2 PLANET EARTH IS IN THE DANGER ZONE Earth's Greatest Threats WARM UP Do you think we live in a world where there is enough awareness about the care and protection of the environment? Environmental problems The Earth is facing various mainly deriving from . Terms such as "climate change", "global warming", "greenhouse effect", "acid rain", "deforestation", and "carbon footprint" have become part of our vocabulary. Most environmental problems derive from the effects of , starting from the of the Earth's natural resources (fossil fuels, minerals, trees, arable land, fresh water, and wildlife) to the increasing amount of we generate. 1 threats human impact on the planet human overpopulation 1 depletion waste MORE Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, and this demonstrates the interdependence between human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit. 1 DO According to UN predictions, the number of human beings on Earth could reach ……… by 2050. 7.5 billion 9.7 billion over 11 billion 1 a. b. c. Climate change Climate change is the whole planet and it concerns all of us in ways we can see and feel. affecting is causing the and even of the polar ice caps, which in turn causes the rising of sea levels and the consequent of many areas. Global warming melting of glaciers flooding Climate change is also a major contributor to the , as some species are unable to adapt to changing temperatures and become extinct. loss of biodiversity Pollution Environmental pollution is causing serious and permanent . Pollution can take many forms: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we use to grow our food, the skies, and even the noise we hear can contribute to health problems and a lower quality of life, with major and effects on wildlife and ecosystems. Pollutants in the atmosphere are also causing the , which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. damage to the natural world and human society lit-up disruptions depletion of the ozone layer Deforestation Deforestation continues at an alarming rate. The has many negative effects, such as climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, and increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. destruction of forests Go green! Protecting the environment, controlling environmental , and producing renewable energy are problems that should concern everyone. Each of us should and try to contribute towards making our planet a “greener” and better place to live. issues care about the future of our planet