Coral Reefs
Coral reefs cover an area of over 280,000 km2and support thousands of species in what many describe as the rainforests of the seas. Coral reefs benefit the environment and people in numerous ways. For example, they protect shores from the impact of waves and from storms, provide benefits to humans in the form of food and medicine, provide economic benefits to local communities from tourism. In the past few years, concerns about coral reefs have been raisen. Twenty percent of the world’s coral reefs have been effectively destroyed and show no immediate prospects of recovery, approximately 40% of the 16% of the world’s reefs that were seriously damaged in 1998 are either recovering well or have recovered, the report predicts that 24% of the world’s reefs are under imminent risk of collapse through human pressures; and a further 26% are under a longer term threat of collapse.
Ecologically speaking the value of coral reefs is even greater because they are integral to the well being of the oceans as we know them. Picture reefs as the undersea equivalent of rainforest trees. Tropical waters are naturally low in nutrients because the warm water limits nutrients essential for life from welling up from the deep, which is why they are sometimes called a marine desert. Through the photosynthesis carried out by their algae, coral serve as a vital input of food into the tropical/sub-tropical marine food-chain, and assist in recycling the nutrients too. The reefs provide home and shelter to over 25% of fish in the ocean and up to two million marine species. They are also a nursery for the juvenile forms of many marine creatures.
Ecologically speaking the value of coral reefs is even greater because they are integral to the well being of the oceans as we know them. Picture reefs as the undersea equivalent of rainforest trees. Tropical waters are naturally low in nutrients because the warm water limits nutrients essential for life from welling up from the deep, which is why they are sometimes called a marine desert. Through the photosynthesis carried out by their algae, coral serve as a vital input of food into the tropical/sub-tropical marine food-chain, and assist in recycling the nutrients too. The reefs provide home and shelter to over 25% of fish in the ocean and up to two million marine species. They are also a nursery for the juvenile forms of many marine creatures.
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient Pollution is one of America's most widespread, expensive and challenging environmental problems. Nutrient Pollution is caused when there is excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the water and air. Nitrogen and phosphorus are a key element to the growth of algae and aquatic plants, which provide food and habitat for fish. When there is too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water it causes algae to grow at a rapid rate, and lots of algae, leads to harmful water quality, food resources and reduces oxygen.
There is Nutrient pollution in ground water as well, which numerous amounts of people in the United States use as their drinking water. United States Environmental Protection Agency recently posted an article "The Problem" stating that " Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere can produce pollutants such as ammonia and ozone, which can impair our ability to breathe, limit visibility and alter plant growth". Also, when excess nitrogen returns to earth from the atmosphere, it can harm health of forests, soils and waterways. Nutrient Pollution is a huge issue in America that people are not aware of.
There is Nutrient pollution in ground water as well, which numerous amounts of people in the United States use as their drinking water. United States Environmental Protection Agency recently posted an article "The Problem" stating that " Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere can produce pollutants such as ammonia and ozone, which can impair our ability to breathe, limit visibility and alter plant growth". Also, when excess nitrogen returns to earth from the atmosphere, it can harm health of forests, soils and waterways. Nutrient Pollution is a huge issue in America that people are not aware of.
Environmental Health
The environment is everything around us, the air we breathe, the water we drink and use, and the food we consume. It is also the chemicals, radiation, microbes, and the physical forces with which we come into contact. Environmental health programs at the local, state, and federal level work to prevent illness, disability, and death that arise from interactions between people and the environment. There are various team that work in different fields to prevent health issues due to the environment. For example, there is the food protection team, the land use team, residential services and technical services.
