Environment

Teacher : Manuela Seabra

Student : Tânia Cunha
Aesthetics course
 The most important environmental problems or threats
Our environment is constantly changing. There is no denying that fact. However, as our environment changes, so does the need to
become increasingly aware of the problems that surround it. With a massive influx of natural disasters, warming and cooling
periods, different types of weather patterns and much more, people need to be aware of what types of environmental problems our
planet is facing.
Global warming has become an undisputed fact about our current livelihoods; our planet is warming up and we are definitely part
of the problem. However, this isn’t the only environmental problem that we should be concerned about. All across the world,
people are facing a wealth of new and challenging environmental problems every day. Some of them are small and only affect a
few ecosystems, but others are drastically changing the landscape of what we already know.

“Environmental issues are defined as problems with the planet’s systems (air, water, soil, etc.)
that have developed as a result of human interference or mistreatment of the planet.”
Our planet is poised on the brink of a severe environmental crisis. Current environmental
problems make us vulnerable to disasters and tragedies, now and in the future.
We are in a state of planetary emergency, with environmental problems piling up high around
us. Unless we address the various issues prudently and seriously, we are surely doomed for
disaster. Current environmental problems also require urgent attention.
Major Current Environmental Problems

1. Pollution
There are 7 key types of pollution – air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, light and thermal and these are primary causes that
affect our environment in many ways. All these types of pollution are interlinked and influence each other. Therefore we need
to tackle all of them together.
Pollution of air, water and soil requires millions of years to recoup. Industry and motor vehicle exhaust are the number one
pollutants. Heavy metals, nitrates and plastic are toxins responsible for pollution.
While water pollution is caused by oil spill, acid rain, urban runoff, air pollution is caused by various gases and toxins released
by industries and factories and combustion of fossil fuels; soil pollution is majorly caused by industrial waste that deprives soil
from essential nutrients.

2. Soil Degradation
Globally, food security depends on the factor whether or not soils are in good condition to produce crops. According to UN
estimates, about 12 million hectares of farmland a year get seriously degraded.
Soils get damaged due to many reasons. Such reasons include erosion, overgrazing, overexposure to pollutants, monoculture
planting, soil compaction, land-use conversion and many more.
Nowadays, a wide range of techniques of soil conservation and restoration exist, from no-till agriculture to crop rotation to
water-retention through terrace-building.
3. Global Warming
Climate changes like global warming are the result of human practices like the emission of greenhouse gases. Global warming
leads to rising temperatures of the oceans and the earth’ surface causing natural disasters that include flooding, melting of
polar ice caps, rise in sea levels and also unnatural patterns of precipitation such as flash floods, hurricanes, wildfires, drought,
excessive snow or desertification.

4. Overpopulation
The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable levels as it faces a shortage of resources like water, fuel and food.
Population explosion in less developed and developing countries is straining the already scarce resources.
Intensive agriculture practiced to produce food damages the environment through the use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and
insecticides. Overpopulation is also one of the crucial current environmental problems.

5. Natural Resource Depletion

Another crucial current environmental problem is the depletion of Natural resources. We, humans, use so many natural resources
that it would need almost 1.5 Earths to cover all our needs.
This will further increase in the future due to massive industrialization in Asian countries like India and China. Increased use of
natural resources leads to a number of other environmental issues, such as industrialization, population growth and air pollution.
Over time, natural resource depletion will lead to an energy crisis. The chemicals emitted from many natural resources
contribute to climate change. Fossil fuel consumption results in the emission of greenhouse gases, which is primarily responsible
for global warming and climate change.
Globally, people are making efforts to shift to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas and geothermal energy. As
such, the cost of installing the infrastructure and maintaining these sources has plummeted in recent years.
6. Generating Unsustainable Waste
The huge production of waste due to our hyperconsumption is a major threat to the environment. As per the study, the average
person produces 4.3 pounds of waste per day, and the US alone accounting for 220 million tons a year.
This hyperconsumption results in non-biodegradable trash in the form of plastic packaging, toxic e-waste, and harmful
chemicals that leach into our waterways.
When this waste ends up in landfills, it generates enormous amounts of methane, which ranks as one of the worst greenhouse
gases because of its high potential for global warming. It creates severe explosion hazards.
Since modern technology allows us to access digital environments, many things that you need can be fulfilled in the cloud.
Consider your purchases carefully.

7. Waste Disposal
The overconsumption of resources and the creation of plastics are creating a global crisis of waste disposal. Developed
countries are notorious for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the oceans and less
developed countries.
Nuclear waste disposal has tremendous health hazards associated with it. Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic
wastes threaten the well being of humans. Waste disposal is, therefore, one of the urgent current environmental problems.

