Environmental agencies around the world are warning that the world is headed towards a natural resources crisis that is worse than a financial one. All signs show an ailing world that needs urgent rescue. The health of the environment and humans is at great risk.
Research conducted by reputable resource experts like GRS consultants, however, shows that there is a lot that can be done to reverse and prevent such a crisis. But this does not come easily; human beings must first understand the causes of the crisis.
Natural Resources Crisis
It is reported that the world is consuming resources faster than the recommended rate. Detailed research indicates that resources are being consumed more than 25 percent faster than they are replenished. Unfortunately, the most affected resources are the ones we the need most.
- Water resources – water is a basic need that literally supports everything that is alive. Some countries purely rely on irrigation to grow food, but if the available water is not used well, it may be depleted over time. Countries like India are at risk of depleting their underground water reservoirs due to heavy consumption and the fact that they do not harvest rainwater.
- Forests – every year, the world loses a percentage of its forests due to deforestation. People cut down trees to create land for farming and living in addition to harvesting trees for various uses. The main danger of this abuse of resources is the increase of arid areas. There is also the concern that ice and snow in the arctic regions are melting, which is an indication that global warming is real.
- Wildlife – there are many animal species that are at risk of becoming extinct. Not only have humans destroyed animal habitats and exposed them to unfavorable conditions, but humans have also hunted animals illegally. Poaching is a major threat to wild animals and must be stopped by any means.
- Minerals and crude oil – there are additional mining sites that are being developed everywhere. It is a worrying trend that human beings are quickly depleting these non-renewable resources. Once they become depleted, future generations will suffer. The earth takes years to replenish just a few of these resources while others will never be replenished.
Is There Hope?
It is worrying that the world has plunged itself into a natural resources crisis. As every organization and government fights to salvage what is still available, human beings continue to misuse what is remaining. Factories are now polluting the air and depleting the ozone layer. Water resources are being consumed at a higher rate than ever. The trend is worrying, and one can only wonder whether it will stop or not. All set policies and guidelines have been breached. So, is there any hope to reverse this crisis? Yes, there is. We need to keep fighting and enlightening people about the benefits of caring for resources and utilizing renewable alternatives.
People have solutions available, and all they need to do is commit to them. Communities should guard the resources they have since they will be the first victims when a full-blown crisis strikes. Let us all work towards changing the world.