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SOS Planet Earth: A Call to Action

Francisca Mota

Created on October 24, 2024

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Transcript

SOS Planet Earth: A Call to Action

“Our house is on fire” - Greta Thunberg

01 Introduction

06 Conclusion – A Path Forward

02 Air, Water, and Land Pollution

07 Game

03 Deforestation and Its Ripple Effects

Index

04 The Oceans in Crisis

08 Video

09 Thanks

05 What You Can Do – Individual and Community Action

Contextualizing the Environmental Crisis

The environmental crisis refers to the widespread damage caused by human activities to the Earth's natural systems, leading to serious global challenges. Overpopulation, industrialization, and excessive resource use have overwhelmed the planet’s ability to regenerate.

Population Growth and Urbanization

Climate Change

Industrialization

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have dramatically increased carbon emissions, contributing to global warming.

Rapid growth in population and cities has led to overconsumption of resources, loss of habitats, and higher pollution levels.

The accumulation of greenhouse gases has resulted in global warming, causing melting ice caps, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels

Air, Water, and Land Pollution

Pollution Breakdown

Air Pollution

Water Pollution

Land Pollution

Sources: Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels. Effects: Air quality degradation, smog, and acid rain. Causes millions of deaths yearly from respiratory diseases.

Sources: Plastics, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), industrial waste. Effects: Destruction of marine ecosystems, health hazards due to water contamination, and economic impact on fisheries.

Sources: Improper waste disposal, landfills, chemical spills, deforestation.Effects: Soil degradation, loss of arable land, and harm to wildlife.

Deforestation and Its Ripple Effects

Why Deforestation is Critical: Rate of Deforestation: 15 billion trees are cut down annually. Primary Causes: Agricultural expansion (especially soy, palm oil, and cattle ranching). Logging for timber and paper industries. Urbanization and infrastructure development. Consequences:

Info

The Oceans in Crisis

The Vital Role of Oceans:

Major Threats:

Oceans as Climate Regulators: Absorb 25% of CO2 emissions and 90% of the excess heat from global warming.Marine Biodiversity: Home to over 230,000 known species (possibly millions more undiscovered).

Overfishing: 33% of fish stocks are over-exploited, affecting food security and marine ecosystems. Coral Bleaching: 50% of coral reefs have died since 1980 due to rising ocean temperatures and pollution. Plastic Pollution: 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans every year. Microplastics are now found in the bodies of marine organisms and humans.

What You Can Do – Individual and Community Action

Individual Actions:

Community Actions:

Reduce Energy Use: Opt for energy-efficient appliances, insulate homes, and turn off lights and electronics when not in use.Sustainable Transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit instead of driving; consider switching to electric or hybrid vehicles. Dietary Choices: Reduce meat and dairy consumption, focusing on plant-based foods which have a smaller carbon footprint. Offset Emissions: Offset unavoidable emissions by supporting projects like reforestation or renewable energy.

Local Climate Initiatives: Support community-based renewable energy projects or local emissions reduction policies.Climate Advocacy: Participate in local government meetings, encouraging adoption of climate-friendly regulations and goals. Community Solar: Advocate for shared community solar programs that provide access to clean energy without individual panel installations. Youth Education: Organize workshops in schools or community centers on climate change and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion – A Path Forward

The Urgency of Action:

Urgent action on environmental issues is essential as climate change accelerates, biodiversity declines, and pollution levels rise. Delays increase the risks of irreversible damage, impacting human health, economies, and ecosystems. Immediate individual and community efforts can help preserve resources, stabilize climate, and ensure a livable planet for future generations.

Thank you!

Francisca Mota e Luísa Pontes

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What is the role of national parks in protecting ecosystems?

National parks protect natural areas, conserving biodiversity, and providing a safe space for wildlife while allowing people to enjoy nature responsibly.

How can individuals reduce their water usage to live more sustainably?

By fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, taking shorter showers, and collecting rainwater for gardening.

Which ecosystem is home to the most biodiversity on Earth?

Tropical rainforests.

What international agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C?

The Paris Agreement.

What does biodiversity mean, and why is it important for ecosystems?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. It’s important because it helps ecosystems remain resilient and able to provide essential services like clean air, water, and fertile soil.

Name one international organization focused on environmental conservation.

What is acid rain and how does it affect ecosystems?

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. It can harm plants, soil, water sources, and aquatic life.

Climate Impact: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2. Their removal contributes to higher atmospheric CO2 levels. Biodiversity Loss: Forests contain 80% of terrestrial species; deforestation leads to species extinction. Disruption of Water Cycles: Forests regulate water cycles, and their destruction leads to altered rainfall patterns and increased droughts.

What does the term “carbon footprint” refer to?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily CO2) that are emitted by an individual, organization, or activity.

Name two greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to climate change.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

Name one endangered species and the reason for its population decline.

The Sumatran tiger, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching.

What is an invasive species, and how can it harm an ecosystem?

An invasive species is a non-native species that spreads rapidly in a new area, often outcompeting native species for resources and disrupting ecosystems.

What is the greenhouse effect and how does it contribute to global warming?

The greenhouse effect is the process where certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet.

What are microplastics, and why are they harmful to the environment?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size. They are harmful because they can be ingested by small organisms, working their way up the food chain and impacting entire ecosystems.

How does plastic pollution harm marine life?

Marine animals can mistake plastic for food, which can lead to choking, poisoning, or starvation when their stomachs are full of plastic.

What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch made of?

It’s made primarily of floating plastic debris.

What is renewable energy, and name two types of renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally replenish. Examples include solar energy and wind energy.

Which human activity is the largest contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions?

Burning of fossil fuels, particularly from transportation, industry, and electricity generation.

What does "sustainable agriculture" aim to achieve?

Sustainable agriculture aims to produce food in a way that preserves resources, supports biodiversity, and minimizes environmental damage.

What is deforestation, and what are its main environmental impacts?

Deforestation is the clearing of forests for non-forest uses like agriculture or urban development. It leads to habitat loss, increased carbon emissions, and reduced biodiversity.

Why is reforestation important for combating climate change?

Reforestation helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, restores habitats for wildlife, and helps prevent soil erosion.