Humans have been harming the environment for years, whether we want to admit it or not.
Now, 15,000 scientists from 184 countries have put out a stark warning to us all: get it together, or we’re doomed.
25 years ago, the Union of Concerned Scientists released the initial warning. The release listed environmental problems that needed to be worked on for humans to be able to keep surviving. Now, a new report has been released, with experts saying things are far worse than before.
The new release shows that certain environmental problems have only been exacerbated. There is less freshwater, less fish, fewer ocean dead zones, less forest land, increases in global carbon emissions, an increase in temperatures, and a reduction in the numbers of animal species. Meanwhile, the human population continues to grow. If the trends listed above continue to go how they are, it can severely jeopardize our place on this planet.
The report also showed that certain areas have shown progress: deforestation has declined in some areas, and there has been a reduction in ozone-depleting chemicals.
So there is hope, if we can step up to the plate and protect and fix our planet.
To those who don’t believe these problems exist: if you can’t believe 15,000 scientists, who can you believe?
Or read the statement in full here.
