Here at Nature’s Source, we believe that investing in earth is essential to the long term survival of our species. This topic is on many people’s minds because the earth supplies everything that we need for life. We depend on clean water, air, and food grown in healthy soil that is not polluted. Many people believe that when we invest in earth, we are investing in our own future and that of future generations. Scientists around the world say that if the earth’s residents do not begin to take better care of the earth, it will not be able to continue to supply what we need from it. National and world conservation organizations try to promote an awareness of conserving the air, water, and soil that humans need.
The demand for food on the earth is expected to double by 2050 to feed all of earth’s inhabitants. Unfortunately, climate change, lack of water, and a decrease in soil that is capable of growing an adequate supply of crops could mean that there will be 25 percent less food at that time. The earth may be able to feed its current population today except for the fact that more than half of the food produced is discarded, wasted, or lost. Scientists and farmers are currently trying to find new ways to replenish the soil and to grow plants harmful fertilizers that are often used. Both China and India, countries with the largest populations, have been urged to change the way that they farm so that they can produce enough food for their residents.
Pollution control is also important to the earth if humanity is to survive. Pollution occurs when chemical substances or energy such as light, heat, or noise disturb the ecosystem of the earth. Chemical substances released into the air by industry, cars, and other sources emit sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other gases that make the air impure and not healthy for any living plants or animals on earth. Soil can become contaminated when heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and other chemicals are somehow released into the ground. Thermal pollution is usually caused by humans who release pollutants into a natural body of water. This causes a change in the temperature of the water. Water becomes polluted when chemicals are released into it, and these contaminants eventually run into groundwater. Pollution can be controlled by making people aware of how polluting the earth affects the water, air, and soil.
Reducing greenhouse gas is another way of investing in earth. Greenhouse gas is caused by gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Humans must invest in earth by reducing greenhouse gases that promote climate changes to keep the earth livable. Carbon dioxide is one of the worst offenders that enters the atmosphere because people burn fossil fuels, such as natural gas, coal, and oil to drive cars and to use in industry. Burning trees and wood products also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Methane is another gas that occurs during the production of oil, natural gas, and coal, as well as from livestock and organic waste in landfills that is harmful to the earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gas can cause changes in the earth’s temperatures, from extremes of hot and cold.
Many of those who realize that earth needs our care try to voluntarily offset the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the air because of their personal use of a car, gas furnace, wood-burning fireplace, and other items. Businesses and individuals can offset their carbon footprint by joining an organization that plants carbon dioxide-absorbing trees in parts of the world for their donation or purchase. More of the earth’s residents need to begin investing in earth if they want to continue to live a comfortable life with enough clean air to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat.