I would love to start this article by saying that is hope, but this is so serious that if we don't act all together and fast, this planet will not have conditions to support any form of life. Including humans.
In a large part al that is happening now as this pandemic, are the results of the human race greed, and unsustainable consumption of all the natural resources that we been given to in reality protect our lives. People normally don't realize that the simple factor of breathing clean air, is a very calculated process of nature to provide us the best solutions for all species to keep thriving. We took for granted that the politicians and organizations would eventually solve all the environmental problems, and for the majority of individuals, the only idea was if we stop the carbon emission, all would be fine. The truth is that is a dangerous combination that is just deteriorating the quality of life on earth in a very quick short time.
The implications of the increase in the population to 7.674 billion on the Planet.
The implications of the increase in the population to 7.674 billion by now, that are deeply interested in consuming all that they can, also increase the demands for more cities to develop. building houses and farms true all the spaces, contribute to the massive destruction of forests, the decimation of animal species, and their natural habitat.
People are touching areas of the planet that there are not supposed to, as caves with baths that transmit viruses as this covid 19, it will more and more probable that we encounter more dangerous diseases, that can decimate all the humans on the hearth.
This is so bad that previsions made by David Attenborough on A Life On Our Planet, are:
Read This:
The 2030s
With continued deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, it will degrade to a point where it can no longer produce enough moisture, transforming into a dry savanna. Not only will this decimate the biodiversity in the rainforest, but it will also alter the global water cycle.
Additionally, the Arctic will start experiencing ice-free summers. Without the white ice caps, less of the sun’s energy will be reflected back into space. This will accelerate global warming.
The 2040s
In the North, frozen permafrost soils will thaw, releasing methane into the atmosphere, a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
The 2050s
As oceans continue to heat and become more acidic, coral reefs around the world will bleach and die. This will cause fish populations to crash, which will affect millions of people who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, like fishing and tourism.
The 2080s
Global food production will enter into a crisis as soils become exhausted by overuse. Pollinating insects will disappear and the weather will become more unpredictable.
The planet will be four degrees Celsius warmer, rendering large parts of the Earth uninhabitable and leaving millions of people homeless. Scientists predict that the sixth mass extinction will be well underway at this point, causing irreversible damage to the planet. The security and stability of the Holocene era- our “Garden of Eden,” as Attenborough calls it, will be lost.
Source: https://earth.org/david-attenborough-new-film-a-life-on-our-planet/
I cried and stop eating fish or meat for a week when I saw Seaspiracy.
What deep makes me very sad, is we are the only animals that kill for a reason that is not for eating, as we see in the case of the dolphins and sharks that they kill for their fins. Is time to stop and re-value what is the world we letting beyond for our kids to live, and is not enough to think that someone else has to deal with it, we are the consumers, that are draining the earth natural results. They are killing Dolphins, just for them to catch more tuna, to put it in a can for us to eat. Then yes we can start to take the responsibility of stop consuming so much tuna for example, or do a more plant-based alimentation.
After watching the Seaspiracy: Netflix documentary, I was so deeply touched that I decided to go for an all week without eating any fish, but then I said is not fair for Cowspiracy, they let me stop all. By the second day, my76 daughter was able to convince me that eggs and milk are not from dead animals, and I add those and cheese to my diet. During these days I didn't crave meat or fish, and I did understand the spiritual side of it, how is a blessing to don't eat animals at all. But I did that as an experience, which proves that is possible, and I was not feeling so hungry as with a normal diet, and I was feeling strong and fantastic.
But then I was watching, My Octopus Teacher (2020), and I realized, that fish eat other fishes, animals have to eat animals. I said maybe is not just a response to stoping eating animals, is how we do it as species. We catch tones of fish every day and kill in the process all the ones that we don't even desire to eat. We destroy the corals, we take their natural habitat from them, we are a destructive predator.
We build farms that extend for half of the planet at this moment.
Read this:
The global impact of farming on the environment is revealed in new maps, which show that 40 percent of the Earth's land is now given over to agriculture.
University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists compiled the maps using satellite images and crop and livestock production data from countries around the world. The team presented their picture of global land use this week at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco.
"The satellite data tells us where cultivation is occurring with good spatial accuracy, while the census data is able to tell us what is being grown there," said Navin Ramankutty, a land-use researcher with Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE).
The maps suggest that an area roughly the size of South America is used for crop production, while even more land—7.9 to 8.9 billion acres (3.2 to 3.6 billion hectares)—is being used to raise livestock.
And with the world's population growing rapidly, the pressure is on farmers to find new land to cultivate, the study team says.
"How can we continue to produce food from the land while preventing negative environmental consequences, such as deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion?" Ramankutty said.
What we can do to save our planet?
This is the question, and we are all in this together. Then let us remember that as we think that as individuals we don't have enough power, as a collective we are an immense force, them start in your house with little steps that will influence the transformation of this Planet for a healthier environment, and bring back all the natural resources that were before.
I clearly see on this one opportunity to change our habits to healthier ones and improve the quality of lives teaching our children how to not make the same mistake that we have done.
Now remember that every time that the planet is in danger, he triggers a system of mass species extinction to survive, then we can be the next Dinosaurs if we don't act now.
These 15 suggestions are from Earth Org to help Save the Planet we all can do.
If you can just do at least on in regular basis, you are helping on saving Planet Earth, Thanks.
Be Vocal
It’s important to use your voice and speak up about the harmful human activities that are destroying our planet. Become a climate activist by discussing climate-related topics with friends, family, your neighbors, your local community or even your barista- whenever, wherever and whomever. Bringing the climate crisis into the limelight will help those around you become more aware and conscious about the current environmental problems we are facing. If COVID-19 can be a frequent topic of conversation, so can the climate crisis.
Travel Sensibly
One of the most overlooked yet effective ways of becoming more environmentally sustainable is through sensible travel. When planning your route, consider whether you can reach it by foot or bicycle. Is driving necessary? Is the travel distance short enough to avoid unnecessary carbon emissions? If walking or cycling is out of the question, perhaps consider using public transportation.
Going on holiday? A short-haul return flight can account for 10% of your annual carbon emissions. Think about opting for a domestic staycation, traveling to a destination closer to home, or exploring other means of transport beyond flying, such as by train or coach.
In the case where you do choose to travel abroad, practice ethical etiquette. Avoid supporting companies or brands that do not operate in favor of the environment, visit environmentally sustainable attractions, and/or support local conservation projects. Keeping yourself informed on what is and is not considered environmentally ethical at your holiday destination will help mediate your climate and carbon impact. These small changes needn’t ruin your holiday- you will still have fun, and you can help the planet as well.
You might also like: What is the Montreal Protocol?
Consume Sustainable Foods
Tradition and culture allow us to justify and accept consuming animal products. However, due to technological innovation and automation, society is now privileged with an abundance of plant-based alternatives that taste similar to their meat counterparts. Not only do such products spare the lives of innocent and farmed animals, but our meat consumption is a large source of greenhouse gases.
Food production is one of the main driving forces of wildlife extinction. In fact, what we eat is liable for close to 60% of global biodiversity loss and contributes to approximately a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Farming animals for meat and dairy requires space and resources, such as large amounts of water and feed. One of the biggest causes of forest loss is the transformation of land for animal agriculture. Animal products contribute to greater carbon dioxide production than plants and plant-based products do. Incorporating more vegetables, grains and legumes into your diet, and limiting the amount of meat and dairy consumption, will help tackle this problem.
Furthermore, plant products tend to be cheaper- in addition to saving the planet, you will save on your weekly food bills. It is a win-win situation!
Reduce Plastic Usage
Single-use plastic is one of the greatest threats to the environment. Approximately 300 million tons of plastic is produced worldwide every year, with more than 90% ending up in landfills, the ocean or simply dumped.
When ordering takeout, consider using your own reusable food containers. Going for coffee? Bring your own portable mug or thermos. Going grocery shopping? Bring reusable shopping bags. Opt for reusable products instead of single-use plastic to limit your plastic consumption. Being a bit more aware of your consumption habits will definitely help you help the planet.
Be Informed
Be environmentally aware and knowledgeable on current climate-related affairs. We have access to numerous news outlets at our fingertips- it has never been easier to stay up to date with news about the climate crisis. Staying updated will help you become more mindful of your everyday habits, and will hopefully inspire others around you to implement the same small changes to help the planet that will eventually add up.
