The 5 most serious environmental problems

by Julia Ortiz

 

If when you think of the concept environment The first thing that comes to mind that you have to take care of it and preserve it is that something is wrong. There are many problems and very serious ones. And it is not because they repeat it to us over and over again on television, but because abnormal events are happening around the globe. I'm sure you know them but ¿we review? 

  

1) EXCESSIVE WATER CONSUMPTION: DROUGHT


¿What to do when the demand for water is growing and yet there is less and less drinking water? A fifth of the world's population suffers from water scarcity according to reports from the United Nations (UN). We are talking about more than two billion people without access to clean water .
Although 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, only 3% is drinkable. So let's be responsible: let's be aware that water is one of the most precious assets, that it is not unlimited, and let's get used to reducing its consumption because demand is expected to increase by 55% by 2050.

Animales mueren por deshidratación y desnutrición
 

 


2) AIR POLLUTION


In recent months some cities in Spain have been forced to take measures to reduce CO2 emissions. This pollution is produced mainly by industries and urban transport. That is why it is not surprising that the most polluting countries are China and the United States, both due to industrial production and demographics.
¿What can we do in our day Very simple: replace the car by other means of transport such as bicycles, scooters, electric motorcycles, public transport... And on the other hand, try to be responsible in consumption, pay attention to the origin of the products we buy and opt for sustainably made items .

 


3) SEA POLLUTION


The sea also has its main enemy in industrial production. Its contamination is produced by the use of toxic substances, pesticides, dyes or oil spills. A large part of the waste we produce also ends up in the sea. This has a very negative impact on marine fauna: many animals die from contaminated water or from accidentally ingesting containers (such aswhale that died a few days ago in Thailand after ingesting more than 80 plastic bags).

Rich Horner buceando entre basura en la costa de Bali (vídeo).

 

 
4) WASTE GENERATION


It is one of the issues that is having the greatest impact today. 24% of what is purchased is thrown away immediately: we are talking about packaging, paper and cardboard, glass, etc. Everything we buy is packed and we automatically get rid of that packaging, whatever the material. Recycling is the first step to reduce pollution, but the best step is to reduce the consumption of packaging. Given that the current consumption model favors the massive generation of plastic containers, we must start with a new habit of consumption that is more responsible with this problem.


  
5) CLIMATE CHANGE


It is real and it is evident. It is the consequence of all the above actions: irresponsible water consumption, air and water pollution, and waste generation. Nature is warning us that it is suffering and responds with natural disasters: hurricanes, typhoons, melting ice, extreme temperatures, deforestation... Ecosystems are being destroyed and many animal species are becoming endangered, attacking biodiversity.
Solving it requires a response from all citizens. It is not a matter that should only concern governments, but all those who want to keep this planet healthy and all change begins with oneself. So from TOUCH we encourage you not to make our planet wait and start taking care of it from today.