The biodiversity crisis is by now as well-known as it is tragic.

The species extinction rate

is of great concern.
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the scientific term for the variety of life on Earth. It
refers not just to species but also to ecosystems and differences in genes within a
single species. Everywhere on the planet, species live together and depend on one
another. Every living thing, including man, is involved in these complex networks of
interdependent relationships, which are called ecosystems.

The environment around us is not only our home but everything that keeps us alive.
From the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, our shelter and more, it
helps us to survive. Therefore, caring for the environment is something that should be
inherent in us. Sometimes, our actions endanger everything that surrounds us, including
ourselves. Our interaction with the environment should be in a way that we use the
resources that nature provides, but in a sustainable manner. Here is a guide to what
sustainability means and how to practice it daily. We should ensure that our actions
don’t end up harming the environment as we are the ones to suffer later.

Today, let’s look at how we can take care of our environment, as well as the reasons
why we should protect the earth and the environment.

Almost all our activities affect the ecosystem in one way or the other. If we negatively
impact the ecosystem, we put various species on the verge of extinction. For example, if
we pollute the water bodies with plastic or leaked oil, we kill the species that live there.

Therefore, as we produce, consume and dispose of waste materials, we should think of

how it will affect the ecosystem. Again, it does not only affect what surrounds us, but it
also affects us as well. Some poisonous gases and radioactive wastes directly affect
human life.

The term biodiversity stands for the availability of different types of animals, plants and
other organisms in the world. Biodiversity offers us the chance to get everything we
require for survival. Based on a study by EPA, biodiversity can easily be affected by
both human activities and natural forces.

We are able to get food, air, water and shelter because of biodiversity. There exist
various natural processes formed by different species that enable the availability of
these essential life elements.

If anything happens that may affect these processes, a chain of reactions may occur,
which may not be favorable.

We can participate in biodiversity conservation by increasing our knowledge of

environmental issues, increasing our awareness of the impacts of biodiversity loss, and
increasing support for government policies and actions that conserve our valuable
ecosystems. We can become educators and role models as stewards of the
environment by aiding in the recovery of species at risk and preventing other species
from becoming at risk.
Environmental literacy is having the knowledge to understand how we as humans relate
to the environment and our role in protecting/preserving it. It encompasses many things.
Overall, the goal is to promote a sense of responsibility in people that involves them
being aware of environmental issues and the impact humans have (positive or negative)
on the environment. It is taught by getting out of the classroom and experiencing nature
firsthand. It is important because it brings awareness of the environment to people and
that makes them more invested in it. A connection to nature is vital for protecting it.