A Call to Action - Now or Never
For decades, we have faced numerous environmental abuses and challenges all across the world. Mining, illegal logging and deforestation, inappropriate waste disposal from companies and other facilities, and other complex environmental challenges are among these abuses. Furthermore, massive earlier wildfires occurred throughout continents this year, such as in Australia and California, which burned down hectares of woods and endangered the lives of wild creatures.
According to DW Zimmermann (2016), five of the world's most serious environmental issues are: (1) air pollution and climate change; (2) deforestation; (3) species extinction; (4) soil degradation; and (5) overpopulation.
Climate Change and Air Pollution
There is air pollution when the environment or the air we breathe contains more CO2 or carbon dioxide than oxygen or any other gas. These CO2 emissions primarily originated from burning factories, burning coal and fossil fuels, and other industrial activities, which contributed to an increase in the number of parts per million (ppm) from 280,200 years ago to around 400 ppm now. The end outcome is climate disruption.
According to the World Health Organization, one in every nine deaths in 2012 were caused by diseases induced by carcinogens and other chemicals in filthy air.
Solution: Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Change industrial processes.
Deforestation
Today, woods cover roughly 30 percent of the planet's territory, compared to half 11,000 years ago, before agriculture began. Every year, around 7.3 million hectares of forest are destroyed, the most of which is in the tropics. Tropical forests now cover about 6 or 7 percent of the planet's land area, down from 15%.
Solution: Stop deforestation and restore what is left of the natural forest.
Species Extinction
Species on land and in water were being hunted both officially and illegally. Wild animals on land are being killed almost to extinction for bush meat, ivory, or medicinal purposes. Huge fishing vessels wiped off enormous fishing populations at sea. Loss and destruction of habitat are also factors in mass extinction.
Solution: Restore habitats and ask for government action to prevent further extinction of endangered species.
Soil Degradation
Overgrazing, monoculture planting, erosion, overexposure to pollutants, land use conversion, and a slew of other factors all contribute to soil deterioration. According to UN estimates, about 12 million hectares of cropland are severely damaged each year.
Overpopulation
The global human population is rapidly increasing. We have grown from 1.6 billion people in the early twentieth century to over 7.5 billion today. According to projections, we will be around 10 billion by 2050. Growing worldwide populations, combined with rising wealth, are putting an increasing strain on vital natural resources, both on land and in water. The majority of the expansion is taking place on the African continent, as well as in southern and eastern Asia.
Solution: Family planning and having 2-3 children for each family may be used. Access to education, particularly for young girls in tropical regions.
Among the world's five major environmental concerns, there are still many minor issues that we face today, such as water pollution, inappropriate waste disposal, a bad drainage system, mining, and a lengthy list of environmental abuses.
The Philippines' rich biodiversity is under threat, primarily as a result of human activities such as deforestation and forest degradation, illegal fishing, and illegal wildlife trade.
Despite environmental abuses, we are fortunate to have numerous social groups and environmental activists fighting for environmental protection and conservation.
We have Greta Thunberg, a 17-year-old Swedish environmental activist who has received international attention for advocating the position that climate change is causing an existential crisis for humanity. She also wrote several books promoting environmental protection and conservation, including "No one is too small to make a difference," "Scenes from the Heart, Greta Thunberg (I know this to be true): On Truth, Courage, and Saving Our Planet," and "Scenes from the Heart, Greta Thunberg (I know this to be true): On Truth, Courage, and Saving Our Planet" (Brittanica Whang, 2020).
She encourages everyone, particularly young people, to speak out against climate change and other environmental challenges. Today, she has a global following and is marching to save our planet.
When she chaired the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and led the Save Palawan Island movement in the Philippines, environmental activist Gina Lopez was able to clean up at least 17 tributaries in the extremely polluted Pasig River and neighbouring streams.
Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mines and the denial or suspension of activities at numerous others. She also cancelled 75 contracts with mines that she claimed threatened surrounding water supplies.
Gina died in August 2019 at the age of 65, following multiple organ failures after a struggle with brain cancer. Many lamented her death, most notably the ABS-CBN Foundation, a social development organisation she chaired for many years (Nytimes Gutierrez, 2019).
According to last year's research, the Philippines is now the second-most dangerous country for environmental activists, with 34 deaths. Columbia placed first with 64 murders (Bernanews Espina, 2020).
However, you are not required to join any environmental organisations in order to be acknowledged as a "environmentalist." You can still make a significant difference by simply knowing and doing what is best for our environment. Simply put, sorting your rubbish into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories, cleaning the canals and drainage system, planting trees, conserving water and power, and other environmental actions. Consider this: your activities today will shape the future of our children and grandchildren. And by working together in our small ways, we can make a difference. Protect our Mother Nature, both now and in the future.
Do something excellent; no one will see or notice, but future generations will.
Nabiong, Larry Icabandi
Among other activities, programmes, and projects that pique his interest and passion, he is a teacher, article writer, and environmental advocate.
Currently working with colleagues on a project to meet the needs of indigenous people in Punduhan ng mga Dumagat in Sitio Suha, Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan, within the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve area, under the stewardship of Bro Martin Francisco, the big brother of the Dumagat people in the hinterland.
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