The Impact of Pollution on The Environment

The environment plays a significant role in shaping the lives of individuals as well as the nature surrounding them. Unfortunately, human activities involving the use of natural resources and a lack of respect towards nature have resulted in several negative consequences. Among the most pressing issues faced by people today is pollution, which has adverse effects on vital elements necessary for human survival, including water, air, and soil. In order to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, it is important to closely examine the causes and effects of pollution.

Pollution can be attributed to various factors, with carbon dioxide emissions and the release of chemicals from the burning of fossil fuels being major contributors. These pollutants are primarily produced by industrial activities and are discharged into water bodies, soil, and the atmosphere. However, pollution is not solely caused by large manufacturing facilities, but also by individual actions. This includes emissions from cars, excessive energy consumption, and the generation of non-degradable waste that takes centuries to decompose.

The first area of the environment affected by pollution is the atmosphere. Air pollution is characterized by the accumulation of harmful gases and particles in unsafe quantities. Poor air quality has been linked to various health issues, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 91 percent of the global population resided in areas with unsatisfactory air quality in 2016. This demonstrates that air pollution is not only limited to urban areas, but is a global problem that impacts people worldwide.

Water pollution is another crucial problem caused by human activities. Wastewater and the discharge of fertilizers into water bodies have contaminated water sources, making them unsafe for human consumption. In addition to rendering water undrinkable, pollution also harms aquatic organisms and plants. Moreover, the contamination can transfer to crops, posing a threat to food safety. The United Nations World Water Development Report revealed that over 80 percent of wastewater is released into the environment without proper treatment. Consequently, not only are major water bodies heavily polluted, but the effects of pollution also extend to the soil.

Soil pollution occurs when toxic chemicals accumulate in large quantities. Industrial waste discharged into the ground, contaminated water interacting with soil, and excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers can all contribute to this issue. As a result, plants and crops grown in polluted soil become harmful for human consumption, leading to various health problems.

Pollution is a global phenomenon that poses significant damage to the planet and endangers the well-being of humans and other living organisms. While it manifests in various forms, its impact is consistently detrimental. It is imperative that solutions to this problem are sought after, and this requires collective efforts from government bodies, communities, and individuals. Only through awareness and proactive measures can people protect their health and create a better future for generations to come.

References

1. Ambient (outdoor) air pollution. (2018). Retrieved from [insert URL]
2. The United Nations world water development report 2017. (2017). Retrieved from [insert URL]