story, no matter the medium or genre.

Why Is Man vs. Nature a Great External Conflict?

Conflicts in a story can be internal or external. The character vs. nature conflict is an example of external conflict. It’s a conflict that writers come back to time and time again. Why?

Man vs. nature is an excellent external conflict for a story for many reasons. First of all, there are endless ways that nature can provide a problem for your characters.

If your characters are facing natural disasters, there are plenty to choose from.

Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, blizzards, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, dust storms, and wildfires can be excellent catalysts for your characters to do something.

Droughts and famines, whether as natural disasters or effects of a natural or man-made disaster, are also great story fodder.

The effects of mankind trying to control nature is another conflict that comes up in real life and in stories—overfarming, deforestation, draining of resources, and pollution can provide ample story ideas.

When a character faces resistance or struggles in parts of nature, like surviving in new or hostile environments, the story can be a great way to explore other conflicts and themes that are more internal.

The natural force becomes a metaphor for inner conflict.

While some fantasy stories may use a supernatural force as the catalyst for the conflict, the overall conflict should lie in a natural force.

Otherwise, the main conflict of the story would be person vs. supernatural.

Why are there so many types of conflict in nature? Because humans are inextricably linked to nature.

We all deal with the effects of natural forces, whether it’s climate change, the weather, disasters, or just our environment. It’s something familiar that has been part of our entire history.

We can apply that same familiarity to any story involving nature. The characters don’t have to be human, and the world doesn’t have to be planet Earth.

I’ve never been trapped in a desert on an alien planet, but I’ve felt extreme heat sickness. I’ve never crossed a frozen tundra, but I have lost heat during an ice storm in a place that is woefully underprepared for freezing weather.

Man vs. nature needs strong sensory details to pull readers in. ProWritingAid’s Sensory Report can help you hit all the senses to make your nature conflict engaging and real.

You'll see how many of each type of sense word you've used so you can create a balanced, rounded description. Try it for free .

Because of that familiar sense of being in conflict with our environment, we can invest ourselves emotionally into conflicts involving the natural world.

This is what keeps writers writing man vs. nature conflicts and what keeps readers reading them.

There are myriad examples of the man vs. nature conflict, from classic literature to obscure indie films. We’ve divided the following well-known examples into books and movies.

It’s hard to pick just a few examples of great person vs. nature books, but here are some great ones.

Dune by Frank Hebert is one of the bestselling science fiction novels of all time.

Though the story is filled with political intrigue and social commentary, the core of the conflict is environmental.

The environment of each planet shapes the features of its civilization, and the scarcity of water is a major plot point. The overall message is that man and nature will always be at odds.

One will always destroy the other.

Margaret Atwood’s dystopian trilogy ( Oryx and Crake , The Year of the Flood , MaddAddam ) explores the conflict between humans and nature, specifically when humans try to master nature.

The series takes place in a society where corporate greed and scientific technology tried to master nature, resulting in a biological catastrophe.

Throughout the series, Atwood explores the importance of humans reconnecting with nature and accepting that they are a part of the natural world, not the masters of it.

Award-winning children’s book Julie of the Wolves , written by Jean Craighead George, explores the character vs. nature conflict through an Inuit girl on the Arctic tundra.

Through a series of tragic events, Julie finds herself living with a pack of wolves to survive the harsh environment.

The story explores the theme of modernity vs. tradition and cultural evolution. Though written for children, this book is a poignant read for all ages.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway is a quintessential man vs. nature story.

Santiago, the protagonist, has a respect for nature. It has provided him with his livelihood, and he personifies different elements of the natural world.

But the man vs. nature conflict occurs when he must fight the sea and a giant fish to regain his lost status in society.

The theme that this conflict illustrates is struggle and perseverance.

Those are just a few examples of person vs. nature in literature. Can you think of any more?

Movies are stories, too, and person vs. nature conflicts are always popular in Hollywood. Here are a few excellent examples.

The 1996 film Twister is a fun example of person vs. nature, specifically natural disasters.

The story follows a group of storm-chasers. Jo is determined to capture readings from inside a tornado.

As the tornadoes get more and more powerful and deadly, the movie shows the dangers of recklessly chasing an impossible goal and the devastation it can leave behind.

Cast Away starring Tom Hanks is another great example.

The man vs. nature conflict occurs when the main character Chuck survives a plane crash and must survive on a deserted island.

The themes of man’s resourcefulness and will to survive are explored as he learns to survive on the island and later finds his way home.

It also explores the theme of nature as a tool to reconnect with what is important in life.

The Day After Tomorrow is an apocalyptic movie released in 2004.

It’s an action film that is also a warning about the dangers of climate change, though with a very Hollywood flare.

A paleoclimatologist warns that climate change could cause a new ice age, but he’s ignored. Then the ice age arrives almost immediately with severe, tragic storms.

The person vs. nature conflict shows people trying to survive this sudden climatological shift.

It illustrates the consequences of human-driven climate change and the dangers of ignoring scientific warning signs.

We’re sure you can think of many other man vs. nature movies, from The Perfect Storm to Sharknado .

There is no shortage of story ideas for character vs. nature conflicts. It’s a great way to use a familiar conflict to illustrate important, relevant themes.

What are your favorite man vs. nature stories?

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Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

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21 Man vs Nature Examples (Conflict Plots in Literature)

Man vs nature is one of six types of conflict in literature and film. The man vs nature conflict involves a protagonist’s battle against the formidable and unpredictable nature of … well, nature.

This conflict is often used by authors who will use concepts around survival, humanity’s place in the cosmos, and the human spirit of exploration and pushing the boundaries. However, often, the conflict between man and nature is also posited as a metaphor for our inner struggles and conflicts.

One of my favorite examples of the man vs nature conflict motif is in Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild,” a true story about Christopher McCandless, a young adult who leaves his conventional life behind to venture into the Alaskan wilderness, where he challenges himself against the elements.

Man vs Nature Conflict: When to Use It

At its heart, man vs nature is a conflict between an individual’s will and capability versus the uncontrollable and often harsh conditions of the natural world.

This type of conflict can manifest in many different ways in an author’s writing. For example, it may be an exploration of the battle for survival in a remote or ‘alien’ environment; or, a struggle against a natural disaster or dystopian future where nature is taking back over the cities (like in the Will Smith movie I am Legend ).

