Advocating for Robust Environmental Policies: The Need for Stronger Legislation and Sustainable Practices

Environmental degradation is one of the greatest threats to global ecosystems, human health, and economic stability. Despite growing awareness, current environmental policies often fall short of addressing the accelerating depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Scientific evidence underscores the urgent need for robust environmental laws that enforce sustainable practices, mitigate ecological damage, and ensure the long-term health of the planet (IPCC, 2023; WWF, 2022). This article examines the shortcomings of existing policies, presents empirical data on environmental degradation, and argues for a stronger regulatory framework to protect natural resources.

The Current State of Environmental Degradation

Climate Change and Carbon Emissions The IPCC (2023) reports that global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, primarily due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite international agreements like the Paris Accord (2015), global CO₂ emissions reached a record 36.8 gigatons in 2023 (IEA, 2023), highlighting policy enforcement failures. Without stricter regulations, the world is on track for a 2.7°C increase by 2100, leading to catastrophic consequences, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecosystem collapse (UNEP, 2023).

Biodiversity Loss and Deforestation The WWF Living Planet Report 2022 reveals a 69% decline in global wildlife populations since 1970, driven by habitat destruction, overexploitation, and pollution. Approximately 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually (FAO, 2022), exacerbating carbon sequestration deficits and species extinction rates, now 1,000 times higher than natural levels (IPBES, 2019). Weak enforcement of conservation laws and illegal logging further undermine biodiversity preservation efforts.

Pollution and Resource Depletion Every year 19-23 million tons of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas (UNEP). Emissions of plastic waste into aquatic ecosystems are projected to nearly triple by 2040 without meaningful action. Freshwater systems are equally compromised, with 80% of global wastewater discharged untreated (WHO, 2022). Over-extraction of natural resources—such as minerals, fossil fuels, and freshwater—exceeds Earth’s regenerative capacity, with humanity consuming 1.7 Earths annually (Global Footprint Network, 2023).

Limitations of Existing Environmental Policies

Weak Regulatory Frameworks Many environmental policies suffer from vague mandates, insufficient penalties, and poor enforcement. For instance, the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan lacks binding targets for plastic reduction, allowing continued overproduction (EEA, 2023).

Economic Prioritization Over Sustainability Governments often prioritize short-term economic growth over environmental protection. Subsidies for fossil fuels—totaling $7 trillion in 2022 (IMF, 2023)—directly contradict climate commitments. Corporate lobbying further dilutes legislation, as seen in delayed bans on single-use plastics in multiple countries (CIEL, 2023).

Lack of Global Coordination While multilateral agreements like the Paris Accord exist, compliance remains voluntary, and key emitters (e.g., China, the U.S.A) fail to meet reduction targets (Climate Action Tracker, 2023). Transboundary issues—such as air pollution and marine degradation—require stronger international legal mechanisms.

The Case for Stronger Environmental Legislation

• Stricter Emission Regulations: Enforce binding carbon pricing (e.g., $100/ton by 2030, as per IMF recommendations).
• Enhanced Conservation Laws: Expand protected areas to 30% of land and oceans by 2030 and criminalize illegal wildlife trade.
• Circular Economy Mandates: Implement producer responsibility laws requiring 100% recyclable packaging by 2030.
• Global Environmental Courts: Establish an international tribunal to penalize ecological violations, similar to the International Criminal Court.

Why It Matters for Ecobal

At Ecobal, we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in CO2 sequestration. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as ultra-fast CO2 hydrate formation, we enhance our efforts to transform former agricultural or barren lands into thriving ecosystems. Ecobal has achieved significant milestones, including: Nature Spots in five different EU countries: France, Italy, Poland, Spain and Romania. Ecobal’s storage capacity: Ecobal manages 155 hectares of Nature Spots across the EU, storing 1581 tons of CO2, releasing about 1150 tons of oxygen per year, and conserving nature. This ensures that our projects not only effectively sequester CO2, but also contribute to sustainable biodiversity conservation.

🌿 Ecobal’s Mission

• Raise awareness and establish authority to certify the ecological health and capacity of rural and natural landscapes.
• Monetize ecosystem services to demonstrate the economic value of nature.
• Use natural ecosystems as efficient carbon sinks for CH4 and CO2 sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
• Turning CO2 and CH4 from a challenge into valuable and tradable commodity.
• Manage soil microbiota and fauna to improve soil health and ecosystem functionality.
• Restoring biodiversity through the reintroduction and conservation of native species.

In summary, the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the need for stronger environmental policies to counteract irreversible ecological damage. Current frameworks are insufficient to curb pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Robust legislation—backed by strong enforcement, economic incentives, and international cooperation—is essential to ensure sustainable resource use and planetary resilience. Policymakers must act decisively to align economic systems with ecological limits to ensure a viable future.