GITNUXREPORT 2025

Environmental Science Statistics

Environmental science reveals urgent need for sustainable actions to mitigate climate change.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Ocean plastic pollution has caused the death of at least 186 species, many of which are endangered or threatened

Statistic 2

The world’s forests have absorbed about 7.6 billion tons of CO2 annually over the past decade

Statistic 3

The Planet’s temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since pre-industrial times

Statistic 4

The Arctic sea ice extent averaged for September 2023 was 650,000 square kilometers lower than the 1981–2010 average

Statistic 5

The annual deforestation rate in tropical regions is approximately 10 million hectares, contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss

Statistic 6

The use of electric vehicles increased by over 40% globally in 2022, reducing reliance on internal combustion engines

Statistic 7

Agriculture accounts for roughly 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, primarily methane and nitrous oxide

Statistic 8

The global population exposed to extreme heatwaves has increased by over 50% since 1980, impacting health and economics

Statistic 9

Surface ocean temperatures have increased by about 0.13°C per decade since 1960, affecting marine ecosystems

Statistic 10

The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere surpassed 420 parts per million in recent years, a level not seen in over 3 million years

Statistic 11

In 2020, the global energy sector emitted about 33 gigatons of CO2, accounting for nearly 73% of total energy-related emissions

Statistic 12

Forests are responsible for approximately 30% of the Earth’s carbon sequestration, making forest conservation critical in climate mitigation

Statistic 13

The ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 decreases as temperatures increase, potentially diminishing its role as a carbon sink

Statistic 14

The melting of Himalayan glaciers could significantly affect water supplies for over a billion people by 2100, with consequences for agriculture and hydropower

Statistic 15

The global average sea level has risen about 8-9 inches since 1880, contributing to coastal erosion and flooding

Statistic 16

The amount of global carbon sequestration through soil varies widely but can range up to 2.5 billion tons per year in the most optimistic models, contributing to climate regulation

Statistic 17

The introduction of biofuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels, depending on technology and feedstock

Statistic 18

The use of green roofs in urban areas can reduce city temperatures by up to 3°C, mitigating the urban heat island effect

Statistic 19

Achieving net-zero emissions globally by 2050 could prevent up to 1.5°C of additional global warming, according to climate models

Statistic 20

The carbon budget remaining for a 50% chance to limit warming to 1.5°C is approximately 500 gigatons of CO2, emphasizing the urgency of emission reductions

Statistic 21

Over 90% of the world’s glaciers are retreating, contributing to sea level rise and freshwater shortages

Statistic 22

Urban areas are responsible for approximately 70% of global CO2 emissions, driving the importance of sustainable city planning

Statistic 23

The melting of permafrost could release up to 1,400 gigatons of stored methane, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating global warming

Statistic 24

Renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 29% of global electricity generation in 2020

Statistic 25

Globally, about 1.2 billion people lack access to electricity, affecting sustainable development and environmental management

Statistic 26

The global renewable energy capacity grew by 260 gigawatts in 2020 alone, a significant increase towards decarbonizing power sources

Statistic 27

The world’s largest solar farm, the Bhadla Solar Park in India, covers 14,000 acres and has a capacity of 2,245 megawatts, contributing significantly to renewable energy

Statistic 28

The total amount of recoverable rare earth elements in economically extractable deposits is estimated to be over 120 million tons, crucial for green technology

Statistic 29

The number of electric vehicles on roads worldwide is projected to reach 350 million by 2030, vastly increasing clean transportation options

Statistic 30

The global wind energy capacity reached approximately 837 gigawatts in 2022, expanding renewable energy infrastructure worldwide

Statistic 31

Around 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity

Statistic 32

Global water demand is projected to increase by 20-30% by 2050, significantly impacting water resources

Statistic 33

The global ecological footprint is estimated to be 1.75 Earths, indicating humanity’s overshoot of sustainable resource use

Statistic 34

Soil degradation affects about 33% of the Earth's land surface, undermining food security and biodiversity

Statistic 35

Deforestation in Madagascar has led to the loss of approximately 80% of its native forests since 1950, endangering unique species

Statistic 36

The number of protected land and marine areas worldwide has increased to cover about 17.8% of the Earth’s land surface and 7% of the ocean, respectively, helping conserve biodiversity

Statistic 37

Approximately 60% of the world’s freshwater is used for agriculture, highlighting the sector’s critical role in sustainable water management

Statistic 38

The use of sustainable agriculture practices can increase crop yields by up to 20% while reducing environmental impacts

