Now are never - A call to Action:


For decades, we have faced countless injustices and problems worldwide. These include mining, illegal logging and deforestation, improper dumping of waste from factories and other infrastructure, and other complex environmental issues. In addition, we have had major previous fires on continents such as Australia and California this year that burned hectares of forest and put animal health at risk. According to DW Zimmermann, 2016, the world's five major environmental problems are:

(1) Air pollution and climate change;

(2) Deforestation;

(3) Extinction of species;

(4) Soil degradation; and

(5) Population. Air pollution and climate change There is air pollution when the air or air we breathe is busy with a higher level of CO2 or Carbon Dioxide than Oxygen or other gases. These CO2 emissions come mainly from burning factories, burning coal and mineral fuels, and other industrial activities contributing to the growth in the number of parts per million (ppm) from 280, 200 years ago to 400 ppm today. Result: Climate disruption. In 2012, the World Health Organization estimated that one in nine people who died in 2012 was caused by carcinogens and other toxins in polluted air. Solution: Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Change industrial processes.

Deforestation Today, about 30 percent of the planet's surface is covered by forests — we nearly 11,000 years ago as before agriculture. About 7.3 million acres [7.3 million ha] of forest are destroyed each year, especially in the tropics. Now only 6 or 7 tropical rain forests cover the planet earth, which was used 15 percent. Solution: Deforestation and restitution of natural forests. Extinction of Species Both land and water species were legally and illegally hunted. In the wild, wild animals are hunted almost to extinction in the wild for wildlife, ivory, or for medicinal purposes. At sea, large fishing vessels killed scores of fishermen. The loss and destruction of habitats is also the cause of mass extinctions.

Solution: Restoring habitats and calling on the government to take action to prevent the continued extinction of endangered species. Soil destruction Through overgrazing, monoculture cultivation, soil erosion, over-exposure to pollutants, land use change- and a long list of ways to cause soil damage. About 12 million hectares of farmland a year are severely damaged, according to UN figures. Crowds of people The world's population continues to grow at an alarming rate. From the 1.6 billion people entering the 20th century, there are now about 7.5 billion. Estimates put us at about $ 10 billion by 2050.

Global population growth, coupled with increasing wealth, puts tremendous pressure on vital natural resources and water. Most of the growth took place on the African continent, and in South and East Asia. Solution: Family planning with 2-3 children in all families can be used. Access to education especially for tropical girls.

Among the five major environmental problems in the world, there are still many small problems we face today such as: water pollution, improper waste disposal, water supply system, mines, and a long list of environmental abuses.

In the Philippines, a wide variety of its rich species are endangered, especially from human activities, including deforestation and deforestation, illegal fishing, and the illegal trade in wildlife. Despite the abuse of our environment, we are fortunate to have many community groups and environmental activists fighting for the protection and conservation of our environment. We have had the famous Greta Thunberg, a 17-year-old Swedish environmental activist who has gained international recognition for highlighting the idea that humanity is facing a crisis caused by climate change. He also published several books promoting environmental protection and conservation and others such as: "No one is too young to make a difference," "Heartfelt quotes, Greta Thunberg (I know this is true): In fact, courage and conservation for our planet (Brittanica Whang, 2020) . He urges everyone, especially the youth, to talk about climate change and other environmental issues. Today, you have found many followers around the world, marching to save our planet.

In the Philippines, environmental activist Gina Lopez had secured many environmental projects such as cleaning up at least 17 rivers in the polluted Pasig River and nearby streams, while chairing the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and leading the Save Palawan Movement on the island. Lopez has ordered 23 mines to close and many more to deny or suspend operations. He also canceled 75 contracts in the mines which he said were jeopardizing the supply of nearby water. But in August 2019, Gina died, at the age of 65, following a major setback in her battle against brain cancer. He was arrested by many, preferably the ABS-CBN Foundation, of which the social development organization was chaired for many years (Nytimes Gutierrez, 2019).

Today, the Philippines is considered the world's second-largest killer of environmental activists from last year's report on the killing of 34 people. Columbia with 64 homicides placed first (Bernanews Espina, 2020). On the other hand, you do not have to join any environmental groups to be recognized for your efforts as a "naturalist." You can still make a big difference by simply knowing and doing what is right for our environment.

Simply put, sorting your garbage from separate waste to non-perishable, cleaning canals and drainage system, planting trees, conserving water and electricity, and other environmental activities. Think about this thinking, your efforts today are the future of our next generation. And in our small ways we can make a difference.