The land use team samples drinking water and submits it for bacterial analysis, reviews plans, soil analysis, and conducts site investigations, issues permits and evaluates new or repaired sewage management systems on spetic tanks. Also, evaluates data and property, issues permits for installation of sewage management systems on Commercial Sewage Systems. The food protection teams go to restaurants and reviews and approves plans, issues permits, and conducts ongoing inspections throughout the year. They also investigate food borne illness complaints. In Tourist accommodations they routine evaluation and inspection of hotels. Also at Temporary Event Permits they evaluates and permits food services for festivals
The land use team samples drinking water and submits it for bacterial analysis, reviews plans, soil analysis, and conducts site investigations, issues permits and evaluates new or repaired sewage management systems on spetic tanks. Also, evaluates data and property, issues permits for installation of sewage management systems on Commercial Sewage Systems. The food protection teams go to restaurants and reviews and approves plans, issues permits, and conducts ongoing inspections throughout the year. They also investigate food borne illness complaints. In Tourist accommodations they routine evaluation and inspection of hotels. Also at Temporary Event Permits they evaluates and permits food services for festivals
Stanislaus National Forest
Each year, millions of people travel to the Stanislaus Forest to recreate and to enjoy the scenic vistas of the mountains and river canyons. Many visitors don’t realize that national forests are not parks, but are instead lands that have a legal mandate to provide a wide range of "multiple uses". CSERC engages at every opportunity to advocate for a better balance of those uses and to promote higher protections for water, wildlife and wild places.
National Forest environmental issues arise from the many uses that occur on public lands, from logging to recreation. For many decades, the national forests of America have been hotbeds of controversy as Congress, industrial groups, anti- environmental organizations, and local control groups have pressed for high levels of logging, grazing, mining, road-building, and other uses on public forest lands.
National Forest environmental issues arise from the many uses that occur on public lands, from logging to recreation. For many decades, the national forests of America have been hotbeds of controversy as Congress, industrial groups, anti- environmental organizations, and local control groups have pressed for high levels of logging, grazing, mining, road-building, and other uses on public forest lands.
California's Water Conservation
Water conservation in California has decreased, especially since last summer. Water savings fell from 21.5% to 20% in only one month.People are told to cut back on water usage even more. Some cites like Santa Barbara and Beverly Hills are getting better and have cut down in water consumption. Although overall we have not seen drastic changes, and Southern California brought down the states savings.
Water is lowering, The San Louis Reservoir was only 10% full. Even though these numbers are not getting better, there is so much we can do to conserve water. Something simple like taking shorter showers could help tremendously. In previous months we have saved up to 25% savings, now we've saved one drop in five instead of one drop in four. Hopefully people will contribute and make only little changes that will make big differences.
Water is lowering, The San Louis Reservoir was only 10% full. Even though these numbers are not getting better, there is so much we can do to conserve water. Something simple like taking shorter showers could help tremendously. In previous months we have saved up to 25% savings, now we've saved one drop in five instead of one drop in four. Hopefully people will contribute and make only little changes that will make big differences.
Climate Change
Climate change is yet another environmental problem that has surfaced in last couple of decades. It occurs due to rise in global warming which occurs due to increase in temperature of atmosphere by burning of fossil fuels and release of harmful gases by industries. Climate change has various harmful effects but not limited to melting of polar ice, change in seasons, occurrence of new diseases, frequent occurrence of floods and change in overall weather scenario.
The severity of these health risks will depend on the ability of public health and safety systems to address or prepare for these changing threats, as well as factors such as an individual's behavior, age, gender, and economic status. Impacts will vary based on a where a person lives, how sensitive they are to health threats, how much they are exposed to climate change impacts, and how well they and their community are able to adapt to change.
The severity of these health risks will depend on the ability of public health and safety systems to address or prepare for these changing threats, as well as factors such as an individual's behavior, age, gender, and economic status. Impacts will vary based on a where a person lives, how sensitive they are to health threats, how much they are exposed to climate change impacts, and how well they and their community are able to adapt to change.
Soil Pollution
With the rise of concrete buildings and roads, one part of the Earth that we rarely see is the soil. It has many different names, such as dirt, mud and ground. However, it is definitely very important to us. The plants that feed us grow in soil and keeping it healthy is essential to maintaining a beautiful planet. However, like all other forms of nature, soil also suffers from pollution. The pollution of soil is a common thing these days, and it happens due to the presence of man made elements. Industrial activity has been the biggest contributor to the problem in the last century, especially since the amount of mining and manufacturing has increased. Most industries are dependent on extracting minerals from the Earth.
