Environmental issues
Environmental issues are the detrimental consequences of human activity on the natural environment. They include global warming, pollution, overpopulation, deforestation, smog, climate change, ozone layer depletion, etc.
Global warming
Burning fossil fuels and emissions from vehicles and chlorofluorocarbons are added to the carbon dioxide that is in the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide has caused an increase in the temperatures of the Earth, which causes environmental changes. The global rise in temperature is referred to as global warming or global warming.
The process of global warming is caused by carbon dioxide, along with other air pollutants, gathering within the air and absorbing solar or sunlight radiation that bounces back the Earth’s surface. Usually, these radiations escape out in the universe; however, these air pollutants that could persist for hundreds of years in the atmosphere keep the heat trapped and affect the Earth to heat up. These heat-capturing pollutants—especially carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, methane, and synthetic fluorinated gases–are known as greenhouse gases, and their combined impact is called the greenhouse effect.
Pollution
There are four main types of pollution air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution.
Pollution of the air, water, and soil can take millions of years to recover. Industries and motor vehicle emissions are the most significant pollutant. Metals, nitrates, plastic, sulfur dioxides, carbon mono oxides, and lead are the main toxins that cause pollution.
Although oil spills or acid rain urban runoff leads to water pollution, air pollution can be caused by various gasses and toxins released by factories and industries, as well as the combustion of fossil fuels. Soil pollution is most commonly caused due to industrial waste that removes soil of essential nutrients.
Deforestation
It is the process by which there is the process of removing forests and of trees at a terrible rate. Trees provide us with oxygen and many materials in raw form. They keep the temperature of the Earth. The decline of trees used for commercial benefits has radically changed the Earth’s weather.
Agriculture is the primary source of deforestation. It is also one of the most significant environmental issues. The land is cleared to raise livestock or plant other crops, such as sugar cane and palm oil. In addition to carbon sequestration, forests also help in preventing soil destruction. This is because the roots of the trees anchor soil to stop erosion and cause landslides.
One of the effects of deforestation is the decrease in biodiversity. Deforestation can also increase carbon dioxide emissions. It also disturbs the water cycle, causes soil erosion, and reduces the natural beauty of an area.
Forests are the home of numerous wild creatures and plants. The destruction of forests has resulted in the loss of many animals and plant species that impact biodiversity.
Climate change
Climate change is an enormous problem in today’s world.
The issue has been surfacing over the past few years. Greenhouse gases are the primary reason for climate change. Environmental changes can have various destructive effects, such as melting glaciers, differences between seasons, outbreaks, and so on.
Overpopulation
The population of the Earth is growing dramatically, and it is estimated to be greater than 7 billion. The growing number of people has caused the depletion of resources. If this trend continues the way it is, it will be extremely difficult to sustain large numbers. Other environmental problems, such as pollution and deforestation, management of waste as well as global warming, and climate change, are all a result of overpopulation.
Ozone layer depletion
The Ozone layer, which is invisible to the naked eye, provides a layer of security surrounding the Earth that protects us from harmful sun ultraviolet rays.
Chemical substances that cause the depletion of the Earth’s protective ozone layer are called ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Examples include halogens, chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, hydrofluorocarbons, and many more.
The loss of the vital Ozone layer in our atmosphere is believed to be due to the pollutants caused by chlorine and Bromide, which are present in Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). When these harmful gases enter the upper air, they form an ozone hole layer, the largest above the Antarctic.
CFCs are banned from various industries and products for consumers. Ozone is beneficial as it blocks dangerous UV radiation from reaching Earth. It is among the major environmental issues.
Effects of ozone layer depletion
Effects of ozone depletion on human
If ozone depletion continues, humans will be exposed to harmful UV radiation from the sun due to the loss of the ozone layer. This Uv radiation can cause serious health problems for people, including skin conditions, cancer, cataracts, sunburns, rapid slowing of aging, and weakening of the immune system.
Effect on plants
The strong ultraviolet rays can lead to a lack of development, flowering, and photosynthesis among plants. Also, forests must endure the negative consequences of ultraviolet radiation.
Effect on animals
Along with other diseases, exposure to UV radiation can cause eye and skin cancer in animals.
