The Earth on the Brink of Perishing: Environmental Disasters Accelerate Humanity's Dark End!
Written by : Ambassador Mostafa Sherbiny, International Expert in Sustainability and Climate Risk Assessment, Chair of the Scientific Chair on Sustainability and Carbon Footprint at ALECSO, League of Arab States, Member of WG3 at the World Health Organization, Observer for the Paris Climate Agreement at the United Nations, and Head of the Observer Delegation at COP29
The planet Earth stands on the edge of an environmental abyss that cannot be ignored. Global warnings are growing louder, and scientific reports paint a bleak picture of humanity's future if environmental degradation continues at this accelerating pace. The temperature is rising, biodiversity is collapsing, and ecosystems are being destroyed due to reckless human activities, while international responses remain insufficient to meet the challenges. This year has witnessed a series of environmental disasters and modest achievements, placing humanity before a monumental responsibility to salvage what can be saved. As each month of 2024 begins, the evidence grows that the world is rapidly heading toward a point of no return, where life on this planet will become increasingly difficult, not only for future generations but for the current ones as well.
Heat Ignites the Planet, and the World Is Powerless to Respond
January 2024 was a shock to humanity, with predictions that this year would be the hottest on record. Global temperatures surpassed the threshold set in the Paris Agreement of 1.5°C, triggering unprecedented global concern. The United Nations issued urgent calls for major nations to reduce their emissions, but responses ranged from empty promises to slow-moving actions. At the same time, emissions rose in some industrial countries, revealing a clear failure to meet climate commitments. Nevertheless, some nations have attempted to lead positive initiatives through the expansion of renewable energy projects. However, the overall picture remained grim as the new year began, brimming with environmental challenges.
Migratory Species Vanish Before Human Eyes as We Witness a Living Catastrophe
A UN report released in February 2024 revealed that half of the migratory species are on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction caused by human activities. The UN Environment Programme launched initiatives to save these species, but the efforts face enormous challenges. Meanwhile, a new system based on satellites and artificial intelligence highlighted illegal sand dredging practices that destroyed marine reserves. It showed that over 16% of these illegal activities occur within protected areas. Despite sparking widespread debate, global efforts to curb these activities remained slow and of limited impact.
The World Unites Amidst Divisions to Save the Environment
In March 2024, a significant event took place with the 6th session of the UN Environment Assembly, where 15 comprehensive resolutions were adopted to combat desertification, reduce chemical pollution, and protect biodiversity. Seventy countries committed to reducing emissions in the construction sector, one of the most polluting industries. However, the lack of implementation mechanisms raised concerns. With ongoing geopolitical divisions, global environmental cooperation appeared fragile and inadequate to tackle the escalating climate challenges.
A High Price Paid by the Environment for Vital Minerals for Clean Energy
In April 2024, the sustainability crisis of vital minerals essential for renewable energy technologies became apparent. The UN launched a global initiative to improve mining practices and reduce the environmental impact of these activities. Although the initiative was widely welcomed, mineral-producing countries expressed concerns about the new policies' impact on their national economies, making the situation more complex and highlighting the challenges in balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Small Island States Cry Out for Climate Justice
In May 2024, small island nations came together to demand climate justice, facing existential threats due to rising sea levels. This coincided with the launch of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund by China and the UN Environment Programme to support global environmental projects. However, a series of court rulings mandated governments to take stringent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting the increasing legal pressure for environmental and climate justice.
Desertification Creeps Across the Planet, and Ecosystems Collapse
In June 2024, World Environment Day was celebrated with over 4,000 events focused on restoring damaged ecosystems. However, UN reports revealed that the ongoing conflicts in Gaza had resulted in a catastrophic environmental crisis, with pollution destroying soil and water, directly threatening life. Meanwhile, Nepal recorded exceptional progress in protecting endangered tigers, making June a month of contradictions between limited successes and escalating crises.
Paris Returns to Its Polluted River as a Symbol of Hope Amidst Environmental Disasters
July 2024 brought renewed hope with the return of swimming in the Seine River for the first time in a century, thanks to intensive cleaning efforts. At the same time, the UN issued a report titled "Exploring New Horizons," outlining the technological and social transformations affecting the environment and calling for proactive actions to face future challenges. This month marked a turning point in contemplating possible solutions.
Historic Treaty Opens Doors to Environmental Justice
In August 2024, countries adopted the "Future Charter," laying new foundations for achieving environmental justice and sustainable development, with a focus on reducing pollution and transitioning to clean energy. However, challenges escalated with reports warning of the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, adding a new dimension to the environmental crisis, which had become intertwined with global health issues.
Greenhouse Gas Crisis Threatens an Unavoidable Catastrophe
In September 2024, the Emissions Gap Report revealed that the world was heading toward a catastrophic rise in temperatures, potentially reaching 3.1°C by the end of the century. This prompted the United Nations to issue an urgent call for emissions reductions of more than 40% by 2030. Another report highlighted the growing environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, making the month a strong warning for governments and companies to take immediate action.
Methane Exposes the Hidden Danger within the Atmosphere
October 2024 was a pivotal month with the launch of a new monitoring system that revealed more than 1,200 major methane leaks, one of the strongest greenhouse gases. In November, the biodiversity conference witnessed a historic agreement to fund nature conservation projects, boosting hope for achieving global conservation goals. However, it also confirmed that the road ahead remains long in confronting environmental challenges.
Drought and Desertification Threaten Life and the Future Together
In December 2024, the United Nations allocated $12 billion to combat desertification and drought. Reports warned that one million species are at risk of extinction, underscoring the urgent need for radical changes in environmental policies. By the end of the year, the need for swift and comprehensive action to save the planet from the looming dark fate became more evident.
The Environmental Impact of Wars: An Irreversible Devastation
The environmental impact of wars is devastating and irreparable, leading to massive destruction of ecosystems and exacerbating pollution, with long-term consequences for human health and wildlife. In Gaza, what is happening can be described as "environmental assassination" in every sense. The indiscriminate bombing and military operations completely destroy the local environment by devastating agricultural lands, polluting water and air, and causing severe damage to natural reserves. Furthermore, this destruction results in soil and groundwater contamination, putting the lives of the population at risk. These environmental violations not only violate basic human rights but also constitute a blatant breach of all international treaties and agreements that prohibit targeting the environment during armed conflicts, such as the 1977 Geneva Convention, which prohibits the destruction of the environment in ways that threaten civilian lives. These practices in Gaza are a form of environmental assassination by all standards, exposing the region to a bleak environmental future that cannot be ignored.
As environmental and climate challenges escalated to dangerous levels throughout 2024, humanity faces a major responsibility that cannot be delayed. The planet is suffocating, nature is dying, and ecosystems are on the brink of complete collapse. In this reality, international response must be comprehensive, strong, and urgent. Any delay means more disasters from which no one will escape. If bold steps are not taken to turn commitments into actions, both current and future generations will face a grim future where life on Earth becomes more difficult and harsh. Now, more than ever, the world must unite to save the planet before it is too late.