Whether it is iron ore or coal, the by products are contaminated and they are not disposed off in a manner that can be considered safe. The main reason why the soil becomes contaminated is due to the presence of man made waste. The waste produced from nature itself such as dead plants, carcasses of animals and rotten fruits and vegetables only adds to the fertility of the soil. However, our waste products are full of chemicals that are not originally found in nature and lead to soil pollution.
Whether it is iron ore or coal, the by products are contaminated and they are not disposed off in a manner that can be considered safe. The main reason why the soil becomes contaminated is due to the presence of man made waste. The waste produced from nature itself such as dead plants, carcasses of animals and rotten fruits and vegetables only adds to the fertility of the soil. However, our waste products are full of chemicals that are not originally found in nature and lead to soil pollution.
Water Pollution
Water pollution can be defined in many ways. Usually, it means one or more substances have built up in water to such an extent that they cause problems for animals or people. Oceans, lakes, rivers, and other inland waters can naturally clean up a certain amount of pollution by dispersing it harmlessly. If you poured a cup of black ink into a river, the ink would quickly disappear into the river's much larger volume of clean water. The ink would still be there in the river, but in such a low concentration that you would not be able to see it. At such low levels, the chemicals in the ink probably would not present any real problem. However, if you poured gallons of ink into a river every few seconds through a pipe, the river would quickly turn black.
The chemicals in the ink could very quickly have an effect on the quality of the water. This, in turn, could affect the health of all the plants, animals, and humans whose lives depend on the river.Some people believe pollution is an inescapable result of human activity: they argue that if we want to have factories, cities, ships, cars, oil, and coastal resorts, some degree of pollution is almost certain to result. In other words, pollution is a necessary evil that people must put up with if they want to make progress. Fortunately, not everyone agrees with this view. One reason people have woken up to the problem of pollution is that it brings costs of its own that undermine any economic benefits that come about by polluting.
The chemicals in the ink could very quickly have an effect on the quality of the water. This, in turn, could affect the health of all the plants, animals, and humans whose lives depend on the river.Some people believe pollution is an inescapable result of human activity: they argue that if we want to have factories, cities, ships, cars, oil, and coastal resorts, some degree of pollution is almost certain to result. In other words, pollution is a necessary evil that people must put up with if they want to make progress. Fortunately, not everyone agrees with this view. One reason people have woken up to the problem of pollution is that it brings costs of its own that undermine any economic benefits that come about by polluting.
Air Pollution
Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth. Though living things emit carbon dioxide when they breathe, carbon dioxide is widely considered to be a pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants, and other human activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. In the past 150 years, such activities have pumped enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to raise its levels higher than they have been for hundreds of thousands of years.
Industrialized countries have worked to reduce levels of sulfur dioxide, smog, and smoke in order to improve people's health. But a result, not predicted until recently, is that the lower sulfur dioxide levels may actually make global warming worse. Just as sulfur dioxide from volcanoes can cool the planet by blocking sunlight, cutting the amount of the compound in the atmosphere lets more sunlight through, warming the Earth. This effect is exaggerated when elevated levels of other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the additional heat.
Industrialized countries have worked to reduce levels of sulfur dioxide, smog, and smoke in order to improve people's health. But a result, not predicted until recently, is that the lower sulfur dioxide levels may actually make global warming worse. Just as sulfur dioxide from volcanoes can cool the planet by blocking sunlight, cutting the amount of the compound in the atmosphere lets more sunlight through, warming the Earth. This effect is exaggerated when elevated levels of other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the additional heat.
Non point Source Pollution
Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land. One of the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks, cars, trucks, and boats, plus larger sources, such as farms, ranches, and forest areas. Millions of motor vehicle engines drop small amounts of oil each day onto roads and parking lots. Much of this, too, makes its way to the sea.Some water pollution actually starts as air pollution, which settles into waterways and oceans. Dirt can be a pollutant. Top soil or silt from fields or construction sites can run off into waterways, harming fish and wildlife habitats.
