Environmental Problems

How do countries work together to solve problems with the environment?

"A healthy planet depends on all of us."

Pollution, deforestation, animal habitat destruction, and soil degradation are some of the most important environmental issues today. Who or what is causing these problems? While human activity can damage the environment, people around the world are also working to solve environmental problems, too.

Environmental Problems Around the World: Pollution, Climate Change, Deforestation, Over Population, Soil Degradation, Animal Habitat Destruction

The United Nations works together to solve these environmental issues. It has established the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which tries to educate other countries about how to make environmentally friendly decisions. For example, wind and sun are sustainable energy resources that won't run out. UNEP encourages developing countries to use these resources to cut down on the amount of pollution.

Environmental issues are worldwide, so it is important that all countries work to preserve and protect the planet. How do countries work together to tackle environmental problems?

Beach and Ocean Cleanups

Over 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into the ocean each year.

Environmental problem - plastic pollution and fish in ocean

The majority of this trash is in the Pacific Ocean, and it is deadly to fish and animals.

People in countries around the world are forming groups to help clean up the oceans and prevent garbage from being dumped in them.

Beach cleanups reduce litter, protect the oceans, and raise awareness about litter and plastic pollution.

Reducing Air Pollution

Of all the types of pollution, air pollution carries the biggest health risk. It affects millions of people each year.

Urban landscape smoked polluted atmosphere from emissions of plants and factories, view of pipes with smoke and residential apartment buildings.

The BreatheLife campaign started by the United Nations helps cities create policies that reduce air pollution. One option for countries with high gas emissions is to provide more public transportation, such as buses, and encourage people to ride bicycles. This small step can impact the air quality in major cities around the world.

Using Renewable Energy

The burning of fossil fuels for energy accounts for over 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. Renewable energy sources, like solar panels and wind turbines, are being used to reduce these emissions.

Modern green city powered only by renewable energy sources concept

Countries work together by creating policies, discussing innovation, and providing assistance in how to use renewable energy resources.

Conserving Natural Forests

Around 18 million acres of forests are destroyed each year.

Forests that were invaded by human beings are the cause of global warming.

Reforestation is a way to replant native trees in areas where trees have been cut down.

Young couple carrying a seedlings to be planted into the soil in the garden as save world concept, nature, environment and ecology.

Programs have been created to teach countries how to protect, conserve, and rebuild forests and restore ecosystems.