Earth Day 2016: 5 charts that show how we are killing our planet

Scientists have warned of 'dramatic and irreversible environmental changes'

Leading scientists have set out what a global climate deal needs to achieve (Getty)

Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April, is the world's biggest moment to reflect on the damage that is being done to our planet, and how humanity can help. And these charts show that there is much for people to do.

The designated day, which the UN hopes can help save the environment and the people that rely on it, is intended to help change people's behaviour so that they can work to protect the planet.

As these charts show, that mission has never been more vital. But it has also never been more difficult.

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The rise in global temperatures is causing the ice to melt. This affects sea levels and the habitats for animals who live in the Arctic. Animals such as polar bears whose habitat revolves around the ice are also affect by the changes.

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This graph shows how much the sea levels have risen as a consequence of global warming. The hotter the earth gets, the more the ice melts, which leads to rising sea levels and thus flooding.

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It’s no secret that the world population is booming. This graph shows the extent that humans are inhabiting the earth, putting pressure on the earth’s natural resources. There are around an extra 2,042m people living on the planet compared to 25 years ago.

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Due to global warming the planet is heating up, which is having several knock-on effects. For example, the rise in temperatures is leading to the polar ice caps melting and also leading to droughts.

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The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has been happening since the 70s. In order to collect wood and create space for the cattle industry, the lush rainforests in the Amazon are cut down, destroying habitats and affecting climate change.