What is meant by environmental destruction and what exactly are we humans destroying? If you're looking for answers to these questions and want to learn about things we may soon no longer be able to enjoy in nature, you've come to the right place!
We all know that our actions have consequences. And many of our everyday activities unfortunately - sometimes consciously but often unknowingly for many people - result in massive environmental damage or even the destruction of entire ecosystems. A consequence that ultimately affects us ourselves, as we need and love so many things from nature, but which we endanger through our own lifestyle.
In this article, I would like to introduce you to some of these things. I will also explain what is meant by environmental degradation and which examples make the consequences of our actions more tangible. Let's go!
Here you can find a short overview in advance:
Definition: What is actually understood by environmental degradation?
Environmental degradation refers to the short- and long-term Destruction or excessive damage to the natural environment of humans and animals by human activities. It may well be an unexpected consequence of human activity. But in most cases it is for selfish motives deliberately accepted.
Causes of successive or massive environmental degradation These include industrial agriculture, massive land consumption and overexploitation, illegal timber trade, illegal fishing, illegal waste disposal and the overexploitation of the planet's natural resources.
The negative effects of human interventions in nature can be both serious direct as well as indirect consequences for our health and economy - but above all for the living conditions on earth.
In order to secure our future and preserve the planet for future generations, anthropogenic environmental changes are therefore to be considered as a global crisiswhich requires a sustained and coordinated response.
Examples: How do we humans destroy the environment?
How exactly are we destroying our nature? How do you have to imagine it? Often that is Extent of environmental degradation by one's own or in general human behavior on earth is indeed hardly tangible.
As many Environmental problems of our time are a clear consequence of human activities, they are also can only be solved by us humans ourselves. To bring some light into the darkness, I present them to you here:
- Climate change: The global warming is the result of massive emissions of greenhouse gases, which have long led to increasingly extreme weather events, melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels.
- Air pollution: The Pollution of the air and atmosphere by exhaust gases and other emissions from industry, transport and energy production, among other things, results in acid rain and serious illnesses.
- Rainforest deforestation: Plantations for the cultivation of palm oil and animal feed and the production of grazing land, but also the large-scale exploitation of mineral resources and illegal logging, contribute massively to the Deforestation at.
- Plastic waste: Due to a combination of the unconscious, overconsumption of non-biodegradable disposable plastic products and inadequate waste management systems, the problem of the Plastic waste in the environment were created. Bags, bottles and six-pack carriers sometimes remain in the wild for centuries and cost millions of marine mammals and seabirds their lives every year.
- Drinking water contamination: Main causes of the environmental problem of the Water Shortage are, in addition to climate change, mainly waste and pollutants from agriculture and industry discharged into water bodies. They are responsible for the contamination of fresh and drinking water.
- Overfishing: The Overfishing of the seas is a consequence of uncontrolled and excessive fishing for human consumption. Countless fish species are threatened and the sensitive "marine ecosystem" is significantly disturbed.
- Habitat destruction: Habitat loss - among other things as a result of climate change, deforestation, and urbanization - is reflected in the Decline in the diversity of animal and plant species down.
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10 things we humans like to do in the environment but destroy ourselves
The examples of anthropogenic environmental degradation just mentioned - and many more, such as noise pollution, Light Pollution or environmental disasters in general, such as oil spills involving tankers or production platforms direct connection with the thingsthat we humans love about nature, but nevertheless irretrievably destroy.v
The Linking our actions with existing ecological problems are a bit more tangible now, aren't they? Not yet tangible enough? Then I would like to introduce you to the things in which man-made environmental destruction is reflected in our everyday lives.
Here are ten universally appreciated, everyday pleasuresthat we will lose through environmental destruction. At least until we learn to be more future-oriented and live more sustainably.
Notice: In each case, I will give you direct or further recommendations for action that you can implement so that we humans can continue to enjoy the respective beauties of nature.
1. admire majestic whales
Whales are among the most majestic inhabitants of the seas. Many people want to see them for example at Whale Watching Tours up close and personal. Whether planned on a tour or by chance in a coastal region - anyone who has ever had the pleasure of watching the leaps of a southern right whale or a humpback whale will remember this great experience forever.
Unfortunately, the overfishing that is supposed to satisfy our great hunger for fish and seafood is not without consequences for the whales. Simply because their food supply is decreasing. Above all, however, whales are hunted worldwide (despite a whaling ban) in order to, for example Oils, fat and cartilage mass in pharmaceutical products and as a dietary supplement, or to prepare traditional dishes with Whale meat to prepare.
Away from financial interests Whales are also from the large networks of fishing boats and trawlers, in which they often become entangled. Not least, they eat the human Plastic waste, which is used in the Garbage swirls in the sea drifts around. That for example a dead sperm whale with 100 kilogram plastic in stomach washed up on the beach is therefore not a rare event.
