Almost everyone wants to make a contribution to protecting the environment. This is particularly true today, when many environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important. These include climate change, acid rain, global warming, ozone depletion, air and water pollution and other environmental problems affecting animals and people on the planet.
If you are one of those who want to help save the environment in your own way, find out more about the most important environmental issues here. Among the most discussed environmental issues you should stay informed about in 2019 are the following:
Deforestation
Trees and plants are necessary for the survival of all living beings. This is because they provide oxygen, medicine, food and water for every living being on this planet. If deforestation continues at the current rate, our valuable forestry will suffer extremely. Illegal logging, mass harvesting of timber for commercial purposes and natural forest fires are all contributing to a rapid decline in healthy forests.
This leads not only to a significant reduction in oxygen supply, but also to the loss of forests. This can lead to further greenhouse gas emissions. If you want to help prevent the effects of deforestation, you should buy more organic and recycled products. This will reduce the number of cardboard boxes and papers used and help save trees and plants in the forest.
Pollution
Water, soil and air are becoming more and more polluted. Pollution is one of the most frequently discussed environmental issues. Pollution endangers life in general and the environment itself and leads to undrinkable, contaminated water, contaminated soil and habitats.
Polluted air poses a health risk to allergy sufferers who are allergic to air pollutants and weakens the ozone layer. Humans are also severely affected by air and water pollution. Those living in places with extreme air pollution are more likely to develop lung cancer.
To help restore a healthy state of air, soil and water, you should be more interested in our ecosystem, limit your resource use, and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
Endangered species
Another environmental issue of concern to many people this year concerns endangered species. Note that due to the many environmental problems our planet is currently facing, both species and ecosystems are severely affected. In fact, by 2050, every tenth animal and plant species will be at risk of extinction.
It is possible that the list of endangered species will continue to grow as a result of constant damage to the ecosystem. The loss of habitats also means the loss of species living there. For example, the ever-increasing Arctic temperatures can melt sea ice, reducing the polar bear’s habitat.
One way to help is to support organizations dedicated to fighting extinction of different species. You can also sign government laws and laws to protect both endangered species and ecosystems.
Forest fires
In recent years, the number of forest fires has risen. Often caused by extreme climate changes, up to 58,000 forest fires were counted in the USA last year – a creepy record. One possible reason for this are the constantly rising temperatures. As a result, some states and regions are getting hotter. In addition, the soil loses its moisture, making it more susceptible to fires. Forest fires can damage both people and animals. There is even a risk of extreme financial and material losses.
You want to do something about it? Gathering information about forest fires is helpful so that you know what to do to prevent them from occurring.
Climate-related diseases
Climate-related diseases are also among the most discussed environmental issues this year. Global warming cannot only cause diseases associated with environmental pollution. Another negative effect is the reduction of air quality.
Extreme climate change can lead to malnutrition and the spread of diseases such as malaria. Find out more about this topic so you can help minimize the risk.
Conclusion
Various environmental issues are among the most important concerns of many people in 2019. Information is a key factor in raising awareness of such environmental problems among more people. Through information, we can all learn how to solve environmental problems.