Environmental Pollution and Degradation Essay Example

Environmental Pollution and Degradation Paper Causes of Environmental Pollution and Degradation Poverty still remains a problem at the root Of several environmental problems. Introduction to environmental issues problems There are innumerable issues and problems faced by the environment today. Due to rapid industrialization, heavy usage of chemicals and lack of concern for the environment, today we are facing several problems. These issues should be dealt with immediately else mankind may have to face serious repercussions. Environmental degradation is a r exult of socio-economical, technological and institutional activities. Degradation occurs when Earth’s natural resources are depleted. These resources which are affected include: ; Water ; Air Soil CAUSES The causes of environmental degradation are often as complex the problems that result. The primary cause is human disturbance. The degree of the environmental impact varies with the cause, the habitat, and the plants and animals that inhabit it. There are many causes of environmental degradation. These include. Environmental changes are based on many factors including: ; arbitration ; Population growth ; Economic growth ; Intensification of agriculture Increase in energy use Causes of Environmental Pollution Increased and uncontrolled human activities like industries, transportation, agriculture, health care, dwelling, and energy generation are some of the causes of environmental pollution. Several industries like textile, steel, paper, sugar, food, petroleum, cement industries, and chemical industries and causes soil or land pollution, air pollution, and water pollution. Conclusion of environmental pollution is that the major cause for the environmental pollution is activities of humans. Industrial pollutants that causes pollution includes gases like cyanide, methane, carbon disulphide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochloric acids, hydrogen disulphide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide and several other liquid / solid compounds. We will write a custom essay sample on Environmental Pollution and Degradation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Environmental Pollution and Degradation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Environmental Pollution and Degradation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Modern agriculture which uses large scale of pesticides and fertilizers causes soil pollution and pollution of drinking water. Vehicular traffic releasing excess amounts sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide are the major causes of air pollution especially in cities. INCREASE IN TRANSPORTATION Increased and uncontrolled human activities like industries, transportation, agriculture, health care, dwelling and energy generation are some of the causes of environmental pollution. Several industries like textile, steel, paper, sugar, food, petroleum, cement industries, and chemical industries and causes soil or land pollution, air pollution, and water pollution. Conclusion of environmental pollution is that the major cause for the environmental pollution is activities of humans. Industrial pollutants that causes pollution includes gases like cyanide, methane, carbon disulphide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochloric acids, hydrogen disulphide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide and several other liquid / solid compounds. Modern agriculture which uses large scale of suicides and fertilizers causes soil pollution and pollution of drinking water. Vehicular traffic releasing excess amounts sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide are the major causes of air pollution especially in cities. ; Water and air HABITAT FRAGMENTATION Habitat fragmentation carries long term environmental impacts some of which can destroy entire ecosystems. An ecosystem is a distinct unit and includes all the living and non-living elements that reside within it. Plants and animals are obvious members, but it will also include other components on which they rely on such as streams, lakes, and soils. ACID RAIN Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide from coal plant emissions combines with moisture present in the air. A chemical reaction creates this acid precipitation. Acid rain can acidify and pollute lakes and streams. It causes similar effects to the soil. If enough acid rain falls in a given environment, it can acidify the water or soil to a point where no life can be sustained. Plants die off. The AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF animals that depend upon them disappear. The condition of the environment deteriorates. Agricultural runoff is a deadly source of pollutants which can degrade environments,. Surface water washes over the soil and onto lakes and streams. When it does so, it carries the fertilizers and pesticides used on the farm lands into water resources. Obviously, introducing poisons into waterways will have dire consequences. Fertilizers whether or not they are organic carry equal risks. URBAN DEVELOPMENT Urban development is the primary cause of environmental degradation. As populations increased, so did the need for land for homes and farms. Wetlands were drained. Environmental degradation is one of most urgent of environmental issues. Depending upon the damage, some environments may never recover. The plants and animals that inhabited these places will be lost reeve. We do not have to look far to see the impacts of environmental degradation on our Earth. DEFORESTATION Cutting down massive forests impacts our biosphere. Deforestation, wasting resources, and pollution all add to the demise of an environmentally-sound and safe planet. For example, when trees in forests are cut down in large quantities, so that more homes can be built on the land, the birds and wildlife who lived in the forest must find a new place to live. Unfortunate Impacts of Environmental Degradation The degradation also impacts our: ; Wildlife ; Plants ; Animals ; Micro-organisms When factories