Pollution has infiltrated every aspect of Earth’s ecosystem. And because of it, the quality of life for nearly all life forms has been impacted. Is there a solution?
The Earth is our only home — but because of pollution, it is becoming more vulnerable. Just how seriously is pollution impacting our planet — and ourselves?
Here’s what you need to know about the state of global pollution this EARTH DAY:
Air Pollution
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is recognized as a global health emergency. Nearly 99% of people breathe air deemed unacceptable by WHO guidelines, with lesser developed countries facing the highest exposure levels. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 people are impacted by low air quality caused by pollution, which can lead to health issues such as lung disease and cancer.
Land Pollution
Land pollution, caused by poor agricultural practices, use of hazardous chemicals, nuclear waste management and a variety of other activities, is a driving force of land degradation. According to recent studies, approximately 75% of land on Earth is degraded, impacting over 3 billion people. If our current pollution and climate change trend continues — 95% of the land will be degraded by 2050.
Water Pollution
2 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water worldwide, making water pollution one of the biggest threats to global health (nearly 1 billion people are sickened each year due to unsafe drinking water). This issue is driven by high amounts of wastewater from agriculture and cities polluting essential fresh water sources. Approximately 80% of global wastewater (for some countries, this figure is as high as 95%) flows back into the environment. If the trajectory of water consumption continues, the demand for water may soon be 40% higher than Earth’s actual supply.
Plastic Pollution
There is so much trash in our oceans that garbage patches have formed. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is an example, with an area three times the size of France and still expanding. This colossal pollution formation has altered ocean ecosystems; killing thousands of seabirds and marine life who mistake trash for food or become tangled. By 2050, plastic production is expected to make up 15% of global carbon emissions.
This is only a glimpse at the negative consequences of pollution, but the facts are clear: we can’t thrive on a polluted planet. Combatting pollution is a priority this Earth Day; to prevent catastrophic environmental changes and to preserve our BIODIVERSITY. Adapting sustainable practices and supporting conservation efforts is crucial on both an individual and global scale to effectively clean up the Earth.
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