Nonpoint source pollution can make river and ocean water unsafe for humans and wildlife. In some areas, this pollution is so bad that it causes beaches to be closed after rainstorms.More than one-third of the shellfish-growing waters of the United States are adversely affected by coastal pollution.Correcting the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution is costly. Each year, millions of dollars are spent to restore and protect areas damaged or endangered by nonpoint source pollutants. NOAA works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, and other federal and state agencies to develop ways to control nonpoint source pollution. These agencies work together to monitor, assess, and limit nonpoint source pollution that may result naturally and by human actions.
Nonpoint source pollution can make river and ocean water unsafe for humans and wildlife. In some areas, this pollution is so bad that it causes beaches to be closed after rainstorms.More than one-third of the shellfish-growing waters of the United States are adversely affected by coastal pollution.Correcting the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution is costly. Each year, millions of dollars are spent to restore and protect areas damaged or endangered by nonpoint source pollutants. NOAA works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, and other federal and state agencies to develop ways to control nonpoint source pollution. These agencies work together to monitor, assess, and limit nonpoint source pollution that may result naturally and by human actions.
Species Exctinction
More than 99 percent of all species, amounting to over five billion species that ever lived on Earth are estimated to be extinct. Estimates on the number of Earth's current species range from 10 million to 14 million of which about 1.2 million have been documented and over 86 percent have not yet been described. More recently, in May 2016, scientists reported that 1 trillion species are estimated to be on Earth currently with only one-thousandth of one percent described. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be the death of the last individual of the species, although the capacity to breed and recover may have been lost before this point. Because a species' potential range may be very large, determining this moment is difficult, and is usually done retrospectively.
Through evolution, species arise through the process of speciation where new varieties of organisms arise and thrive when they are able to find and exploit an ecological niche and species become extinct when they are no longer able to survive in changing conditions or against superior competition. The relationship between animals and their ecological niches has been firmly established A typical species becomes extinct within 10 million years of its first appearance, although some species, called living fossils, survive with virtually no morphological change for hundreds of millions of years.
Through evolution, species arise through the process of speciation where new varieties of organisms arise and thrive when they are able to find and exploit an ecological niche and species become extinct when they are no longer able to survive in changing conditions or against superior competition. The relationship between animals and their ecological niches has been firmly established A typical species becomes extinct within 10 million years of its first appearance, although some species, called living fossils, survive with virtually no morphological change for hundreds of millions of years.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic modification of food using biotechnology is called genetic engineering. Genetic modification of food results in increased toxins and diseases as genes from an allergic plant can transfer to target plant. Genetically modified crops can cause serious environmental problems as an engineered gene may prove toxic to wildlife. Another drawback is that increased use of toxins to make insect resistant plant can cause resultant organisms to become resistant to antibiotics.
The need for change in our daily lives and the movements of our government is growing. Because so many different factors come into play; voting, governmental issues, the desire to stick to routine, many people don’t consider that what they do will affect future generations. If humans continue moving forward in such a harmful way towards the future, then there will be no future to consider. Although it’s true that we cannot physically stop our ozone layer from thinning (and scientists are still having trouble figuring out what is causing it exactly,) there are still so many things we can do to try and put a dent in what we already know. By raising awareness in your local community and within your families about these issues, you can help contribute to a more environmentally conscious and friendly place for you to live.
The need for change in our daily lives and the movements of our government is growing. Because so many different factors come into play; voting, governmental issues, the desire to stick to routine, many people don’t consider that what they do will affect future generations. If humans continue moving forward in such a harmful way towards the future, then there will be no future to consider. Although it’s true that we cannot physically stop our ozone layer from thinning (and scientists are still having trouble figuring out what is causing it exactly,) there are still so many things we can do to try and put a dent in what we already know. By raising awareness in your local community and within your families about these issues, you can help contribute to a more environmentally conscious and friendly place for you to live.
