The message that the world is on the brink of collapse is a constant in our daily lives, yet meaningful action often feels elusive. However, by shedding light on the ways we are contributing to this problem, we can become more aware and start making changes. For guidance, this article explores 17 ways in which we are unintentionally harming the planet.
Relying on Non-Renewable Energy
Our reliance on finite resources for energy is a gamble with the future of our planet. Non-renewable sources like coal, oil, and natural gas still dominate our energy supply. According to the International Energy Agency, only 29% of the energy used globally is renewable, which is seriously concerning.
Contributing to Global Warming
Cars, factories, and farms send gases into the air that make the earth warmer. Cutting down forests and the gases from cattle and trash are making it worse. This warming changes our weather, harms animals, and will eventually make it harder for us to live on Earth.
Ignoring Climate Change
Climate change is a ticking time bomb, and by ignoring its signs, we’re walking blindly into a disaster. Even if there has been some effort, most of us still participate in activities like driving gas-powered cars, which have been shown to be slowly killing our planet.
Overusing Plastic Products
Every piece of plastic ever made still exists today, and yet we continue to produce more of it. According to the United Nations, plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose. Efforts have been made to recycle plastic, but most of the plastic produced is not recyclable.
Wasting Water
Water is life, yet our wasteful practices are turning it into a scarce commodity. As individuals, things like taking long showers and leaving taps running are some of the things we are doing that waste water. On an industrial level, it is cavities like over-irrigation and using outdated irrigation methods that are the problem.
Overconsumption of Resources
Our insatiable appetite for “new” and “more” is depleting the world’s resources faster than they can replenish. According to Fashion Revolution, we are buying and discarding clothing rapidly, with cloth production expected to grow by over 60% by 2030.
Neglecting Wildlife Conservation
The animals we share this planet with are disappearing at an alarming rate, and our actions are to blame. Urban expansion and deforestation have led to the loss of wildlife habitats all over the world. Aquatic animals are not safe, either, as plastic waste and chemicals from factories are harming them and their environments.
Contributing to Air Pollution
Breathing clean air is becoming a luxury as our skies fill with pollutants from modern factories, the increasing number of cars and trucks on the roads, and the open burning of trash. Research from Our World in Data reports that air pollution is causing 1 in 10 deaths per year, far more than anyone thinks.
Mismanaging Waste
Our planet is not a trash can, yet we treat it as one. Every year, we produce more trash than we can properly dispose of. Many of us are not composting organic waste, leading to methane production in landfills.
Ignoring Sustainable Living Practices
To many people, sustainable living seems like a choice rather than a necessity. Reducing, reusing, and recycling are all seen as optional things. Additionally, many people are overusing energy through behaviors like leaving lights on and overusing heating and cooling systems.
Overfishing the Oceans
The oceans once seemed full of life, but now they’re in danger of becoming empty. Modern fishing practices take more fish from the ocean than it can naturally replenish. Fishing companies are also using methods that destroy marine habitats, such as coral reefs.
Encouraging Deforestation
We are cutting down forests to make room for farms, get wood for paper and other products, and expand our cities. Forests are like the Earth’s lungs, breathing in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. This not only hurts the planet but also us, as we rely on these forests for clean air.
Neglecting Soil Health
Our soil quality is getting worse because we use too many chemicals, like fertilizers, and factory waste. We are slowly losing the top layer of soil faster than it can recover. Soil is where our food starts, so if it’s not healthy, neither is our food.
Polluting Freshwater Sources
Our freshwater sources are turning into chemical cocktails. Factories, farms, and even our homes are putting dangerous chemicals into rivers and lakes. This makes the water unsafe for drinking, swimming, and supporting fish and plants.
Ignoring the Power of Education
Education is our most powerful weapon in the fight against environmental destruction, yet it’s being neglected by authorities. Some people are spreading wrong information about the environment, and not enough people are interested in science and understanding the truth.
Disregarding Community Actions
Community action can drive significant change, but it requires all of us to participate. We should discourage people from not supporting or being aware of local sustainability efforts in their areas. However, this starts with each one of us being present before we teach others how to act the same.
Underestimating Individual Impact
Every action counts, and the belief that one person’s contribution is too small is a myth that’s harming our planet. When we all think our efforts don’t matter, it leads to a collective inaction that worsens environmental problems. Small changes, when multiplied by millions of people, can lead to significant impacts.