E N VI R ONME NTAL I SSUE S: UNDE R STA NDI NG C HA L L E NGE S

AND SOLUTIONS
Presenter name: Atiya
Grade: 9-B
INTRODUCTION

E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
Environmental Issues are disruptions in the usual
function of ecosystem. These issues can be caused
by humans or they can be natural. Environmental
issues encompass a range of challenges including,
pollution, climate change, deforestation, loss of
biodiversity, habitat destruction, and resource
depletion. 2
POLLUTION

E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
Pollution is a significant Environmental issue that has far reaching impacts on the Planet and human health.
Types of Pollution:
o Air Pollution
o Water Pollution
o Soil Pollution
o Noise Pollution
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Pollution can disrupt the ecosystem, destroy habitats necessary for the survival of many species, contribute
to climate change with greenhouse gas emissions, have severe health implications for humans, etc…
- According to World Health Organization (WHO), 9/10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, resulting
in 7 million premature deaths annually.
- The United Nations (UN) estimated that approx. 1.8 billion people drink contaminated water, leading to
waterborne diseases and other health issues.
- The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) warns that greenhouse gas emissions need to
be significantly reduced to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
C L I M AT E
CHANGE

E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by
human activities.
The main cause of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Activities such
as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil natural gas, etc), deforestation and industrial processes contribute to
the accumulation of GHGs.
Impacts of Climate Change include, Rising temperatures resulting in melting glaciers, Heat waves and
droughts, Sea-level rise, Coastal erosion and flooding, Loss of habitat, Hurricanes and cyclones,
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Wildfires, Changes in the pattern of precipitation.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that human activities have caused a
significant increase in GHG concentrations since pre-industrial era, leading to global temperature rise
of approx. 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This rise has resulted in observed changes
in weather patterns, sea-level rise, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather
events.
LOSS OF
BIODIVERSITY

E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
Loss of Biodiversity refers to the ongoing decline in the variety and abundance of plant and animal species
in different ecosystems.
Causes:
o Habitat destruction
o Pollution
o Overexploitation
Consequences: 5
o Increased Vulnerability to Climate Change
o Decline in Ecosystem service
o Loss of Cultural and Aesthetic values
The WWF reports that human activities have caused a significant decline in global biodiversity, with the
current rate of species extinction being estimated to be 1,000 times higher than the natural background
rate. One notable example is the decline the population of Bees, which is attributed to habitat loss,
pesticide use, and climate change. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers, and their decline poses
risks to food production and ecosystem health.
 RESOURCE

E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
DEPLETION
Resource Depletion refers to the exhaustion or reduction of natural resources, including non-renewable
resources such as fossil fuels and minerals, as well as renewable resources like forests and fresh water. Its
causes are overconsumption, unsustainable extraction, pollution and climate change.
Impacts of Resource Depletion –
o Environmental degradation, undermining the overall health and resilience of ecosystem.
o Socioeconomic consequences, including loss of livelihoods, economic instability, and increased social 6
inequalities.
o Energy crisis and climate change
One prominent example of resource depletion is the declining availability of freshwater. According to the
United Nations (UN), over 2 billion people worldwide face water scarcity due to factors like population
growth, pollution, and inefficient water management practices. This depletion affects agriculture,
sanitation, and access to clean drinking water, impacting human health exacerbating social and economic
disparities.
CALL TO ACTION

E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
Individuals can take practical steps in their daily lives to reduce their environmental footprints and contribute to a more
sustainable future. Here are some actions that can make a positive impact:
i. Reduce energy consumption by turning off lights or electronics when not in use, and using energy - efficient bulbs.
ii. Conserve water by fixing any leaks or dripping faucets, taking shorter showers and installing water - efficient
showerheads, and using a dish washer or washing machine with full loads.
iii. Minimize waste by recycling, composting organic waste, using reusable things, and avoiding single – use items.
iv. Choose sustainable transportation by using public transportation when possible, walking when covering short distances,
using fuel – efficient vehicles, and combining errands to reduce unnecessary trips. 7

It’s important to remember that individual actions, when combined with collective action, can have a significant positive
impact on the environment. Spread this message and encourage others to form communities and groups to work on a
larger scale to protect our planet. After all, this is our only home which can not be replaced by any other. Thank you for
your time to read this! I hope it encouraged you for a commitment to make a difference in the world.
 E NV I RO N M E N TA L I S S U E S
WHY?
It is crucial to address these Environmental issues.
i. Protection of ecosystem: these issues harm the
ecosystem when we should be protecting and
preserving them.
ii. Conservation of biodiversity: these issues threaten
biodiversity, which is important for the stability of the
Pollution Climate Change ecosystem, ensuring a balanced and diverse natural
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world
iii. Protection of health: these environmental issues can
have detrimental affects on human health.
iv. Socioeconomic benefits: addressing these issues can
bring about opportunities and benefits, stimulating
economic growth and reducing dependence on fossil
fuels.

Loss of Biodiversity Resource Depletion

SOMETHING ABOUT IT ”.
- Barack Obama 9