doi.org/10.52340/eab.2025.17.04.05

The scientific work examines one of the most pressing issues of modernity: global ecological challenges and the main directions for overcoming them. It analyzes the essence, role, and significance of the natural environment at every stage of human development, as well as the relationship between society and nature. The study also considers the scale of society’s negative impact and the resulting ecological challenges. The 21st century has brought an urgent need for fundamental global changes in the natural environment. Civilized society has begun to recognize that neither economic growth nor material prosperity can bring true progress to humanity if people are neglected and if the balance between the rational use of natural resources and the laws of the natural environment is not maintained.
The work outlines the complex nature and categories of ecological problems, along with their challenges and scale. In particular, it highlights water pollution and scarcity, soil degradation, rapid urbanization, deforestation and erosion, threats to biodiversity and natural landscapes, damage and depletion of the ozone layer, toxic atmospheric pollution, radical climate change, global warming, and other related issues.
The final part formulates recommendations and proposals for overcoming ecological problems. It is substantiated that the orientation toward and development of green business should create fertile ground for reducing the ecological crises and threats facing humanity.

Keywords: Global environmental challenges; green business; sustainable development; global warming; biodiversity
JEL Codes: Q01, Q54, Q56, Q42, Q32

Introduction
Since the 1970s, at conferences and seminars organized under the auspices of the United Nations (in particular, in Stockholm, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, Funes, Paris, and others), scientific experts have recognized ecological problems as a global threat. It was within these forums that the mechanisms linking environmental protection and societal development were first defined. It is important to note that these issues concern not only developed countries but also developing ones. In fact, the aforementioned conferences represented the international community’s response to environmental challenges occurring in every country of the world. Their primary aim was to develop global strategies for environmental protection and sustainable development.
At the modern stage, ecological problems at global, regional, and national levels are not only severe and crisis ridden but also highly multifaceted. They manifest themselves in almost all spheres of material production and are increasingly associated with heightened risks to human life and health.
A consumerist attitude toward nature has pushed it to the brink of survival. According to the report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), forecasts of human development up to 2032 are highly uncertain. As a result of anthropogenic impact, more than 70% of the Earth’s surface will be altered in one form or another, and more than one quarter of all plant and animal species will be irreversibly lost. Safe air and clean drinking water will become critically scarce. (According to the World Health Organization, 80% of all diseases worldwide today are caused by the consumption of poor quality drinking water and food.) Green oases and natural landscapes untouched by technocratic influence will also become an irreparable deficit.
The 21st century has brought about the need for fundamental global changes in the natural environment. Civilized society has begun to recognize that neither economic growth nor material prosperity can bring true progress to humanity if people are neglected and if the balance between the rational use of natural resources and the laws of the natural environment is not maintained.
Global ecological problems are interconnected, encompass all aspects of human life, and concern every country in the world. They represent a complex set of social and natural issues of planetary scale, affecting the interests of all peoples. The economic and social progress of humanity, as well as the preservation of civilization, depends on their effective resolution.
At the present stage, global ecological problems include catastrophic environmental pollution, the reduction of biodiversity, shortages in essential human resources, and the depletion of oil, natural gas, coal, timber, and non ferrous metals. Additional challenges include water scarcity and high levels of pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, and the greenhouse effect, which is contributing to an increase in global temperatures by more than 1.5–2°C. Developed countries plan to achieve climate equilibrium by 2030–2040 through a transition to solar, wind, biomass, and other “green business” energy sources.

