Top 5 Ecological Issues Today
All Quotes Provided by Encyclopedia of the Earth
As standards of living are increasing, the burden we put on our environment increases too. Several key issues have developed and will continue to worsen unless serious changes begin to occur. Scientists trying to find possible solutions consistently ask themselves, "What would Aldo Leopold do?" They look at the big picture: The causes, the immediate impact, and the long term consequences, something Leopold taught all of his students.
Population Growth
"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. |
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Climate Change
"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 exterminate 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”
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"
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."
Deforestation
With population growing at a rapid pace, the demand for food, shelter and cloth has almost tripled in last few decades. To overcome growing demand, a direct action that we have come to recognize as deforestation occurs. Deforestation means, clearing of forests or green cover for means of agriculture, industrial or urban use. It involves permanent end of forest cover to make that land available for residential, commercial or industrial purpose."