Turgunboeva Saodat Group-8-23-s 15 Biggest Environmental Problems of 2023

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15. Soil Degradation
Organic matter is a crucial component of soil as it allows it to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Plants absorb CO2 from the air naturally and effectively through photosynthesis and part of this carbon is stored in the soil as soil organic carbon (SOC). Healthy soil has a minimum of 3-6% organic matter. However, almost everywhere in the world, the content is much lower than that.
According to the United Nations, about 40% of the planet’s soil is degraded. Soil degradation refers to the loss of organic matter, changes in its structural condition and/or decline in soil fertility and it is often the result of human activities, such as traditional farming practices including the use of toxic chemicals and pollutants. If business as usual continued through 2050, experts project additional degradation of an area almost the size of South America. But there is more to it. If we do not change our reckless practices and step up to preserve soil health, food security for billions of people around the world will be irreversibly compromised, with an estimated 40% less food expected to be produced in 20 years’ time despite the world’s population projected to reach 9.3 billion people.
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What Can I Do?
1. On A Personal Level
Ways to approach climate action within our personal lives (hint – it evolves personal action but is not focused on small behavioural changes, which whilst worthwhile will not get us there):

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  Check out our new ‘What Can I Do’ section, where we publish articles aimed at inspiring you to take action.
  
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  Joining a community can be one of the best ways to increase your impact.
  
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  First, it can enable you to make hundreds of connections in one go.
  
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  Second, a group of people working together can have more impact than individuals. If you are not already, take action by becoming an EO Member to support our mission to encourage a billion climate activists.
  
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  If you’re a younger read ask your parents to take action by bringing your whole family on board as a Family Member.
  
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  Reflect on the concept of Effective Altruism, a project that aims to find the best ways to help others, and put them into practice.