Day: July 13, 2020

Environmental Crisis Affecting Our Lives and Our future

The planet is continuously evolving. The land, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and life on Earth have always been subject to change. What makes the current changes different from before are the pace and magnitude of which they are unprecedented, and the causes that underlie it. Extreme events, such as storms that occur only once every 100 years, heatwaves, floods, and droughts, have become our new reality. Headlines around the world point to a climate and environmental crisis affecting our lives and our future.

Biodiversity Reduction at an Unparalleled Rate

Science is also firmly convinced that the diversity of life on Earth is being lost at an unsustainable pace. Many species become extinct every year as they continue to destroy, fragment, and pollute their habitats. Populations of some species, including pollinators such as bees and butterflies that are vital to our well-being, have declined dramatically due to the widespread use of pesticides. Pollutants from economic activities accumulate in the environment, preventing ecosystems from recovering properly and providing us with less essential services. Services like 24 hour towing san jose is not dangerous to our environment but they help to save mother earth.  Environmental degradation affects not only plants and animals but also people.

The Consumption and Production Systems are Not Sustainable

The 21st century is also characterized by economic and financial crises. Research has confirmed that our consumption and production systems are simply unsustainable. The linear economic model – converting raw materials into goods that are used, consumed, and then thrown away – not only leads to increased pollution and waste, but also to global competition in natural resources. Global networks can spread more than materials, goods, and pollutants: a crisis that starts in the financial sector in one country can spread all over the world and lead to years of economic stagnation and contraction.

It is also clear that not everyone around the world benefits equally from the benefits of economic growth. Income levels vary significantly between and within countries, regions, and cities. Even in Europe, where living standards are well above the global average, there are communities and groups that have to make ends meet with an income below the poverty line. Unfortunately, some of these communities and people are also more vulnerable to environmental hazards, more likely to live in areas exposed to air pollution and flooding, and in homes that are insufficiently insulated from extreme cold and heat. definition of the groups who bear the costs.

If current trends continue, future generations, regardless of their country and income level, will experience more extreme temperatures and weather conditions, less biodiversity, an increasing scarcity of raw materials, and more pollution. Given this prospect, it is not surprising that thousands of young Europeans take to the streets to demonstrate and encourage policymakers to take more ambitious and effective measures against climate change.