The core obstacle or ‘challenge’ in these plotlines is usually physical survival against the forces of nature that are beyond human control.

These conflicts often contain a message of how humans have the remarkable ability to adapt, persevere, and find meaning in the vast world that dwarfs us all. They may also put forward messages about resilience, adaptability, respect for the natural world, and the insignificance of man when pitted against the awe of nature.

Man vs Nature Examples

• “The Old Man and the Sea” (Ernest Hemingway): This novel revolves around an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago, who struggles against a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. Hemingway’s tale of man vs nature focuses on Santiago’s unwavering determination and respect for the marlin, even as he battles it.
• “Life of Pi” (Yann Martel): In this book, Pi Patel finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The majority of the novel concerns Pi’s struggle to survive in the face of natural elements and coexist with the wild creature.
• “Into the Wild” (Jon Krakauer): This non-fiction book tells the story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons civilization to live in the Alaskan wilderness. The narrative explores his struggle to survive in the face of extreme natural conditions, highlighting the brutality and indifference of nature.
• “Gravity” (Directed by Alfonso Cuarón): This movie depicts the story of medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Sandra Bullock, stranded in space after her shuttle is destroyed. Her fight to survive against the harsh conditions of outer space exemplifies a man vs nature conflict, albeit in an unconventional environment.
• “The Perfect Storm” (Sebastian Junger): This book recounts the real-life ordeal of the crew of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat caught in a massive storm at sea. Junger’s detailed exploration of the crew’s struggle against the power of a ferocious storm personifies the relentless and unforgiving forces of nature.
• “Hatchet” (Gary Paulsen): This novel tells the story of Brian, a young boy who survives a plane crash only to find himself alone in the Canadian wilderness. With nothing but a hatchet his mother gave him, Brian must learn to survive against the elements, wildlife, and his own fears.
• “127 Hours” (Directed by Danny Boyle): This film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who becomes trapped by a boulder in an isolated canyon in Utah. He must battle dehydration, exposure, and ultimately make a horrifying decision in order to survive.
• “Moby Dick” (Herman Melville): The epic tale of Captain Ahab’s obsession with the white whale, Moby Dick, highlights the relentless and dangerous nature of the sea, as well as the destructive power of obsession when pitted against an uncaring nature.
• “Wild” (Cheryl Strayed): In this memoir, Strayed narrates her journey along the Pacific Crest Trail following a series of personal tragedies. Throughout her journey, she confronts physical challenges, wildlife, and extreme weather, embodying the man vs nature conflict.
• “The Martian” (Andy Weir): This novel tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney who gets left behind on Mars by his crew, thinking he died in a storm. Watney must overcome numerous hurdles, including growing food on a barren planet and surviving harsh Martian conditions, underlining the conflict of man vs the harsh, unyielding Martian environment.
• “The Road” (Cormac McCarthy): This novel follows a father and his young son as they journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape, battling against the harsh elements, scarcity of resources, and other survivors. The entire book is a struggle against nature transformed into something desolate and deadly by cataclysm.
• “Jaws” (Directed by Steven Spielberg): In this film, a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, leading a trio of men to fight back. The struggle against this fierce predator underlines the man vs nature conflict.
• “The Revenant” (Michael Punke): Based on a true story, this novel follows frontiersman Hugh Glass, who is mauled by a grizzly bear and abandoned by his companions. He must survive his injuries, the harsh wilderness, and winter weather in his quest for survival and revenge.
• “Into Thin Air” (Jon Krakauer): This non-fiction book by Krakauer himself details his experience in the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, in which several climbers died due to a storm and severe conditions on the world’s highest mountain. The account showcases the unforgiving harshness of nature at its most extreme.
• “All Is Lost” (Directed by J.C. Chandor): In this film, an unnamed man, played by Robert Redford, is sailing alone in the Indian Ocean when his yacht collides with a shipping container. With his navigation equipment and radio disabled, he must rely on maps, a sextant, and the currents to survive.
• “Call of the Wild” (Jack London): The novel is set in Yukon, Canada during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush and follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his home in California and sold into service as a sled dog in Alaska. He must learn to adapt to survive the harsh environment, illustrating the classic struggle of man (or in this case, animal) vs nature.

Other Types of Conflict in Literature and Film

The man vs nature plot is one of the most common, but it’s also often blended with the other types of conflict, and blending them allows you to create interesting, engaging, and compelling storylines.

Below are all six types of conflict. I’ve separated them into two categories – internal conflict (defined as psychological conflicts within the protagonist) and external conflicts (defined as conflicts between the protagonist and something outside of them).

The external conflicts :

• Man vs society conflict is when a character is pitted against the larger forces of culture, tradition, or societal norms. This type of conflict can arise from struggles with government institutions, social constructs such as gender roles or class divisions, or battles for freedom and justice within a community.
• Man vs nature conflict occurs when a character is struggling against forces of the natural world. This might involve survival in extreme environments like mountains or deserts, fighting off wild animals, or coping with natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods. Man vs nature conflict explores themes of human vulnerability and our relationship to the natural world.
• Man vs technology conflict is when a character faces off against machines or technological systems that have become too powerful or threatening in some way. This type of conflict often explores themes of dependence on technology, the disruption of social norms by advanced machines, and the potential dangers that come with relying too heavily on artificial intelligence.
• Man vs man conflict involves one character pitted against another character. This type of conflict can take many forms including physical confrontations, verbal battles, competition for resources or power, or ideological differences. Man vs man conflict is a staple element in many types of stories and can add tension and excitement to a plot. It also explores themes such as betrayal, trust, loyalty, and justice.
• Man vs destiny conflict is a type of conflict in which a character is struggling against their fate or the hand they have been dealt in life. This type of conflict may involve grappling with a prophecy, feeling trapped by social norms or expectations, or trying to escape an inevitable outcome. The character may feel powerless to change their circumstances and may struggle with feelings of despair and hopelessness. Man vs destiny conflict raises questions about free will ( aka human agency ) and the role of fate in our lives. Sometimes it is also considered an internal conflict.

