Protecting our planet

Our planet is dying, and helping the environment is important. From the Antarctic melting to the air quality, global warming and climate change has reflected the poor condition of the Earth. There are several ways to help and protect our planet. It starts with you and educating others to make a difference.

A great deal of evidence has shown that pollution is caused by fossil fuels from cars. In fact, according to Tibi Puiu, a physicist and mechanical engineer, we only have about 50 years until we run out of fossil fuels/gas. That is not much time. Buying electric cars helps our Earth because they use electricity, rather than gas, with no pollution. The majority of pollution also stems from waste in landfills. According to Chad Frischmann of The Washington Post, “Food waste that decomposes in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.” Ways to help with food waste include shopping wisely, be aware of what you throw away and recycle, and taking a bike instead of a car for transportation.

Some of the many effects that pollution has had on Earth include glaciers in the Antarctic melting and China's air quality. Glaciers act as a protective cover and keep the planet cooler. When the glacier melts, the water from it enters the warmer ocean, and the sea level increases. Another location of major pollution is in China. According to the International Energy Agency, “Carbon dioxide in the PRC has increased more than 80 percent between 2005 and 2019”. The country of Bangladesh is also named one of the most polluted countries, with an average PM2. 5 concentration of 77.1 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Human activity is the reason for climate change and pollution all over the world.

More examples of ways to help are to reduce, reuse and recycle. You probably heard this phrase before, but do not underestimate it. You can plant a tree, pick up trash around a local park, conserve water, educate others, volunteer cleanups, plant a yearly garden, and use reusable products. Take care of our home, because there is no planet B.