Environmental Governance: The Role of People in Addressing Global Environmental Risks – Fremont Tribune

In fact, four of the top five risks in the next decade are directly related to the environment, including extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, critical change in Earth systems, and natural resource scarcity. These risks highlight the urgent need for coordinated action to mitigate environmental damage and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

As the impact of these threats increases, it is becoming increasingly clear that both governments and industries must prioritize environmental management in their policies and practices. However, it is equally important to recognize that as individuals we can either contribute to the problem or do our part to eradicate it. Individual stewardship of the environment is more important than ever as we face the growing threat of climate change, resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Human actions are disrupting the balance of the planet and threatening both life and resources. As a non-profit organization focused on public education, we address key environmental issues such as waste prevention, waste reduction, recycling, proper disposal of hazardous waste, and community. Our aim is to raise awareness and promote solutions that empower people and communities to positively impact their local environment.

One of the most effective ways to protect the environment is by reducing waste. In today’s consumer-driven society, plastic and food waste are major problems. The mass production of single-use plastic has led to widespread pollution, especially in the oceans, where an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste threaten marine life.

Replacing single-use everyday items like plastic market bags, water bottles and containers with their reusable counterparts not only supports sustainability, but also saves money in the long run by investing in durable instead of disposable products.

Similarly, food waste is a growing concern. According to the United Nations, approximately 19% of all food produced globally is wasted. It also contributes to the waste of valuable resources such as water, land and energy used to grow, store, process, distribute and prepare this food.

Reducing food waste can be achieved by meal planning, buying only what is needed, storing food and composting scraps. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and overconsumption, is another pressing issue. Simple water-saving techniques such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances and considering water use when gardening or cleaning can make a big difference in conserving this vital resource.

Reducing waste is at the heart of preserving our planet’s precious natural resources. By minimizing the amount of waste we generate, we can reduce demand for raw materials, reduce energy consumption and reduce the environmental toll caused by extraction and manufacturing processes. This helps to preserve ecosystems, limit pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

If there’s only one thing you take away from this column, let it be this: No action is ever too small to make a difference. When people come together and make thoughtful choices, their collective efforts can make a difference and improve the health of our planet.