Urban Sprawl
Urban sprawl refers to migration of population from high density urban areas to low density rural areas which results in spreading of city over more and more rural land. Urban sprawl results in land degradation, increased traffic, environmental issues and health issues. The ever growing demand of land displaces natural environment consisting of flora and fauna instead of being replaced.
Urban sprawl is something that will continue to occur as long as we live here on earth. It isn’t something that is going to change, but over time the more rural areas are going to become more populated because of development and change. This can be considered a good thing at times, but others view it as a bad thing. You also have to consider the fact that it will actually play a part in having to cut down more trees and tear up the environment, and in this aspect it is not a good thing.
Urban sprawl is something that will continue to occur as long as we live here on earth. It isn’t something that is going to change, but over time the more rural areas are going to become more populated because of development and change. This can be considered a good thing at times, but others view it as a bad thing. You also have to consider the fact that it will actually play a part in having to cut down more trees and tear up the environment, and in this aspect it is not a good thing.
Acid Rain
Acid rain occurs due to the presence of certain pollutants in the atmosphere. Acid rain can be caused due to combustion of fossil fuels or erupting volcanoes or rotting vegetation which release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. Acid rain is a known environmental problem that can have serious effect on human health, wildlife and aquatic species.
The harm to people from acid rain is not direct. Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in an acid lake, is no more dangerous than walking or swimming in clean water.
However, the pollutants that cause acid rain (sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)) also damage human health. These gases interact in the atmosphere to form fine sulfate and nitrate particles that can be transported long distances by winds and inhaled deep into people's lungs. Fine particles can also penetrate indoors. Many scientific studies have identified a relationship between elevated levels of fine particles and increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.
The harm to people from acid rain is not direct. Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in an acid lake, is no more dangerous than walking or swimming in clean water.
However, the pollutants that cause acid rain (sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)) also damage human health. These gases interact in the atmosphere to form fine sulfate and nitrate particles that can be transported long distances by winds and inhaled deep into people's lungs. Fine particles can also penetrate indoors. Many scientific studies have identified a relationship between elevated levels of fine particles and increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.
Loss of Biodiversity
Human activity is leading to the extinction of species and habitats and a loss of bio-diversity. Eco systems, which took millions of years to perfect, are in danger when any species population is in danger. Balance of natural processes like pollination is crucial to the survival of the eco-system and human activity threatens the same. Another example is the destruction of coral reefs in the various oceans, which support the rich marine life.
Studies over the last two decades have demonstrated that more biologically diverse ecosystems are more productive. As a result, there has been growing concern that the very high rates of modern extinctions – due to habitat loss, over harvesting and other human-caused environmental changes – could reduce nature's ability to provide goods and services like food, clean water and a stable climate.
Studies over the last two decades have demonstrated that more biologically diverse ecosystems are more productive. As a result, there has been growing concern that the very high rates of modern extinctions – due to habitat loss, over harvesting and other human-caused environmental changes – could reduce nature's ability to provide goods and services like food, clean water and a stable climate.
Waste Disposal
The over consumption of resources and creation of plastics are creating a global crisis of waste disposal. Developed countries are notorious for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the oceans and, less developed countries. Nuclear waste disposal has tremendous health hazards associated with it. Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic wastes threaten the well being of humans. Waste disposal is one of urgent current environmental problem.
Modernization and progress has had its share of disadvantages and one of the main aspects of concern is the pollution it is causing to the earth – be it land, air, and water.
With increase in the global population and the rising demand for food and other essentials, there has been a rise in the amount of waste being generated daily by each household. This waste is ultimately thrown into municipal waste collection centres from where it is collected by the area municipalities to be further thrown into the landfills and dumps. However, either due to resource crunch or inefficient infrastructure, not all of this waste gets collected and transported to the final dumpsites. If at this stage the management and disposal is improperly done, it can cause serious impacts on health and problems to the surrounding environment.
Modernization and progress has had its share of disadvantages and one of the main aspects of concern is the pollution it is causing to the earth – be it land, air, and water.
