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Eco-systems under threat
Our world is getting hotter, and the impacts of climate change on the eco systems and environments that we all inhabit are potentially devastating. Some of the eco-systems under immediate threat include:
Coral Reefs - often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea’ due to their incredible biodiversity. Coral reefs contribute to the overall health of our oceans, protect against coastal erosion, and support local economies through tourism and fishing.
Rainforests - such as the Amazon, are crucial biodiversity hotspots and produce large amounts of the earth’s oxygen. For this reason, the Amazon rainforest has been called the ‘Lungs of the Earth.’
Insect populations - are declining at an alarming rate. This is especially concerning as insects play crucial roles in eco-systems, such as pollination, decomposition, and natural pest control. Insects also serve as a vital food source for many animals, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Wildlife - species are threatened by a loss of biodiversity, resulting in habitat loss, decreased food sources, and increased vulnerability to disease. Preserving wildlife biodiversity is vital for a sustainable planet, as each species plays a unique role in maintaining the delicate balance of life on earth.
We can fix it
Our environmental impact requires immediate attention, but we can fix it. There are numerous response strategies we can employ to reduce the loss of biodiversity in our eco-systems and protect the environment. Let’s take a look at some examples of environmental protection projects around the globe.
Regenerative agriculture: Sikkim State (India)
In 2016 the north eastern Indian state of Sikkim became the first fully organic state in the world. By adopting regenerative practices such as crop rotation, composting, and biopesticides, Sikkim has improved its soil health, reduced water pollution, and increased agricultural biodiversity.
Rewilding: Yellowstone National Park (USA)
The re-introduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park is a well-known rewilding success story. The return of this apex predator has had a cascading effect on the eco-system, restoring the balance between predator and prey populations.
Natural restoration and reforestation: The Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact (Brazil)
The Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact is a collaborative effort to restore 15 million hectares of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil by 2050. Natural restoration and reforestation projects like this are crucial to addressing the impacts of climate change, preserving biodiversity, and restoring the health and resilience of our eco-systems.
Projects like these are examples of the great work being done worldwide to address the environmental impacts of climate change, but we need to do more. How can organisations and individuals make a meaningful contribution to protecting the environment?
Kineo Courses’ ESG suite is a new range of courses developed for a global audience, providing learners with insight, understanding, and meaningful ways to take action across a broad range of Environmental, Social and Governance topics. The Introduction to the Environment course is one of the first to be released to market, and we are excited to show off what we have accomplished so far and cannot wait to show you what is coming in the future!
Kineo Courses’ Introduction to the Environment provides learners with an understanding of the impacts of human activities on the environment, and the various restorative responses and natural solutions that can be employed to address these impacts. Upon completing the course, learners will have an understanding of:
- the impacts of intensive agriculture and raw material extraction
- the importance of biodiversity
- natural restoration and reforestation
- regenerative agriculture and rewilding practices, and
- carbon offsetting, carbon insetting, and other natural solutions.
This course features high quality imagery, engaging animations, interactive activities and an expansive list of highly informative further resources that learners can use to learn more about the environment.