The internal conflicts :

• Man vs self conflict is when a character struggles with their own inner demons, flaws, or limitations. This type of conflict may arise from an internal struggle with morality, identity, or personal beliefs. The character may be grappling with a decision between right and wrong, battling with their own fears and doubts, or trying to reconcile conflicting parts of themselves. Man vs self conflict delves into questions of personal growth and transformation , exploring the inner workings of the human mind and spirit.

The man vs nature plot often uses the elements of nature as a way to develop the protagonist’s identity and emotions. I personally like plots that use the battle against nature as an allegory for the character’s inner turmoil, where the physical plot and the psychological plot mirror one another, and each one pulls the plot forward in unison.

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“To Build a Fire” by Jack London: Man and Nature Essay

A relationship between humans and the forces of nature is often the central theme of many literary works. The short story “To Build a Fire” by Jack London is another example of how this conflict is depicted through the description of a man’s struggles at the mercy of nature. In this story, the protagonist travels in extremely cold weather despite warnings and tries to build a fire to survive (London 462-478). London’s message is clear: nature always wins, and disrespecting its rules may lead to fatal consequences.

By describing the protagonist’s challenges and his death at the end of the story, the writer emphasizes the power of nature and its indifference towards an individual’s life. According to Liu, London’s stories prove the dependence of humans on nature and that their ignorant intrusion into it can be punished (17). It is possible to see how frightened and desperate the protagonist becomes when he understands his helplessness (London 475). In this story, nature can be seen as a dangerous and intimidating power having control over people.

Besides the forces of nature, the protagonist of the story is opposed to the fauna, reflected through the dog following him on his way. Liu emphasizes that the mistreatment of animals and its consequences are an important motive of London’s works (17). Indeed, the protagonist treats the dog as his slave and is ready to sacrifice its life to survive, which symbolizes the arrogance of humans towards living things (London 474). On the contrary, the dog is depicted as a clever animal, which follows its instincts to survive. Therefore, through the struggles of the protagonist, London conveys an idea about the vulnerability of humans before nature, which demands respect and cautiousness.

Works Cited

Liu, Yifeng. “Jack London’s Writing Motivation for The Call of the Wild.” Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research , vol. 196, 2018, pp. 17-19.

London, Jack. “To Build a Fire.” Jack London: Novels and Stories , edited by Donald Pizer, The Library of America, 1982, pp. 462-478.

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1. IvyPanda . "“To Build a Fire” by Jack London: Man and Nature." September 5, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london-man-and-nature/.

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IvyPanda . "“To Build a Fire” by Jack London: Man and Nature." September 5, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london-man-and-nature/.

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Article Contents

‘living in harmony with nature’ vs. ‘unity of nature and man’, 2050 vision: unity of nature and man (unm), keys for the pathway towards unm vision, acknowledgements.

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Unity of Nature and Man: a new vision and conceptual framework for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

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Tianxiao Ma, Yisi Hu, Meng Wang, Lijun Yu, Fuwen Wei, Unity of Nature and Man: a new vision and conceptual framework for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, National Science Review , Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2021, nwaa265, https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaa265

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People live in nature. However, substantial evidence confirms that, under the pressure of anthropogenic alteration, nature is being fragmented, imperiled and becoming less able to provide essential services [ 1 ]. Biodiversity loss is the most significant signal of this depletion, and could profoundly impact the future of human beings and the rest of life on Earth [ 2 ].

Against this background, Parties of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) agreed a 2011–2020 Strategic Plan and 20 Aichi Targets to halt continuing biodiversity loss. However, according to the latest global assessment report released by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in 2019, biodiversity is still declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history [ 3 ]. It is clear that the majority of the Aichi Targets will not be met by the 2020 deadline [ 4 ]. Even with a careful strategic plan developed and implemented under the authoritative CBD context, biodiversity and ecosystem services critical for humanity are declining and degrading fast. This has prompted reflections on the current strategic plan and the UN framework in general [ 3 , 4 ].

The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of CBD will be held in China in 2021, during which the new strategic plan for the next decade of biodiversity conservation will be drafted. Various suggestions have been proposed by scientists and different stakeholders for contributing to this much-anticipated strategic plan. They are focused on meeting the 2050 Vision of ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’. Mace et al. [ 5 ]argued that targets should be developed in a well-defined, ambitious and measurable way to support the next CBD vision, and that three indicators are required to measure the progress in biodiversity recovery. Paired with the UN’s Paris Climate Agreement, ‘A global deal for nature’ ambitiously targets 30% of Earth to be formally protected and an additional 20% designated as climate stabilization areas by 2030, to preserve biodiversity and keep global warming below 1.5°C [ 6 ]. Locke et al. [ 7 ] proposed an enabling framework of three global conditions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use that could support both approaches and achieve the 2050 Vision. These technical suggestions provide important ideas for development of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (post-2020 GBF). However, they do not question the vision or the basic conceptual framework of the current Strategic Plan of the CBD.

We argue that the current 2050 Vision will not be sufficient to drive transformative change. Further, we argue that human development cannot be divorced from biodiversity conservation and utilization. The basic understanding of the appropriate balance in the relationship between nature and humans is actually the crucial point. It is the starting point that lays the very foundation of any ambitious and effective strategic plan for biodiversity conservation.

With the human-centric perspective dominating for the past two centuries, nature and human are seen as two separate entities [ 8 ]. Nature is treated as being ‘outside’ of humans, and thus humans treat nature as an object to fear, conquer, pillage and rule. In this context, nature and man are regarded as opposing entities with contradictory demands. It is true that the two have different needs: nature's demands are to maintain its components, ecological processes and evolutionary potential, while man's demands are to sustain a growing population and improve quality of life relying on resources and services provided by nature. But the assumption underlying this separation of humanity and nature is that nature is a limitless storehouse for humans to enrich themselves as much as their creativity allows. Dominant anthropocentrism and dramatic technological development free humans to exploit nature, which has already exceeded a safe and just operating space for humanity [ 9 , 10 ]. Nature's demands have been neglected in this process, which in turn undermined man's basic needs, including demands under the Sustainable Development Goals for clean air and water, via interactions across the coupled human-natural system [ 11 ]. In light of the great damage this thinking has caused to biodiversity and ecosystems, we can no longer assume that nature is an infinite resource to exploit. Nature and its ability to provide services keep being damaged, which we now know threatens the future development of humanity [ 3 ]. Consequently, a rethink of the relationship between nature and man, and also their demands, is essential for ensuring the appropriate course of biological diversity conservation and also humanity development for the coming decades.

