Overview
Improving our planet and communities is important for several reasons, including:
• To protect our health and well-being. Our planet's natural resources provide us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. When these resources are polluted or degraded, it can harm our health. For example, air pollution can cause respiratory problems, water pollution can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, and deforestation can lead to soil erosion and flooding.
• To ensure a sustainable future. The world's population is growing rapidly, and we are stressing our planet's resources. If we do not try to improve our environment, we will eventually run out of resources, and our way of life will be unsustainable.
• To create a more just and equitable world. Environmental problems often disproportionately affect the poor and marginalized. For example, people living in poverty are more likely to live in polluted areas and have less access to clean water and sanitation. By improving our environment, we can help to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.
• To protect our natural heritage. Our planet is home to a vast diversity of plants and animals. These species are essential to our ecosystems and provide many benefits, such as food, medicine, and recreation. By improving our environment, we can help to protect our natural heritage for future generations.
