Consider the following passage that discusses the importance of environmental conservation efforts:
"The rapid rate of deforestation and pollution in urban areas have led to significant loss of biodiversity and natural resources. It is important that we take proactive measures to address this issue before it escalates to a point of no return. Initiatives such as planting trees, cleaning rivers, and reducing carbon footprints can help mitigate these negative effects. However, many of these programs are not widely supported, often due to lack of awareness or misinformation about their benefits."
Select the most effective version of the underlined portion of the passage. Which of the following phrases can be used to improve clarity and conciseness in this context?