The modern nature-human dichotomous perspective emphasizes the material substance of nature and its instrumental value relative to the contribution to humans [ 8 ]. However, within the context of some other knowledge systems, nature has its intrinsic value because of the existence of its components and also the broader aspect of concepts it covers, such as the cultural elements of ancestors, shared history and deities [ 12 ]. This intrinsic value is not necessarily related to the materials and services nature provides for man but, in turn, man is included as component just as other animals [ 13 ]. One extreme example is the traditional Chinese Taoism, in which nature is represented by Tien (Heaven and Earth), which is composed of human and non-human nature and even the ultimate rule of this universe. All these perspectives have a common ground – nature and man are as one.

Sharing this perspective, Taoism describes the relationship between nature and man as ‘Heaven and earth were born at the same time I was, and the ten-thousand things are one with me’ (天地与我并生, 而万物与我为一) [ 14 ], which can be concisely summarized as a vision of ‘Unity of Nature and Man’ (‘天人合一’) (UNM). The Chinese sages’ UNM vision embraces inherent respect for nature and advocates that humanity development should conform to the rule of nature with a holistic view. Against the background of the current perspective of separation of nature and man and the resulting ecological crisis, this inspires us to recognize ourselves as, and behave as, a member of nature following the principle of UNM.

The current 2050 Vision uses the words ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’, the meaning of which in its original language is society in symbiosis with nature, both with mutual benefit and necessarily detrimental aspects for one of the parties [ 12 ]. However, Living in Harmony with Nature (LHN) as used by the CBD has four attributes which narrow its meaning. The Vision says: ‘By 2050, (b) biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, (c) maintaining ecosystem services, (d) sustaining a healthy planet and (e) delivering benefits essential for all people’.

This version of the meaning of LHN loses its original Taoist flavor. This can be seen in the words that imply nature's value to humans is necessary: nature is to be ‘valued, conserved, restored and wisely used’ as an object, not treated as an equal. There is no recognition that it has its own needs and its own evolutionary direction that must be respected in a relationship of mutuality as opposed to one of exploitation. While realizing this vision would certainly be an improvement over current conditions, it still does not create the indispensable right relationship of UNM on which future sustainability depends. In contrast, a vision based on the Taoist idea of ‘Unity of Nature and Man’ could achieve this.

As UNM implies, nature's intrinsic value is the existence of its components and broad non-material concepts covered. It advocates that man, as one component of nature, must arrange his activities following the rule that nature contains, and without damaging the sustainability of other components when meeting his own needs. For example, in classical Chinese philosophy, UNM proposed ‘树木以时伐焉 (Trees are logged by time), 禽兽以时杀焉 (Birds and beasts are hunted by time)’, telling people to use natural resources conforming to the life cycle of creatures to guarantee the sustainability of both provider and beneficiary. However, along with humanity's overexploitation of nature to accommodate increasing demands for material goods, the modern human-nature relationship has clearly deviated from the ideal state of UNM and led to the current environmental crisis. To halt the continuing decline of nature and revert to UNM, humanity development must be aligned with nature's limits and demands by respecting its existence, conforming to its rule and conserving its sustainability. UNM considers the demands of both nature and man at the same time by adopting a sustainable approach. In this way, nature and man are no longer two opposed individuals, nor are their demands, but are in complete harmony, blend and finally become one.

On 5 September 2019, the theme of CBD COP15 was finalized and announced as ‘Ecological Civilization - Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth’ [ 15 ]. This theme originates from the Chinese vision of ecological civilization. Ecological civilization is an eco-innovation rooted in traditional wisdom of UNM to harmonize the apparent contradiction between economic development and environmental protection [ 16 ]. COP15 is considered to be a ‘unique and historical opportunity’ to reconcile the relationship between humanity and nature [ 15 ]. UNM, as the real connotation of COP15 theme, could enable this renewed understanding, promote the establishment of ‘a global society in which economic, social, cultural and environmental concerns are addressed in a truly holistic way’ [ 15 ] and foster a sustainable future shared by all life on Earth.

To summarize the above implications of UNM, we propose a more holistic 2050 Vision of ‘Unity of Nature and Man whereby all of Nature is respected, its rule is conformed to, and its components are adequately protected and Humanity meets its own unique needs through sustainable production and sustainable consumption on land and ocean, therefore the sustainability of both nature and man are guaranteed and united.’ This UNM Vision can direct and motivate more comprehensive and effective actions for conserving biodiversity and meeting human's demands at the same time to ensure the effective outcome of the CBD’s three main objectives.

Using the Chinese Taoist philosophy, we propose a new conceptual framework to illustrate the vision of ‘Unity of Nature and Man’ and relate it to implementation. A tetrahedron framework shows the three main skeletons, represented by ‘Nature's needs’, ‘Man's needs’ and ‘Balance of Nature and Man’, and their relationships for achieving UNM (Fig. 1 ).

Tetrahedron structure of the new conceptual framework. The three upper skeletons represent the main strategic goals of the framework, focusing on ‘Nature's needs’, ‘Man's needs’ and ‘Balance of Nature and Man’, respectively The base plain represents the enabling conditions (e.g. mainstreaming, capacity building and resource mobilization) for assuring effective implementation of the strategic plan.

The base plain in the bottom represents the enabling conditions (e.g. mainstreaming, capacity building and resource mobilization) acting as the footstone of the whole framework. Each of the three skeletons has a clear goal, which combined with the others, will lead towards UNM. The three are (1) meet nature's needs for protection, (2) meet humans’ needs for wellbeing, and (3) achieve sustainable development that leads to a new kind of prosperity which respects nature's needs, and unites and balances the needs of nature and human. These goals also correspond to the three main objectives of CBD including biodiversity conservation, equitable sharing of benefit (wellbeing) and sustainable use of biodiversity. When all three strategic goals are supported by another goal of adequate enabling conditions, we can achieve UNM.

The key point of this is that true integration of nature and man (UNM) means integrating human development goals and biodiversity goals as equal and mutually reinforcing. Both have their own needs which must be met, and where they meet they must be co-equal and inextricably intertwined.

