Environment

Man’s impact on the planet cannot be overstated.

Human brains have about eighty-six billion neurons. Our closest ancestors, chimpanzees, have just six. It’s no surprise that as a species, we’d be so successful. The invention of agriculture brought us civilizations, and civilizations brought us capitalism—the competition for resources, which then brought us the Anthropocene Crisis.

If you look at a graph of human population growth, you’ll notice a sharp upward turn, resembling a hockey stick, with “The Great Acceleration” occurring around 1950 thanks to advances in healthcare, sanitation, food production, and trade. 

Over the last 900 years, population only modestly increased by about one billion. Yet over the last just !70 years! population has increased by over 5 billion!!! 

I’m not suggesting we need to decrease the human population. I’m merely pointing out how successful we have become as a species and wish to call attention to the fact that we are having serious consequences on Mother Earth at an accelerating rate:

• The Greenland Ice Sheet is melting four times faster than in 2003, significantly contributing to sea level rise.
• Global sea levels have risen 8 inches in the last 100 years.
• The Amazon rainforest is experiencing intensified fires due to prolonged drought. With 18–20% of its cover lost, exceeding 20–25% could have irreversible consequences.
• Overfishing and pollution have led to a 50% loss of coral reefs since 1950, threatening 25% of all marine species.
• A 2019 UN report estimates that 1 million animal species could face extinction in the next few decades.
• According to the World Wildlife Fund, between 1970 and 2020, monitored wildlife populations have declined by 69%!

If this trend continues, the consequences will be severe:

1. Rising Sea Levels – More flooding in coastal cities like New York and Miami, displacement of millions, and possible disappearance of low-lying island nations.
2. Ecosystem Collapse – The Amazon could turn into dry land, coral reefs could vanish, and marine food sources could decline, threatening global food security.
3. Mass Extinctions – Loss of biodiversity could lead to unstable ecosystems, food shortages, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
4. Human Health & Livelihoods – Reduced access to food, water, and medicine, worsening climate-related health crises, and growing risks of conflicts over resources.
5. Economic Instability – Disruptions in agriculture, tourism, and natural resource industries, with the most vulnerable communities suffering the most.

So what can we do?

Policy wise, we must re-enter the Paris Agreement—its mission is to unite nations in limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to stay under 1.5°C, through nationally determined emissions reductions.

As an individual, join the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) today to be part of a movement that protects our natural resources and ensures a livable world for future generations. The NRDC is a powerful environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting the planet through science, law, and policy. With a focus on fighting climate change, preserving wildlife, and promoting clean energy, the NRDC works to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all. 

As a society, we must:

1. Transition to Renewable Energy:

A rapid shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (like solar, wind, and nuclear power) is essential to combat climate change. This includes increasing energy efficiency, investing in clean technology, and reducing dependence on carbon-intensive industries. Governments must implement policies to incentivize green energy, while industries should adapt to more sustainable practices.

2. Reforestation and Protecting Ecosystems:

Protecting and expanding natural carbon sinks, like forests, wetlands, and mangroves, will help offset carbon emissions and preserve biodiversity. Programs for reforestation, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration need to be prioritized. For instance, stopping deforestation in the Amazon and funding sustainable agriculture and forest management can have immediate benefits.

3. Conservation of Biodiversity:

Stronger laws and policies to protect endangered species and prevent habitat destruction are critical. This includes expanding protected areas, improving sustainable agriculture practices, and creating wildlife corridors. Additionally, promoting biodiversity through sustainable practices in farming, fishing, and land use can preserve ecosystems.

4. Circular Economy and Waste Reduction:

Moving toward a circular economy, where waste is minimized and products are reused, recycled, or composted, can reduce the strain on natural resources. Reducing plastic use, improving recycling programs, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns are essential to curbing pollution and overconsumption.

5. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems:

Adopting sustainable farming practices like regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and permaculture can help preserve soil health, reduce water usage, and promote biodiversity. Reducing meat consumption, supporting plant-based diets, and tackling food waste will also lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental degradation.

6. Policy Advocacy and Global Cooperation:

Governments must commit to international agreements like the Paris Agreement and strengthen environmental protection laws. Public pressure and grassroots movements can encourage governments to take more aggressive actions, while businesses must be held accountable for their environmental impact through stricter regulations and penalties for violations.

7. Climate Adaptation Strategies:

Alongside mitigation efforts, we need to focus on adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change. This means investing in resilient infrastructure (such as flood defenses, drought-resistant agriculture, and heat-resistant cities) and preparing vulnerable communities for extreme weather events.

8. Public Awareness and Education:

Raising awareness about the interconnectedness of human actions and the environment can help foster a culture of sustainability. People should be encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt sustainable habits, and support policies and businesses that prioritize the environment. Education, particularly for younger generations, can instill values that prioritize long-term environmental health.

9. Support for Innovation:

Governments and private sectors should fund and encourage innovation in green technology, carbon capture solutions, and sustainable practices across industries. Breakthroughs in clean energy, carbon-neutral agriculture, and waste-to-energy technologies can accelerate progress toward environmental sustainability.

By combining these actions and scaling them to the global level, humanity can create a more sustainable future.