The 10 Biggest Environmental Issues Of 2024

May 20, 2024 by Admin

The Earth hangs in a delicate balance. With fossil fuel resources dwindling, and population continuing its steady increase, the environment faces an uphill climb that just isn’t possible without humanity’s cooperation.

That’s just the tip of the melting iceberg, unfortunately. There’s substantial evidence that points towards a drastic shift in the overall health of the world, and governments across the globe are taking note.

While the most polluted cities in the world are a long way away from becoming stable and sustainable, there’s steps you and your business can take to ensure a long and prosperous future, even as the world changes.

Let’s explore the most pressing problems the Earth is set to face in the coming months and years, and how industry and business energy solutions are adapting to meet the shifting global landscape.

 

1. Climate Change

It’s undeniable that temperatures across the globe are fluctuating, and the likelihood is you’ll have experienced it in some capacity. That could be something as simple as an uptick in your business electricity bills as you aim to heat your premises on a cold day, or an unseasonably warm day in the depths of winter.

But climate change goes much, much deeper than that. It’s a key contributor towards the melting of the polar ice caps and shrinking glaciers at the poles, as well as rising ocean levels and increased crop failures, all of which have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of human life.

In fact, the World Health Organisation has said that, by 2035, the cost of the damage caused directly by climate change could be as high as £4billion, as well as an estimated 250,000 additional deaths per year due to malnutrition, heat stress, and other temperature-related illnesses (like diarrhoea).

These statistics make for grim reading, especially in less economically developed countries or those without access to the right infrastructure. But there are options for the conscientious business owner.

How can my business have an impact on climate change?

As a business owner, it’s natural you might feel powerless or overwhelmed in the face of something that’s on such a global scale. However, taking steps in the right direction ensures you’re doing your part to contribute towards a worldwide shift in how we receive and deploy our energy.

The ideal step, and one that the UK Government has already committed to, is to make your business net zero.

It’s a simple process with a business energy switching service, and one that’ll be necessary for all businesses by 2050. Not only will you be cutting your emissions, but you’ll be ensuring you’re futureproofing your enterprise, and that you’re ready for the challenges that the near future holds.

 

2. Fossil Fuel Consumption

Fossil fuels are a depleting resource. The classic fuel sources of gas, coal and oil have been in usage for over 150 years, and are often what we think of when it comes to business gas and electricity sources.

But, as you might already be aware, fossil fuels simply aren’t sustainable. They’re finite, and while conservative estimates from Stanford University say that we’ve still got until 2090 until the last drop of fossil fuel is used, it’s now that we need to begin looking at renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, the rate at which fossil fuels are not just consumed but extracted represents a huge cause for concern, especially as industry continues to expand, and the world grows at an exponential rate.

As drilling and mining machinery scours the Earth for more resources, it’s estimated that over 90% of the remaining coal and oil needs to stay in the ground in order for temperatures to stay consistent. According to The Guardian, this would help prevent global temperatures from rising 1.5°C, which would be catastrophic.

How can my business steer clear of fossil fuels?

Using a service to help switch your business gas and electricity provider is the perfect first step. You’ll not only get the best possible deal, even in the wake of global energy crisis, but you’ll be investing in a future free of fossil fuels.

Using cutting edge technologies like PyroCore, which uses an innovative process that produces clean energy through heating waste products (like shredded paper), your business can take huge steps towards net zero, and reduce the overall environmental impact.

 

3. Reduced Biodiversity

While it’s not one of the environmental issues we’d initially think of, a reduction in biodiversity has far-reaching, devastating impact. The scientific name given to the range of flora and fauna on Earth, biodiversity ensures we’re able to flourish on not only a beautiful but a functional planet.

A reduction in the biodiversity of the world means, in simple terms, that the human race would not be able to continue in the same way. The animal and plant kingdoms are interconnected in such a complex myriad of ways that there’s not always an immediately obvious link between two species that rely on each other to survive.

For instance, while we commonly associate bees with pollinating different plants, there’s also numerous subspecies of insects that performs similar jobs that are just important. All of these are at risk as biodiversity shrinks, meaning we could potentially lose out on different food sources across the world.

It doesn’t stop there, either. As ClientEarth state, biodiversity also means we have access to medicines that rely on nature, like the use of poppy seeds in the creation of morphine for hospitals, or valerian root in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

How can my business help support biodiversity?

Taking simple steps, such as opting for renewable energy sources or switching your business energy provider to one that has the future in mind, are some of the best things you can do as a business owner with one eye on the future. Eco-consciousness is also a great way to attract new customers, too, as consumers look to make more ethical decisions with their purchases.

 

4. Deforestation

While this isn’t necessarily something we’ll see much of in the UK, deforestation across the world represents a massive pressing issue, and is a huge contributor towards the changing climate of the Earth.

According to statistics from Conservation.org, forest coverage has more than halved since the 1960s. In Brazil alone, an area more than twice the size of the UK has been destroyed over the last 20 years, and global logging and deforestation shows no signs of slowing.

Removing these trees doesn’t just destroy ecosystems and disrupt the fragility of nature, either. Trees are at the heart of the livelihood and business of many Indigenous peoples, and deforestation ravages these communities, and drives them further from their homes and families.

Not only that, but trees are one of the Earth’s last lines of defence against the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Under normal circumstances, trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which helps nourish life, provide cleaner air, and maintain the delicate equilibrium of life.

Deforestation and disruption to forests and jungles means that those trees release their carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, and pile pressure onto an already buckling ozone layer. In fact, the WWF estimate that deforestation is the direct cause of 10% of the global warming we’ve seen over recent years.

But how can my business help?

While you might feel powerless to turn the tides of deforestation, switching your business energy offers a simple yet effective solution for businesses who are looking to have a positive impact on the world around them.

Investing now in renewable energy sources means you’re not only ahead of the curve with the Government’s 2050 net zero target, but you’re doing your part to ensure that deforestation grinds to a halt.

 

5. Increasing Carbon Footprints

Regardless of who we are or what we do, we all have a carbon footprint. While it’s a term that’s often misunderstood, it simply means how and where you utilise energy.

According to the Global Carbon Atlas, the 5 countries who place a more significant emphasis on industry and manufacturing (including China, the US and India) contribute over half of the world’s CO₂ emissions.

Of course, much larger scale changes are needed, which is why many of the world’s governments (including some of the larger carbon-producing countries) have agreed to The Climate Pact, with net zero targets outlined for as soon as 2035.

But one thing to always be mindful of is that we’re all responsible for our own carbon footprint and, while larger corporations undoubtedly have a more substantial impact, there are steps that you and your business can take.

What can my business do to combat its carbon footprint?

This can seem like a complex step, but it doesn’t have to be. With services like Tariff, switching your business gas and electricity needs to a greener or more environmentally conscious provider is a simple process, but one that ultimately futureproofs your business and its needs.

Plus, with the UK Government’s commitment to going net zero by 2050 already looming on the horizon, it’s simply good business sense to make that shift.

 

6. Damaged Ozone Layer

In simple terms, the ozone layer is Earth’s protective shield, filtering out harmful UV rays and protecting us from the full intensity of the Sun’s radiation. Without it, the temperature of the Earth would increase astronomically, and life as we know it would change drastically.

In recent times, humanity’s usage of ozone-damaging chemicals and substances (such as aerosols, or large-scale appliances like refrigerators or air condition units) has meant that the fragile fabric of the ozone layer has started to fray and tear, leaving holes through which harmful rays can get through.

Fortunately, the recently implemented Montreal Protocol means the ozone layer has started to recover, stitching back together the delicate veil that offers us protection.

However, there’s still a long way to go before we’re back to a fully healthy ozone layer, and the steps you take with your business gas and electricity can make all the difference.

What can my business do to help?

Each step you and your business takes towards adopting green energy is another step taken towards the 2047 goal of a fully repaired ozone layer.

Opting to take the journey to becoming net zero is the ideal choice, especially as it not only helps the ozone layer on its road to recovery, but it guarantees your business is set up for a more eco-friendly future.

 

7. Extreme Weather

We’re lucky in the UK that we don’t often experience the extremes of weather, outside of the odd thunderstorm or gust of wind. However, that isn’t true of the rest of the world, and one of the key environmental issues facing the world in 2024 is the extremes of weather.

This encompasses everything from typhoons and monsoons, to droughts and extreme heat. As the planet’s temperature rises, extremes of weather are becoming more and more common, and research from the International Monetary Fund states that these are only going to increase.

Higher temperatures decade-on-decade since as far back as 1850, alongside the rising sea levels and melting polar ice caps, mean that the extremes of weather are likely going to become more commonplace.

But there are steps that both businesses and consumers can put into place to ensure that they’re having as big a positive impact as possible.

What can my business do to help combat extreme weather?

While you might feel powerless in the face of global warming and the changing climate, switching your business energy offers an easily-implemented solution.

Opting for net zero solutions helps your business plan for what is still an uncertain future when it comes to the climate, plus it means you’re able to attract more eco-conscious customers and consumers.

 

8. Coral Extinction

While we often only associate coral reefs with kaleidoscopic colour and vibrant ocean creatures, they’re actually a much more important resource than you’d first realise.

They’re a habitat to a quarter of all marine life, plus The Reef World Foundation estimate that around a billion people across the globe rely on coral reefs for food, industry and their livelihoods. Plus, the ocean contributes over 50% of our global oxygen, according to the National Ocean Service, a fact often overlooked when considering the welfare of our waters.

The health of coral the world over has been in decline for over 30 years, with the iconic Great Barrier Reef at just half the size it was. And that’s a huge cause for concern, especially given its place as one of the largest natural producers of oxygen, and a home to an incredibly diverse range of life.

There is hope, though. The Australian government has implemented the Reef 2050 plan, which aims to preserve and protect the integrity and wellbeing of the remaining reef.

How can my business help with those efforts?

Shifting your business energy to more green alternatives is the ideal first step. Much of the coral damage and extinction is all down to climate change, and by opting to make your business net zero, you’re taking positive steps to ensure that the world continues to thrive.

It’s also a good idea to look alternative sources for your business electricity and gas, with innovative solutions like Pyrocore starting to become more common across different industries.

 

9. Air Pollution

It goes without saying that the air we breathe is essential. What might be less apparent is how the precise balance of chemicals ensures that our air not only allows us to breathe, but that it keeps us healthy.

Different pollutants and chemicals that disrupt the balance of our air represent a huge danger, and are one of the primary environmental issues of 2024. And while it’s easy to assume that air pollution isn’t something that’ll affect you personally, the World Health Organisation estimates that 99% of the world’s population breathes in polluted air.

There are a few different factors that detract from the overall quality and purity of the world’s air. Large businesses that use fuels like coal or oil that burn and release toxins, for instance, are a huge contributor, as well as busy roads and airports.

Plus, air pollution doesn’t just represent an immediate issue to human life – it’s also a key driving factor in the changing global climate.

How can my business aid in reducing air pollution?

Of course, if you own a larger business, your use of electricity and gas is more likely to be producing a greater amount of pollution. However, regardless of how big your business is, there are simple steps you can put into place to combat air pollution.

Switching your business energy to a green supplier, as well as committing to go net-zero in line with the government’s 2050 target, are effective measures to ensure our atmosphere stays as pollutant-free as possible.

 

10. Overflowing Landfills

We’re all guilty of throwing things away, or not recycling when we perhaps should, but it’s very rare we’d consider the impact of that small mistake. However, when it’s occurring on a global scale, it become a much larger issue.

Landfill across the globe is already at bursting point, with the UK alone producing an estimated 222.2 million tonnes of waste per year. And, as this waste mounts up, it’s undoubtedly putting significant pressure on the environment and people alike.

This issue with waste often feeds into other environmental issues, such as toxic run-off from landfill bleeding into the sea and rivers, leading to the pollution of oceans, the destruction of ecosystems, and rising sea levels.

While recycling initiatives have become much more embedded in society in recent years, there’s still steps to be taken to ensure that we don’t over-pollute our planet.

What can my business do to reduce waste?

Reducing your business’ emissions is the ideal first step, particularly through initiatives like net-zero, or switching your energy supplier to a company that uses clean energy sources.

If you’re serious about reducing your business’ waste, however, implementing cutting-edge technologies such as PyroCore as part of your energy strategy can help transform your waste products into an effective form of energy.

 

What’s The Future For The Environment?

While there’s no way to know what’s around the corner when it comes to the environment, what is certain is that drastic changes need be actioned in order to prevent catastrophe.

COP26, a climate summit held in late 2021, set out ambitious yet necessary goals for the future of the planet, providing guidance on the way forward when it comes to addressing major global issues.

The chief resolution was a promise for global net-zero by 2050. World governments have already started to put their money where their mouths are, with a combined worldwide funding of $100billion per year being afforded to climate projects.

These major targets are in addition to the UN’s 2035 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which set out to fortify Earth against the dramatic effects of climate change, and begin the process of rectifying humanity’s effects on the planet.

It’s these initiatives that prompt a shift in the mindset of businesses and business owners across the globe. It’s imperative to act now, and secure the future of your enterprise as the world starts its recovery.

Committing to going net-zero, ahead of the government’s 2050 target, is the sensible decision for the conscientious business owner. It guarantees you’ll be using renewable energy sources, as well as making eco-conscious decisions for both you and your customers.

With Tariff’s signature business energy switching service, you’ll be well ahead of the curve, and eliminate the stress and hassle of sourcing the right provider for your unique business.

Plus, with our pioneering work in conjunction with PyroCore technology, you’re able to get in at the ground level of the future of electricity and gas.