How Polluted is the
Environment?
Environmental pollution is defined as the
contamination of the earth/atmosphere system's
physical and biological components to the point
where normal environmental processes are harmed.
Pollutants can come from the environment, such as
volcanic ash. They can also be caused by human
activities, such as garbage or factory waste.
Pollutants impact negatively on the quality of the air, water, and land. Garbage
and sewage are produced by industries and households, which can damage the
land and water.
Human activities and their effects on
the environment
Human activity is a major cause of air pollution, especially in large cities. Human
air pollution is caused by things such as factories, power plants, cars, airplanes,
chemicals, fumes from spray cans, and methane gas from landfills. One of the
ways that humans cause the most air pollution is by burning fossil fuels. Some of
these’re detailed below:
1. Deforestation
Deforestation is the planned, natural, or unintentional clearing, damaging, or
otherwise removing of trees. It can happen in any region with a lot of trees and
other plant life, but it's occurring a lot right now in the Amazon rainforest. One of
the most serious concerns in worldwide
land usage is deforestation.
Climate change, desertification, soil
erosion, less crops, floods, higher
greenhouse gas levels in the
atmosphere, and a slew of other issues
for indigenous peoples can all result
from the loss of trees and other plants.
Deforestation happens for a variety of
causes, including farming, with substantial cow ranching accounting for 80
percent of deforestation, and logging for materials and development. It's been
going on for thousands of years, maybe since man moved from old ages to
agricultural society, which need larger, clear land tracts to support animals,
,crops, and dwellings. It wasn't until the beginning of the modern age that it
became a pandemic.
Effects of deforestation on the environment
The loss of animal and plant species due to habitat loss is one of the most
harmful and distressing outcomes of deforestation. Forests are home to
70% of all terrestrial animals and plant species. Deforestation endangers
not just recognised species, but also undiscovered species.
There is less water in the air to return to the soil in deforested regions. As
a result, the earth becomes drier, making it impossible to cultivate crops.
In addition to causing habitat loss, a lack of trees allows for a larger
release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Forests that are healthy
absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and operate as excellent carbon sinks.
Deforested regions lose this capacity, releasing more carbon into the
atmosphere.
Soil erosion and coastal flooding are further consequences of
deforestation. Trees aid in the retention of water and topsoil, as well as
the provision of rich nutrients to support new forest life. The earth erodes
and washes away without woods.
2. Agriculture for food production
Agricultural production refers to the growth
of any grass or crop linked to the land's
surface. Food, fibre, lumber, and greenery
are all produced through agriculture. Natural
resources, industrial raw materials, and
energy sources would all be included in a
more comprehensive definition. To improve
food security and nutrition, agricultural
development is essential. Its responsibilities
include expanding food production and
variety, fostering economic development, and serving as the principal source of
income for many of the world's poorest people.
Effects of agriculture on the environment
Climate change, eutrophication, acid rain, and biodiversity loss are all
increased by food production.
Modern agriculture has been related to the extinction of species,
contamination of the land and water, and poor animal care.
In many nations, agriculture is the primary cause of pollution.
Pesticides, fertilisers, and other hazardous agriculture chemicals have the
potential to pollute fresh water, marine habitats, air, and soil. They can
also last for generations in the environment.
Modern agriculture also contributes to greenhouse gas emission.
3. Transportation of food and for travel
, Food miles: The distance travelled by food from
the moment it is produced until it reaches the
consumer is measured in food miles. Food miles
are one component considered when assessing
food's environmental impact, such as its carbon
footprint.
We import 95% of our fruit from other
countries.
We import half of our veggies.
Foodstuffs account for 30% of all items carried by vehicle in the UK.
Even though just 1% of food is delivered by air, it accounts for 11% of
carbon emissions.
Every second, an area of rainforest the size of 10 football fields is
destroyed, part of it to make place for exporting food crops.
Effects of Food miles on the environment
As a rule, the shorter the food miles, the less distance the product has
travelled, and the better the option is for the environment and your
health.
Increased greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, are a result
of food miles.
Global warming.
Droughts are becoming more common in regions like Africa.
Natural disasters that are more severe.
Transportation contributes to air pollution by producing nitrous oxides and
particles. All these harmful air pollutants are linked to many severe
diseases.
4. Use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides
Fertilizer is a natural or synthetic material that contains chemical ingredients
that help plants grow and produce more. Fertilizers may improve the soil's
inherent fertility or replenish the chemical
ingredients removed by previous crops. Quick
Facts Related Articles. nitrate of ammonium.
Pesticides are used to eliminate pests by either
killing or poisoning their target. In order to
eliminate these pests, various types of
pesticides are used. One of them is herbicide
Herbicides are used to kill or impede the
development of undesired plants such as weeds and invasive species in
residential and agricultural areas. Chemical herbicides provide several
advantages over mechanical weed control, including simplicity of application,
which can save money on labour.
Effects of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides on the
environment:
