So many people argue that the environmental crisis is just a myth. Let’s examine some facts to find out for ourselves.
According to NASA and NOAA, the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased significantly over the past century, largely due to greenhouse gases produced by human activities. Their data shows that the Earth’s average temperature has risen by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century.
This explains the melting ice caps. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) reports that Arctic sea ice has decreased by about 13% per decade since satellite measurements began in the late 1970s, contributing to rising sea levels.
We can also see the changing patterns in weather events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports an increased likelihood and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, which impacts millions around the world.
What about pollution?
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that air pollution is responsible for around 7 million premature deaths each year. Major pollutants come from burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions.
Water pollution is another issue that we need to address. The UN World Water Development Reportreveals that approximately 80% of wastewater globally is released back into the environment without treatment, affecting ecosystems and water quality.
We need to also look at the role of plastic pollution in this. Research by the journal Science estimates that around 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. This plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are found in marine life and human food and water.
The outcome of these crises for the species of our world is terrifying. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), species are becoming extinct at rates much faster than natural rates, largely due to human impacts such as deforestation, climate change, and pollution. The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network has reported that nearly half of the world’s coral reefs have been lost since 1950, primarily due to climate change and pollution. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)of the United Nations estimates that about 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually, impacting biodiversity and increasing carbon emissions.
All these changes are effecting both soil degradation and water scarcity. According to UN-Water, approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and by 2025, half the world’s population could be living in areas facing water stress. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that 33% of global soils are already degraded due to deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable agriculture.
In a way, we humans are not just destroying our world but a planet that is home to many animals and plants.
What can we do?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We need to promote the “3 Rs” as an effective way to reduce waste and conserve resources so that we can lower pollution and reduce landfill use. We need to start teaching this from the early years. That’s why we have published our book ‘Give the Colours back to the Earth’.
Choose Renewable Energy
Studies by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) show that renewable energy sources,such as wind and solar, can reduce carbon emissions and dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Support Conservation Efforts
Conservation International and WWF both conduct ongoing research demonstrating that preserving natural habitats and reforestation efforts improve biodiversity and help stabilize the climate.
Find out more…
UK based organisations
Met Office (Climate Change): https://www.metoffice.gov.uk
- The UK’s national weather service provides reports and data on climate change impacts in the UK and globally.
UK Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
- DEFRA offers information on UK environmental policies, biodiversity protection, and sustainable practices.
Natural England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england
- This agency focuses on conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and biodiversity protection across England.
Environment Agency (EA): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
- The Environment Agency monitors pollution, manages waste, and protects UK waters and land.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB): https://www.rspb.org.uk
- RSPB provides information on biodiversity, focusing on bird populations and their habitats within the UK.
The Wildlife Trusts: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org
- A federation of local conservation charities across the UK, with reports on biodiversity loss, habitat conservation, and sustainable resource management.
Friends of the Earth (FoE) UK: https://www.friendsoftheearth.uk
- Friends of the Earth is an environmental campaigning organization providing resources on pollution, climate change, and environmental justice.
National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- The National Trust maintains natural and historic sites across the UK and provides educational resources on the impacts of climate change on these areas.
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH): https://www.ceh.ac.uk
- UKCEH conducts scientific research on ecosystems, biodiversity, and water resources in the UK.
Zoological Society of London (ZSL): https://www.zsl.org
- ZSL runs conservation programs and provides information on biodiversity, endangered species, and ecosystem preservation.
Carbon Trust: https://www.carbontrust.com
- This organization offers guidance on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy practices.
Greenpeace UK: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk
- Greenpeace UK provides research and campaigns on climate change, pollution, and protecting marine life.
WWF UK: https://www.wwf.org.uk
- The UK branch of WWF offers information on climate action, biodiversity loss, and conservation efforts in the UK and globally.
International organisations
NASA Climate Change and Global Warming: https://climate.nasa.gov
National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC): https://nsidc.org
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): https://www.ipcc.ch
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int
United Nations World Water Assessment Programme (UNESCO): https://www.unesco.org
Science Journal (Plastic Pollution): https://science.sciencemag.org
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN): https://gcrmn.net
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – Global Forest Resources Assessment: https://www.fao.org
UN-Water: https://www.unwater.org
FAO – Soil Erosion: https://www.fao.org
International Energy Agency (IEA): https://www.iea.org
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: https://www.epa.gov
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): https://www.irena.org
Conservation International: https://www.conservation.org
World Wildlife Fund (WWF): https://www.worldwildlife.org