produce harmful chemicals and toxic waste into bodies of water, humans suffer. Pesticides and fertilizers can also get into a region’s water system and pollute it. Drinking water is contaminated. Some residing in third-world countries are highly effected by the degradation of our planet and these unhealthy practices cause the following: ; Illnesses ; Death in children ; Death in adults POVERTY . People are finding less nutritious food to eat. Especially those around the Equator, are vulnerable to weather changes, water shortages, and arbitration. All of these factors are increasing the health and lives of hosannas. Some scientists and environmentalists are asking that non-food items and agriculture waste be used as alternative fuel for vehicles instead. LOSING EARTH’S BEAUTY AS humans dump waste products, use chemicals, and over fish in the oceans and seas, areas of beauty such as coral reefs are damaged. At times the destruction is so great that is cannot be reversed. We are killing our planet and the consequences are tremendous. How to Stop Degradation There are ways which you can help to decrease degradation in our environment. Some Of these include: ;Purchase recycled products ; Conserve water Do not litter or toss waste into inappropriate places ; Conserve energy ; Join an awareness group ; Talk with others about the impacts of environmental degradation ; Be an advocate to save our planet! Factors Affecting Nevi: Destruction of natural resources: Agricultural development and farming activities contribute, to soil erosion, land salivation and loss of nutrients. The green revolution and over exploitation of land and water resources, and use of fertilizers and pesticides have increased to many folds resulting in land degradation and water logging. Effects of Environmental Degradation: Loss Of biodiversity: The extinction of plant and animal species will heavily affect the ecosystem; it will reduce ecosystem adaptability and lead to the loss of genetic resources. Environmental changes: Global warming is the r esult of ozone depletion which is responsible for perhaps 300,000 additional cases of skin cancer a year and 1. Million cases of cataracts and may lead to increase in the risk of climatic natural disasters. Hazardous waste production: Diseases are spread by uncovered garbage and drains; the health risks from hazardous wastes are typically more localized, but often acute. Wastes affect productivity causing pollution of groundwater resources. Soil erosion has increased due to deforestation. Climate has become warmer in the deforested regions due to lack of humidity. Floods and droughts have become frequent. Pattern of rainfall has been changing. Pollution due to increased levels of chlorofluorocarbons and nitrogen oxides cause depletion of ozone layer in the stratosphere. Acid rain is the indirect impact of air pollution. Use of pesticides makes the soil toxic for plants. Large amount of organic matter causes transportation. Thermal conation caused by hot water affects migration of aquatic animals due to thermal barriers. Environmental pollution can be defined as the deleterious effects or changes that causes disturbance to the existing environment and affects the components of the environment. Find below the causes, effects, and conclusion of environmental pollution. Presence of unsafe unnatural components that causes imbalance to the ecosystems and health hazards to animals and human beings is called pollution. Pollution affects the all the components of environment that mainly includes soil (land), water, and air Effects of Environmental Pollution Health problems due to environmental pollution ranges from the skin irritations and simple vomiting to brain tumors, intestinal cancer, and other cancers, from simple fever to the fatal hepatitis, from normal throat irritation to the deadly heart diseases. Air pollution affects the human health and is associated with problems of lungs, throat, respiratory problems, cancer etc. Water pollution of water causes health problems like gastric problems in human, affects the life aquatic organism, etc. Foods that we consume are polluted due to the use of polluted water and use of pesticides, or microbial activities. Many persistent pesticides that enter into the food chain accumulate in the human and animal bodies at larger concentrations and affect the health. Soil pollution due to various hazardous solids and liquids creates imbalances to soil ecosystems and affects the vegetation and habitats of living organisms. Conclusion of environmental pollution effects is it is a major concern of human and animal health and affects the entire ecosystem. So keeping in view of effects of environmental pollution humans and government should take several measures to prevent pollution and incorporate stringent laws to prevent environmental pollution. Environmental Issues Problems Conservation of species:Conservation of water, air and the natural habitat of animals and plants to curb their extinction. Over the last fadedness several plants and animal species have become extinct which has led to a loss of biodiversity on the planet. Climate Change: Due to global warming effect the climate has changed significantly over the last century. Extreme temperatures are bringing about never before seen natural calamities like frequent draught and flooding Energy Crisis:Excessive usage of fossil fuels has led to depletion in these fuels. Usage of alternate fuel will help conserve fossil fuel. Exploitation of Natural Resources: Large scale deforestation has led to loss of vegetation. This in turn has affected rainfall, caused land degradation, soil erosion and changed the planet surface. Nuclear Issues:Usage of nuclear power has caused major changes in the climate and composition of soil, water and air. This in turn has changed the habitat for birds, animals which migrate to other places In search of a good habitat and sometimes become extinct. Radioactive Nuclear waste needs to be dealt with in a proper way so that it does not affect the environment. Overpopulation:Overpopulation is a major global environmental issue.