Statistic 39

Approximately 75% of the ocean surface has experienced increased acidity since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution

Statistic 40

Coral reefs have declined by 50% globally since 1950, largely due to climate change and ocean acidification

Statistic 41

The amount of global fish stocks that are overfished is estimated at nearly 34%, threatening food security and marine ecosystems

Statistic 42

Global plastic production reached 368 million tons in 2019, a tripling since 1990

Statistic 43

Only about 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled

Statistic 44

Approximately 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to pollution

Statistic 45

Approximately 40% of the world’s population has limited access to clean cooking facilities, leading to health issues and environmental damage

Statistic 46

The average plastic bag usage per person per year in some countries exceeds 500 bags, contributing heavily to plastic pollution

Statistic 47

Nearly 90% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality guidelines, impacting health worldwide

Statistic 48

The amount of electronic waste generated globally reached 54.8 million metric tons in 2021, with rapid growth expected

Statistic 49

The global death rate from indoor air pollution due to solid fuel use is approximately 1.8 million annually, mostly affecting low-income populations

Statistic 50

The global annual plastic waste generation is expected to reach 1.4 billion tons by 2040, nearly doubling current levels

Statistic 51

Globally, 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air, leading to around 7 million premature deaths annually

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Key Highlights

The world’s forests have absorbed about 7.6 billion tons of CO2 annually over the past decade
Approximately 75% of the ocean surface has experienced increased acidity since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution
Global plastic production reached 368 million tons in 2019, a tripling since 1990
Only about 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled
The Planet’s temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since pre-industrial times
Around 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity
The Arctic sea ice extent averaged for September 2023 was 650,000 square kilometers lower than the 1981–2010 average
Renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 29% of global electricity generation in 2020
Global water demand is projected to increase by 20-30% by 2050, significantly impacting water resources
Approximately 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to pollution
The annual deforestation rate in tropical regions is approximately 10 million hectares, contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss
The use of electric vehicles increased by over 40% globally in 2022, reducing reliance on internal combustion engines
Agriculture accounts for roughly 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, primarily methane and nitrous oxide

As the planet teeters on the brink of ecological crisis, staggering statistics reveal that our forests, oceans, and climate are all suffering—yet urgent action towards sustainable energy, conservation, and pollution reduction offers a glimmer of hope for future generations.

Biodiversity

Ocean plastic pollution has caused the death of at least 186 species, many of which are endangered or threatened

Biodiversity Interpretation

The staggering toll of ocean plastic pollution—culminating in the loss of over 186 species, many teetering on the brink—reminds us that our throwaway culture is sinking the very wildlife we strive to protect.

Climate Change and Global Warming

The world’s forests have absorbed about 7.6 billion tons of CO2 annually over the past decade
The Planet’s temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since pre-industrial times
The Arctic sea ice extent averaged for September 2023 was 650,000 square kilometers lower than the 1981–2010 average
The annual deforestation rate in tropical regions is approximately 10 million hectares, contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss
The use of electric vehicles increased by over 40% globally in 2022, reducing reliance on internal combustion engines
Agriculture accounts for roughly 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, primarily methane and nitrous oxide
The global population exposed to extreme heatwaves has increased by over 50% since 1980, impacting health and economics
Surface ocean temperatures have increased by about 0.13°C per decade since 1960, affecting marine ecosystems
The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere surpassed 420 parts per million in recent years, a level not seen in over 3 million years
In 2020, the global energy sector emitted about 33 gigatons of CO2, accounting for nearly 73% of total energy-related emissions
Forests are responsible for approximately 30% of the Earth’s carbon sequestration, making forest conservation critical in climate mitigation
The ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 decreases as temperatures increase, potentially diminishing its role as a carbon sink
The melting of Himalayan glaciers could significantly affect water supplies for over a billion people by 2100, with consequences for agriculture and hydropower
The global average sea level has risen about 8-9 inches since 1880, contributing to coastal erosion and flooding
The amount of global carbon sequestration through soil varies widely but can range up to 2.5 billion tons per year in the most optimistic models, contributing to climate regulation
The introduction of biofuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels, depending on technology and feedstock
The use of green roofs in urban areas can reduce city temperatures by up to 3°C, mitigating the urban heat island effect
Achieving net-zero emissions globally by 2050 could prevent up to 1.5°C of additional global warming, according to climate models
The carbon budget remaining for a 50% chance to limit warming to 1.5°C is approximately 500 gigatons of CO2, emphasizing the urgency of emission reductions
Over 90% of the world’s glaciers are retreating, contributing to sea level rise and freshwater shortages
Urban areas are responsible for approximately 70% of global CO2 emissions, driving the importance of sustainable city planning
The melting of permafrost could release up to 1,400 gigatons of stored methane, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating global warming

Climate Change and Global Warming Interpretation

While forests and oceans have historically served as Earth's natural carbon sinks, the accelerating rates of deforestation, rising temperatures, and melting glaciers threaten to turn these vital reserves into sources, underscoring that humanity's race against climate change demands urgent, systemic action before the planet’s tipping points become irreversible.