With increase in the global population and the rising demand for food and other essentials, there has been a rise in the amount of waste being generated daily by each household. This waste is ultimately thrown into municipal waste collection centres from where it is collected by the area municipalities to be further thrown into the landfills and dumps. However, either due to resource crunch or inefficient infrastructure, not all of this waste gets collected and transported to the final dumpsites. If at this stage the management and disposal is improperly done, it can cause serious impacts on health and problems to the surrounding environment.
Public Health Issues
The current environmental problems pose a lot of risk to health of humans, and animals. Dirty water is the biggest health risk of the world and poses threat to the quality of life and public health. Run-off to rivers carries along toxins, chemicals and disease carrying organisms. Pollutants cause respiratory disease like Asthma and cardiac-vascular problems. High temperatures encourage the spread of infectious diseases.
The environment affects our health in a variety of ways. The interaction between human health and the environment has been extensively studied and environmental risks have been proven to significantly impact human health, either directly by exposing people to harmful agents, or indirectly, by disrupting life-sustaining ecosystems. Although the exact contribution of environmental factors to the development of death and disease cannot be precisely determined, the World Health Organization has estimated that thirteen million deaths annually are attributable to preventable environmental causes.
The environment affects our health in a variety of ways. The interaction between human health and the environment has been extensively studied and environmental risks have been proven to significantly impact human health, either directly by exposing people to harmful agents, or indirectly, by disrupting life-sustaining ecosystems. Although the exact contribution of environmental factors to the development of death and disease cannot be precisely determined, the World Health Organization has estimated that thirteen million deaths annually are attributable to preventable environmental causes.
Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is occurring because too much carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is nothing new, and its presence in moderate quantities is not a concern. The rate at which we are pumping it into our atmosphere is a concern, however. There are two major sources for this rush of atmospheric CO2: fossil fuel emissions and deforestation. Fossil fuel emissions are the gases that are spewed out of most cars, airplanes, power plants, and factories that are burning fossil fuels (coal, oil or gas). Since the industrial revolution, fossil fuel consumption has risen exponentially to create many climate change-related issues, including ocean acidification. Burning down forests is similar to burning fossil fuels, it emits a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
One of the most obvious connections people have with the ocean is seafood. Most of the shellfish we eat are going to be negatively impacted by ocean acidification due to the fact that they will be unable to build sturdy shells. Some oyster hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest have already been impacted, and have seen declines in settlement and survival rates. The uncertain future of coral reefs due to ocean acidification is also a major concern. The presence of healthy coral reefs is imperative to our survival because we rely on them for food, coastal protection, and medicines.
One of the most obvious connections people have with the ocean is seafood. Most of the shellfish we eat are going to be negatively impacted by ocean acidification due to the fact that they will be unable to build sturdy shells. Some oyster hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest have already been impacted, and have seen declines in settlement and survival rates. The uncertain future of coral reefs due to ocean acidification is also a major concern. The presence of healthy coral reefs is imperative to our survival because we rely on them for food, coastal protection, and medicines.
Natural Resource Depletion
Natural resource depletion is another crucial current environmental problems. Fossil fuel consumption results in emission of Greenhouse gases, which is responsible for global warming and climate change. Globally, people are taking efforts to shift to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, bio gas and geothermal energy. The cost of installing the infrastructure and maintaining these sources has plummeted in the recent years. One of the central causes to natural resource depletion is human activity, particularly as it relates to economic growth. Given the rise of the world population, humans are becoming more and more reliant on food production for daily nutritional needs, which in turn is causing serious stress to the land and the environment.
As we are becoming more careless with our practices, as well as demanding more and more food, this in turn will continue to lead to natural resource depletion. As scholars point out, some of the underlying causes of natural resource depletion are the conditions facing humans. When humans need food, when they are in poverty, when they need employment, or ways to bring in income, they may look towards these practices such as deforestation, or agriculture without correct crop rotation, which in turn can and will continue to deplete the earth.
As we are becoming more careless with our practices, as well as demanding more and more food, this in turn will continue to lead to natural resource depletion. As scholars point out, some of the underlying causes of natural resource depletion are the conditions facing humans. When humans need food, when they are in poverty, when they need employment, or ways to bring in income, they may look towards these practices such as deforestation, or agriculture without correct crop rotation, which in turn can and will continue to deplete the earth.
