22 Interesting Facts about the Environment

Our environment has so much of life thriving in it. Every day we are lucky to be a part of the natural world. However, in recent years, the impact of climate change has harmed our environment as well as on ourselves. Be that as it may, there has been no seriousness regarding the protection of our environment. Here are 22 Interesting Facts about the Environment that will remind you of the natural world that you belong to! 

1. The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and methane.
2. The Amazon Rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen. Thus earning it the title of “the lungs of the Earth.”
3. Plastic waste can take up to 1000 years to decompose, hence leading to significant pollution in our oceans and landfills.
4. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth, stretching over 2,300 kilometres and visible from space.
5. Over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based activities which include plastic waste, agricultural runoff, and oil spills.
6. The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world. This is leading to the rapid melting of polar ice caps and rising sea levels.
7. Trees communicate with each other through an underground network of fungi called mycorrhizal. Furthermore, they share nutrients and information to support their growth.

8. The Pacific Garbage Patch which is located between Hawaii and California, is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and contains over 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic.
9. Over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed each year due to plastic pollution in our oceans.
10. The ozone layer which is located in the stratosphere, protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
11. Deforestation accounts for approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, thus making it a substantial contributor to climate change.
12. The Earth’s magnetic field which is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core does a very important job and protects the planet from solar wind and cosmic radiation.
13. Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. They support over 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
14. The average American generates over 4 pounds of trash per day. Thereby contributing to the growing problem of waste management and landfill overflow.
15. More than 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to our human activities. Activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
16. Rainforests are home to indigenous tribes that rely on these ecosystems for their survival. Therefore preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
17. The Earth’s climate has undergone natural fluctuations throughout history. However, our human activities have accelerated global warming and climate change in recent decades at an alarming rate. 
18. Urban areas account for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, highlighting the importance of sustainable urban planning and transportation.
19. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
20. Ecosystem services provided by nature, such as pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration, have an estimated global value of over $125 trillion per year.
21. The Montreal Protocol which wasimportant signed in 1987, successfully phased out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
22. Every action we take, from reducing our carbon footprint to protecting endangered species, has the potential to make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

I hope you had fun reading these 22 Interesting Facts about the Environment. If you want to read more interesting facts, I recommend reading this interesting blog 15 Amazing Fun Facts About Fish!