Whole world needs to address these problems in a fastest way

INTRODUCTION

As we step into 2024, the global community finds itself facing an array of environmental challenges that demand urgent attention and collaborative action. From climate change to biodiversity loss, these issues threaten ecosystems, human health, and the stability of our planet. 

While the climate crisis has many factors that play a role in the exacerbation of the environment, some warrant more attention than others.

Here are some of the biggest environmental problems of our lifetime, from deforestation and biodiversity loss to food waste and fast fashion.

1. GLOBAL WARMING FROM FOSSIL FUEL

The year was marked by six record-breaking months and two record-breaking seasons.

2023 was the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures at 1.46 Deg C above pre-industrial levels.

It is interesting to note that CO2 level was consistently around 280 parts per million (ppm) for almost 6,000 years of human civilisation.

But the shocking thing is that presently in 2023-24, CO2 levels in the atmosphere are now well above 420 ppm, more than double what they were before the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. 

The major reasons are not only the burning of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generation but also from cement & steel manufacturing, deforestation, and agriculture.

Scientists are constantly warning that the planet has crossed a series of tipping points that could have catastrophic consequences, such as advancing permafrost melt in Arctic regions, the Greenland ice sheet melting at an unprecedented rate, accelerating sixth mass extinction, and increasing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, just to name a few. (Pl see my blog and Vlog on tipping points)

What is absolutely necessary is that whole world should start now to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy sources, and phase out fossil fuels as fast as possible.

(Image source: Pixabay)

2. FOOD WASTE

Reports have shown that one third of the food intended for human consumption – approx. 1.3 billion tons – is wasted or lost.

This is enough to feed 3 billion people. Just imagine this!!

 Food waste and loss are accounting for approximately one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Approx. 6% of Global Green house emission is coming from food waster and losses.

And most important is that this is increasing.

We must, therefore keep check on food waste so that internal food security can be well managed.

3. BIO-DIVERSITY LOSS

The loss of species at an unprecedented rate disrupts ecosystems and diminishes their resilience. More than 500 species of land animals are on the brink of extinction and are likely to be lost within 20 years.

Habitat destruction, pollution, and over-exploitation of natural resources contribute to this crisis, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices.
A recent report has found that the sixth mass extinction of wildlife on Earth is accelerating.

Immediate attention by all the nations need to be focussed to stop the Bio-diversity loss.

4. PLASTIC POLLUTION

The proliferation of single-use plastics contaminates ecosystems, harms wildlife, and poses risks to human health.

The research found that if no action is taken, the plastic crisis will grow to 29 million metric tons per year by 2040.

Approximately 14 million tons of plastic make their way into the oceans every year, harming wildlife habitats and the animals that live in them, as per report by science journal, Nature.

If we include microplastics into this, the cumulative amount of plastic in the ocean could reach 600 million tons by 2040. Is I shocking?

Transitioning to a circular economy, reducing plastic production, and promoting alternatives to plastic packaging are vital steps in combating this pervasive environmental problem.

5. DEFORESTRATION

The rampant clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urbanization threatens biodiversity, exacerbates climate change, and disrupts vital ecosystem services.

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest – spanning 6.9 million square kilometres (2.72 million square miles) and covering around 40% of the South American continent. 

This is also one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems.

About three million species of plants and animals are in this forest. Despite efforts to protect forest land, legal deforestation is still rampant, and about one-third of global tropical deforestation occurs in Brazil’s Amazon Forest, amounting to 1.5 million hectares each year. 

We must act fast to prevent world’s biggest natural carbon sink.

(Image source- pexels.com)

6. AIR POLUTION

This is the biggest challenge now mankind is facing.

Report from World Health Organization (WHO) shows that an estimated 4.2 to 7 million people die from air pollution worldwide every year and that nine out of 10 people breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants.

Poor air quality, driven by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural activities, poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems.

Very alarming information is that less than 1% of global land area has safe air pollution level!!

7. MELTING ICE-CAP AND SEA LEVEL RISE

The implications of this phenomenon are profound and multifaceted.

First and foremost, the rise in sea levels poses a severe threat to coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

Low-lying areas are increasingly vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, and saltwater intrusion, leading to displacement of populations, loss of habitats, and damage to vital infrastructure such as ports, roads, and buildings.

Seas are now rising an average of 3.2 mm per year globally and they will continue to grow up to about 0.7 metres by the end of this century. 

According to 2023 data, the continent has lost approximately 7.5 trillion tons of ice since 1997.

The climate crisis is warming the Arctic more than twice as fast as anywhere else on the planet.

(Image source- Pexels.com)

8. OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans leads to acidification, harming marine ecosystems and jeopardizing seafood security.

Our oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide that is released into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Ocean acidification has devastating impacts on marine ecosystems and species, its food webs, and provoke irreversible changes in habitat quality.

Transitioning to a circular economy, reducing plastic production, and promoting alternatives to plastic packaging are vital steps in combating this pervasive environmental problem.

9. LAND DEGRADATION

Soil erosion, desertification, and degradation of arable land threaten food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience.

Implementing sustainable land management practices, restoring degraded lands, and promoting agroecological approaches are essential for preserving soil health and productivity.

Combatting soil degradation demands a multifaceted approach that integrates sustainable land management practices, conservation efforts, and policy interventions.

Implementing conservation agriculture techniques such as minimal tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping can help mitigate soil erosion, enhance soil structure, and promote biodiversity.

Furthermore, afforestation and reforestation initiatives play a crucial role in preventing soil degradation by stabilizing slopes, reducing erosion, and enhancing soil organic matter content.

10. LOSS OF FRESH WATER RESOURCES

Approximately 2.5% is fresh water in the world & 97.5% is salty water.

As populations grow and demand for freshwater increases, unsustainable water management practices deplete aquifers, degrade water quality, and exacerbate water scarcity. This is a challenge.

In order to mitigate this challenge, we must adopt efficient water use strategies, protecting watersheds, and investing in water infrastructure are crucial to ensure freshwater availability for all.

(Image source- pexels.com)

Conclusion:

Addressing the top environmental challenges of 2024 requires bold and concerted action at the local, national, and global levels. By embracing sustainable practices, investing in innovative solutions, and fostering international cooperation, we can forge a path towards a more resilient and equitable future for generations to come.

(Image source-pexels.com)