China

Introduction

We currently consume more resources than the Earth can produce. This is unfortunate, and we should learn how to reduce our ecological footprint at home to minimize the potential dangers with greater ease. Ecological footprint refers to the measure of the resources we consume.

Remember that we would need approximately three more Earth-like planets if everyone on the Earth had the same ecological footprint as the average US citizen. Americans consume more than most people from less developed countries partly due to economic reasons. Right now, humans worldwide are absorbing about 157% of the Earth’s natural resources, meaning we need at least one Earth and a half to lead peaceful and healthy lives. As the GDP of other nations like China improves, the situation is likely to worsen.

Introduction

Arctic sea ice is melting at a rapid rate. According to NASA, sea ice has been reducing by 13% each decade since it started measuring this rate in 1979. But why does the loss of arctic sea ice matter?

You probably don’t realise that arctic sea ice helps to regulate temperatures across the globe. Sea ice reflects about 80% of sunlight into space. This action balances the temperature across the planet. Scientists call this the albedo effect.

Introduction

While carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for plant and animal survival, too much concentration in the atmosphere can have devastating consequences. CO2 has proven to be a significant contributor to air pollution, taking a substantial role in the greenhouse effect. That’s because carbon dioxide traps radiation at the ground level, resulting in ground-level ozone. That prevents the earth from cooling during the night and warms ocean waters.

What Is Carbon Dioxide?

Co2 is a standard greenhouse gas naturally existing in the atmosphere, accounting for about 75% of emissions in the air we breathe. However, it can live in the atmosphere for thousands of years. Research also shows that the level of carbon dioxide concentration has risen to 355 parts per million (PPM), compared to 270 PPM recorded in the 1700s.

Introduction

According to estimates, the entire human population throws away four million tons of trash on daily basis, out of which 12.8 percent is plastic. The studies have revealed that around 8 million tons of plastic waste produced in the world are dumped into the ocean on annual basis. This plastic waste in the ocean is highly destructive for marine life, resulting in the death of millions of different marine species, endangered the lives of marine life, and disturb the aquatic ecosystem.