While the Unity of Nature and Man provides an alternative conceptual framework to rethink and deal with our relationship to nature, further developments are needed to enable its effective implementation. Here we propose four dimensions that should be examined to enable the changes that can balance the needs of nature and man moving forwards to achieve the strategic goals of CBD and 2050 UNM Vision.

Transformation of value systems underpins the departure from business-as-usual

Based on the above discussion, the long-term misinterpretation of our relationship with nature and the resulting interferences are responsible for today's environmental crisis. Previous failures evidenced that business-as-usual cannot slow the rate of biodiversity loss, let alone put it on a path to recovery. Departure from business-as-usual will not happen naturally, especially with the opposition from those with vested interests [ 3 , 4 ], but can be underpinned and fostered by alternative value systems of whole societies. Recognition and respect of nature's intrinsic value as well as positioning man as part of nature will motivate people to move to address the problem and seek the ideal state of Unity of Nature and Man. The shift of value systems will enhance individuals’ and societies’ internal connection with nature [ 17 ], and drive policy, technology and humanity development on the track towards sustainability. The achievement of global biodiversity targets relies on collective global efforts. Although UNM originates from classical Chinese philosophy, its core is shared by different cultures and perspectives worldwide, e.g. the ancient ‘Mother Earth’, ‘Gaia’ in South America, ‘Brahman’ in India and modern environmental ethics. In this light, UNM is promising to align efforts of different parties and communities to a unified vision. This nature also allows for UNM and its principles to be translated easily into language that facilitates parties and communities developing specific solutions for balancing local developments with nature and sharing useful implementation experiences.

Holistic view and systems thinking promotes required knowledge and nexus approaches

Interactions between nature and humanity, including between ecosystems and human wellbeing, are complex. To address the current environmental crisis, including biodiversity loss, requires a deepening understand of this complexity, which can be informed by UNM philosophy. Knowledge of coupled human-nature or socio-ecological systems, including that of indigenous and local communities [ 12 ], should be accumulated and should evolve through enhanced interdisciplinary research and adoption of a more holistic view of UNM that regards nature and human as an organic whole. As biodiversity is a multifaceted issue intertwined with human development, nexus (integrated) and system-oriented approaches are needed to simultaneously achieve goals of biodiversity conservation, related human wellbeing improvement, and to seek a balance in the UNM framework. Systems thinking focusing on dynamic relationships of these three dimensions, including their elements, is necessary to identify effective solutions to address complex challenges of biodiversity loss and sustainable development. Some good practices are emerging. For instance, the Nature-based Solutions aims to provide human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits simultaneously with support of nature [ 18 ], and the policy innovation of Ecological Conservation Redline, under a broader institutional framework of Ecological Civilization in China, is designed to guarantee both the national ecological security and essential ecosystem services [ 19–21 ]. These concepts and practices offer references and inspiration for other countries to develop integrated solutions to sustain biodiversity benefits and human wellbeing.

Transformative changes to tackle indirect drivers of biodiversity loss and concrete commitments of Parties

Based on the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services issued by IPBES, three goals of CBD and sustainable future cannot be met along current trajectories, and are only possible through transformative changes across economic, social, political and technological factors [ 3 , 4 ]. According to Donella Meadows, there are ‘leverage points’ where small shifts can lead to fundamental changes in the system towards sustainability [ 22 ]. Although specific leverage points vary across contexts, a shift of value systems, as well as visions of a good life, are agreed to be deep leverage points for enabling transformative changes from current trends to more sustainable ones [ 4 , 17 , 23 ]. In this light, the transformation of how we value nature and the way we deal with the relationship to nature proposed by the UNM makes it fundamental momentum and also enhancement of other leverage points for societal changes. Additionally, three goals in the UNM conceptual framework, namely meet nature's needs, meet human’s needs, and their balance through sustainable development, reflect the complex interconnection between biodiversity issues and humanity development. Endeavors to reach these goals will promote knowledge accumulation of social-ecological systems, including externalities and telecouplings, while the UNM philosophy's holistic view can inform and foster integrated solutions for the nexus of relevant goals featured by complex interactions and multi-sector involvement, all of which can underpin desirable transformative changes in different aspects. On the other hand, the realization of UNM Vision and its potential contributions to CBD’s three strategic goals and the Sustainable Development Goals rely on concrete commitments from Parties. The shared aspiration to build a sustainable future for both humanity and nature will form the first step of global communities towards the UNM Vision. Mainstreaming humans’ dependence on nature and the necessity to respect the intrinsic value of nature and needs will help to generate a sense of responsibility to act for nature and biodiversity across sectors in different scales. Parties should take the form of commitments to achieve transformative changes in current unsustainable production and consumption patterns to reduce indirect drivers for biodiversity loss, and in governance approaches to handle nexus challenges on simultaneously meeting the needs of nature and man in the long term. Last but not least, a transformative resource mobilization strategy is essential for sufficient and effective financial support for the ambitious UNM Vision, especially against the background of post-pandemic recovery of the world's economy.

A Chinese temple showing the step path towards the UNM Vision. Standing on the base plain of ‘enabling conditions’, three strong pillars symbolize the three main strategic goals of this new framework. These support upgrading of the stage goals of 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050. By achieving these goals, we can finally reach the vision of UNM, ‘Unity of Nature and Man’.

A phased approach and milestones on area-based target to reach the UNM Vision

‘Unity of Nature and Man’ aiming to tackle the long-term imbalance of meeting the needs of nature and man is an ambitious vision. It can be reached only by achieving stage goals one by one following periodic strategic plans with collective global efforts. Milestone(s) or overarching goal(s) can motivate willingness of stakeholders to develop ambitious but realistic plans on biodiversity conservation and enhanced mainstreaming. Notwithstanding much debate on the bold protected area target [ 24–27 ], the Post-2020 GBF should still be expected to aim higher on the area-based protection/retention target and regard it as a critical milestone for global biodiversity conservation in the coming decades. Land-use change acted as the sharpest contradictions between nature and man over the past 50 years [ 4 ]. The decline of nature will not stop unless biodiversity per se has sufficient space to sustain whilst ensuring man's needs are met guided by the Agenda of Sustainable Development. Bold, as well as deliberate, area-based target will drive transition of contradictions to managed trade-offs between needs of nature and man, by adopting other effective conservation measures (OECMs), spatial planning, and adaptive management and governance interventions. Meanwhile, the use and management of biodiversity from ecosystems to genes to meet humans’ needs must be bounded within the limit of planetary boundaries and fixed on the road of sustainability. Moving forward, we suggest a series of milestones/overarching targets to delineate the step path of reaching the UNM Vision as ‘by 2030, safeguard 1/4 of the Earth with integral, functioning, and connected ecosystems to support   sustainability both of nature and its contributions to humanity while addressing other direct drivers on biodiversity loss, and step along the path to increase the proportion of the safeguarded Earth to 1/3 by 2040, and 1/2 by 2050 to finally achieve the 2050 Vision – the Unity of Nature and Man’ (Fig. 2 ).

