The alarming truth is that our planet’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. Despite the efforts of numerous organizations working to preserve it, Earth continues to be threatened by pollution and ecological degradation – a situation that requires immediate attention!
If we do not take action soon, our world could become devoid of life as we know it – so what can we do? Be sure to peruse this article for answers on how you can make an impact for the environment today!
To take action, make a pledge – share your intentions with family and friends so they can join you in your journey.
Countless philanthropists across the globe have pledged to donate their fortunes for the greater good, pledging to give away at least half of what they earn. In 2015 alone, over 650 individuals donated their respective fortunes to charity; this represents an extraordinary number considering that such donations have been occurring year after year since 2013!
1. Humans are the cause of climate change
In September 2014, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a landmark report detailing its assessment that climate change is occurring and is caused by human activity.
In reality, it’s hard to deny this assertion outright; however, there is still contention over who in particular needs to take action to minimize man-made impacts on our planet. This is because different countries have responded to climate change in various ways.
The U.S., for instance, has underutilized its power as the world’s largest economy in order to tackle the issue of climate change. Meanwhile, China and India have both remained steadfast in their commitment to limiting emissions and curbing any potential ravages that could arise from anthropogenic influences on global affairs.
2. Biodiversity loss is at an alarming rate
The current rate of biodiversity loss is classified as alarming, with estimates that one-third of all species could be lost by 2020. While it’s true we are currently experiencing a global population boom, it’s imperative that each individual make an effort to protect this planet’s precious resources such as its biodiversity and unique ecosystems – if not for themselves then for future generations!
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) compiles its annual State of the Environment report based on thousands of surveys conducted in 155 countries. This year’s report revealed that more than two billion people in the world lack access to basic sanitation facilities–amounting to nearly half of the entire global population.
3. Carbon dioxide is the leading cause of global warming
It’s not just human beings behind the rise in global temperatures – their staggering output of greenhouse gases is undeniably responsible for elevating temperatures over the past century. The primary culprit? Carbon dioxide!
The Earth had never witnessed levels of carbon dioxide like those present today. In 1800, when humans first began extracting fossil fuels from the ground, Earth’s atmosphere contained just 275 parts per million (ppm); by 2015 it was now at 407 ppm, an increase of more than 40%! Over that time period too, carbon dioxide emissions have risen steadily; this phenomenon has been called ‘the Greenhouse Effect’.
Such a massive increase in atmospheric CO2 since the industrial revolution has been linked to the increased temperature observed on our planet over the last few hundred years. With increasing temperatures come rising sea levels and melting ice caps, which in turn lead to more frequent droughts and floods.
4. Rainforests are home to half of the world’s plants and animals
The equatorial rainforests of the planet constitute one of its most bio-diverse regions. The earthly home to over half of all plant and animal species on earth, this woodland is so vast it could encompass an area the size of China!
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 46 percent of the world’s known flora is found in these tropical areas, with 10 percent residing solely within them – a veritable oasis for conservation. These forests are home to 500 million species – nearly half of all known life forms on Earth!
