[Physical]
As more and more people become aware of the impact we are having on the environment, it is safe to assume that actions taken to protect the health of our planet will continue to increase!
There are many ways that people are already striving to reduce how their presence is felt by the earth, and these ideas are continuously being spread and embraced.
So, what does the future hold for planet earth?
The Population Problem
The booming population has to be taken into account when considering actions in the future. Just fifty years ago the entire population of the planet was counted below three billion. This figure has more than doubled during the last fifty years to currently exceed seven billion! Experts predict that this number could well reach nine billion by the year 2050.
The largest problem with a rapidly increasing population is maintaining an efficient level of food production for this many people. Food production at such an intense level will inevitably cause further harm to our already fragile environment, and will fuel climate change.
Climate Change Conundrum
As the population grows and contributes to the ever-divisive issue of climate change, more is going to have to be done to combat this. Increasing temperatures, rising sea levels and erratic rainfall patterns create countless associated problems – both for human beings and the rest of the natural world.
It has been estimated by experts that the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere will be twice what it was before the Industrial Revolution by 2050. And, the more CO2 in the air, the more the consequences of climate change will become apparent. Consequences which, in many respects, are irreversible!
Sustainable Growth
In order to support a continuation in the population increase, and to combat the impact of climate change, we must make strides towards embracing sustainable growth. But, what does this mean and how can we all get on board?
Sustainable growth involves finding realistic solutions to support all of the ways in which our planet will continue to develop. But this must be done without causing further harm to the environment. This can be achieved in a number of ways, and requires participation at all levels.
The idea of a carbon footprint is a great way to measure sustainable growth, and the carbon footprint of businesses and individuals must be lowered if we are to protect the planet.
Lowering Your Carbon Footprint
When it comes to big businesses, there are several changes that can be made in regards to the energy that they use and the waste that they create. This is something that will need to be adopted universally to have the greatest impact. However, there are also things that each and every person can do to contribute to positive change.
The following are great ways that you can lower your own carbon footprint:
- Drive less – walk or cycle instead
- Avoid flying where possible
- Eat less meat
- Insulate your home well to use less energy
- Invest in renewable energy
- Support environmentally friendly businesses
- Buy local produce
These are simple small changes that we can adopt in order to become personally responsible for the future of our planet. Click here to read more from PAMA London on the problems our planet faces and how you can help!