Effects of Pollution in The Natural Environmental

The Largest Threats to the Natural Environment

The largest threats to the natural environment are the pollution caused by the extensive activities of factory farming and other key sources. Humans are responsible for maintaining this planet's sustainability by understanding their true responsibilities towards the natural environment and learning how to protect it. Caring for the natural environment is akin to the Gaia Hypothesis, which likens the Earth to a goddess of life, emphasizing the need for people to treat the planet with reverence as the goddess of life did many centuries ago (Thiele, 2013, p. 88).

Pollution and Its Impact on Florida

In the article "Fueled by Pollution and Unsound Policies, Toxic Algae Overtake Florida Beaches," published by Environmental and Health, it is highlighted how Florida has been severely affected by the red tide, exacerbated by pollutants (Dermansky, 2023). Julie Dermansky traveled across the state, researching and photographing the red tide in critical areas like Lake Okeechobee. The polluted water, carrying remnants of the red tide, is released into the east and west sections of rivers leading up to Fort Myers and Cape Coral, threatening local wildlife such as alligators, snapping turtles, and millions of fish.

Effects of Pollution in The Natural Environment

She interviewed several Floridians planning to vote for clean water initiatives to address these issues ("Fueled by Pollution and Unsound Policies"). During a lecture titled "Thinking Like a Planet: There is No Away," the speaker addressed the prevalent 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality. They urged a practical approach, encouraging people to view the world from a different perspective and to consider the long-term implications of their actions. The main point is that people are accustomed to discarding items without considering their impact, leading to landfill overflow and environmental degradation, which future generations will have to confront. A simple act, like throwing a piece of paper or trash out of a car window, can significantly affect the environment, harming wildlife and contributing to pollution.

The Evolution of Human Responsibility

Humans are evolving into tribal animals, with communities serving as the foundation of ethical life within society. One critical issue highlighted in the chapter is pollution and its detrimental effects on our planet and daily living. Every day, more water and food supplies in the natural world become polluted, triggering a deadly chain reaction globally. We face the consequences of eight different types of pollution: air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, light, thermal, and visual pollution. This section will focus on air and soil pollution, as they are particularly harmful over extended periods. An article I encountered stated that if the world fails to reduce the amount of chemicals released into the air, it could lead to an event known as acid rain (Smith, 2023). Acid rain is detrimental because it contaminates aqueducts holding drinking water for cities, causing numerous health-related problems, especially in large cities like New York that rely on water for gardens and food supplies.

The Challenges of Sustainable Food Production

As the population grows, so does the demand for food supply. Pollution makes achieving sustainable food production increasingly difficult when soil and ground are decimated by man-made chemicals, either discarded in landfills or carelessly dumped. Disposed of electrical items release hazardous chemicals, such as lead and mercury, which disrupt the natural soil balance and contaminate drinking water for humans and trees. Factory farms, which house livestock, significantly contribute to pollution, emitting nearly 400 different types of harmful gases, including nitrous oxide, methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide (Thiele, 2013, p. 85). Dr. Thiele noted that a single factory farm could produce thousands of pounds of slurry, leading to severe problems when combined with other atmospheric gases.

Global Pollution Issues: A Case Study of India

India, particularly the city of Kanpur, is one of the most polluted regions globally. Residents endure poor air quality due to indoor and outdoor pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies. The pollution is so severe that many people suffer from health issues, with 24% suffering from heart disease, 25% from stroke, 43% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 29% from lung cancer (World Health Organization, 2023). Illnesses range from minor conditions, like skin rash and eye irritation, to severe diseases such as cancer and kidney and liver damage. Animals also suffer from similar diseases, depending on the extent of soil pollution, which can even kill plants vital for medicine production and harm animals residing near or drinking from contaminated water sources.

Solutions for a Cleaner Future

There are various ways to ensure soil safety. One basic method is sending soil samples to local labs for chemical testing, ensuring it is safe for cultivation or children's play. The world can also reduce air pollution risks. Avoiding support for factory farms is one method, as they are significant contributors to water pollution through animal waste. This waste contaminates soil and water supplies and mixes harmful gases with natural air. Searching for farms with waste management systems, switching to electric cars, and disposing of electronic waste at specialized recycling facilities are steps individuals can take to mitigate pollution. Lastly, joining environmental and sustainability classes on campus can educate individuals about the dangers of pollution and how to reduce their impact.

Dermansky, J. (2023). Fueled by Pollution and Unsound Policies, Toxic Algae Overtake Florida Beaches. Environmental and Health.

Smith, J. (2023). The Impending Threat of Acid Rain. Environmental Journal.

Thiele, L. P. (2013). Environmental Ethics. Routledge.

World Health Organization. (2023). Air Pollution in Kanpur: Health Effects and Statistics.