We greatly thank Dr. Harvey Locke and four reviewers for critical comments to improve our manuscript.

This work was funded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB31000000 and QYZDY-SSWSMC019) and the Creative Research Group Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (31821001).

Conflict of interest statement. None declared.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Poetry — The War Between Man and Nature in “The Convergence of the Twain”

The War Between Man and Nature in "The Convergence of The Twain"

• Categories: Poetry Thomas Hardy

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Published: Jul 17, 2018

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Herman Melville

Everything you need for every book you read..

The novel centers on man's multi-faceted interaction with nature, whether by trying to control or tame it; understand it; profit from it; or, in Ahab ’s case, defeat it. The book implies that nature, much like the whale , is an impersonal and inscrutable phenomenon. Man tends to treat nature as an entity with motives or emotions, when in fact nature is ultimately indifferent to man. The cautious and pragmatic Starbuck is one character who sees the whale as just an animal; he admonishes Ahab for seeking revenge on Moby Dick, saying, “To be enraged with a dumb thing, Captain Ahab, seems blasphemous.” Ahab gives a long reply that suggests he sees the whale, not just as an animal, but as the mask for a higher entity, “some unknown but still reasoning thing… That inscrutable thing is chiefly what I hate; and be the white whale agent, or be the white whale principal, I will wreak that hate upon him. Talk not to me of blasphemy, man; I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” The novel portrays this defiance as both insane and blasphemous, contrasting it with the attitude of Starbuck , who avoids foolish risks and remains aware that he is there to kill whales for a living “and not to be killed by them for theirs.”

Nature and Man ThemeTracker

Nature and Man Quotes in Moby-Dick

The whaling voyage was welcome; the great flood-gates of the wonder-world swung open, and in the wild conceits that swayed me to my purpose, two and two there floated into my inmost soul, endless procession of the whale, and, mid most of them all, one grand hooded phantom, like a snow hill in the air.

I have forgotten to mention that, in many things, Queequeg placed great confidence in the excellence of Yojo’s judgment and surprising forecast of things; and cherished Yojo with considerable esteem, as a rather good sort of god . . . .

But as in landlessness alone resides the highest truth, shoreless, indefinite as God—so, better is it to perish in that howling infinite, than be ingloriously dashed upon the lee, even if that were safety!

It’s a white whale, I say . . . a white whale. Skin your eyes for him, men; look sharp for white water; if ye see but a bubble, sing out.

For one, I gave myself up to the abandonment of the time and the place; but while yet all a-rush to encounter the whale, could see naught in that brute but the deadliest ill.

Is it that by its indefiniteness it shadows forth the heartless voids and immensities of the universe, and thus stabs us from behind with the thought of annihilation? . . . Or is it, that as in essence whiteness is not so much a color as the visible absence of color . . . is it for these reasons that there is such a dumb blankness, full of meaning, in a wide landscape of snows . . . ?

Round the world! There is much in that sound to inspire proud feelings; but whereto does all that circumnavigation conduct? Only thought numberless perils to the very point whence we started, where those that we left behind secure, were all the time before us.

All men live enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.

O, man! admire and model thyself after the whale! Do thou, too, remain warm among ice. Do thou, too, live in this world without being of it. Be cool at the equator; keep thy blood fluid at the Pole. . . . retain, O man! in all seasons a temperature of thine own.

Think, think of thy whale-boat, stoven and sunk! Beware of the horrible tail!

Perseus, St. George, Hercules, Jonah, and Vishnoo! there’s a member-roll for you! What club but the whaleman’s can head off like that?

What then shall I liken the Sperm Whale to for fragrance, considering his magnitude? Must it not be to that famous elephant, with jeweled tusks, and redolent with myrrh, which was led out of an Indian town to do honor to Alexander the Great?

He’s welcome to the arm he has, since I can’t help it, and didn’t know him then; but not to another one. No more White Whales for me; I’ve lowered for him once, and that has satisfied me.

Thus we see how that the spine of even the hugest of living things tapers off at last into simple child’s play.

Oh, Life! Here I am, proud as a Greek god, and yet standing debtor to this block-head for a bone to stand on. Cursed be that mortal interindebtedness which will not do away with ledgers. I would be free as air; and I’m down in the whole world’s books.

They asked him, then, whether to live or die was a matter of his own sovereign will and pleasure. He answered, certainly. In a word, it was Queequeg’s conceit, that if a man made up his mind to live, mere sickness could not kill him: nothing but a whale, or a gale, or some violent, ungovernable, unintelligent destroyer of that sort.

Men, this gold is mine, for I earned it; but I shall let it abide here till the White Whale is dead; and then, whosoever of ye first raises him, upon the day he shall be killed, this gold is that man’s, and if on that day I shall again raise him, then, ten times its sum shall be divided among all of ye! Away now!

Now small fowls flew screaming over the yet yawning gulf; a sullen white surf beat against its steep sides; then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago.

On the second day, a sail drew near, nearer, and picked me up at last. It was the devious-cruising Rachel, that in her tracing search after her missing children, only found another orphan.

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Mastering The Art Of Writing A Great Conflict Essay

Table of Contents

… But how to write a conflict essay?

This task can become a real stone of stumbling for many students, especially when they write admissions essays.

The practice shows that students tend to describe conflicts in the one-dimensional narrative, where one side of the conflict is depicted as a knight in shining armor and the other side is a complete villain.

