Top 5 Most Imminent Environmental Threats

The Earth faces many environmental issues that will endanger humanity in the next upcoming centuries.

Though several experts across the planet argue about the most imminent problems, here are the top 5 most imminent threats that most scientists agree will impact our future if we do not do something to reduce our strain on the environment.

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.”

–Isaac Asimov

1)    Overpopulation

Many argue that all environmental issues stem from human overpopulation; others argue this panic is just based on myth. Opinions and conspiracy theories aside, it must be noted that humanity’s population has tripled in the past 60 years and isn’t slowing down.

1950’s World Population: 2,555,982,611

2012’s World Population: 7,000,000,000

Energy consumption and water usage are major concerns across the globe, and will continue to grow as major issues as human population increases.

If we do not find a way to reduce our strain on the environment, we might get a chance to see the MalthusianCatastrophe proved.

2)    Climate Change

Arguably related to overpopulation is the issue of climate change.

Whether you are among those who believe that today’s climate change is completely natural, or an unnatural effect from humans’ environmental abuse, it’s clear that climate change one of the most threatening environmental threats of the 21^st century.

Many scientists believe carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere must remain below 350 parts per minute (ppm) to retain the climate’s stability.

The Earth’s current carbon dioxide levels are at 390 ppm, rising 2 ppm a year.

3)    Water Shortage

Experts predict that in 2050, 2/3^rd of humanity won’t have access to clean, drinkable water.

Currently, water is a growing problem in places like India, where the water table decreases year after year, making farming extremely difficult.

Some predict water will become more precious of a commodity than gold and oil and that wars may be fought over who owns the prime water source. Sounds like an Arrakian problem to me.

Hopefully we won’t get to a point where we will have to wear stillsuits to recycle our body moisture.

4)    Pollution and Ocean Acidity

As a byproduct of industry and modern lifestyles, humanity emits harmful chemicals into the air, soil, and water that take many years to break down. In the process, ecosystems are harmed-- creating a domino effect that leaks into other aspects of the Earth’s well-being.

Also, the Ocean absorbs 25% of humanity’s carbon dioxide emissions which reacts with other chemicals to create carbonic acid.

This acid harms marine life and changes ecosystems from the bottom of the food chain up. The Ocean’s acidity is predicted to rise 150% by 2100.

5)    Loss of Biodiversity/Species Exploitation

Red River Giant Softshell Turtle: Only 4 in existence

Many don’t realize that we are in the midst of one of the greatest mass extinctions of Earth’s History.

As many as half of the planet’s plant and animal species could be extinct by 2100.

An alarming rate, considering it is 1000 times the natural rate of species extinction. If this rate continues, the planet will suffer the collapse of entire ecosystems that humans depend on for survival.

Not to mention, think of all of the extraordinary creatures on the planet that will disappear forever in the near future.

Some of the most endangered animals today are:

• Hainan Gibbon: <20 individuals
• Chinese crested turn: <50 individuals
• Amsterdam albatross: 200 individuals
• Santa Catarina’s Guinea Pig: 40-60 individuals
• Sumatran Rhino: <250 individuals
• Bulmer’s fruit bat: 150 individuals
• Javan Rhino: <100 individuals
• Red River Giant Softshell Turtle: 4 individuals
• Greater Bamboo Lemur: 100-160 individuals
• Seychelle’s Sheath-tailed Bat: <100 individuals
• Pygmy three-toed Sloth: <500 individuals
• Spoon-billed Sandpiper: <100 breeding pairs individuals