Lesson 4 God's Call to Protect the Environment Flashcards
is a sacred gift entrusted to us by God.
Our planet
God gave humans dominion over the earth.
Genesis 1:26-28
The earth belongs to the Lord, and we are merely stewards of its resources.
Psalm 24:1
Caring for the earth is an act of
righteousness and justice.
Proverbs 12:10
are a pressing global issue, causing widespread destruction and jeopardizing the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
Environmental crimes
Illegal logging is a major driver of deforestation, leading to
the loss of vital carbon sinks, biodiversity, and habitat for
countless species.
Deforestation
It also undermines sustainable forestry practices and
weakens local economies by depleting valuable timber
resources
Economic Impacts
This illegal trade
thrives on demand for
animal parts, such as ivory
or rhino horns, for
traditional medicine or
luxury goods
Endangered Species
The loss of apex predators,
like lions or tigers, disrupts
delicate food webs, leading
to cascading effects on
entire ecosystems.
Ecosystem Collapse
occurs when fish
are harvested at a rate faster
than they can reproduce,
leading to population declines
and ecosystem collapse.
Overfishing
such as dynamite or cyanide
fishing, indiscriminately kill
marine life and damage
delicate coral reefs.
Illegal fishing methods,
often release toxic chemicals and waste into the
air, water, and soil, polluting the environment and
endangering human and animal health.
Industries
including plastic pollution,
contaminates ecosystems and harms wildlife. It can also
lead to soil and water contamination, impacting human health.
Improper waste disposal
Encroachment on national parks, forests, and other protected areas for illegal settlements, farming, or industrial purposes destroys vital habitats and displaces wildlife.
Habitat Loss
The loss of protected areas disrupts natural processes and reduces biodiversity, leading to the decline of countless species and impacting ecosystem resilience.
Biodiversity Decline
a consequence of protected area destruction,
contributes to climate change by reducing carbon sequestration and
releasing greenhouse gases.
Climate Change
The excessive burning of coal, oil, and gas releases
harmful greenhouse gases, contributing to global
warming and its associated climate change effects
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
releases harmful pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to acid rain and respiratory illnesses.
Fossil fuel combustion
trade fuels poaching, smuggling, and the black market, disrupting ecological balance and endangering
vulnerable species.
The illegal wildlife
are vital ecosystems, supporting a vast array of marine life and providing essential economic benefits.
Coral reefs
Their destruction through activities like anchor dropping, dynamite fishing, and coastal construction harms biodiversity and disrupts food webs
Coral reefs
requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing strong law enforcement, international cooperation, public awareness, and sustainable practices.
Combating environmental crimes
