Nonetheless, while these reasons might theoretically be sound, Global Research recently pointed out that with the Earth likely being the largest garbage dump in the universe, aliens would have to be hard-pressed indeed to set their sights on our planet.
It would be a mistake to think of the garbage we dump only in terms of the plastic that ends up in the ocean or plumes of industrial smoke billowing into the sky. Global Research reported that humans are systematically dumping their garbage in every nook and cranny of our planet and its atmosphere. (Related: A wide variety of disease is caused by pollution, which kills 16% of the world's population annually.)
Pollution of the atmosphere: In addition to the carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that our vehicles and factories pump into the air, we also routinely dump jet fuel from both commercial and military aircraft. Airports also spew hundreds of tons of toxins into the atmosphere each day.
Then there are the particulate aerosols and other heavier pollutants released by synthetic rubber tires and the wear-and-tear of vehicle parts. While much attention has been focused on vehicle gas emissions, a study out of Russia found that emissions from tire dust were six to seven times higher than the particulate matter released by exhaust gases. (Related: 10 tips to guard against air pollution.)
Garbage dumped in our oceans: While many of us are aware that this is a problem, Global Research noted that very few of us are aware of the massive scope of this crisis or the virtual impossibility of cleaning it up. A study conducted between 2007 and 2013 estimated that at least 5.25 trillion particles weighing over 268,000 tons have been dumped in oceans around the globe. Of course, the problem is now considerably worse. A report by the United Nations (UN) found that all this garbage has harmed about 800 species and costs us millions.
Then there are the vast quantities of radioactive materials that have been pumped into the Pacific since the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, in 2011. Not to mention the agricultural runoff, fossil fuels and other waste that is also dumped in the ocean, or the 70 “still functional” nuclear weapons lying on the ocean floor as a result of warship and submarine accidents.
Contamination of groundwater and waterways: The Earth’s wetlands, rivers, lakes and creeks have long been a dumping ground for chemical poisons, heavy metals and even domestic household waste. Many of these areas are so polluted that they can no longer support life.
Global Research reported:
Beyond this, however, Earth’s groundwater supplies (located in many underground aquifers such as the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States) are also being progressively contaminated by gasoline, oil and chemicals from leaking storage tanks; bacteria, viruses and household chemicals from faulty septic systems; hazardous wastes from abandoned and uncontrolled hazardous waste sites (of which there are over 20,000 in the USA alone); leaks from landfill items such as car battery acid, paint and household cleaners; and the pesticides, herbicides and other poisons used on farms and home gardens.
In addition, groundwater has been contaminated by radioactive waste from nuclear testing since the 1950s. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in search of shale gas utilizes some 750 chemicals, some of which are extremely toxic, further compromising groundwater.
There are many other ways in which our beautiful planet is being destroyed, including through soil contamination, antibiotic waste and what Global Research refers to as “ordinary rubbish.” (Related: If you're passionate about the environment stay up-to-date at Environ.news)
All things considered, the aliens will probably only head for Earth as an absolute last resort.
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