Why Sustainability Matters
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are some of the biggest challenges of our generation. Every choice we make, from the food we eat to the way we travel has an impact on the planet. By understanding these issues, we can work together toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
Did you know?
- Every year, 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean.
- Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.
- About 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals die each year from plastic pollution.
- If everyone reduced meat consumption by just one day a week, global greenhouse gas emissions could drop by 2.5%.
- The Artic is warming three times as fast as the global average.
Local Challenges in Florida
Here in Florida, our coastlines and parks are directly affected by pollution, rising sea levels, and habitat loss. Oleta River State Park, for example, is home to mangroves that are vital for storm protection and wildlife, but litter and microplastics threaten this ecosystem.
Global Challenges
- Climate Change: Rising global temperatures are fueling stronger hurricanes in the Caribbean, historic wildfires in Australia and California, and extreme heatwaves in Europe and South Asia.
- Plastic Pollution: Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating mass of plastic twice the size of Texas, is one of the most visible reminders of this crisis.
- Deforestation: In the Amazon rainforest, vast areas are cleared each year for agriculture, reducing biodiversity and removing one of the planet’s largest carbon sinks.
- Biodiversity Loss: Species like the orangutan in Indonesia and the African elephant face habitat loss and poaching, while coral reefs worldwide are dying due to ocean warming and acidification.
These global problems show why local action matters. Whether it’s planting a tree, reducing single-use plastics, or joining a community clean-up, small steps add up to a worldwide impact.
Even small, everyday changes make a difference
Now that you know more, take the next step