Global Ecological Problems of Natural Environment Degradation

Global ecological problems are closely linked to the period of rapid scientific and technological progress, which clearly revealed the scale of global environmental change. Humanity has come to recognize the vast, irreversible, and dangerous consequences of anthropogenic (human induced) impacts on the environment and the living world. As global ecological problems emerged, society began to pay increasing attention to environmental protection in an effort to address the ecological threats facing humanity. Concern for the natural environment intensified as these problems became more acute. One of the important steps taken in this direction was the adoption of environmental legislation.
Considering these processes, the study of the natural environment – and, accordingly, ecological problems – has become a priority at global, regional, and national levels. These issues are no longer viewed in isolation but are examined as part of a unified system that includes political and legal dimensions.
Despite certain positive developments in global ecological policy, the state of the natural environment continues to deteriorate catastrophically. This is largely due to the predatory exploitation of natural resources, the pursuit of maximum profit, and the negative effects of advanced technologies. As a result, negative consequences have accumulated rapidly, forming a complex chain of socio economic and ecological problems (L. Khikhadze, 2024).
The ecological crisis can be considered one of the defining features of the modern era. Human activity must therefore be aligned with the laws of the biosphere. Sustainable development of civilization is impossible without taking into account the natural laws that ensure ecologically balanced progress. Yet, in reality, the ecological crisis is still not fully understood by all. Ignoring the laws of nature harms not only the environment but also undermines the civilized development and stability of humanity. Thus, it is essential to understand and consider natural laws in all forms of human activity, meaning that societal actions must be scientifically grounded. The spatial and temporal interdependence between humans and nature requires that all social activities be ecologically oriented. Such an approach is fundamental to ensuring sustainable development.
The world’s population is growing by almost 1.0% per year. Industrial production is expanding even faster – by approximately 3.3–3.5% annually, or nearly twice the rate of population growth. Notably, the industries with the greatest impact on the planet’s ecological condition are developing most rapidly. These include oil refining and petrochemicals, energy, transport engineering, sectors of the military industrial complex, and the nuclear industry, whose expansion is accompanied by the challenge of radioactive waste disposal. Even agriculture – often considered the most ecologically “safe” sector—has contributed to environmental degradation. The widespread adoption of “green revolution” methods in several developing countries has significantly worsened ecological conditions, even in regions previously considered environmentally “clean.”
The concept of the “ecological footprint,” introduced to assess anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems, varies significantly across countries, reflecting differences in industrialization and consumption patterns. The ecological footprint of an average person in high income countries is nearly six times larger than that of individuals in low income countries, and far exceeds the footprint observed in less developed regions (Dvalishvili, 2017).
In the modern world, nature increasingly exhibits a “boomerang effect,” returning to society the consequences of the damage inflicted upon it. This is evidenced by natural disasters – floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other climatic anomalies – occurring in countries across the globe.
Ecological problems have become particularly acute and must be considered on the same level as other global challenges such as peace and disarmament, demographic pressures, energy and financial crises, and food shortages. Without taking into account the laws of nature, the civilized development and economic progress of humanity are impossible. The concept of ecological space has emerged as an important factor in human development – one of the most significant “discoveries” of the 20th century. These developments stimulated the creation of numerous scientific conventions and contributed to raising public awareness and engagement in environmental issues.
At the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, several international agreements on environmental protection were signed, reflecting a growing global focus on sustainable ecological development. Compared to previous eras, society has become increasingly aware of a key trend: an environment degraded by ecological problems can negatively affect and hinder the progress and development of humanity.
The global problems discussed above are characterized by a distinctly international nature. Therefore, overcoming them requires not only universal approaches but also differentiated strategies that take into account the economic development interests of individual countries.
At the present stage, the main ecological problems contributing to environmental degradation worldwide include:
• Water pollution and freshwater shortages
• Soil degradation (erosion, desertification, increased acidity)
• Increased urbanization and deterioration of environmental quality in cities
• Deforestation and erosion
• Threats to biological diversity and natural landscapes (qualitative and quantitative reduction of flora, fauna, and fish resources)
• Damage and depletion of the ozone layer
• Toxic atmospheric pollution and radical climate changes
• Global warming and related challenges
Pollution and shortage of water resources. Today, many countries around the world face serious problems related to water resources, which include not only a general shortage of water but also a shortage of clean, drinkable water. Of all the water resources on Earth, only 2.5% is fresh water, and less than 1% of this amount is actually accessible for human use. The shortage is especially severe in developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As a result, a large share of the world’s population—about 1.5 billion people—lacks access to quality drinking water, and by 2030 this number may rise to 2.5–3.5 billion. It is also noteworthy that 75% of the world’s population (8 billion people) cannot fully meet their demand for fresh water.
By the 2040s–2050s, expert research predicts a significant depletion of global freshwater resources—an essential resource not only for humans but also for plants and animals, without which life on Earth is nearly impossible. Due to global warming, rising temperatures in reservoirs, rivers, seas, and oceans pose additional dangers, leading to the destruction and decline of aquatic organisms.
According to the Organic Agriculture Research Foundation, only 2% of global agriculture is organic. This means that approximately 69% of freshwater supplies are polluted with chemical pesticides, herbicides, and mineral fertilizers. Freshwater is also contaminated by leaked fuel residues and heavy metals released through the operation of agricultural machinery.
Soil depletion and degradation. Soil pollution, land surface degradation, and the overall deterioration of soil quality are caused by anthropogenic activities and the improper (marginalized) use of natural resources. The main causes of soil pollution and degradation include:
• Urban development. As 72% of the world’s population now lives in cities, the scale of negative impacts on the natural environment continues to grow, creating significant risks for both ecosystems and human health.
• Unsustainable agricultural practices, especially in countries where land marginalization is widespread.
• Growth in personal consumption.
• Industrial activities, illegal landfills, and other harmful human actions.
Deforestation and erosion. Each year, global forest area decreases by approximately 6 million hectares. Historically, forests covered about three quarters of the Earth’s land surface; today they cover only one quarter. This indicates that deforestation has reached catastrophic proportions. Half of the world’s forests have already been cut down, and 30% of the remaining forests are in poor condition. Logging is occurring at a record pace: around 20–30 hectares of forest are cut every minute – 18 times faster than the natural rate of forest regeneration.
During the 20th century alone, the world lost about 7.5 million square kilometers of forested land. Every minute, an average of 20 hectares of forest – mainly tropical – disappears. Additionally, 0.2–0.3 million hectares of agricultural land are lost annually due to secondary salinization and waterlogging. More than 80% of human diseases are linked to acute ecological processes.
The well being of the Earth largely depends on forest resources. The destruction of unique forest ecosystems reduces their role as the “lungs of the planet.” In recent years, it has become evident that air pollution also has a significant impact on forested areas, further accelerating the trend of forest decline.
Toxic pollution of the atmosphere and radical climate changes. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in all natural and climatic processes. The consequences of its pollution form a complex system of interrelated effects. Phenomena such as the greenhouse effect, depletion of the ozone layer, and other negative processes are directly linked to atmospheric contamination.
At the present stage, the ecological condition of the atmosphere has become increasingly aggravated, reflected in the rising concentration of CO₂. As a result, the so called “greenhouse effect” intensifies, leading to global warming, melting of polar ice caps, and rising sea levels. These trends negatively affect the Earth’s climate. It is known that about one fifth of the world’s population breathes air polluted with toxic gases—primarily carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and others. Consequently, the incidence of oncological diseases has increased, especially among children and adolescents.
Damage and depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer absorbs biologically dangerous radiation and protects humans, flora, fauna, and the entire biosphere from harmful ultraviolet exposure. Research shows that the thickness of the ozone layer decreases by 4–5% every ten years, a trend that is extremely dangerous and requires urgent attention.
Global warming. Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The main contributors to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide (CO₂), water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide. The higher their concentration, the more solar energy is trapped and converted into heat.
According to the anthropogenic theory of climate change, human activities – such as the burning of petroleum products, coal, and natural gas – significantly increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This intensifies the greenhouse effect and leads to climate change. The rise in emissions of these gases, primarily from fossil fuel combustion, strengthens the greenhouse effect and has a profound impact on global warming.
The consequences of global warming include melting ice caps, rising sea levels, frequent and intense floods, flash floods, landslides and mudslides in mountainous regions, desertification, more frequent and severe heat waves, declining water resources, and widespread forest fires. Research and regulation of these issues have become some of the most urgent challenges facing the modern world.
The global ecological challenges associated with environmental degradation, as presented in this scientific work, indicate that humanity is entering a catastrophic phase, and every country in the world is experiencing an ecological crisis. The civilized world is therefore in constant search of solutions, and the transition to green business and renewable energy resources is increasingly highlighted as a necessary and viable alternative.

