What is the biggest current threat to the environment, and how would you suggest we remedy it?
Meta Description: In this article, one can come across the reasons that have contributed to the threats against the environment and the ways one can adopt to prevent it as much as possible.
Introduction
The 21st century is witnessing environmental threats like never before. We have encountered invasive species, pollution, and a novel disease that has not yet released us from its grip. We have heard a lot of new terms in this century, such as "Go Green," "eco-friendly," and "sustainable life."
The environment has been facing the worst challenges and problems. If we don't start to combat the environmental crisis now, there is very less time before the whole of mankind may perish.
Threats to the Environment
Various problems threaten to worsen the environmental crisis. A few are listed here:
1. Over-exploitation of natural resources: People have depleted the natural resources more than necessary. Non-renewable resources such as coal are still used by humans extensively. It is time to put a stop to such practices. Though we are experiencing its impacts now, it may lead to large consequences in the coming years.
2. Pollution: Pollution is the major cause of concern for the environment. Pollutants are found in air, water, and soil, hampering our lifestyle. Though it cannot be prevented at large, we can control it by spreading awareness among people.
3. Use of plastic – We use them in packaging, transportation, and during construction purposes. Since plastic is not degradable, they pose a major threat to organisms. Fishes nibble on the plastic disposed of in oceans, and terrestrial herbivores also consume plastic leading to serious health hazards.
4. Overpopulation – The world's population is burgeoning at alarming rates, which directly translates into competition for food, water, and soil for sustenance.
5. Deforestation – Due to overpopulation, there is a need for natural resources for every person. So, humans have started to cut trees to meet human demands like building homes, roads, etc. Deforestation threatens the quality of air, particularly the levels of oxygen in the atmosphere.
6. Global warming – Increased pollution and deforestation have led to an increase in carbon dioxide content, increasing the earth's average temperature. This, in turn, finally led to global warming.
Remedies To Prevent Environmental Crisis
It's true that we cannot stop all of these now but can be controlled as much as possible if we take the necessary steps possible. Let's discuss a few of the remedies required to prevent the threats related to the environment:
a. We should plant more trees. An increase in the number of trees increases the oxygen content in the atmosphere.
b. Water should be conserved. We should save water, preserve underground water and practice rainwater harvesting.
c. We should stop using plastic. Instead, use paper or jute bags that can be easily decomposed.
d. Industries should stop spilling their chemicals into the water bodies.
e. We should start using renewable energy sources like not depending entirely on the water for electricity; we should depend on the solar and wind energy.
Conclusion
We came across a few of the various remedies to prevent the environmental crisis in today's world. It would not be possible if the people were not aware of the consequences. They should be taught how to use conventional sources in a limited manner and alternatives to conventional sources.
FAQs
1. How to overcome environmental threats?
Ans. We should avoid using plastics or recycle them, conserve water and electricity, and use renewable sources.
2. What is the most significant threat to the environment?
Ans. The most significant threat is global warming. The melting of glaciers will cause an abnormal rise in sea levels and flood the lands.
3. What steps should the government take to prevent environmental threats?
Ans. Governments should monitor and make strict laws to be followed by each citizen. They should set up NGOs working for this cause.
4. What is the cause that threatens the marine environment?
Ans. Oil spilling due to the leaks in the ships that carry it and disposal of plastics or other garbage leads to toxicity in the fish and other marine beings.
5. What will happen if we don't stop the environmental damage?
Ans. It will lead to the destruction of the ecosystem, decline of natural habitats, and finally, extinction of life.
