Don’t Forget About the Earth
Posted: April 22, 2017 | By: Rocio Ramos
In the early 1900s, the world population was estimated to be about 1.6 billion. Today, global population is at approximately 7.5 billion.[1] This fast and massive growth in the world population has been due in large part to advances in modern civilization. We’ve learned to produce massive amounts of crops, how to use fossil fuels for energy, and even how to send messages thousands of miles away at the touch of a button. However, along with this advance in civilization, has also come the overconsumption of resources. Just think about your daily water consumption, all of the electronic devices you use, the food you eat, and so many other things you use and discard of on a daily basis. Now, imagine the daily consumption of 7.5 billion people.
This change in population and overconsumption of resources has thus had a great effect on our planet. The earth is not the same as it was 10,000 or even 100 years ago, and one of the biggest changes scientists have witnessed has been the extreme shift in the earth’s climate. Through rising sea levels, global temperatures, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, declining artic sea ice and so much more, scientists have been able to provide evidence of the earth’s rapid climate change; much of which they believe to be a result of human activity.[2] Unknowing individuals have been experiencing some of the side effects of climate change through heightened allergies, susceptibility to sunburns, and natural disasters. Unfortunately, instead of looking for the root of the problem (which we could possibly fix), we adapt. We purchase a more powerful sunscreen, take allergy medications, and build better houses, continuing to overlook the bigger problem; the climate.
Most scientists do agree that climate change is a result of the “greenhouse effect;” where certain gases from the earth’s atmosphere block heat from escaping and it is then re-emitted, warming the surface of the earth.[3] These gases are produced from natural and human activity that includes agriculture, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels; which are all the result of keeping up with a 7.5 billion population. Everything we use on a daily basis not only uses up resources, but also leaves a footprint on the planet. The paper you use to write on, the trash you throw away and even the power you’re using to read this now. Reducing consumption of natural resources and seeking ways to improve the planet is becoming more and more vital every day.
As a reminder, on April 22nd the world celebrates Earth Day. Earth Day is about doing your part to help improve the plant for yourself, children, grandchildren, and all the others that will come after us. It can be as simple as cutting down your shower time, recycling, and even reusing materials. If you live a few blocks from the grocery store, restaurant, or any other shop you visit daily, why not walk or ride a bike instead of driving. You’ll probably end up spending more time looking for a parking spot than the time it will take to walk somewhere. With a continuously growing population, becoming more aware of our resources and consumption can help improve the health of the climate and thus, the planet. It can be as easy as reusing a YDR8+ bottle.
So this Earth day and beyond, what will you do to help the planet?
[1] http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/world-population-by-year/
[2] https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
[3] https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/
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