When you look at what is happening on our planet today, it is apparent that it is bearing the brunt of decades of human negligence and greed. Although it is easy to see the negative impacts of us not caring and acting responsibly, man seems to learn by not doing. They are always reactive, rather than being proactive. They seem to learn by seeing the rather fast degradation of the environment, rather than trying to stop it.

It's so hot here
Global Warming, as you may be aware is a major concern because human activity is on a constant rise. Did you know that the temperature difference between the ice age and today is nearly 5 degree Celsius? The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen dramatically.

 It is expected that the world's energy consumption will easily double by 2050. Much of this consumption will happen in China and India, which means there will be burning of more fossil fuels. China and India alone are building about 650 coal-fired power plants. The estimated CO₂ emissions from these new plants are five times the total savings of the Kyoto accords. This does not mean that all is well with industrialized countries. They will continue burning coal and oil for their needs. U.S is reluctant to sign up the Kyoto accords.

Going fishing?
A recent World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report states that cod will be extinct in the Atlantic Ocean in less than 15 years. Why? Humans are causing irreparable damage by extensive use of dredges and nets. It is not just the cod, it is a sad story for all marine life, the population of tuna and swordfish are also on a rapid decline.

Can anything be done? Yes, the UN can take emergency measures, but enforcing it may be difficult in some countries. For example, in countries like Mongolia, and some Central American nations, these regulations are not that straightforward to enforce.

The spread of the exotic species
Bio-invasion, this is yet another immediate and fast-growing threat to both plants and animals worldwide, right next to deforestation. Most of the blame for this bio-invasion is placed on rising trade. It is alarming, but it is estimated that a typical cargo may carry as many as 10,000 various species on its hull every trip it makes. On one hand, man is aware of the threat to the planet; however, on the other hand he does not want to do anything about it.

The story of the giant African snail
In a town called Curitiba, a merchant once made a fortune by selling a box of African snails that he brought from overseas. The farmers made a lot of money; however, over time the snail breeders released them into the wild. It did not make a difference that the authorities tried to stop the snail trade. The snails had spread into 23 out of 27 Brazil 's states! All crops were ravaged. This sort of invasion can be controlled by stricter customs inspections and border regulations.

Tiger Farmers
Xiongsen tiger park, near Guilin in south-east China , breeds tigers. It is not to protect the species, but to be eaten and made into wine. It is shocking, but visitors to this park can order items such as stir-fried tiger with ginger and Chinese vegetables, tiger soup, and a spicy curry made with tenderized strips of tiger. It doesn't stop with that. Visitors can also order wine made from Siberian tiger bones.

Well, as the animal becomes rarer in the wild, their market value increases. This increases poaching and other illegal means to acquire one. India sold a lot of their tigers to Chinese traders. The trade was illegal but nothing was done at either border to stop this.

Tiger Meds
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing is something the tiger farmers are eagerly awaiting. They are hoping that an increase in tourists will increase the demand for tiger wine. It is illegal to trade such products in international events; regardless, the Chinese Government is expected to persuade the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to allow the trade in "medicines" such as wine produced from farmed tigers. If this were to truly happen, these majestic animals will no doubt be added to the list of extinct animals in no time.