To prevent this environmental destruction and a world without whales, we must, among other things, as far as possible plastic free living and avoid products with body parts of whales. It is also advisable, Eliminate fish from your own menu and live vegan, in order to Stop overfishing of the oceans.
I explain exactly how this works in the linked blog posts. I can also warmly recommend the books "Plastic-free living for beginners" (is available here*) and "Vegan & Easy" with delicious recipes (is available here*) to your heart.
2. enjoy soothing chirping of birds
Is there anything more relaxingthan in the hammock in the garden soothing sounds of nature like listening to birdsong? Unfortunately, it has become quieter in private gardens - and if we don't change anything, it could become absolutely silent.
The main reasons for this lie in the advancing globalization of the Decline in insect populations, on which birds depend as a main source of food. The excessive use of Pesticides, habitat destruction and climate change are thus reasons for both insect mortality and bird mortality.
Who continues to use the The buzzing of wild bees and the Chirping of the birds in your own greenery, you should enjoy your own Garden as close to nature as possible and sustainable design.
Native wildflowers (Seeds are available here*), protective hedges and Water sources draw for example a Bird friendly garden and counteract environmental degradation and its consequences.
Tip: What else you can add to the Promotion of biodiversity I'll be happy to explain what you can do in the linked blog post.
3. lying in the sun on beautiful beaches
A relaxing day on a sunny sandy beach is the epitome of recreation for many people. Unfortunately, the Plastic wastewhich can now be found on almost every beach, the idyll. Unique, picturesque beaches, as often promised in vacation catalogs, can no longer be admired as a rule.
No wonder! We live in a Throwaway Society with cheap disposable plastic products. We measure these products not much appreciation because we can always buy new ones for little money. In addition, many people leave their (non-biodegradable) waste in the countryside. (see Littering)
You want to use your free time and well-deserved vacation to continue to enjoy clean beaches? Then you should counteract this type of pollution.
Prefer reusable alternatives (such as This stainless steel drinking bottle* instead of the deposit-free plastic bottle), don't throw away plastic waste and don't Cigarette butts into the environment and also like to use all my Zero Waste Tips from the linked article.
Tip: Besides, you can also take a Organize Beach CleanUp or now and then collect garbage on vacation, to set a positive example.
4. breathe in pleasant, fresh air
Hardly anything is more beneficial, healthier and more beautifulthan breathing in fresh, clean and, not least, vital air. Whether in your own garden, at a Walkon a bike tour or a hike in the mountains
But Carbon monoxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxides and other pollutants that are produced, for example, in factories during the manufacture of goods, by the exhaust emissions of vehicles in road traffic, or by the combustion of coal or heating oil, pollute the air that we let flow into our lungs through our mouths and noses - and thus, sooner or later, our health.
You want to become active and Stop air pollution? Then you can for example reduce your car trips as much as possible by more often by bicycle and public transport on the road. Also through the Celebrating New Year's Eve without rockets or by the Switch to green electricity (change here*), you have a decisive impact.
Tip: Alternatively, by the way, I could have chosen the "drinking clean water" example here. As you can see from the Counteracting water scarcity in everyday life I would therefore like to explain this in more detail in the linked blog article.
5. start funny snowball fight
Whether as a child or in adulthood, a snowball fight in the winter is a priceless pleasure. But snowball fights - and winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing - will probably be less possible in the future. Because the Climate change leads to increasingly mild winters and reduced snowfall.
In order to continue to enjoy the white winters and prevent this form of environmental destruction, a more climate-friendly lifestyle indispensable.
Small changes with a big impact are, for example, the Switching to the vegan lifestyle (Book Tip: "Vegan nutrition for beginners" (is available here*) or a vegetarian diet. Also Vacation trips by train* instead of by plane or the five-minute Change to a Green electricity provider* help
6. diving to unique coral reefs
Anyone who has ever been snorkeling or diving in unique coral reefs will never forget this breathtaking experience. You dive into a completely new, colorful world, in which one would like to spend much more time.
But we don't have that much time left to enjoy this uniqueness. For about one third of the global coral systems are already in a state in which no more regeneration to be expected is.1
Causes for the Coral mortality (or coral bleaching) are above all the increase in temperature and the Acidification of the oceans through the emission of man-made greenhouse gases. In addition to climate change, the Mass Tourismplastic waste in the sea, pollution from sewage and oil, fishing with trawl nets, but also UV filters in sun creams, are a major driver of this environmental destruction.
How to use the Stop coral dieback and can continue to snorkel and dive colorful? As a matter of principle, live as climate-friendly as possible, prefer on vacation sustainable Souvenirs Without corals and use natural sun oils* without chemical additives.
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Angry weather11 € -
Cooking for the climate18 €
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Sustainable travel for beginners15 €
7. harvest and eat juicy fruit
Whether Apples, peaches, melons, cherries, strawberries, avocados, asparagus, broccoli, celery, pumpkins, or cucumbers., whether protein-rich soybeans or crunchy Nuts - we love and enjoy fresh, diverse foods that nature provides us. But for how much longer?
