Threats to Life on Earth

The Triple Planetary Crisis

Human activities are disturbing the delicate balance of Earth. We face three major interconnected challenges:

1. Climate Change

• Cause: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil) releases excess Greenhouse Gases ($CO_2$, Methane).
• Effect: Global Warming.
• Consequences: Melting ice caps, rising sea levels, extreme weather (floods, droughts).

2. Pollution

• Air: Smog, Acid Rain (from factory smoke and vehicles).
• Water: Plastic waste, chemical runoff harming aquatic life.
• Soil: Excess fertilizers/pesticides killing soil microbes.

3. Biodiversity Loss

• Habitat Destruction: Cutting forests destroys homes for animals.
• Invasive Species: New species taking over ecosystems.
• Result: Extinction of species weakens the food web.

Global Action

Countries have signed agreements to protect Earth:

• Montreal Protocol (1987): To protect the Ozone Layer by banning CFCs.
• Paris Agreement (2015): To limit global warming to below 1.5°C.