June 5th, World Environment Day, a call to live in harmony and sustainably with nature

The world's population tripled from 1950 to 2010. Currently, our planet is home to 7.7 billion people, and it is estimated that in the next 30 years there will be 2 billion more; at this rate, by the year 2100 there would be 11 billion human beings.

This population growth, deforestation, air and water pollution, endangered species, poor agricultural practices, among other problems worldwide, invites us to reflect on the state of health of our planet.

Nearly three-quarters of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by humans are directly related to how we live and carry out our activities. This fact is both worrying and hopeful, because if we manage to change our lifestyle to a more sustainable one, by 2050 we could reduce these emissions by more than half and ensure the survival of all future generations.

This year, under the theme “One Earth,” Sweden is hosting and organizing World Environment Day . This theme is highly symbolic, as it was used 50 years ago at the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, setting a precedent for the development of international environmental law. At this conference, June 5th was established as World Environment Day, becoming the largest and most important forum for raising awareness of environmental issues. This day is a call to live in harmony and sustainably with nature.

Regarding the 2022 celebration, Per Bolund, Sweden's Minister for the Environment and Climate, said: “ As the proud host of World Environment Day 2022, Sweden will highlight the most pressing environmental concerns and showcase its initiatives and global efforts to address the climate and nature crisis. We invite the global community to join the ongoing discussions and celebrations.”

Five decades have passed since the first concerns arose about climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. Today, the conclusions drawn from scientific research on the current state of the planet are shared clearly, specifically, and accessibly so that we can all take action and monitor the triple challenge we face: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

We all have one thing in common: ONE EARTH. It is our responsibility and our opportunity to care for, preserve, and rescue our only home and that of thousands of species. Every decision we make either brings us closer to or further from the goal of conserving and improving our home, which is why it is important to publicize the initiatives taken by governments and industries and promote a sustainable lifestyle in all productive and service activities.

There are many actions that can be implemented, at all levels and in all areas, to achieve the recovery of our habitat and stop the deterioration.

Sustainable production and consumption is the path towards improvements not only in the environment, but also in the economy, facilitating poverty reduction and an increase in planetary health and, therefore, in the health of human beings.

It is urgent to evaluate our progress and correct course towards ecosystem recovery and reversing climate change. On this World Environment Day, in Aguas Firmes we recognize the importance of taking action and being part of the change that will ensure our continued existence on Earth in the coming years. We believe our contribution is crucial; we want to be a benchmark in our country and worldwide.

Since the emergence of the Aguas Firmes Project in Calera, Zacatecas and Apan, Hidalgo, we have worked on:

• Restore deforested areas through the mass planting of native species. Reforestation not only contributes to water infiltration into the subsoil, generates oxygen, restores biodiversity, and reduces soil erosion, but it also lowers the temperature by 8 to 10°C.

• With sustainable farming practices such as conservation agriculture and drip irrigation , soil structure is considerably improved, GHG emissions are reduced, and greater water infiltration is achieved, saving up to 40% of the vital liquid.

• Clean and renewable energies that occur continuously and inexhaustibly in nature, such as wind, solar radiation, water movement, or the heat from geothermal reservoirs, are an alternative to fossil fuels and contribute to reducing greenhouse gases.

How can you contribute to improving the planet?

It's clear that sustainable strategies and practices aren't just for governments and large industries. We all live on Earth. one land And participation at home, schools, and workplaces is essential.

Some ideas to help save our home are:

• Apply the 3Rs (Recycle, Reduce, Reuse) with which we can reduce waste, pollution and the generation of GHGs

• Limit or reduce your consumption of red meat

• Take action for water, such as reducing and using it responsibly [learn about the water actions currently being implemented in Aguas Firmes]

• Use fewer vehicles

We have a great opportunity to restore the delicate environmental balance. The power is in our hands and in our actions to rescue the place where we live, ONE EARTH.

References

• United Nations - World Environment Day

• United Nations - Peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet - Growing population

• World Bank - Population Growth (% per year)

• United Nations Environment Programme - UNEP at 50

Tags: Environment, Only One Earth