ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Planetary integrity

So the planet we live on, called Earth, is like a big ball that is made up of lots of different things like rocks, water, air, and soil. It is the only planet that we humans can live on, and it's very important that we take care of it so that it can support us and all the other living things on it.

The term "planetary integrity" means that the planet is healthy and functioning the way it's supposed to. This means that all the different parts of the planet are working together properly and are not being damaged or destroyed by things like pollution, deforestation, or climate change.

There are a lot of things that can affect planetary integrity. For example, if people cut down too many trees, it can cause soil erosion and negatively impact the habitats of animals. Pollution from factories and cars can also harm both animals and humans, and contribute to changes in the planet's climate.

That's why it's so important for us to take care of the Earth and do our best to protect its integrity. This means things like recycling, using public transportation, not littering, and being mindful of the impact we have on the planet. By doing these things, we can help maintain the planet's health and ensure that it continues to support us and all the other living things on it.