8. Deforestation
Our forests are natural sinks of carbon dioxide and produce fresh oxygen, as well as helps in regulating temperature and
rainfall. At present, forests cover 30% of the land, but every year tree cover is lost, amounting to the country of Panama due to
the growing population demand for more food, shelter and cloth. Deforestation simply means clearing of green cover and make
that land available for residential, industrial or commercial purposes.
9. Polar Ice Caps
The issue of the melting of polar ice caps is a contentious one. Although NASA studies have shown that the amount of ice in
Antarctica is increasing, however, this increase is only one-third of what is being lost in the Arctic.
There is enough evidence that shows sea levels are rising, and the melting of Arctic ice caps is a major contributor. Over time,
the melting of polar ice caps could lead to extensive flooding, contamination of drinking water and major changes in
ecosystems.

10. Loss of Biodiversity

Human activity is leading to the extinction of species and habitats and loss of biodiversity. Ecosystems, which took millions of
years to perfect, are in danger when any species population is decimating.
Balance of natural processes like pollination is crucial to the survival of the ecosystem, and human activity threatens the same.
Another example is the destruction of coral reefs in the various oceans, which support the rich marine life.

11. Climate Change

Climate change is yet another environmental problem that has surfaced in the last couple of decades. It occurs due to the rise in
global warming, which happens due to the increase in temperature of the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and the release of
harmful gases by industries.
Climate change has various harmful effects but not limited to the melting of polar ice, change in seasons, occurrence of new
diseases, frequent occurrence of floods and change in overall weather scenario.
12. Ocean Acidification
It is a direct impact of excessive production of CO2. 25% of total atmospheric CO2 is produced by humans. The ocean acidity
has increased by the last 250 years, but by 2100, it may shoot up by 150%. The main impact is on shellfish and plankton in the
same way as human osteoporosis.

13. The Nitrogen Cycle

We often ignore the effects of the use of nitrogen by humans. Nitrogen is a crucial component of all life. Problems occur when
the nitrogen cycle is not balanced.
A process through which it is converted or ‘fixed’ to a more usable form is called fixation. The fixation happens biologically and
through lightning, or it can be done Industrially. People have learned to convert nitrogen gas to ammonia (NH3-) and fertilizers
that are nitrogen-rich to supplement the amount of nitrogen fixed naturally.
It is estimated that agriculture may be responsible for about 50% of the nitrogen fixation on earth through the cultivation of
nitrogen-fixing crops and the production of human-made fertilizers. When nitrogen is used more than plant demand, it can leach
from soils into waterways and contributes to eutrophication.
Excess levels of nitrogen in water can hamper marine ecosystems, through overstimulation of plant and algae growth. This
blocks the light from getting into deeper waters, thus damaging the rest of the marine population.
The problem can also occur during nitrification and denitrification. Nitrous oxide (N2O) can be formed when the chemical
process is not completed. N2O is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
14. Ozone Layer Depletion
The ozone layer is an invisible layer of protection around the planet that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. The depletion of
the crucial Ozone layer of the atmosphere is attributed to pollution caused by Chlorine and Bromide found in Chloro-fluoro
carbons (CFCs). Once these toxic gases reach the upper atmosphere, they create a hole in the ozone layer, the biggest of which is
above the Antarctic.
CFCs are banned in many industries and consumer products. The ozone layer is valuable because it prevents harmful UV
radiation from reaching the earth. This is one of the most important current environmental problems.

15. Acid Rain

Acid rain occurs due to the presence of certain pollutants in the atmosphere. Acid rain can be caused due to combustion of fossil
fuels or erupting volcanoes or rotting vegetation which releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere.
Acid rain is a known environmental problem that can have a serious effect on human health, wildlife and aquatic species.

16. Water Pollution

Clean drinking water is becoming a rare commodity. Water is becoming an economic and political
issue as the human population fights for this resource.
One of the options suggested is using the process of desalinization. Industrial development is filling
our rivers, seas and oceans with toxic pollutants, which are a major threat to human health.
17. Overfishing
Overfishing affects natural ecosystems severely and leads to an imbalance of ocean life. Around 63% of global fish stocks are
estimated to be overfished. Overfishing caused fishing fleets to migrate to new waters that would further deplete the fish stocks.
Moreover, it has negative effects on coastal communities that rely on fishing to support their living.

18. Urban Sprawl

Urban sprawl refers to the migration of population from high-density urban areas to low-density rural areas, which results in the
spreading of the city over more and more rural land.
Urban sprawl results in land degradation, increased traffic, environmental issues and health issues. The ever-growing demand for
land displaces the natural environment consisting of flora and fauna, instead of being replaced.

