1. One of the greatest challenges facing the world today is how to protect the environment while still maintaining familiar lifestyles.

2. It isn’t easy to do. Population issues, pollution, and resource consumption make it difficult to protect the earth.

3. One issue facing the earth today is global warming. Many scientists believe climate change is occurring and the earth is getting hotter.

4. It started with the Industrial Revolution and the burning of fossil fuels like coal and over time, oil.

5. Deforestation or the cutting down of forests has only exacerbated or worsened the problem.

6. Emissions that trap heat are known as greenhouse gases.

7. Of course, trees consume carbon emissions. Therefore, fewer trees, more heat-trapping carbon in the atmosphere.

8. Logging, fires, and the clearing of land for agriculture increases deforestation.

9. Global warming and deforestation are not the only environmental problems in the world today.

10. Desertification is another problem in the world today.

11. Desertification is the expansion of desert land.

12. Deforestation, overgrazing, and over cultivation of land are causes of desertification.

13. And perhaps the greatest threat to the planet is overpopulation or too many people for the available resources.

14. But change is always possible. People can take action and make a difference.

15. By reducing consumption, reusing resources, and recycling, people can protect the earth and its resources.