ENVIRONMENT
As the human population grows and we exploit more of the world’s resources, we inflict a lot of damage on our environment. We are doing this partly by destruction of natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands, and partly by pollution of the land, oceans, and atmosphere. Many plants and animals are endangered and entire ecosystems such as coral reefs and rainforests are under threat.
- LAND AND SEA POLLUTION
A lot of the things that we throw away end up scattered over the landscape, or dumped in the sea. Most plastic never rots down and is dangerous to wildlife. Raw sewage and other waste is also poisoning enclosed seas such as the Mediterranean.
- GLOBAL WARMING
The most serious threat to the environment is global warming. This is caused by pollution of the air by gases that absorb heat and warm up the atmosphere. This may lead to changes in rainfall patterns and rises in sea levels as polar ice caps melt.
- AIR POLLUTION
Smoke and gases released by industry, power plants, homes, and vehicles have caused visible air pollution, known as “smog”, in many cities. Badly polluted air can be dangerous to breathe, but the main threat from this kind of pollution is global warming.
- ACID RAIN
Smoke and fumes from industry and power plants combine with moisture in the air to form weak sulfuric and nitric acids. When this acid rain falls it can kill trees and turn lakes too acidic to support life. This is a serious problem in Canada, Russia, and China.
- DEFORESTATION
All over the world, vast areas of forest are being destroyed each year. Tropical forests in particular are being felled for timber, and to clear land for farming. This is wrecking some of the richest natural habitats on Earth, and is one of the main causes of climate change.
- LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY
As wild habitats are destroyed, plants and animals have fewer places to live. This makes survival harder for many species. As endangered species die out, it reduces the rich variety of life that is vital to the health of the planet.
- PROTECTING EARTH
Protecting the environment is not just the job of governments. We can all help by altering the way we live. By cycling to work instead of driving, these city workers are reducing the amount of pollution they produce.
Picture Credit : Google
