Examining environmental pressure today and the prospects of what we can do about it
It has become increasingly apparent through ocean temperatures rising due to warming climates, ecosystem loss and declining biodiversity, deforestation, and climate change, that our Earth is sending us signals of distress. Many scientists warn that we may have already passed several ecological tipping-point markers on our way to ecological collapse, at which time the rate of damage will accelerate rapidly and be self-reinforcing.
Is our environment really at a breaking point? If so, what individuals, businesses and communities can do to prevent that from happening?
This article identifies some of the warning signs, scientific data to support these concerns, and what each of us can do immediately to help avert ecological collapse.
What is the “breaking point” of our environment?
The ecological “breaking point” or threshold is defined as a point that natural systems either collapse or go through a significant, fundamental change from current conditions. Examples of these thresholds are: melting ice sheets, coral reef death (bleaching), rainforest die off, and mass loss of species.
There are scientists that document multiple ecological thresholds that are being impacted. While the planet has a high degree of resilience, it is not infinite, and we are only just now beginning to realise how real and serious the threat to the planet is becoming.
The Warning Signs We No Longer Ignore
1.Global Temperature Increase
The average global temperature has been increasing by around 1.1° C since the late 1800’s with most of the increase caused by carbon emissions. The increase in temperature causes stronger storms, changes in farming practices, and an increased rate of ice melting.
Expert Opinion
Climate scientists believe that even a temperature increase of 1.5° C (which now seems likely) will contribute to more extreme weather patterns and additional stress (e.g., illness and death) on global ecosystems.
Real World Example
This summer, record high temperatures across Europe, and parts of South Asia and North America have resulted in water scarcity, heat-related deaths and destruction of crops.
2.Loss of Biodiversity
Ecologists believe that we are experiencing what they refer to as “the sixth great extinction” largely caused by habitat destruction, pollution (primarily through pesticides), overharvest of marine species and climate change.
Case Study: Decline of Pollinators
In many areas around the world, bee populations are declining rapidly as a result of habitat destruction, pesticide use and extreme weather events, which is alarming because pollinators support approximately 1/3 of all food production globally.
Why it matters
A loss of biodiversity leads to weakened ecosystems and their inability to recover from shocks including drought and disease events.
3.Ocean Risk: Pollution, Heating, and Acidity
Greenhouse gases trap more than 90% of the extra heat created by humans in oceans. In addition to trapping heat, oceans also absorb a large amount of CO₂, which makes the ocean more acidic and damages marine species.
Sample
About 25% of all marine species use coral reef ecosystems as their habitat. Coral reef ecosystems are bleaching more frequently; in some regions, 50% of the coral reef ecosystem has been lost over the last 10-20 years.
Statements from Experts
Marine biologists are warning that coral reef ecosystems will be destroyed within the next 20-30 years if we continue down the path of increasing ocean temperature.
4.Extreme Weather Events and Climactic Destruction
Extreme weather events (floods, hurricanes, wildfires, droughts) are occurring more often and are getting more severe.
Sample
Over the last few years, wildfires have burned millions of acres of trees and caused mass dislocations of humans in areas like Australia, the Amazon, and California.
Indicators that this is a Warning Signal
Extreme weather creates economic strains, food insecurity, and destroys jobs and service opportunities globally.
5.Waste and Pollution Overload
Everywhere we look, there are plastic pollutants; from today’s drinking water to the last snow on earth, microplastics are found throughout the world.
Sample
There are now microplastics found in human blood, which raises concerns about what these pollutants could do to your health.
Are We Really Approaching a Critical Point in Time and Space:
Many Environmental Scientists Say Yes! Many environmental scientists think we are very close. If emissions and resource consumption rates continue to increase at the same rate, we could be approaching a critical point. However, environmental scientists stress the following:
There is still time; we have not yet reached a breaking point or irreversible condition.
If we take significant steps to change many of our negative trends now, we still have the opportunity to reduce and/or to ultimately reverse many of our negative trends on this planet.
Things You Can Do: Practical Actions You Can Take Right Now!
Environmental progress is not just about what governments do and what types of agreements they reach together. It occurs at all levels of society — individuals, businesses, and communities.
1.Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
When millions of individuals, businesses, and communities make small daily choices that are more ecologically sound, those millions of small actions add up to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Use energy-efficient appliances
- Use carpooling/public transit to reduce your fuel vehicle use
- Select renewable energy plans, if available where you live
- Reduce your food waste and eat more plant-based meal options
2.Whenever Possible, Purchase Sustainable Products and Companies.
Every time you make a purchase, you “vote” for the type of global community you desire.
3.Support Biodiversity Preserved By Local Actions
Your backyard/community can become habitats/sanctuaries for a wide range of wildlife.
Examples of Simple Actions
- Plant native plant species
- Create pollinator-friendly gardens
- Avoid using pesticides of any kind on your lawns/gardens
- Support local conservation-related organizations
4.Minimizing Plastic and Waste Through Practical Day-To-Day Processing
A majority of lifestyles can reduce pollution significantly if we are committed to smaller more practical changes we make to our rutting daily lifestyle.
Some examples of changes we can implement:
- Use reusable containers for beverage consumption and reusable grocery bags.
- Purchase in Bulk to be able to reduce quantities of Plastic and cardboard packaging.
- Look for Products made from Compostable Materials.
- Recycle Responsibly, as contaminating the recycling process has an extremely high rate of failure to get recycled material back into usage.
5.Support the Development of More Stringent Environmental Policy
Everyday Individual Change Makes a Difference, however Systemic Change Creates More Impressive Change
Ideas for Supporting Environmental Change Through Contributing:
- Promote local climate change programs.
- Support Sustainable Development through Voting and spreading awareness.
- Find a local environmental group and take part in Clean-Up Events.
- Utilize and advocate for Social Media to promote your cause.
In Conclusion: The Future Is Not Set – It Is Created By Us
It is apparent that the environment is facing extreme stress and many ecosystems have reached their stress limits; however, we will not be overcome and we will positively influence the future of Mother Nature and the environment in general. Each action we take, no matter how trivial or significant, is important in balancing the Natural World and the shift toward a healthy planet. The question is not IF we can help create the change, but are we willing to act in a timely manner to do so?
Your Call To Action:
Determine ONE Environmental Action to implement today, it may be stressed to reduce the amount of Waste, Save Energy, Plant A Tree or Support a Conservation cause. The more you commit to small incremental changes will create a large exponential impact on preserving Mother Nature.