Of course, it is the simplest way to manage conflicts (as anyone sees clearly, who is right), however, this approach highlight the inability to give an unbiased assessment of both sides of the conflict.

Here we will cover the essentials of writing such essays and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the conflict papers.

Studying the basics of the conflict essay

What is conflict, and what are its causes? Is it possible to avoid it, and how to solve it? Who are the participants, and is there a possibility for them to have a peaceful order? Here are the main points that should be covered in your text.

But what are you going to write about?

Different vocabularies give so many different definitions of this term that it is so easy to be bamboozled by all these meanings.

• A war of a fight.
• A mental struggle.
• An opposition of persons or forces.
• Anything that sets the character back from achieving a specific goal (in fiction).

That is why it is crucial to read and understand the task before you start writing.

Writing guideline for the essays about conflict

Your journey to the perfect paper should start with the proper investigation:

• What is the type of conflict you are writing about?
• What are its reasons?
• What are the consequences?
• How to solve it?

Taking into consideration all mentioned above, it becomes clear that the disagreement between two people does not limit the type of conflict. It also may cover a conflict between a man and society or nature, or even a fight against self.

And do not forget about the key players: the protagonist and antagonist of the conflict.

As soon as you have defined the central conflicts and leading players, it is time to gather facts that prove this point of view. Arm yourself with a pen and start searching for the evidence of conflict in the literary work, if your task is to cover the conflict depicted in a novel or a poem.

You may use many sources for data collection; however, make sure that they are reliable and relevant. And do not forget to jot down the information about the source for proper referencing; otherwise, using materials without appropriate arrangement will be considered plagiarism.

Carefully analyze gathered material and single out a precise thesis statement that will be the basis of the paper. Later it will become the last sentence of the introduction, but now it is the basis of the outline for your essay on conflict. The basic outline template for such paper will look like this:

• A hook sentence – an interesting fact, question, quote, or anecdote.
• Introduction part that makes readers aware of the conflict.
• Thesis statement.
• 3 body paragraphs , each with one issue of the conflict and several proofs.
• Address whether the conflict was resolved or not.
• You may also discuss the ways of avoiding or solving the conflict.
• The conclusion  should cover the main points of the paper with the rephrasing of a thesis.

Breaking down a personal conflict essay

Two types of conflict can be covered in the essay – personal and internal. Personal, on its turn, can be divided into a conflict between people, or a person and organization, or a person and a state (especially in the countries of the totalitarian regime).

Usually, students prefer to describe their own conflict experience, for example, with parents or peers. In this case, one has to define the purpose of writing as thereon hangs the tone of the text. For example, the aim is to show that there are no right or wrong, but two legitimate points of view.

Then the tone of the paper will be empathic as the writer has the insight into the opposite point of view and there are two sides of every story.

What about an internal conflict essay?

Such essays deal with the psychological conflicts inside one person. Thus, they discuss what happens when we have to do something that is against ethical standards or values, or the clash of logical and emotional response to something.

Here much prominence should be given to the ways of overcoming this conflict and as a result, becoming a better person.

And in both cases, it is necessary to follow these guidelines to improve the quality of the text:

• Pay attention to the task requirements: do not exceed the word limit , arrange the quotes according to the chosen referencing style, format the paper properly.
• Make sure that the paper is plagiarism-free .
• Edit and proofread the text.

Take advantage of a well-written conflict essay example

As they say, seeing once is better than hearing twice. When you look through a top-notch paper written by a professional writer, everything clicks into place.

What is more, you can use such paper as a template for your own paper and as a source of inspiration.

…What’s not to love?

Can’t complete such task in time? Entrust it to the professionals! Save time and energy, while your flawless paper will be ready for you in no time!

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Essay on Relationship Between Human And Nature

Students are often asked to write an essay on Relationship Between Human And Nature in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Relationship Between Human And Nature

The bond with nature.

People and nature are interconnected. We rely on the environment for survival, using its resources for food, shelter, and air. Nature, in return, benefits from our care and protection.

Respecting Nature

Respecting nature is essential. By protecting the environment, we ensure our own survival. We must recycle, reduce waste, and conserve energy to maintain this balance.

The Consequences of Neglect

Ignoring nature’s needs leads to problems like climate change and species extinction. These issues affect us directly, threatening our health and lifestyle.

Our relationship with nature is a delicate balance. By respecting and caring for the environment, we ensure a healthier, brighter future for all.

250 Words Essay on Relationship Between Human And Nature

The intrinsic connection.

The relationship between humans and nature is an intricate, symbiotic bond, profoundly shaped by millions of years of evolution. Humans, as sentient beings, have developed sophisticated cultures and technologies, yet our survival remains inextricably tied to the natural world.

Dependence and Impact

Nature provides essential resources such as air, water, food, and raw materials. These resources are not only crucial for our survival, but they also form the basis of our economic systems. However, our reliance on nature has led to significant environmental impacts. Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are direct consequences of human activities, threatening biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems.

The Reciprocal Relationship

The human-nature relationship is reciprocal. While we shape nature through our actions, nature, in turn, influences human behavior, culture, and mental health. Exposure to natural environments has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function.

A Need for Rebalance

The current environmental crisis calls for a rebalance in the human-nature relationship. It necessitates a shift from exploitation to sustainable coexistence, where we respect and preserve nature’s intrinsic value. This shift requires a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with nature and a collective effort to reduce our environmental impact.

In conclusion, the human-nature relationship is a complex and dynamic interaction that has significant implications for both parties. As we move forward, it is essential to foster a relationship of mutual respect and sustainability with nature to ensure the survival and wellbeing of all life on Earth.

500 Words Essay on Relationship Between Human And Nature

The intricate dance: human and nature.

The relationship between humans and nature is a complex interplay of dependence, respect, exploitation, and evolution. This relationship is not just crucial for our survival, but it also shapes our culture, beliefs, and our very identity.

Dependence: The Lifeline

The most fundamental aspect of our relationship with nature is our dependence on it. We rely on nature for our basic necessities – air, water, food, and shelter. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the materials we use for shelter all come from nature. This dependence is not a one-way street. Nature, in turn, relies on us to maintain its balance. Our actions, whether they involve planting trees or emitting carbon dioxide, have a direct impact on the natural world.

