Environmental impact of plastics pollution, illustration. Plastic waste is typically not biodegradable and persists in the environment if not disposed of correctly. Plastic waste can have a severe long-term effect on the marine environment, both as large items that can choke and entangle animals, and as it breaks up into microscopic fragments that can enter the food chain. The marine animals affected here include birds, a seal, a fish and a turtle.

Robots caring for the Earth. Conceptual illustration of the hand of a humanoid robot, supporting a tree enclosing the Earth, representing a future where forms of artificial intelligence control, manage and rule the world, with or in place of humans.

Plastic waste entangled with a dolphin, illustration. Plastic waste is typically not biodegradable and persists in the environment if not disposed of correctly. Plastic waste can have a severe long-term effect on the marine environment, both as large items that can choke and entangle animals (as here), and as it breaks up into microscopic fragments that can enter the food chain.

Human domination of the Earth. Conceptual image of an Earth globe showing Europe and Africa, with a human foot resting on it. This represents the domination of the Earth's resources and environment by humans, and the effect overpopulation and modern industrial civilisation has had on the Earth's climate and biosphere.

Human domination of the Earth. Conceptual image of an Earth globe showing the Americas, with a human foot resting on it. This represents the domination of the Earth's resources and environment by humans, and the effect overpopulation and modern industrial civilisation has had on the Earth's climate and biosphere.

Biodiversity, conceptual computer illustration. A variety of animals and plants are depicted as a sample of the biodiversity found on Earth.

Harvest for the world, conceptual computer illustration.

Harvest for the world, conceptual computer illustration.

Harvest for the world, conceptual computer illustration.

Harvest for the world, conceptual computer illustration.

Harvest for the world, conceptual computer illustration.

Climate change, conceptual computer illustration.

Climate change, conceptual image. Computer illustration representing climate change, written in French (changement climatique).

Solar power, conceptual image. Computer illustration of a solar panel (blue) connected to a light bulb (top), representing the use of solar power to power everyday objects.

Dutch offshore wind turbines. Computer illustration showing wind turbines off the North Sea coast of the Netherlands.

British offshore wind turbines. Computer illustration showing wind turbines off the North Sea coast of the British Isles.

US wind turbines. Computer illustration showing wind turbines in the USA.

African wind turbines. Computer illustration showing wind turbines in Africa.

Global food production. Conceptual image of an Earth globe on cracked ground with cutlery. This represents the effects of earthquakes and other natural disasters, such as droughts, on global food production. Severe disasters can lead to food shortages and famines.

Global food production. Conceptual image of an Earth globe sinking into a tablecloth with cutlery. This can represent the impact of an increasing population on global food production, with increasing in population resulting in food shortages and famines. Alternatively, this image may represent an abundance of food production, leading to an Earth with more food than it needs.