While we can’t predict the future, it doesn’t take a psychic to foretell the dangers planet earth faces. With certainty, for decades, research maps out grim outlook after grim outlook. Unfortunately, however, not many understand the severity of the situation and just how much is at stake. So how do experts undoubtedly know only a minute fraction of the Earth’s population fully comprehends the depleting condition of our planet? Global warming is getting exponentially worse, that’s how. It’s like knowing a bullet kills but shooting ourselves just the same.
The studies confirm the dangers
A report, Underestimating the Challenges of Avoiding a Ghastly Future by Frontiers in Conservation Science reveals without question the genuine and present dangers that plague our planet now, soon, and in the distant future. But, unfortunately, humanity is just grasping the now part, but too late, as seen by proof from the severe weather pattern changes we’re experiencing currently. The analysis takes a candid look at the state of our ecosystem’s life, including the widespread extinction of various species, how we toxify our environment, and the effects of climate change. The information helps ultimately break down and clarify the gravity of Earth’s and humanity’s predicament to provide a crisis timeline if not veraciously attacked now.
To comprehend the danger is not enough
The seventeen leading scientists look at how Earth’s overall condition attributes to human consumption and population booms and continues to deplete more rapidly than initially thought. Unfortunately, these major environmental issues receive little attention but require immediate and resolute action. The corrosion we’re causing now will loom for centuries and doesn’t just threaten our generation’s way of life. In addition, generations down the line will face challenges stemming from our current mistreatment of the planet.
The numbers are there
According to information collected for the paper, humans have altered approximately two-thirds of Earth’s land surface since 11,000 years ago. In addition, one million plant and animal species worldwide are currently or soon befalling extinction. Eighty-five percent of the world’s wetlands have disappeared in the past three hundred years, and over sixty-five percent of oceans have deteriorated somehow. Half of our coral reefs have disappeared, and seagrass decreased ten percent per decade in the last two hundred years.
The government’s responsibility
Certain government entities reject or ignore the advice of scientists coupled with the human optimism bias (the thinking that terrible things are more likely to occur to others than yourself) makes initiating guidelines and laws that foster a positive change a challenge. Politicians, lawmakers, and other factoring agencies, confronted with the above numbers, still haven’t grasped the gravity. As a result, policymakers fall short of addressing these threats and establishing long-term resolutions. Unfortunately, impeded by short-term interests like greed, narrow-mindedness, and plain ignorance, it’s getting too late to make a change in time for our soon-to-be and distant futures.
What can be done?
The time for half measures is over. Extreme change needs implementing. Our planet will never recover, but we possess the ability to slow the process by following these suggestions:
- Slow the perpetual economic growth.
- Hold those individuals and companies liable for the damage to the environment by imposing remuneration fines to assist restoration determined by carbon footprint pricing.
- Reveal the entirety of the actual cost to the environment of manufacturing different products and performing specific activities.
- Eliminate fossil fuels.
- Regulate markets by cutting down on monopolization.
- Reign in the wrong lobbyist, undue corporate influence, and political greed.
- Empower humans across the globe with knowledge.
On a brighter note, remember that none of this is inevitable. Nevertheless, humanity can make choices that help avoid the severe extent of global warming. Small steps individuals can take add up. Take a look around your home to start and address weatherizing, lightbulb watt usage, appliance energy efficiency, and water waste.
