Our environment plays an important role in our lives and is a key factor in determining the quality of our lives. It is important for us to be aware of the state of the environment and the impact that our actions have on it. We must take steps to protect the environment and ensure that it remains healthy for generations to come.

1. There will be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050. 

It’s estimated there are around 3,500,000,000,000 fish currently in our oceans (that’s a lot of zeros!). So, can you try and imagine just how much plastic that means there could be in the oceans by 2050…

2. About eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped in the ocean each year.

About eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped in the ocean each year – that’s as heavy as 632,411 London buses!

3. The global temperature has increased by about 1°C in the last 100 years.

The global temperature has increased by about 1°C in the last 100 years. For many scientists, this is proof that global warming is taking place.

4. Sea levels have risen by nearly 10cm in the last 25 years.

Sea levels have risen by nearly 10cm in the last 25 years, and the global mean sea level has risen about 8–9 inches (21–24 centimetres) since 1880! Many experts say that the city of Venice could be completely underwater as early as the year 2100. This is because the Mediterranean sea is projected to rise over four feet by then!

5. Scientists believe that up to 50% of the world’s species will be extinct by the end of this century.

Scientists believe that up to 50% of the world’s species will be extinct by the end of this century. Many believe that human activity is the main cause.

6. Approximately 83% of the earth’s land surface has been affected by human activity, threatening plant and animal species.

Approximately 83% of the earth’s land surface has been affected by human activity, threatening plant and animal species – this is due to things like deforestation and unsustainable harvesting of the Earth’s resources.

7. Approximately 25% of the world’s coral reefs have been irreversibly destroyed.

Approximately 25% of the world’s coral reefs have been irreversibly destroyed. This is due to pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing practices using dynamite or cyanide, collecting live corals for the aquarium market, mining coral for building materials, and a warming climate.

8. Deforestation in south-east Asia has resulted in the loss of up to 80% of natural forest.

Deforestation in south-east Asia has resulted in the loss of up to 80% of natural forest. This has led to a decline in the Orangutan population. Environmentalists warn that these great apes could be made extinct within the next 20 years if deforestation continues.

9. Humans send over 2 million tonnes of waste to landfills each year.

Humans send over 2 million tonnes of waste to landfills each year. There are 7.9 billion people on earth, meaning that on average each person will send 3,950 tonnes of waste to landfills each year. That’s the equivalent of around 790 elephants!

10. In the UK we recycle only 17% of our waste.

In the UK we recycle only 17% of our waste. That means in the UK, 83% of our waste ISN’T recycled!

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