Conclusion and Recommendations
One sided ideological approaches to global ecological problems should be excluded. The solution of complex ecological challenges requires a comprehensive, systematic approach, which means that the socio economic policy of any country must be aligned with the resolution of ecological issues (L. Khikhadze, 2024).
To develop and implement an ecological strategy, it is necessary to establish organizational structures (institutions) capable of thoroughly studying the state of the natural environment and implementing targeted measures. These institutions should develop rules, methods, laws, and normative acts aimed at solving ecological problems. With an orientation toward green business and the creation of ecological legislation, the protection of natural resource potential, the prevention of environmental pollution, and the safeguarding of citizens’ constitutional right to favorable conditions for work and recreation must be ensured.
The transition to the development of “green business” is recognized as a key direction of ecological strategy. This includes the formation of an integrated socio economic, demographic, and ecological system that guarantees ecological security, supports societal development, and ensures the protection and enrichment of the natural environment.
At the present stage, the priority for green business development is the shift toward renewable energy resources. Today, the global energy balance is distributed as follows: oil accounts for 36% of consumption, natural gas 28%, coal 18%, hydropower 14%, nuclear energy 3%, and alternative renewable energy sources only 1%. The intensive use of organic fuel resources increases the global warming effect and accelerates climate change. Since these resources are exhaustible and non renewable, humanity will inevitably have to replace them with alternative (renewable) sources. It should also be noted that annual global oil production amounts to 3.4 billion tons, while world oil reserves are estimated at 140 billion tons. In the long term, oil prices are expected to rise sharply, and the risk of resource depletion is significant, as current extraction rates suggest that reserves may last only 40–50 years.
Natural gas production amounts to 2–3 trillion m³ annually, and consumption is expected to reach its peak by 2030, indicating rising prices and declining reserves (L. Khikhadze, 2023).
The dynamics of the modern fuel and energy system, along with the trends mentioned above, indicate the beginning of a new stage characterized by a gradual transition from traditional organic fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) to alternative energy sources. To meet the growing demand for energy and reduce dependence on imports, renewable and environmentally friendly sources – hydropower, geothermal energy, solar and wind energy, biomass, and sea wave energy – are gaining importance. The development and rational use of these non traditional renewable resources will significantly improve the fuel and energy systems of countries in the near future. Alternative resources differ from organic fuels in two essential ways: they are practically inexhaustible (renewable), and their use does not disrupt ecological balance or cause significant harm to the global environment (L. Khikhadze, 2023).
To reduce threats and crises resulting from global ecological challenges, the following factors must be taken into account:
• Protection of land resources; reduction of soil erosion through improved land cadastre systems; enhancement of soil quality and efficiency of use (increased productivity).
• Protection and enrichment of biodiversity; strengthening the health and reproductive functions of ecosystems; breeding and protection of flora, fauna, and fish species.
• Protection of water resources; ensuring the growth and maximum satisfaction of global freshwater demand; strengthening the ecological and productive functions of water.
Protection from atmospheric pollution and climate problems caused by global warming. A major threat is the sharp increase in extreme natural events and disasters (storms, floods, flash floods, landslides, avalanches, etc.), all of which directly affect human health, economic stability, and living conditions. Climate change is one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss, leading to habitat degradation and reduced ecosystem services, and ultimately contributing to the overall degradation of ecosystems.

