MAIN PROBLEMS FACING THE PLANET

OZONE LAYER: There are large holes in the ozone layer, and ultraviolet rays are causing eye cataracts and cancers.
CLIMATE CHANGE & GLOBAL WARMING: The earth’s temperature is increasing because of a build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This will cause climate change, rising sea levels, storms, hurricanes, floods and death.
DEFORESTATION: ½ of the world’s rainforests have been chopped down since 1945. Rainforests cover 6% of world’s surface, but contain 50% of all species and plants, some of which provide vital medicines. Natural habitats are being destroyed.
POLLUTION & WASTE: Pollution and waste are building up, including acid rain, nuclear waste, toxic waste and chemicals.
POPULATION PRESSURE: The population explosion means greater pressure on the world’s resources.
URBAN EXPLOSION: Cities are doubling in size every 12 years; this means loss of green land, and an increase in urban problems such as drugs, crime and violence.
FOOD AND FRESH WATER SHORTAGES: 1 billion people are chronically hungry, but the world’s population will rise for another 50 years. More and more people will want fewer resources, leading to more war and violence.

Resource summary

	Created by Chinyere Hatton over 10 years ago