Respect: The Forgotten Virtue

Historically, humans have revered nature. Many ancient cultures worshipped nature deities and respected the land, the sea, and the sky. This respect was born out of an understanding of our dependence on nature, and the need to maintain a harmonious relationship with it. However, with the advent of industrialization and modernization, this respect has often been forgotten. We have begun to see nature as a resource to be exploited, rather than a partner to be respected.

Exploitation: The Double-Edged Sword

Our exploitation of nature has led to unprecedented advancements in technology, medicine, and living standards. However, it has also led to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, climate change, and a host of other problems. Our exploitation of nature has become a double-edged sword, providing us with short-term gains but threatening our long-term survival.

Evolution: The Path Forward

The future of our relationship with nature lies in evolution. We must evolve our attitudes and behaviors towards nature. We must move away from a paradigm of exploitation and towards one of sustainability. This involves not just technological innovation, but also a shift in our values and beliefs. We must learn to value nature not just for what it can provide us, but for its intrinsic worth.

Conclusion: Redefining the Relationship

The relationship between humans and nature is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of exploitation and face the consequences, or we can choose a new path of respect, sustainability, and coexistence. The choice is ours to make. As we stand at this juncture, let us remember that our relationship with nature is not just about survival, but also about who we are as a species. It is about our values, our beliefs, and our legacy. It is about our future.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Love for Nature
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Relationship Between Human And Nature (Essay Sample)

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Humans and nature have a life-long relationship. This particular relation is as old as mankind itself. There was a time when nature and humans peacefully co-excited together in complete harmony but not anymore. Nature provided us with food, shelter, and everything else that we required but things changed drastically. For the past three centuries, humans have started to destroy nature. Diesel engines, smoke chimneys, factory waste, deforestation, nuclear waste, and whatnot are destroying the human relationship with nature. Nature is not just silent to all this, it has responded with global warming, wildfires, floods like a tsunami, and a rise in sea levels. In this essay, we will discuss events that led to this bad relationship between humans and nature.

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Table of Contents

Relationship Between Human And Environment Essay- 700 Word Long Essay

Humans and the environment have a centuries-long relationship with each other. For countless centuries mankind has peacefully coexisted and benefited from everything provided by nature. Mother nature on the other hand has been very kind to shower us with all its blessings. It has provided mankind with food, shelter, and all necessities of life without ever asking anything in return. For all these centuries human beings also cared for nature until the invention of diesel engines and large-scale factories that polluted the environment. In this essay, I will discuss how the relationship between humans and the environment is progressing after all this time.

Population explosion is the biggest factor that negatively affects the relationship between humans and the environment. Because of the rapid human population growth, the requirement for resources also increased by many folds. This huge population size created an imbalance and scarcity of resources. To fulfill growing demands for resources large-scale factories and production units were set up. These factories, chimneys, the petroleum industry, the textile industry, and whatnot released all the poisonous waste into the environment. These factories are exploiting nature and playing with human well-being by polluting the natural world.

Technological advancements,  modernization, and economic growth have led humans away from mother nature. Modern society has seen an increase in demand for natural systems and natural materials changing the human perception of nature. Humans no longer respect, love, and value nature as they just exploit it for their own benefits. The bond of love and affection between humans and the environment is no longer there. These increased distances have negatively affected our mental health and psychological well-being. Deforestation has caused a major climate change which has led to global warming but humans continue to cut all trees without planting new ones.

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Humans are strong and smart enough to dominate the world, but they still can’t survive without natural resources. Nature was a silent watcher for all these centuries but now it has struck back. Humankind suffers because of the destruction of nature and is forced to withstand harsh temperatures due to deforestation. Global warming, sea-level rise, heatwaves, flooding, and wildfires are some signs from nature that we need to stop harming our environment.

The natural life that includes animals and other species has improved their nature relationship. In all these centuries every living thing other than human beings has strived towards achieving sustainability. They have learned how to survive with limited resources by providing benefits to the natural environment. These species created a strong relationship with nature and played their part to improve human health. Whenever they use any natural resource they add value to the environment. Humans should learn from all other species to avoid environmental disasters.

In conclusion, just like many animal species are now distant because of overhunting, natural resources are also depleting every day. Everyone should be taught to love and respect nature to improve the relationship between humans and the environment. If things continue like this we won’t be able to survive on planet earth.

Short Essay On Relation Between Human And Nature – 300 Word Short Custom Essay

Humans and nature share a life-long relationship. They have been in a relationship since the first man laid food on earth. The human-nature relationship is ever-evolving and changing but for the last two centuries, it has just gotten worse. The main reason for this negative change is that humans no longer love and respect nature. The digital age has made humans lazy, now they only exploit nature for their benefit. In this short essay, I will discuss why this relationship is worsening with each passing day.

Population explosion is the main culprit behind environmental pollution. The increased demand for resources has led to the establishment of factories, mills, industries, and even nuclear reactors. All this poisonous waste is released in the sea, air, and water that destroys everything nature has blessed us with. Humans also destroy natural resources like trees and don’t care about achieving a sustainable future. Deforestation has caused climate change and a lack of fresh air. This climate change is responsible for global warming and flooding.

After all these centuries of peacefully coexisting the nature has finally struck back. Humans now face the threat of natural disasters like heat waves, rising sea levels, wildfires, and ozone depletion challenges. Humans are also running out of fossil fuels and social capital that played a vital role in the progress of humanity.

During human evolution and human development, we all shared a bond of love and affection with nature. Our social development and social relationships have destroyed the natural relationship of love with the environment. Humans nowadays are constantly developing alternative ways of coping with nature. We are forced to contend with the changing patterns of weather, and other natural processes all because we don’t respect nature anymore.

In conclusion, to preserve our relationship with nature, we must launch a social movement and raise awareness to promote green space. We should raise awareness among kids so that they can learn to respect nature as this is the only way to redeem ourselves in the eyes of mother nature.

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FAQ About Relationship Between Human and Natural World Essay

Why is human connection to nature important.

The human connection to nature is very important because this way we can start to love and respect nature like we did 2-3 centuries before. This bond with nature is the only way to restore our connection with nature.

What Is The Difference Between Human And Natural Environments?

Humans and the natural environment are two different entities. Humans can’t survive without nature but nature can still survive without humans.