Over Population
The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable levels as it faces shortage of resources like water, fuel and food. Population explosion in less developed and developing countries is straining the already scarce resources. Intensive agriculture practiced to produce food damages the environment through use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides. Overpopulation is one of the crucial current environmental problem. It is possible for a sparsely populated area to become densely populated if it is not able to sustain life.
The effects of overpopulation are quite severe. The depletion of resources is one of the main effects. The Earth can only produce a limited amount of water and food, which is falling short of the current needs. Most of the environmental damage being seen in the last fifty odd years is because of the growing number of people on the planet. They are cutting down forests, hunting wildlife in a reckless manner, causing pollution and creating a host of problems. Those engaged in talking about overpopulation have noticed that acts of violence and aggression outside of a war zone have increased tremendously while competing for resources.
The effects of overpopulation are quite severe. The depletion of resources is one of the main effects. The Earth can only produce a limited amount of water and food, which is falling short of the current needs. Most of the environmental damage being seen in the last fifty odd years is because of the growing number of people on the planet. They are cutting down forests, hunting wildlife in a reckless manner, causing pollution and creating a host of problems. Those engaged in talking about overpopulation have noticed that acts of violence and aggression outside of a war zone have increased tremendously while competing for resources.
Waste Disposal
Waste disposal is the act of removing and destroying or storing damaged, used or other unwanted domestic, agricultural or industrial products and substances. The over consumption of resources and creation of plastics are creating a global crisis of waste disposal. Developed countries are notorious for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the oceans and, less developed countries. Nuclear waste disposal has tremendous health hazards associated with it. Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic wastes threaten the well being of humans. Waste disposal is one of urgent current environmental problem.
It is important to learn the basics of recycling so that the waste that does end up in landfills can be disposed of properly. Plastics, metals, papers and certain types of glass can all be recycled at your local recycling center. If you take the time to send these items to recyclable locations, the items can be reused and returned to consumers. They won’t end up as trash or hurting the environment. If recyclables are placed into the ground they can potentially contaminate the surrounding soil. This type of chemical can leach into the soil and cause contamination that can reach plant and animal life as well as water sources. Newspapers or paper that contains ink can be toxic to the soil as well. If the garbage is dumped or not contained properly in a landfill it will contaminate the surrounding ground.
It is important to learn the basics of recycling so that the waste that does end up in landfills can be disposed of properly. Plastics, metals, papers and certain types of glass can all be recycled at your local recycling center. If you take the time to send these items to recyclable locations, the items can be reused and returned to consumers. They won’t end up as trash or hurting the environment. If recyclables are placed into the ground they can potentially contaminate the surrounding soil. This type of chemical can leach into the soil and cause contamination that can reach plant and animal life as well as water sources. Newspapers or paper that contains ink can be toxic to the soil as well. If the garbage is dumped or not contained properly in a landfill it will contaminate the surrounding ground.
Depletion of Ozone Layer
Ozone layer depletion is one of the most serious problems faced by our planet earth. It is also one of the prime reasons which are leading to global warming. Ozone is a colorless gas which is found in the stratosphere of our upper atmosphere. The layer of ozone gas is what protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun. The ozone layer absorbs these harmful radiations and prevents these rays from entering the earth’s atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiations are high energy electromagnetic waves emitted by the sun which if enters the earth’s atmosphere can lead to various environmental issues including global warming, and also a number of health related issues for all living organisms. Thankfully, the ozone layer which protects us from these harmful rays.
Ozone layer depletion leads to decrease in ozone in the stratosphere and increase in ozone present in the lower atmosphere. Presence of ozone in the lower atmosphere is considered as a pollutant and a greenhouse gas. Ozone in the lower atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change. The depletion of ozone layer has trickle down effects in the form of global warming, which in turn leads to melting of polar ice, which will lead to rising sea levels and climatic changes around the world. The ozone layer is what saves the Earth and the living organisms from the harmful radiations of the sun. It is necessary to understand its importance and work to control the depletion of this layer.
