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The environment includes all living and non-living things around us — the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil beneath our feet, and every plant, animal, and microorganism that shares our planet. It provides the resources and conditions necessary for life, from clean air and fresh water to fertile soil and nutritious food.

Different components of the environment play unique roles: forests and plants produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; rivers, lakes, and oceans regulate climate and provide habitats for countless species; soil supports plant growth and helps recycle nutrients; and animals contribute to pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining ecological balance.

A healthy environment maintains the balance of ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and sustains life on Earth. Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and overuse of resources, can disrupt this balance. By understanding these systems and taking action to protect them, we help ensure a sustainable, safer, and cleaner future for all living beings.

The environment is always changing, both naturally and because of human activity. Natural changes include seasonal shifts, volcanic eruptions, storms, and gradual processes like erosion and climate cycles. These have shaped Earth’s landscapes and ecosystems for millions of years.

Human activity, however, is causing many rapid changes. For example:

• Global temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century, mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
• Deforestation removes roughly 10 million hectares of forest each year, reducing biodiversity and contributing to climate change.
• Plastic pollution has created more than 150 million tons of plastic waste in the oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems.
• Air pollution causes around 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year, affecting human health and ecosystems.
• Oceans absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans, causing ocean acidification that harms coral reefs and marine species.
• Freshwater scarcity affects over 2 billion people globally, putting pressure on agriculture and drinking water supplies.
• Melting glaciers and ice caps have contributed to a 20 cm rise in global sea levels over the last century, increasing flood risks in coastal areas.

 These changes affect both nature and humans. Ecosystems can become weakened, species may disappear, and resources like clean water and fertile soil can become scarce. For humans, these effects mean increased risks from extreme weather, reduced food security, higher chances of disease, and disruptions to communities and economies.

If we continue our current path, the damage to our planet could soon become irreversible. The systems that support life — air, water, soil, and biodiversity — are reaching their limits. Without serious action, the future could look very different.

Here’s what experts predict could happen if we don’t change our habits:

• By 2050, scientists estimate there could be more plastic than fish by weight in our oceans if current pollution trends continue. 
• Our planet could warm by 2–3°C by the end of the century, leading to deadly heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
• By 2030, nearly half of the world’s population may live in areas facing severe water stress.
• Changing weather patterns and degraded soil could cause major crop failures, raising food prices more and increasing hunger.
• Global sea levels could rise by over 1 meter by 2100, threatening coastal cities and small island nations.
• Air pollution and heat-related illnesses could cause millions more deaths each year.

If we don’t act now, the consequences will affect every aspect of life — from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Protecting our planet isn’t just about nature — it’s about ensuring a safe, livable future for everyone.