4 reasons to work in the environmental sector
READING TIME: 5 minutes
Nowadays, a collective awareness has been developed regarding the environmental issues. And for causes: significant climate change, numerous natural disasters such as storms, fires, floods, melting ice, etc. When we arm ourselves with our magnifying glass to examine what is happening in the 4 corners of the world, the results are, somewhat, confusing.
To face these circumstances, each of us can still participate in her/his own way to the protection of the planet, by adapting lifestyles in a more responsible way or, why not, by working in the environmental sector.
What if we took time to focus on the second option: working to preserve the environment?
Working in the environmental sector helps to:
- Combat significant climate change
- Save biodiversity
- Participate in the preservation of everyone’s health
- Protect future generations
To understand why working in the environmental sector can contribute to the future of all, we will go through the current events and realities point by point.
COMBAT SIGNIFICANT CLIMATE CHANGE
Higher temperatures in winter and summer? We introduce you to the greenhouse effect, which is no longer a legend. It only took 100 years to see that the figures for greenhouse gas concentrations have almost doubled. Human activities and industries could lead to weather disasters more destructive than the storms, fires, floods and others we already face[1].
In addition, these temperature changes may increase the spread of viruses and pandemics, for humans, animals and plants alike[2].
SAVE BIODIVERSITY
Currently, due to the desertification and deforestation phenomena, 15,000 animal species populating the world are threatened[3]. The new constructions result in the occupation of the land, which means that the animals’ habitats are not preserved and they migrate to the cities. This phenomenon favors the increase of contacts between animals and human beings[4].
These contacts can have negative effects on humans because animal diseases are more likely to be transmitted to them. According to a study, 60% of the diseases that humans develop come from animals[5].
In addition, there are also negative effects on animals: more construction means more land use and therefore, less natural space for animals[6].
PARTICIPATE IN THE PRESERVATION OF EVERYONE’S HEALTH
Still concerning diseases, it is important to know that pollution can cause various syndromes and at any age such as asthma, infertility, …[7] Children’ brains can also be affected by pollution: behavioral problems, lower IQ and stunted growth. For older people, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases can be caused by pollution.
Pesticides are often the cause of cancers[8].
As previously stated, the greenhouse gas effect is constantly increasing, which implies that we no longer breathe only air[9]. Air and water pollution has a significant impact on the death rate. Here are some figures that speak for themselves: 7 million people die every year because of pollution in the atmosphere. That’s five times the number of deaths from traffic accidents.
Waste is also a real problem: most of it ends up in our food, in the water we use to wash ourselves, … which creates risks of catching cholera, polio, typhoid and dysentery for 1.8 billion people[10].
PROTECT FUTURE GENERATIONS
Studies have shown that if we all consumed in the same way, without changing our habits, 4 planets would be needed to satisfy everyone’s needs. Therefore, if we do not act now, shortages, whether food or energy, would eventually be numerous. We would not be the only ones to face these consequences but our children and grandchildren as well[11].
These facts highlight the need to invest in environmental businesses by providing reinforcement, new ideas and strength. It is the ideal opportunity to participate directly and actively in the improvement of the environment by becoming an actor of positive change to avoid suffering from what we can slow down and fight.
Companies active in the environmental sector can contribute to the preservation of the planet through various activities such as recycling of various materials, waste sorting, innovation for greener means of transportation, more ecological and responsible urban management, sustainable de-pollution solutions and others.
For example, at Haemers Technologies, we are experts in thermal desorption, which allows us to remediate soil with our Smart Burners. We also offer LNAPL Skimming which is an innovative groundwater remediation technique. We do not only remove the pollution and help reduce its impact, but we also recycle the pollutants.
AND TO GO A LITTLE FURTHER WITH SIMPLE GESTURES
Within a company working for the environment, simple actions can be implemented:
- Composting
- Sorting waste
- Not printing documents that we can consult online
- Not buying plastic bottles
- Investing in second hand furniture
- Getting solar energy
What if you too, at your own scale and in the way you want, embarked on this environmental adventure?
[1] F. Devillers, « 7 bonnes raisons de se mettre à l’écologie ! »
Article: https://www.magazine-avantages.fr/,7-bonnes-raisons-de-se-mettre-a-l-ecologie,2300131,385.asp
[2] UNEP, « Six raisons pour lesquelles un environnement sain devrait être considéré comme un droit de l’homme », 13 avril 2021
Article: https://www.unep.org/fr/actualites-et-recits/recit/six-raisons-pour-lesquelles-un-environnement-sain-devrait-etre-considere
[3] F. Devillers, « 7 bonnes raisons de se mettre à l’écologie ! »
Article: https://www.magazine-avantages.fr/,7-bonnes-raisons-de-se-mettre-a-l-ecologie,2300131,385.asp
[4] UNEP, « Six raisons pour lesquelles un environnement sain devrait être considéré comme un droit de l’homme », 13 avril 2021
Article: https://www.unep.org/fr/actualites-et-recits/recit/six-raisons-pour-lesquelles-un-environnement-sain-devrait-etre-considere
[5] Ibidem.
[6] Ibid.
[7] F. Devillers, « 7 bonnes raisons de se mettre à l’écologie ! »
Article: https://www.magazine-avantages.fr/,7-bonnes-raisons-de-se-mettre-a-l-ecologie,2300131,385.asp
[8] UNEP, « Six raisons pour lesquelles un environnement sain devrait être considéré comme un droit de l’homme », 13 avril 2021
Article: https://www.unep.org/fr/actualites-et-recits/recit/six-raisons-pour-lesquelles-un-environnement-sain-devrait-etre-considere
[9] AJE ENVIRONNEMENT, « Protéger l’environnement pour préserver l’avenir de l’Homme »
Article: http://www.aje-environnement.com/proteger-lenvironnement-pour-preserver-lavenir-de-lhomme/
[10] UNEP, « Six raisons pour lesquelles un environnement sain devrait être considéré comme un droit de l’homme », 13 avril 2021
Article: https://www.unep.org/fr/actualites-et-recits/recit/six-raisons-pour-lesquelles-un-environnement-sain-devrait-etre-considere
[11] F. Devillers, « 7 bonnes raisons de se mettre à l’écologie ! »
Article: https://www.magazine-avantages.fr/,7-bonnes-raisons-de-se-mettre-a-l-ecologie,2300131,385.asp