Ozone layer depletion leads to decrease in ozone in the stratosphere and increase in ozone present in the lower atmosphere. Presence of ozone in the lower atmosphere is considered as a pollutant and a greenhouse gas. Ozone in the lower atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change. The depletion of ozone layer has trickle down effects in the form of global warming, which in turn leads to melting of polar ice, which will lead to rising sea levels and climatic changes around the world. The ozone layer is what saves the Earth and the living organisms from the harmful radiations of the sun. It is necessary to understand its importance and work to control the depletion of this layer.
Pollution Problems
Environmental pollution, almost exclusively created by human activities, has a negative effect on the ecosystem, destroying crucial layers of it and causing an even more negative effect on the upper layers. Pollution must be taken seriously, as it has a negative effect on natural elements that are an absolute need for life to exist on earth, such as water and air. Indeed, without it, or if they were present on different quantities, animals – including humans – and plants could not survive. Pollution takes place when nature does not know how to decompose an element that has been brought to it in an unnatural way.
The effects of environmental pollution on humans are mainly physical, but can also turn into a long term problem. The best-known troubles to us are respiratory, in the form of allergies, asthma, irritation of the eyes and nasal passages, or other forms of respiratory infections. These well spread affections can be observed when air pollution is high in cities, when the weather gets hot, for instance. On top of that, environmental pollution has been proven to be a major factor in the development of cancer. This can happen for example when we eat reminiscences of pollutants used in the production of processed foods, or pesticides from the crops.
Global Warming
Global warming is the unusually rapid increase in Earth’s average surface temperature over the past century primarily due to the greenhouse gases released as people burn fossil fuels. Throughout its long history, Earth has warmed and cooled time and again. Climate has changed when the planet received more or less sunlight due to subtle shifts in its orbit, as the atmosphere or surface changed, or when the Sun’s energy varied. But in the past century, humanity has been another force that has started to influence Earth’s climate.
What has scientists concerned now is that over the past 250 years, humans have been artificially raising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at an increasing rate, mostly by burning fossil fuels, but also from cutting down carbon-absorbing forests. Global warming has serious implications for our health, environment, and economy. Dangerous heat waves are increasing in severity and frequency. Sea level rise is accelerating. Extreme storms are on the rise in some areas. More severe droughts are occurring in others. Collectively, these effects pose a threat to the entire planet — including you, your community, and your family.
What has scientists concerned now is that over the past 250 years, humans have been artificially raising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at an increasing rate, mostly by burning fossil fuels, but also from cutting down carbon-absorbing forests. Global warming has serious implications for our health, environment, and economy. Dangerous heat waves are increasing in severity and frequency. Sea level rise is accelerating. Extreme storms are on the rise in some areas. More severe droughts are occurring in others. Collectively, these effects pose a threat to the entire planet — including you, your community, and your family.
Deforestation
With population growing at a rapid pace, the demand for food, shelter and clothing has almost tripled in last few decades. To overcome growing demand, a direct action that we have come to recognize as "deforestation" occurs. Deforestation means, clearing of forests or green cover for means of agriculture, industrial or urban use. It involves permanent end of forest cover to make that land available for residential, commercial or industrial purpose.
Deforestation can have a negative effect on the environment. The most severe impact is the loss of habitat for millions of species. . Eighty percent of Earth's land animals and plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes. The conversion of forests into agricultural plantations is a major cause of deforestation. When these trees are cut down they slowly release their stored carbon releasing it into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Deforestation also affects biodiversity by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which can potentially corrupt the ozone layer.
Deforestation can have a negative effect on the environment. The most severe impact is the loss of habitat for millions of species. . Eighty percent of Earth's land animals and plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes. The conversion of forests into agricultural plantations is a major cause of deforestation. When these trees are cut down they slowly release their stored carbon releasing it into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Deforestation also affects biodiversity by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which can potentially corrupt the ozone layer.
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