Environmental Issues: Problems in Our Environment, Their Causes and Effects

Environmental issues can be defined as the harmful effects of human activities on the earth’s environment. Environmental issues include many types of human activities which cause pollution, waste disposal, climate change, global warming, greenhouse effect, etc.

In order to tackle these issues, there are various types of environmental protection programs, which are being practised at the individual, organisational and government levels. The aim of these programmes has been to establish a balance between man and the environment.

Our Environment

There are different types and causes of Environmental Pollution and the current environmental issues that are causing catastrophic changes to require urgent attention. Some of the major environmental issues which are also the global environmental issues are as follows:

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the biggest concerns in today’s scenario of environmental issues. Climate change has escalated over the last few decades with the advent of the destruction of the natural habitat, global warming, overpopulation and pollution. Greenhouse gases which increase the earth’s temperature are the major cause of climate change. Environmental changes cause destructive impacts like the melting of glaciers, changes in seasons, epidemics, etc.

Climate Change

Global Warming

Global Warming is caused by the increased temperature of the earth’s environment due to the burning of fossil fuels, emissions from automobiles and chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in environmental changes and also has impacted the environment adversely. This increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere across the globe is known as global warming.

Global Warming

Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer is a layer which protects the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The ozone layer is an extremely important layer for the earth. However, over time, it is being destroyed by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which are used in industries and everyday life (e.g. aerosol cans).

The chlorine present in these compounds destroys the ozone layer. There is the formation of a hole in the ozone layer and this hole leaves humans and wildlife exposed to the harmful UV rays resulting in several skin diseases including cancer.

Ozone Layer

Water Pollution

Water pollution is caused by the introduction of harmful substances into rivers, oceans, lakes and ponds. These lead to changes in the physical, chemical or biological condition of the water, resulting in water pollution. The water which has been polluted lacks oxygen and therefore the organisms living in that particular water body die.

It is our prime duty to prevent water from any kind of pollution as it is the main source of life.

Water Pollution

Air Pollution

Air Pollution is a type of pollution that is caused as a result of emissions from industries, automobiles, and the increasing use of fossil fuels by human beings. The gaseous emissions result in an increase in the temperature of the earth. Air pollution causes various health problems. It has also increased the risk of diseases among individuals and made the environment too difficult to live in.

Air Pollution

Deforestation

Deforestation is another major reason for environmental issues, which is caused by the depletion of trees and forests at an alarming rate. Trees are very important for us because they provide us with oxygen, and several raw materials and also maintain the temperature of the earth. However, due to the depletion of trees and forests by human beings for commercial purposes, there has been a drastic change in the earth’s climate.

We can conclude that the destruction of forests has led to the elimination of a large number of plants and animal species affecting biodiversity.

Deforestation

Overpopulation

Overpopulation is the major cause of the destruction of Earth's environment. The earth’s population is increasing drastically and the increasing population has led to a shortage of resources. If overpopulation continues, it will be very difficult to sustain for the next generation. Overpopulation has affected an increase in pollution, waste management, deforestation, climate change and global warming.

Overpopulation

Solved Questions

1. How can we control environmental pollution?

Ans: The methods to control environmental pollution are as follows:

• The use of paper should be avoided.

• Replace disposal items with reusable items.

• Conserve water and electricity.

• Support environmental friendly practices.

• Recycle the waste to conserve natural resources.

2. What are the main problems in our environment?

Ans: The major problems in our current environment include climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and resource depletion.

Fun Facts

Do you know? Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who is known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action for climate change mitigation. She is a very famous child environmental activist and she persuaded her parents to adopt lifestyle choices that reduced their own carbon footprint.

Child Environment Activist

Summary

Environmental issues are the various issues which are related to causing harmful effects on our earth’s atmosphere and climate. Environmental justice is a social movement to address; unfair exposure to our natural resource extraction, hazardous waste, and other damaging land use. Environmental issues have resulted in climate change and extreme pollution destroying flora and fauna. If it continues it is possible that various natural resources, species and even human beings may go extinct.

Learning By Doing

• Can you think of different methods which can decrease pollution?

• According to you, what are the different ways we can apply in our day to day life to limit climate change?

• Do you think Climate Change is real?

• How can you increase awareness of Climate Change?