Combating Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss Today

How many times have we started to reflect on the situation that our planet is going through? How many times have we done something to try to combat climate change? Have we ever been aware of the management we give to natural resources? Surely, the most common answer is no.

As mentioned, this year representatives of 196 countries will gather in China with the purpose of discussing strategies against climate change.

Global Strategies Against Climate Change

Agriculture, infrastructure, and urban areas are expanding rapidly, as are extractive industries such as forestry, mining, and fishing. In addition to converting landscapes directly, these practices can alter natural habitats and degrade much larger areas by creating access points for illegal hunting, logging, and other activities.

The Impact of Human Expansion on Biodiversity

The loss of biodiversity has continued; therefore, we must be aware that the creation of natural shelters is necessary but not sufficient. To curb and stop the rapid decline of species and habitats, we must address how human societies manage terrestrial and marine landscapes and the resources that are extracted from them.

Resource Depletion and the Urban Challenge

The depletion of natural resources is a reality that is increasing day by day. Therefore, it is urgent to create environmental laws that cover overpopulation issues, how they affect homelessness, and how this increases the constant need to build public parking.

Local Solutions: Rethinking University Transportation

For example, here at the university, it is very common to see people complaining daily about the lack of parking space. However, instead of accusing the university of only being interested in generating profit through the excessive sale of parking passes, this should serve to raise awareness. The exaggerated number of cars at the university means that city pollution is increasing.

People should consider making changes in the way they transport themselves to the university. For instance:

• If they live nearby, it may not be necessary to bring a car.
• They can share a ride with someone else.
• They can form interest groups with the main purpose of minimizing car use.

If we do not act, the emission of carbon dioxide gases will increase more and more, accelerating global warming and, consequently, the loss of biodiversity.

A Collective Responsibility for Our Future

Previously, people used to go to the rivers to wash clothes and bathe. It was common to see rain with some frequency, biodiversity was much higher than today, and the seasons of the year followed a predictable schedule. However, all of that is no longer possible because the wear of natural resources is a reality that is reaching us.

Saving the planet is not just the task of the representatives of the 196 countries who will meet in October; it is something that belongs to all of us as citizens.