Take to Social Media
Social media can be used as more than a tool to share your personal life. Take inspiration from Leonardo DiCaprio and post on instagram about the climate crisis, share links to news articles to educate others or follow environmental charities and organizations to help increase their audience reach.
Donate or Volunteer
Donating to environmental organizations helps fund projects that fight against the climate crisis and tackle the causes behind the environmental decline.
There are many ways to donate beyond giving money. You could set up a birthday fundraiser, get sponsored to run a charity race, set up a bake sale, or sign petitions- the list is endless.
Burn Calories, Not Carbon
According to a publication by MHealthy, a green initiative at the University of Michigan, the average person generates approximately 6.5 kg of carbon emissions annually by using the elevator. In order to save electricity and limit your carbon footprint, think about using the stairs whenever possible, which, in addition to helping the environment, will benefit your health and fitness too.
Optimize Your Voting Rights
In most countries where citizens can vote, everyone over the age of 18 is eligible to do so. Vote for those candidates whose values align with yours and who will make the environment a priority (if that is how you politically identify).
Politicians need to be held accountable for actions that harm the environment. Writing directly to your government will make your voice heard and help call for action.
Support Sustainable Brands
There are many brands available that add value to the environment and practice ethical regulations, from sourcing sustainable materials to ensuring fair trade practices are upheld and optimizing the wellbeing of workers.
Ethical sourcing includes finding suppliers that limit their water use, use no hazardous chemicals, limit their waste production and employ better agricultural practices (such as using no pesticides to grow cotton).
Sustainable brands can be seen across the market, from fashion to beauty to homeware to packaging. Supporting such brands will help them gain traction in the market and because of demand and supply, will eventually limit the market power of other less ethical brands.
Limit Fast Fashion Purchases
Fast fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and TopShop are among those that contribute to the climate crisis. A recent study published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment found that the fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually, and is estimated to use around 1.5 trillion liters of water every year. The industry’s water consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, textile waste, and chemical use pose both environmental and health risks, especially for those involved in the industry.
In addition to supporting sustainable brands, limiting fast fashion purchases will further propel you towards a greener lifestyle. Other solutions include thrift shopping and donating old clothes to charity.
Recycle
Recycling can help reduce the number of new materials being produced, and upcycling is an innovative way of transforming old items into something valuable and ‘new’. This could include reusing jam jars as candle holders or using old tins as plant pots- the possibilities are endless and project like these give you the opportunity to be creative.
Food waste is another factor to consider when thinking about recycling. An estimated one-third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted. This is shocking, especially when considering that more than 820 million people around the world do not get enough to eat.
Bringing excess food to homeless shelters, optimizing leftovers, or composting organic waste, for example, goes a long way in reducing food waste.
Participate in Local Clean-Ups
There are many local projects that you can get involved with that help the planet. Beach clean-ups are one of the most popular ways to help clear litter, prevent waste entering marine ecosystems and reduce the number of waste products polluting the environment overall.
Devoting a morning or an afternoon once or twice a week will make a big difference in the long run, it is also a fun way to get friends and family involved in an activity that benefits the environment.
Raise Awareness at School, University, or in the Workplace
Whether it be through starting a club, society, or a corporate program, any green initiative in your work environment will help increase awareness about the climate crisis. Green initiatives like these will look great on your CV or on your business plan and will help society shift to more sustainable practices.
Join an Environmental Organisation
Climate activism is important; with greater support comes greater awareness. Organizations such as Extinction Rebellion and Friends of the Earth are prevalent across the globe and are very easy to join, as they have chapters in many cities around the world. Getting involved with organizations like these will benefit the environment through raising awareness, calling for government intervention, and ultimately, shifting towards greener practices.
Becoming more environmentally conscious seems daunting. But when broken down into smaller fragments, adopting a greener lifestyle is not as overwhelming to achieve. These 15 examples of things you can do to help the planet are within everyone’s reach, and it takes one positive action to spark a cascade of positive outcomes.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/agriculture-food-crops-land
STAND UP FOR NATURE
Join us and call for laws that protect nature – at home and across the world.
https://www.wwf.org.uk/stand-up-for-nature
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