References:
• Dvalishvili L. (2017). garemos dacvis ekonomikuri problemebi [Economic Problems of Environmental Protection. TSU, Paata Gugushvili Institute of Economics, Int. Scientific. Conference “Structural and Innovative Problems of Economic Development” in the Collection of Papers. Tb., TSU, E ISSN 2587-4691], in Georgian.
• Dvalishvili L. (2019). Garemos dacvis ekologiuri problemebi [Ecological Problems of Environmental Protection. Collection of Materials of the International Scientific Conference Dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of the Paata Gugushvili Institute and the 10th Anniversary of the Journal “Economist”, Modern Problems of the Formation of “Green Economy”, Tbilisi]; in Georgian.
• Khikhadze L. (2023). Ganaxlebadi energetikuli resursebis efeqtiani gamoyeneba mdgradi ekonomikis ganvitarebis ganmsazrvreli faqtori [Effective use of Renewable Energy Resources as a Determining Factor for the Development of a Sustainable Economy. VIII International Scientific Conference “Challenges of Globalization in Economics and Business” in Collection of Scientific Papers, Tbilisi, November 3-4.] in Georgian
• Khikhadze L. (2024). msoflioshi bunebrivi garemos degradaciis ekologiuri problemebi da misi dazlevis gzebi [Ecological Problems of Natural Environment Degradation in the World and Ways to Overcome it. In the Collection of Scientific Papers of the National Scientific Conference Dedicated to the 106th Anniversary of TSU, “World Economy in the Post-Pandemic Period: Results and Challenges,” Tbilisi, February 7.] in Georgian.
• Shengelia T. (2020). Globaluri Biznesi [Global Business (Handbook), Publishing House ,, Universal’’, Tbilisi.] in Georgian
• www.wikipedia.org.ge.
• http://www. Unece.org/env/epr/
• www.rec.org