Energy Resources and Renewable Technologies

Renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 29% of global electricity generation in 2020
Globally, about 1.2 billion people lack access to electricity, affecting sustainable development and environmental management
The global renewable energy capacity grew by 260 gigawatts in 2020 alone, a significant increase towards decarbonizing power sources
The world’s largest solar farm, the Bhadla Solar Park in India, covers 14,000 acres and has a capacity of 2,245 megawatts, contributing significantly to renewable energy
The total amount of recoverable rare earth elements in economically extractable deposits is estimated to be over 120 million tons, crucial for green technology
The number of electric vehicles on roads worldwide is projected to reach 350 million by 2030, vastly increasing clean transportation options
The global wind energy capacity reached approximately 837 gigawatts in 2022, expanding renewable energy infrastructure worldwide

Energy Resources and Renewable Technologies Interpretation

While renewable energy surged by 260 gigawatts in 2020, powering a massive solar farm and promising a cleaner future, over a billion people still remain in the dark, reminding us that global progress in sustainability remains a cause worth illuminating collectively.

Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity

Around 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity
Global water demand is projected to increase by 20-30% by 2050, significantly impacting water resources
The global ecological footprint is estimated to be 1.75 Earths, indicating humanity’s overshoot of sustainable resource use
Soil degradation affects about 33% of the Earth's land surface, undermining food security and biodiversity
Deforestation in Madagascar has led to the loss of approximately 80% of its native forests since 1950, endangering unique species
The number of protected land and marine areas worldwide has increased to cover about 17.8% of the Earth’s land surface and 7% of the ocean, respectively, helping conserve biodiversity
Approximately 60% of the world’s freshwater is used for agriculture, highlighting the sector’s critical role in sustainable water management
The use of sustainable agriculture practices can increase crop yields by up to 20% while reducing environmental impacts

Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity Interpretation

With a stunning 1 million species teetering on the brink of extinction, our water demands skyrocketing demand, and Earth's ecological footprint exceeding its capacity by 75%, it's clear that humanity must urgently switch from resource overconsumption to sustainable stewardship before our planet's natural capital becomes permanently depleted.

Marine Ecosystems and Ocean Health

Approximately 75% of the ocean surface has experienced increased acidity since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution
Coral reefs have declined by 50% globally since 1950, largely due to climate change and ocean acidification
The amount of global fish stocks that are overfished is estimated at nearly 34%, threatening food security and marine ecosystems

Marine Ecosystems and Ocean Health Interpretation

With nearly three-quarters of our oceans growing more acidic and half of the coral reefs vanishing since 1950, coupled with over a third of fish stocks overfished, it's clear that humanity's relentless pursuit of progress is steering us into an uncertain aquatic future where both marine life and our own food security hang in the balance.

Pollution and Waste Management

Global plastic production reached 368 million tons in 2019, a tripling since 1990
Only about 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled
Approximately 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to pollution
Approximately 40% of the world’s population has limited access to clean cooking facilities, leading to health issues and environmental damage
The average plastic bag usage per person per year in some countries exceeds 500 bags, contributing heavily to plastic pollution
Nearly 90% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality guidelines, impacting health worldwide
The amount of electronic waste generated globally reached 54.8 million metric tons in 2021, with rapid growth expected
The global death rate from indoor air pollution due to solid fuel use is approximately 1.8 million annually, mostly affecting low-income populations
The global annual plastic waste generation is expected to reach 1.4 billion tons by 2040, nearly doubling current levels
Globally, 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air, leading to around 7 million premature deaths annually

Pollution and Waste Management Interpretation

Despite mounting environmental crises—from soaring plastic production and waste to pervasive air and water pollution—worldwide efforts lag behind, underscoring that humanity’s environmental footprint continues to expand at an alarming rate with minimal progress in mitigation or sustainable change.