For all the above fruit and vegetable plants - and countless others - are on the Pollination performance the busy bee relies. But unfortunately, this is threatened by us humans ourselves. Industrial agriculture, cultivation in monocultures, the destruction of habitats, but also air pollution and, last but not least, climate change, all make a decisive contribution to this.
A world without strawberries? Nobody wants that! To prevent this burden on nature, you should use your Reduce ecological footprint in a targeted manner. Also ensure as much as possible bee friendly garden, with the Plants and dwellings that love the animals.
8. watch beautiful butterflies in the garden
Butterflies are beautiful insects whose sight brings us great joy. But of course they too are affected by the environmental pollution caused by human activity and the resulting Insect Die-Off affected - and increasingly rare to admire.
The reason for this is mainly that we humans deprive them of their natural habitat and the necessary food sources. The intensive use of pesticides - in the garden, but especially in agriculture - contributes massively to this.
How can you now contribute to to see the beautiful animals continue to flutter and the Stop insect mortality?
Read the linked blog post first. And then make sure Nesting and food in the garden (see Create wildflower meadow, Seeds are available here*), use only natural fertilizer (e.g. coffee grounds), use native plants (have a look at here at the Horstmann nursery*) and eat organic, regional, seasonal and especially plant-based food.
9. admire mighty glaciers
Glaciers are majestic natural wonders. You can admire them for hours, but unfortunately probably not forever. Because through the Global warming they are thawing at an alarming rate, leaving mountains without ice. With one record-breaking summer of heat following the next, this is hardly surprising.
Due to the increasing melting rates, there could actually be no more glaciers in Germany by the 2040s.2 In addition, the melting of the glaciers allows the previously stored (drinking) water to flow into the sea. The drying out or strong Lowering of water levels of rivers and lakes, acute shortage of drinking water and resulting drought catastrophes are among the possible serious consequences.
How to save the glaciers? Above all, once again, through a lifestyle that counteracts climate change. Vegan lifestyle (Cookbook tip: Vegan & Easy*), Use public transportation, switch to green electricity. But I'm repeating myself 😉
10. night starry sky watching
A starry sky is always a fascinating sight. It gives us particular pleasure, Searching for constellations like the Little Dipper or the Big Dipper. But the increasing Light Pollution (especially in cities and more densely populated areas) makes it increasingly difficult to see the stars in the sky at all.
This is environmental pollution caused by an increasing number and quantity of Too many artificial light sources. For example, through road traffic, street lamps and illuminated advertising displays.
The Night sky finally becomes so much by unnatural light that this results in the absence of complete darkness in the affected regions.
With massive consequences for nature. Light pollution, for example, is considered Main driver of insect mortality. It also generally irritates draught animals and, not least, upsets our own day-night rhythm.
How you can stop the environmental pollution caused by artificial light? For example, by Light really only switched on when needed or for it Motion detector install. The preference for light sources with low blue content and the alignment of Outdoor lamps to the ground, rather than to heaven, help immensely.
Environmental destruction by humans: Ultimately, we are harming ourselves
Environmental destruction is (sooner or later) human destruction. As long as we damage, rob and pollute our nature, we continue to literally saw the branch on which we are sitting.
Today you have learned what exactly is meant by environmental degradation and which examples and ecological challenges make the topic more tangible. You also now know how we can Things we love so much about nature can protect us from ourselves. Be it admiring mighty glaciers or diving to colorful coral reefs.
Use the ideas and advice around your Environmental Awareness and to promote your future-oriented attitude. Ultimately, it's about recognizing the problems as a consequence of your own actions. However, it is even more important to be a proactive part of the solution.
"Ultimately humanity is one, and this small planet is our only home. If we're to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism and compassion."
Dalai Lama (more at Environmental protection quotes)
I hope that the knowledge and insights from this article will help you. Finally, I would like to give you a few further blog articles to your heart. Use them to further counteract the environmental destruction caused by human activities:
- Environmental sins of everyday life
- Why environmental protection is so important
- How you protect the environment in everyday life
- Good reasons for the vegan lifestyle
Do you have questions, suggestions or can you think of other things that are destroyed by human intervention in nature? Then I look forward to your comment.
Stay environmentally friendly,
PS: Climate change is probably the most serious and biggest environmental problem of our days. By reducing your Consciously reduce CO2 emissionsyou can counteract it. I'll gladly explain to you how easy it is in the linked blog post.
- Deutschlandfunk; Interview with Christian Wild: Scientists on coral extinction "We are in a very deep coral reef crisis" (as at: 21.07.2021), available at https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/wissenschaftler-ueber-korallensterben-befinden-uns-in-ganz-100.html. [24.02.2025]. ↩︎
- C. Mayer, W. Hagg, M. Weber, A. Lambrecht: Future without ice - Second Bavarian Glacier Report: Climate change in the Alps. Edited by: Bavarian Academy of Sciences, Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection, April 2021. ↩︎
