“Our current lifestyles are not sustainable. We live as if there is no tomorrow. So, if we want there to be a better tomorrow, we will have to live differently ». To emphasize the environmental risks that global society is running, underlining the importance of immediately adopting measures and behaviors aimed at encouraging the development of sustainable lifestyles, is Bruno Pozzi, Director of the European Headquarters of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the international organization that works against climate change in favor of the protection of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.
UNEP’s commitment has as its main purpose the safeguarding of the future of world society, strongly threatened by behaviors and policies that are still too little sensitive to the environment.
Why is it very important for everyone to adopt a sustainable lifestyle right from the start, based on maximum respect for the environment?
«Because if the global population continues to grow as expected, reaching 9.6 billion by 2050, we will need the equivalent of nearly three planets to provide the natural resources necessary to support current lifestyles, ”highlights Bruno Pozzi. «We have pushed our planet into a triple crisis. The first is climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that, compared to pre-industrial times, global warming is likely to reach 1.5 ° C already between 2030 and 2052. This will result in tangible and dire consequences. The second planetary crisis is the loss of biodiversity. According to a report byIntergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), approximately 1 million animal and plant species are currently threatened with extinction as never before in human history, many over decades. COVID-19 reminded us the risks of zoonotic diseases, transmitted from animal to human, when we destroy natural habitats. And finally, the third crisis is the toxic footprint linked to unsustainable development. Every year pollution and waste cause the premature death of millions of people all over the world ”.
What sustainable gestures allow us to have a low impact on the planet?
“Drive less, walk, cycle or take public transport; replace plastic bags, bottles, cutlery, straws and other single-use plastic products with reusable items; avoid food waste; choose anti-waste fashion; take short showers. It is also available Act Now, a special app that shows exactly how much impact our actions have. This will already be a good start for a happy, healthy and sustainable 2021 ».
What could be the “great challenge”, the goal we could all set ourselves to achieve this year?
«The big challenge is to change our mentality. After everything we have experienced in 2020, 2021 must be the year when we finally understand that our well-being and health are linked to those of the planet and that all our actions and decisions have consequences. As individuals we have two main responsibilities: act alone and influence others, including family, friends and, of course, governments and private companies.
There are many things we can achieve in our daily life as citizens. I suggest that readers visit campaign websites United Nations Act Now e Anatomy of Action, where they can find many specific ideas for action ».
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