The scientific community feels that the world is heading towards gradual extinction, and the situation can be reversed only if the man realizes the importance of the Environment. He must not destroy it, but mend his ways to protect it and save the planet or else he will perish.
The warning has been issued by a team of 15,000 scientists, and they have pointed out that some of the factors responsible for the point of no return are climate change, deforestation, loss of access to fresh water, extinction of species along with an uncontrolled growth of human population.
This had been forecast as far back as 1992 in a letter that was signed by 1500 scientists. The situation after 25 years has deteriorated further, and scientists want to share their concerns with the world.
The threat is genuine
New Zealand Herald reports that the scientific community has released a second letter which is signed by more than 15,000 scientists from 184 countries. They have predicted that humans are poised for extinction if they do not take corrective action. In their opinion, there is a need to control the precious resources to ensure continued availability for the ever-growing population. They should embrace green energy to save the planet from the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gases and protecting Renewable Energy.
Professor William Ripple of Oregon State University has said that the scientists have taken note of obvious signs which show that mankind is treading a dangerous path. The purpose of the letter is to raise awareness about the degradation of the environment which is leading mankind to its doom.
Humanity must mend its ways
In the opinion of the scientific community, mankind must admit that there is a problem to be addressed.
Adverse effects of climate change cannot be wished away, and steps must be taken to neutralize the same by reducing CO2 emission. Use of fossil fuels must be reduced by promoting alternative concepts. A start has been made in this respect through the 2015 Paris accord, and some of the countries have already identified dates by which they intend to ban fossil fuel altogether.
Electric cars can play a significant role to achieve this objective.
As to the environment, scientists have noted that availability of fresh water per capita has gone down while the ocean dead zones have increased. Another alarming aspect is the drastic reduction of forestland, the majority of which has been converted to agricultural land to meet the needs of the growing population.
The bottom line is survival, and man must pay heed to the signs that indicate the poor health of our planet. There must be an awareness of the problem, and a willingness to change to improve the situation.
