We've pursued economic interests at the cost of the environment, but can economic interests be leveraged to conserve the environment instead? This infographic covers the basics of environmental degradation, and how ecotourism can be used as a tool to prevent further environmental degradation on a global scale.
Item 2.b The transformative effects of the Paris Agreement
Fast Facts: Environmental Degradation
1. E N V I R O N M E N T A L
D E G R A D A T I O N
FAST FACTS
Water degradation is the pollution,
eutrophication, acidification, and
overfishing of the world's oceans.
Water sustains life in more ways than
one. For example, the oceans absorb
23% of annual CO2 emissions,
minimizing the impact of climate
change. But humans have not
returned the favour. The oceans have
absorbed 90% of the excess heat in
the climate system generated by
human activity. This has caused
record levels of ocean heat,
threatening ecosystems and killing
coral reefs. The time to save the
planet's oceans is now.
If undisturbed land cannot ‘pay its
own way’, it is likely to be turned over
for development. This is one reason
why severe deforestation and
agricultural expansion have become
pervasive. If policy makers can be
shown that protecting land is
economically beneficial, they will be
incentivized to do so. Ecotourism is
one way in which protected lands can
prove their economic value!
W H A T I S
E N V I R O N M E N T A L
D E G R A D A T I O N ?
H O W C A N I T B E
P R E V E N T E D O N A
G L O B A L S C A L E ?
By encouraging the protection and
sustainable use of land (and
water!), ecotourism protects the
environment from degradation,
and in turn preserves biodiversity.
Often, ecotourism involves
educating ecotourists on the
importance of conservation, which
aids in developing a global
conservation mindset!
Sustainability is often ingrained in the
cultures of communities dependent
upon nature. Ecotourism provides
employment opportunities that allow
local people to preserve their culture!
Ecotourism is the
environmentally and
socioculturally sustainable
travel to natural areas that
aims to foster an appreciation
for the environment.
Environmental degradation is the
destruction of natural spaces and
depletion of natural resources. On
land, this primarily takes the form of
deforestation, desertification, and
pollution. Land degradation has a
number of adverse effects, from
causing species extinction that
unbalances ecosystems and in turn
contributes to climate change, to
accelerating the spread of diseases,
including COVID-19. Land, especially
forests, must be protected.
L A N D D E G R A D A T I O N
W A T E R D E G R A D A T I O N
P L A N E T
P E O P L E
P R O F I T