The Impact of Human Activity on Environmental Elements Based on the Results of a Primary Research

Abstract

Our global economy and society face many challenges every day. Issues such as reducing inequalities, alleviating poverty or even tackling environmental problems are becoming increasingly pressing. The push for sustainability and environmental protection has gained unprecedented momentum. It is clear that improving our quality of life is only possible if economic, social and environmental aspects are addressed simultaneously, as they are closely interlinked. There is already a large body of literature on the extent to which the economic, social and environmental subsystems are interdependent. Economic and social systems play a key role in protecting the values of the environment. Running the economy and maintaining society requires significant amounts of energy and resources, most of which come from the natural environment. However, environmental resources are not inexhaustible and have their limits. The growth of the economy and society puts increasing pressure on the environment, often causing serious damage. Growth cannot be sustained without infinite resources, which is why the principles of sustainability or conscious consumption are gaining increasing attention. We cannot manage our consumption habits and resource use without an appropriate level of responsibility, as we must also think about future generations. One of the key messages of sustainability is precisely that we need to act more consciously. To become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, it is essential to change our mindsets, habits and lifestyles. All this requires a change of direction, simultaneously and for everyone. This study is essentially an attempt to shed light on the role of human activity on environmental elements and what respondents perceive as the most positive or rather negative impacts of human activity. In addition to a literature review, it also presents the results of a primary research study that can help to further understand the relationship between human activity and the elements of the environment.