A clean environment is essential for everyone to live a healthy life, however, current stats indicate a troubling path towards disaster. We are heading toward irreversible damage that future generations will have to suffer. Therefore, urgent precautions and practices are needed to preserve our planet’s health and ensure a better future for all.
Environmental Transformations Over the Past 50 Years
In the last few decades, massive changes in the environment have impacted our world a lot. Higher global temperatures, more severe weather like hurricanes and heat waves, cutting down a lot of forests, worse air quality, and rising sea levels are all serious problems. These changes show we need to act fast to protect Earth’s future and keep our environment and wildlife safe.
- Temperature Increase
According to Nasa Climate Science, in 2024 global temperatures have risen by about 1.36 degrees Celsius (2.45 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 19th century. Since temperature record management started in 1850 and the last decade, 2014-2024 were the hottest years ever documented. This highlights how alarming the situation has got and must be immediately handled to ensure it stays habitable for the upcoming generations.
- Extreme Weather Events
Due to the significant change in weather, there has been a notable increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainstorms, because the climate is totally messed up. For instance, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the number of weather-related disasters has increased five times over the last 50 years.
- Reduced Forest
Due to the constantly increasing population and expansion of industrialization, forests have been significantly reduced worldwide as they accommodate land. If we talk only about the Amazon rainforest, 20% of this has been lost. Globally, the planet lost 4.2 million square kilometers of forest between the 1980s and 2016, an area equal to the whole European Union, as stated by the Food & Agriculture organization.
- Air Quality
Due to the massive decrease in forests, increased industrialization, and use of auto vehicles, air pollution has become a major concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 90 percent of people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.
PM 2.5 are small particles of around 2.5 micrometers, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, dangerous gasses, and liquid droplets. If inhaled, they can penetrate deeply into the lungs. As per the State of Global Air Organization, long-term exposure to PM2.5 resulted in over 4 million deaths in 2019.
- Ocean Health
Oceans have also absorbed a lot of extra heat from global warming, which has led to a rise in sea temperatures. Ocean acidity has also increased by about 30-40% since the Industrial Revolution, which adversely affects marine life.
- Biodiversity Loss
Due to the impact of environmental changes and pollution, the world is becoming tougher for a lot of species as most require a specific environment for survival. As per The Guardian, humans have wiped out more than 60% of the animal population since 1970.
- Ice Melt and Sea Level Rise
Due to global warming, the sea ice and glaciers are melting quickly. For instance, only the Arctic sea ice has been reduced by around 13% per decade. Due to this, global sea levels have increased by around 20 centimeters (8 inches) in the previous century, and the rate has doubled in the last two decades.
Common Reasons That Contributed to Environmental Change
Below, we’ll discuss common factors that have contributed to these environmental changes. Here are some common reasons:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas for the purpose of generating energy releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses(that trap and absorb heat like CO2, Methane, and Fluorinated gasses used in refrigeration) into the atmosphere.
- Deforestation
Deforestation is mainly happening due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. Trees release Oxygen that we use to breathe and they absorb CO2, so cutting them down reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb greenhouse gasses.
- Pollution
Industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and the use of chemicals in agriculture contribute to air and water pollution. Plastic pollution has become a major issue, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in oceans every year.
- Urbanization
The rapid increase in urbanization has resulted in the conversion of nature into cities and towns, which disrupts ecosystems and increases pollution. Urbanization disturbs ecosystems, generates significant waste, and requires extensive energy resources.
- Agricultural Practices
Modern agriculture includes excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which impact soil health and contaminate water resources. The expansion of agriculture also needs to cut off trees from the fields, so trees are reduced enormously.
- Industrialization
The growth of industries increases emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gasses.
Industrial waste and byproducts often contaminate air, water, and soil.
- Overexploitation of Resources
Extensive practices like overfishing, mining, and logging pose a significant burden on natural resources. This overexploitation leads to resource depletion and loss of biodiversity.
- Poor Waste Management
Improper disposal of waste, especially hazardous and plastic waste, leads to environmental contamination. Landfills and incineration can release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Strategies to Address Environmental Change at Individual, State, and Global Levels
Addressing environmental change requires combined efforts at individual, state, and global levels to minimize the impact and step toward betterment.
Practises for Individual Level:
- By reducing energy consumption using energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED lights, and improving insulation, we can lower energy bills and lessen our environmental impact.
- We can promote public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking for the purpose of reducing carbon emissions from vehicles that can enhance cleaner air quality collectively.
- We can conserve water by fixing leaks, installing water-saving fixtures, and practicing mindful water use in daily activities for the purpose of
- We can recycle and reuse material for the purpose of minimizing waste by choosing reusable products, recycling materials, and composting organic waste to lessen the use of resources.
- By supporting the practice of using minimal packaging, or using those made from recycled materials, or certified as environmentally friendly, we can reduce environmental impact.
State and global Level:
- At the state level, governments can take significant steps to combat environmental change.
- It’s crucial to make and enforce laws to promote renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency standards, and emission reductions.
- Investing in infrastructure is equally important, as is developing sustainable transportation networks, improving waste management systems, and supporting green building practices.
- Protecting natural resources by establishing and expanding protected areas, enforcing conservation laws, and promoting sustainable land, their uses and their sustainable and economic practices are vital to humanity. In addition, federal states can support technology, research and innovation- funding academic studies on climate change can be adaptation strategies which local states will adopt into renewable energy in order to adapt new technologies and environmental monitoring.
- Public awareness and education is key to fostering attention toward the sensitivity of this topic. By educating citizens on environmental issues, our state promotes better practices. Encouraging public participation leads to collective knowledge.
( BLOG ) Sutras- APP-
Empowering Individuals Business towards a sustainable future
Engaging in better practice, proficiency and skills to develop sustainability in your area. Access finance for energy efficiency, clean energy and improvements to build infrastructure for buildings presents a major barrier.
- The transition to the new economics has been helping countries to recover their losses. Their transition towards a greener future has been done fast and finance is cheaper at the moment for those who are in need of financial aid.
- For example, Global countries significantly impact climate change by upholding agreements like the Paris Agreement, setting cutting edge targets like GEE permission, and supporting development nations on the financial assistance.
International cooperation through diplomacy, partnership. Sharing our best practices are essential for a coordinated response to environmental challenges.
Sutras: Empowering Individuals and Businesses for a Sustainable Future
environmental organization, we adhere to international guidelines and aim to make a significant global impact through innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships. Our goal is to empower businesses with eco-conscious practices and inspire individuals to contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.
Conclusion
Adverse environmental changes over the last decade, urges for global and individual action.It is to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices at all levels. By collaborating at each scale and adopting proactive strategies, we can promote a healthier and more resilient planet Earth for future generations.
