The environment largely determines our ecological footprint. Presently, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and depleting resources all go hand-in-hand with not just negative changes in our environment but altering the lifestyles we currently lead. However, within that dark cloud of problems, there is one absolute truth we must acknowledge and embrace: the future of Planet Earth does not yet exist! It is yet to be determined based upon the choices we make today!
We, as individuals, are responsible for every action we take—all energy consumption, produce food, etc. - that will eventually cause a downline/reach back to the future generations we will leave behind. Therefore, understanding the choices we have in creating the footprint we will leave behind is the essential first step toward attaining a healthier sustainable planet for us all.
The State of Our Planet: The Importance of Today’s Decisions
1.Climate Change is Growing
According to the scientific community, the Earth’s average temperature has already increased by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial period. As climate change continues at its current pace without immediate action, it is projected we could reach a global average temperature of 1.5°C within a decade—or perhaps even sooner—resulting in increasingly destructive storms plus additional coastal flooding, extreme droughts, and wildfires.
Example:
The wildfires that occurred in Canada during the summer of 2023 consumed more than 18 million hectares of land due to hotter and drier weather conditions, and are considered a prime example of how climate change is affecting natural disasters.
Expert Insight:
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), each additional fraction of a degree of warming will have more catastrophic effects on global risks.
2.Loss of Species Biodiversity Is Rapid Earth Decline
Over 1 Million Species are Approaching Extinction as a Result of Human Impacts Causing Vast Extinction and Therefore Over And Under-Energise Ecosystems That Provide Food, Medicines, Clean Air, etc.
Diminished Case Study:
Over the last fifty years, deforestation affected 17% of the Amazon Rainforest impacting not only the climate of South America but also carbon storage globally.
3.Polluting Land, Air & Ocean: Continuing to Choke Our World
Plastic Pollution Alone is Suffocating Our Ecosystems, with the estimation that at least 11 Million Metric Tonnes Enter The Ocean Every Year.
Example:
Microplastics have been identified in cleaning products, food, and human blood and represent potential long-term dangers to human health.
These crises do not occur in isolation, they are all Inter-Linking and are Urgent in need of Addressing All Aspects Of Society Today.
Shaping A Sustainable Future:
1.Reducing Carbon Footprint By Making Smarter Energy Choices
Switching to Cleaner Energy is One of The Best Ways to Help Slow Down The Effects Of Climate Change.
- Switching to Renewable Electricity Whenever Possible, Using Energy Efficient Appliances and LED Lighting, Insulating Your Home To Lower Heating & Cooling Emissions
Diminishing Case Study:
Germany Has Made Aggressive Investments In Wind & Solar Energy To Reduce Their National Emissions By Over 40% Compared To 1990 Levels.
2.Promote Low-Impact, Regenerative Food Systems
Food production generates an estimated one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions on Earth. Therefore, one’s food choices may be among the most significant ways to affect how much climate change occurs; thus, food options have the potential to be a very influential driver of change.
- Eat more vegetarian-based foods.
- Purchase from local farmers using sustainable/regenerative agricultural techniques.
- Minimize food waste by preparing meals and carefully utilizing leftover food.
Professional Perspective:
Regenerative farming techniques, such as no-till farm practices and crop rotations, will improve soil health, increase yield production, and reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
3.Preserve Ecosystem & Biodiversity
Healthy forests, wetlands and oceans play a critical role in reducing climate change impacts.
- Participate in local tree planting or community clean-up activities.
- Select products certified as sustainable (e.g., FSC, Rainforest Alliance).
- Minimize single-use plastic consumption and buy durable/reusable alternatives instead.
Example:
Due to its conservation policies, Costa Rica increased its tree coverage from 30 percent to 70 percent within 30 years, creating an ecotourism boom and improving the country’s economy.
4.Adopt Circular Economy Principles
The concept of a circular economy reduces waste and promotes maximum longevity of our resources.
- Fix rather than throw away items.
- Donate or upcycle unwanted items.
- Choose to do business with companies offering take-back, refill or recycling programs as part of their service offerings.
Professional Perspective:
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates conversion to a circular economy may provide a potential for reducing global emissions by as much as 45 percent in the four most carbon-emitting sectors of the global economy.
5.Advocate for Sustainable Policies and Corporate Actions
While individual actions are important, achieving large-scale changes necessitates aligning corporate and policy practices to create a more sustainable future.
- Vote for leaders who prioritize climate resilience and environmental justice.
- Only do business with companies that have publicly stated their commitment to sustainability.
- Engage in climate action groups or local environmental planning efforts.
Business and government respond to the public’s demands; therefore, collective pressure will lead to transformative changes at a systemic level.
Conclusion: The Perils and Promise of Today’s Choices to Shape Tomorrow
The decisions that we make today — including purchases, means of transportation, and policies we support — determine the availability and affordability of clean air, water, and other amenities necessary for a high quality of life in the future. Although substantial challenges lie ahead, there exists great hope in our society, as as a result of the ongoing demonstrations of the feasibility of implementing sustainable solutions by millions of individuals and organizations.
Your Call to Action
- Begin this week by forming one meaningful environmental habit.
- Conserve Water, Reduce Waste, Save Energy…Buy Green
- Educate Others about Sustainability and Support Policies Protect the Environment
- Be Inspired: As individuals, we can multiply the impact of our individual collective, community effort is greater than the sum of its parts.
We are currently in the process of making decisions that will define the future of our planet. Choose wisely – act boldly.
