20 Current Environmental Problems That Our World is Facing Conserve Energy Future
Yüklə 0,58 Mb. Pdf görüntüsü
|
1 2
20 Current Environmental Problems That Our World is Facing - Conserve Energy Fut|
~ John Paul II
21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 3 / 37 Contents [ show ] 20 Major Current Environmental Problems 1. Pollution There are 7 key types of pollution – air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, light and thermal and these are primary causes that affect our environment in many ways. All these types of pollution are interlinked and influence each other. Therefore we need to tackle all of them together. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 4 / 37 Pollution of air, water and soil requires millions of years to recoup. Industry and motor vehicle exhaust are the number one pollutants. Heavy metals, nitrates and plastic are toxins responsible for pollution . While water pollution is caused by oil spill , acid rain, urban runoff, air pollution is caused by various gases and toxins released by industries and factories and combustion of fossil fuels; soil pollution is majorly caused by industrial waste that deprives soil from essential nutrients. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 5 / 37 2. Soil Degradation Globally, food security depends on the factor whether or not soils are in good condition to produce crops. According to UN estimates, about 12 million hectares of farmland a year get seriously degraded. Soils get damaged due to many reasons. Such reasons include erosion, overgrazing , overexposure to pollutants, monoculture planting, soil compaction, land-use conversion and many 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 6 / 37 more. Nowadays, a wide range of techniques of soil conservation and restoration exist, from no-till agriculture to crop rotation to water-retention through terrace-building. 3. Global Warming Climate changes like global warming are the result of human practices like the emission of greenhouse gases. Global 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 7 / 37 warming leads to rising temperatures of the oceans and the earth’ surface causing natural disasters that include flooding, melting of polar ice caps, rise in sea levels and also unnatural patterns of precipitation such as flash floods, hurricanes, wildfires , drought, excessive snow or desertification . See also How Do Farmers Contribute to Water Pollution? 4. Overpopulation The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable levels as it faces a shortage of resources like water, fuel and food. Population explosion in less developed and developing countries is straining the already scarce resources. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 8 / 37 Intensive agriculture practiced to produce food damages the environment through the use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides. Overpopulation is also one of the crucial current environmental problems. 5. Natural Resource Depletion Another crucial current environmental problem is the depletion of Natural resources . We, humans, use so many natural resources that it would need almost 1.5 Earths to cover all our 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 9 / 37 needs. This will further increase in the future due to massive industrialization in Asian countries like India and China. Increased use of natural resources leads to a number of other environmental issues, such as industrialization, population growth and air pollution. Over time, natural resource depletion will lead to an energy crisis. The chemicals emitted from many natural resources 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 10 / 37 contribute to climate change. Fossil fuel consumption results in the emission of greenhouse gases, which is primarily responsible for global warming and climate change. Globally, people are making efforts to shift to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas and geothermal energy. As such, the cost of installing the infrastructure and maintaining these sources has plummeted in recent years. 6. Generating Unsustainable Waste 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 11 / 37 The huge production of waste due to our hyperconsumption is a major threat to the environment. As per the study, the average person produces 4.3 pounds of waste per day , and the US alone accounting for 220 million tons a year. This hyperconsumption results in non-biodegradable trash in the form of plastic packaging, toxic e-waste, and harmful chemicals that leach into our waterways. When this waste ends up in landfills, it generates enormous amounts of methane, which ranks as one of the worst greenhouse gases because of its high potential for global warming. It creates severe explosion hazards. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 12 / 37 Since modern technology allows us to access digital environments, many things that you need can be fulfilled in the cloud. Consider your purchases carefully. 7. Waste Disposal The overconsumption of resources and the 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 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 13 / 37 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, therefore, one of the urgent current environmental problems. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 14 / 37 Source: Canva 8. Deforestation Our forests are natural sinks of carbon dioxide and produce fresh oxygen, as well as helps in regulating temperature and rainfall. At present, forests cover 30% of the land, but every 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 15 / 37 year tree cover is lost, amounting to the country of Panama due to the growing population demand for more food, shelter and cloth. Deforestation simply means clearing of green cover and make that land available for residential, industrial or commercial purposes. 9. Polar Ice Caps The issue of the melting of polar ice caps is a contentious one. Although NASA studies have shown that the amount of ice in Antarctica is increasing, however, this increase is only one- third of what is being lost in the Arctic. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 16 / 37 See also Medical Waste Disposal and Companies Involved in it There is enough evidence that shows sea levels are rising, and the melting of Arctic ice caps is a major contributor. Over time, the melting of polar ice caps could lead to extensive flooding, contamination of drinking water and major changes in ecosystems. 10. Loss of Biodiversity Human activity is leading to the extinction of species and habitats and loss of biodiversity. Ecosystems, which took millions of years to perfect, are in danger when any species population is decimating. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 17 / 37 Balance of natural processes like pollination is crucial to the survival of the ecosystem, and human activity threatens the same. Another example is the destruction of coral reefs in the various oceans, which support the rich marine life. 11. Climate Change Climate change is yet another environmental problem that has surfaced in the last couple of decades. It occurs due to the rise in global warming, which happens due to the increase in temperature of the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and the release of harmful gases by industries. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 18 / 37 Climate change has various harmful effects but not limited to the melting of polar ice, change in seasons, occurrence of new diseases, frequent occurrence of floods and change in overall weather scenario. 12. Ocean Acidification It is a direct impact of excessive production of CO2. 25% of total atmospheric CO2 is produced by humans. The ocean acidity has increased by the last 250 years, but by 2100, it may shoot up by 150%. The main impact is on shellfish and plankton in the same way as human osteoporosis. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 19 / 37 13. The Nitrogen Cycle We often ignore the effects of the use of nitrogen by humans. Nitrogen is a crucial component of all life. Problems occur when the nitrogen cycle is not balanced . A process through which it is converted or ‘fixed’ to a more usable form is called fixation. The fixation happens biologically and through lightning, or it can be done Industrially. People have learned to convert nitrogen gas to ammonia (NH3-) and fertilizers that are nitrogen-rich to supplement the amount of nitrogen fixed naturally. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 20 / 37 It is estimated that agriculture may be responsible for about 50% of the nitrogen fixation on earth through the cultivation of nitrogen-fixing crops and the production of human-made fertilizers. When nitrogen is used more than plant demand, it can leach from soils into waterways and contributes to eutrophication. Excess levels of nitrogen in water can hamper marine ecosystems, through overstimulation of plant and algae growth. This blocks the light from getting into deeper waters, thus damaging the rest of the marine population. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 21 / 37 The problem can also occur during nitrification and denitrification. Nitrous oxide (N2O) can be formed when the chemical process is not completed. N2O is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming . 14. Ozone Layer Depletion The ozone layer is an invisible layer of protection around the planet that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. The depletion of the crucial Ozone layer of the atmosphere is 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 22 / 37 attributed to pollution caused by Chlorine and Bromide found in Chloro-fluoro carbons (CFCs). Once these toxic gases reach the upper atmosphere, they create a hole in the ozone layer, the biggest of which is above the Antarctic. CFCs are banned in many industries and consumer products. The ozone layer is valuable because it prevents harmful UV radiation from reaching the earth. This is one of the most important current environmental problems. See also Causes, Effects and Solutions to Urban Sprawl (Migration of a Population) 15. Acid Rain Acid rain occurs due to the presence of certain pollutants in 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 23 / 37 the atmosphere. Acid rain can be caused due to combustion of fossil fuels or erupting volcanoes or rotting vegetation which releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. Acid rain is a known environmental problem that can have a serious effect on human health, wildlife and aquatic species. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 24 / 37 Source: Canva 16. Water Pollution Clean drinking water is becoming a rare commodity. Water is becoming an economic and political issue as the human population fights for this resource. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 25 / 37 One of the options suggested is using the process of desalinization. Industrial development is filling our rivers, seas and oceans with toxic pollutants, which are a major threat to human health . 17. Overfishing Overfishing affects natural ecosystems severely and leads to an imbalance of ocean life. Around 63% of global fish stocks are estimated to be overfished. Overfishing caused fishing fleets to migrate to new waters that would further deplete the fish stocks. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 26 / 37 Moreover, it has negative effects on coastal communities that rely on fishing to support their living. 18. Urban Sprawl Urban sprawl refers to the migration of population from high- density urban areas to low-density rural areas, which results in the spreading of the city over more and more rural land. Urban sprawl results in land degradation , increased traffic, environmental issues and health issues. The ever-growing demand for land displaces the natural environment consisting of flora and fauna, instead of being replaced. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 27 / 37 19. Public Health Issues The current environmental problems pose a lot of risk to the health of humans and animals. Dirty water is the biggest health risk in the world and poses a threat to the quality of life and public health. Runoff to rivers carries with it toxins, chemicals and disease- carrying organisms. Pollutants cause respiratory diseases like Asthma and cardiac-vascular problems. High temperatures encourage the spread of infectious diseases like Dengue. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 28 / 37 20. 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 the 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 plants can cause resultant organisms to become resistant to antibiotics. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 29 / 37 The need for change in our daily lives and the movements of our government is growing. Since so many different factors come into play, such as voting, governmental issues, the desire to stick to a 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 a fact 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. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 30 / 37 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 and your future generations to live. 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 31 / 37 About Rinkesh A true environmentalist by heart ❤ . Founded Conserve Energy Future with the sole motto of providing helpful information related to our rapidly depleting environment. Unless you strongly believe in Elon Musk‘s idea of making Mars as another habitable planet, do remember that there really is no 'Planet B' in this whole universe. Interesting Posts You May Like... How Many Amps Does My Garage Door Opener Use? (Explained) 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 32 / 37 How Many Amps Does a LED Light Bulb Draw? (Explained) How Many Amps Does an Electric Oven Use? (Explained) How Many Amps Does a Phone Charger Use? (Explained) 3 Ways To Power Your Home With Clean Energy 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 33 / 37 How Many Amps Does a TV Use? (Detailed Guide) Search … Recent Posts How Many Amps Does My Garage Door Opener Use? (Explained) How Many Amps Does a LED Light Bulb Draw? (Explained) How Many Amps Does an Electric Oven Use? (Explained) How Many Amps Does a Phone Charger Use? (Explained) 3 Ways To Power Your Home With Clean Energy How Many Amps Does a TV Use? (Detailed Guide) How Many Amps Does a Refrigerator Use? (Explained) How Many Amps Does a Water Heater Use? (Explained) How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use? (Explained) How Many Amps and Watts Does an Air Fryer Use? (Explained) 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 34 / 37 Top Rated Posts Trending Posts Effects of Smoking on the Environment Daily Habits That Kill the Environment Ways to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle Ways to Adopt a Zero Waste Lifestyle 15 Surprising Myths About Green Living Terrific Reasons For Living Off the Grid 15 Current Environmental Problems 11 Greenest Countries on Earth in 2020 How Open Defecation Affects Us What is an Ecosystem? What is Ecology? Causes and Effects of Deforestation Causes of Environmental Pollution 10 Current Environmental Issues Sources and Causes of Water Pollution Top 25 Environmental Concerns 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 35 / 37 Most Shared Posts © 2022 . Conserve Energy Future . All Rights Reserved Conserve Energy Future is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 51 Facts About Deforestation 25 Various Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Various Solar Energy Facts Causes and Effects of Overpopulation Is Global Warming Real? 24 Serious Effects of Global Warming Various Global Warming Facts Causes and Effects of Air Pollution Easy Ways To Stop Global Warming 30 Myths vs. Facts on Global Warming Ways to Go Environmentally Friendly About Advertise Privacy Policy Terms Contact 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 36 / 37 AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA PUBLISHER 21.12.22 22:25 Sayfa 37 / 37 Yüklə 0,58 Mb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
|
1 2