Tag: Soil degradation

According to a 2024 review, continuous grazing, where livestock have unrestricted access to a single pasture, has been shown to cause decreased species diversity and increased soil erosion in grassland ecosystems over time. While seemingly low-effort, this method comes with a significant list of ecological and economic drawbacks that can harm both land and livestock.

Studies analyzing crop data over decades show a significant decline in the nutrient levels of fruits and vegetables. This alarming trend highlights how overpopulation tends to impact the most food quality, primarily by intensifying pressure on agricultural systems to produce more with less, compromising nutritional value and safety.

According to UNICEF, over 200 million children under five currently face severe food poverty, a crisis directly worsened by environmental changes like climate shocks, biodiversity loss, and water shortages. These factors are powerful drivers of global malnutrition, extending beyond simple lack of food.

According to the World Food Programme, climate-related disasters and environmental changes are major drivers of global hunger. These and other physical factors can lead to food insecurity by destabilizing food systems and destroying agricultural productivity.

Globally, millions suffer from overnutrition, a form of malnutrition often linked to obesity and chronic disease. These widespread issues are caused by over nutrients, impacting both human health and ecological balance through various complex mechanisms.

According to the US EPA, nutrient pollution has impacted waterways for decades, causing serious environmental issues and endangering human health. When excessive nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus enter our ecosystems, they disrupt natural balances and trigger a cascade of detrimental effects on water bodies, soil, plants, and animals.