Vital natural resources are running out. The global population is growing rapidly, putting an enormous stress on the planet. Oil supplies are reaching their peak supply. Fresh water supplies are dwindling as climate change causes the glaciers to melt.
Some say that wars are already being fought over oil supplies and in the future wars will increasingly be over access to water and gas supplies - this is not just an environmental issue, it has global security and humanitarian implications.
Energy consumption can be reduced easily by individuals and household without sacrificing our comfortable lifestyles. However, changes need to happen elsewhere such as schools, hospitals, universities, shops, factories, transport and government. Every part of our society needs to cut energy consumption and look for ways to generate clean, renewable energy that does not drain the planet’s resources.
Similarly, water consumption can be reduced by simple actions, backed up by wider institutional change. Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right, yet factories and power stations are polluting essential water supplies the world over. In the Amazon, logging companies are destroying the rainforest and leaving local people with polluted water supplies. In India, factory workers and their families have only contaminated water to drink.
What you change in your home or school may seem like a small step but it is a part of the bigger picture where people all over the world are changing their behaviour for the sake of a sustainable future. Governments and businesses also need to play their part and the choices that individuals and groups make are crucial to influencing bigger, structural change.
Otherinfo:
Taking action!
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Energy audits
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Conduct a survey
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Assemblies about water reduction
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Raise awareness of the issue of water in developing countries and fundraise
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Introduce water hippos to your school
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“Switch It Off” campaigns
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Make a film / documentary about water issues or saving energy
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Sponsored “Walk for Water”
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Raise funds to install solar panels on school roof
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Persuade school to transfer to green electricity
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Create a community mural to raise awareness of climate change
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