Although the top 10 environmental issues that face the planet can be at best “subjective” we have attempted to aggregate and prioritise the list in order to put things into perspective.
Population
Without a doubt the biggest issue facing the environment is over
population of humans. All other major environmental issues flow from the
very fact that we are over populating the planet. The worlds population has tripled in the last 60 years placing stress on every aspect of the environment. More land is developed every day to accommodate the urban spread. In 1950 the population stood at 2,555,982,611 compared to 2012 which
it now stands at over 7,000,000,000. The actual maths is that the worlds
population has increased by almost 3 times. That is staggering when you
think about it. That figure is increasing even as we speak!
Climate Change
The most controversial and political of the top 10 environmental
issues. Recently an overwhelming majority of climate scientists, believe
that human activities are currently affecting the climate and that the
tipping point has already been passed. In other words, it is too late to
undo the damage that climate change has done to the environment. At this stage the best we can do is regulate the further impact upon
the environment by developing more environmentally friendly methods of
energy production by reducing the mining and burning of fossil fuels.
Loss of Biodiversity
The loss of biodiversity on the planet can be directly related to the behaviours of human beings. Humans have destroyed and continue to destroy the habitats of species on a daily basis. When we extermine one species, it has a knock on effect in the food chain which in turn upsets the Eco-systems inter dependent on one another. The catastrophic impact of loss of biodiversity is likely to affect the planet for millions of years to come. The current loss of biodiversity is also being named “The Sixth Extinction”
The Phosphorus and Nitrogen Cycles
Water
Many experts believe that in the near future water will become a
commodity just like Gold and Oil. Some experts say that wars will be
fought over who owns the water supply. Currently, one third of humans have inadequate access to clean, fresh
water. The number is expected to increase by to up to two thirds by
2050. That is that two thirds of the worlds population will not have
access to clean water. Over population, demand and pollution from industry is to blame.
Ocean Acidification
A direct effect of excessive CO2 production. The oceans absorb as
much as 25% of all human carbon dioxide emissions. The gas then combines
with other elements to form compounds such as carbolic acid. Over the last 250 years, surface acidity of the ocean has increased
by an estimated 30%. The acidity is expected to increase by 150% by
2100. The effect of over acidification of the oceans on sea creatures such
as shellfish and plankton is similar to osteoporosis in humans. The acid
effectively is dissolving the skeletons of the creatures. The effect of ocean acidification may soon challenge marine life on a scale that the planet has not seen for millions of years.
Pollution
Pollution of air, water and soil by chemical compounds that take many
years to breakdown. Most of these chemicals are the bi-products of our
modern lifestyle and are created by industry and motor vehicle exhaust. Pollution isn’t just limited to the air. Soil is another place where pollution is starting to take hold. Common toxic substances include heavy metals, nitrates and plastic. A lot of the plastics that are discarded by humans end up the ocean.
These plastics tend to go unseen by humans as the pollution is usually
blown out to sea by prevailing winds.
Ozone Layer Depletion
Depletion of our ozone layer has been mainly attributed to the release of chemical pollution containing the chemicals Chlorine and Bromide. Once the chemicals reach the upper atmosphere, they cause ozone molecules to break apart causing a hole to form, the largest of which is over the Antarctic. The atmosphere blocks many of the harmful UV rays from the sun that can damage living tissue. In an effort to reduce this process, CFCs have been banned in many manufacturing processes and products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one atom of chlorine can break down more than 100, 000 ozone molecules.
Over Fishing
It is estimated that by 2050 that there will be no fish left in the sea. I actually think that this is the single most devastating truth that I have discovered. The extinction of many fish species is due to humans over fishing the oceans to supply an ever increasing populations demand for sea food. The collapse of the Atlantic Cod Fishery is one such example of how humans have exploited the planet’s natural resources to the brink of extinction.
Deforestation
Since 1990 half of the worlds rain forests have been destroyed. The cleaning of forest continue at an alarming rate. To add to the worry a recent phenomenon has been added to the list. Trees are now dying globally at a rate never before seen.
It is very difficult to prioritise the top 10 environmental issues facing our planet today. One thing is for sure and that is over population is at the root of all of the issues. If we do not act soon to start to curb human breeding pattern, we will almost certainly face an environmental meltdown. What are your thoughts on the issues that face the planet and what do you think could be done to start undoing the damage created by humans?
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment