Climate change is a concern not only for scientists and researchers but also for everyone else. The big problem is that people are still turning a blind eye to the issue. The continued patronage of single-use plastics is still pushed forth by manufacturers and supported by consumers.
With the world continuously receiving the backlash of destructive human activity, the United Kingdom Parliament has declared that the world is under a 'Climate and Environment Emergency'. This is the first time in the history of the planet that such an announcement has been made. Aside from this motion, the region has also taken initiatives in a unified goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The news follows the declaration of the United Nations that there are seven countries including the United States, who are falling behind their pledges concerning carbon neutralization. This pact was made three years ago in Paris. The UN emphasized that these countries are not doing enough to put a halt or at least lessen their carbon emissions.
Terry Virts, a NASA astronaut, openly talked about how seeing the Earth from outer space changes the way a person sees it. Those who work in the International Space Station (ISS) have pointed out that the effects of destructive human activity can even be seen from outer space. The astronauts have regarded that the beauty of the Earth has started to fade.
Virts spent more than 200 days in the ISS and took photos of the Earth every time he had the chance.
"Whenever people ask astronauts what their favorite planet is, we don't say Mars of Jupiter. We always say it's Earth," said Virts. "Everything we need for survival is here. In fact, I tried to make a film highlighting Beijing, but I couldn't. From space, all I could see is smog. The significant deforestation of the Amazon can clearly be seen from space."
Even if this is the case, the Earth is not all doom and gloom. "In truth, 99% of the planet looks beautiful from space, but you can tell that it needs serious saving now," Virts added.
While efforts to save the planet and reduce carbon emissions as well as instilling more conservative uses of plastic has started, there is still a long way to go before the planet recovers.
Still, there is still a huge number of people who have not joined in or are still unaware of the peril that the Earth is facing. As Virts was moved by the view of the Earth from the ISS, some are speculating that it might take an effort as huge as viewing the planet from outer space for people to realize the repercussions of their actions.
