DISAPPEARING PARADISE
Just because Earth Hour has been and gone, doesn’t mean we should forget about environmental issues. In fact, if anything, we need to start implementing changes today! The natural beauty of our planet is truly a gift to mankind, however, due to global warming, scientists say that some of the world’s most stunning destinations will completely disappear by 2050. Environmentalists predict this climatic catastrophe is set to kill off the Amazonian Rainforest, destroy Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and sink the Maldives. Unless we collectively come together to reverse this man-made eco-damage, these natural treasures will face extinction within our own lifetime. Committing to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is vital if we are to ease this already grave situation.
AMAZON RAINFOREST
This magnificent rainforest in Brazil, is home to around 2.5 million insect species, tens of thousands of plants and almost 2000 birds and mammals and it is vital for our long-term survival. Also known as the ‘Lungs of Our Planet’ it provides around 20 % of the total oxygen required by Mother Earth. Furthermore, over a quarter of our medicine originates from here.
According to experts, an area the size of five football stadiums is cut down in Amazonia, every minute. If deforestation continues at this rate, then this beautiful and resourceful ecosystem will vanish within 40 years.
GREAT BARRIER REEF
This is one of the world’s largest coral reefs and is ranked one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is the only visible place on earth from space. This iconic ecosystem may be something of the past in the near future as sea levels are rising and ice caps are melting in the Arctic, prompting this breathtakingly stunning natural wonder to disappear altogether.
THE MALDIVES
Consisting of 1200 coral islands located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives boasts some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. According to leading eco scientists, much of the Maldives could end up under water as early as 2050. This also means that the livelihoods and homes of approximately 350,000 are also at stake. Climate change has a huge impact and according to a report from the Environmental Justice Foundation, global warming will force up to 150 million ‘climate refugees’ to move to other countries within the next 40 years.
Here’s to reducing our own carbon footprint!
