Environmental degradation

**Environmental Degradation Impacts**:
– Biodiversity Loss:
– Human activity caused sixth mass extinction event
– Overconsumption and population growth destroyed 68% of vertebrate wildlife since 1970
– One million species face extinction due to human causes
– 70% of Earth’s land altered since agriculture began
– Only 3% of terrestrial surface remains intact
– Impacts on Women’s Livelihoods:
– Heavier workloads on degraded lands
– Disproportionate effects on health, food security, and resource access
– Climate change increases travel for necessities
– Increased risk of gender-based violence and human trafficking
– Water Degradation:
– Only 2.5% of Earth’s water is fresh water
– 30% of fresh water available for consumption
– One in three people globally face water shortages
– Water scarcity increasing due to population growth and climate change
– Climate Change and Temperature:
– Predicted rise in global temperature
– Atmospheric CO2 levels rising
– Climate change affects water supply and plant transpiration
– Types of Environmental Degradation:
– Destruction of natural habitats
– Direct degradation like deforestation
– Indirect processes like plastic pollution and greenhouse gases
– Mismanagement leading to conflicts

**Environmental Degradation Causes**:
– Deforestation
– Pollution
– Overpopulation
– Climate change
– Industrial activities

**Environmental Degradation Effects**:
– Loss of biodiversity
– Soil erosion
– Water pollution
– Increased natural disasters
– Disruption of ecosystems

**Impact on Human Health**:
– Respiratory diseases
– Waterborne illnesses
– Malnutrition
– Mental health issues
– Increased mortality rates

**Global Initiatives and Solutions**:
– Paris Agreement
– Sustainable Development Goals
– United Nations Environment Programme
– Green technologies
– Conservation efforts