19. Public Health Issues

The current environmental problems pose a lot of risk to the health of humans and animals. Dirty water is the biggest health risk in
the world and poses a threat to the quality of life and public health.
Runoff to rivers carries with it toxins, chemicals and disease-carrying organisms. Pollutants cause respiratory diseases like Asthma
and cardiac-vascular problems. High temperatures encourage the spread of infectious diseases like Dengue.
20. Genetic Engineering
Genetic modification of food using biotechnology is called genetic engineering. Genetic modification of food results in increased
toxins and diseases as genes from an allergic plant can transfer to the target plant. Genetically modified crops can cause serious
environmental problems as an engineered gene may prove toxic to wildlife.
Another drawback is that increased use of toxins to make insect resistant plants can cause resultant organisms to become resistant
to antibiotics.
The need for change in our daily lives and the movements of our government is growing. Since so many different factors come
into play, such as voting, governmental issues, the desire to stick to a routine, many people don’t consider that what they do will
affect future generations.
If humans continue moving forward in such a harmful way towards the future, then there will be no future to consider. Although
it’s a fact that we cannot physically stop our ozone layer from thinning (and scientists are still having trouble figuring out what is
causing it exactly), there are still so many things we can do to try and put a dent in what we already know.
By raising awareness in your local community and within your families about these issues, you can help contribute to a more
environmentally conscious and friendly place for you and your future generations to live.
 Endangered species
What is an "Endangered Species"?
An endangered species is an animal or plant that's considered at risk of extinction. A species can be listed as endangered at the
state, federal, and international level. On the federal level, the endangered species list is managed under the Endangered Species
Act.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted by Congress in 1973. Under the ESA, the federal government has the
responsibility to protect endangered species (species that are likely to become extinct throughout all or a large portion of their
range), threatened species (species that are likely to become endangered in the near future ), and critical habitat (areas vital to
the survival of endangered or threatened species).

The Endangered Species Act has lists of protected plant and animal species both nationally and worldwide. When a species is
given ESA protection, it is said to be a "listed" species. Many additional species are evaluated for possible protection under the
ESA, and they are called “candidate” species.
Why We Protect Them
The Endangered Species Act is very important because it saves our native fish, plants, and other wildlife from going
extinct. Once gone, they're gone forever, and there's no going back. Losing even a single species can have disastrous
impacts on the rest of the ecosystem, because the effects will be felt throughout the food chain. From providing cures to
deadly diseases to maintaining natural ecosystems and improving overall quality of life, the benefits of preserving
threatened and endangered species are invaluable.
How a Species Gets Listed
When the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service is investigating the health of a species,
they look at scientific data collected by local, state, and national scientists. In order to be listed as a candidate, a species
has to qualify for protected status under the Endangered Species Act. Whether or not a species is listed as endangered or
threatened then depends on a number of factors, including the urgency and whether adequate protections exist through
other means.
When deciding whether a species should be added to the Endangered Species List, the following criteria are evaluated:
•Has a large percentage of the species' vital habitat been degraded or destroyed?
•Has the species been over-consumed by commercial, recreational, scientific or educational uses?
•Is the species threatened by disease or predation?
•Do current regulations or legislation inadequately protect the species?
•Are there other man-made factors threatening the long-term survival of the species?
If the answer to one or more of the above questions is yes, then the species can be listed under the Endangered Species
Act.
If the answer to one or more of the above questions is yes, then the species can be listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Species Protections
Once a species becomes listed as "threatened" or "endangered," it receives special protections by the federal government. Animals
are protected from “take” and being traded or sold. A listed plant is protected if on federal property or if federal actions are
involved, such as the issuing of a federal permit on private land.
The term "take" is used in the Endangered Species Act to include "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill trap, capture, or
collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct." The law also protects against interfering in vital breeding and behavioral
activities or degrading critical habitat.

The primary goal of the Endangered Species Act is to make

species' populations healthy and vital so they can be delisted
from the Endangered Species Act. Under the Endangered
Species Act, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service oversees the
listing and protection of all terrestrial animals and plants as well
as freshwater fish. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service
oversees marine fish and wildlife. The two organizations
actively invest time and resources to help bring endangered or
threatened species back from the brink of extinction.
 Javan rhinos Gharials
Vaquita Sea turtles

Gorillas Asian elephants Giant Panda

These are the World’s Top 10

endangered species.

The Saola Lemurs

The Siberian Tiger
Nonprofit organizations

There are so many organisations out there that are taking action to protect our environment. Most of these are not-for-profit
organizations, and require our support to keep going. Here are some of the most famous, international organisations championing
positive change to our planet.

WWF
The WWF, short for the World Wide Fund for Nature, is the world’s leading independent conservation organization, aiming to
sustain a world where people and nature can thrive together. The organization is active in various fields, such as ocean
management, protecting endangered animals, making food sustainable and protecting our rivers, lakes and freshwater. By joining
WWF as a member, you can help to contribute towards the protection of animals, places and people, as well as tackle
environmental issues like climate change and the destruction of natural resources. You can make a donation of any amount to the
organization, or you can become a member, with membership starting at £5 per month. As a member, you will receive three copies
of Action Magazine throughout the year, a panda pin badge to show your support, and a Members’ Pack with news and activities
for all the family. Another way to get involved is by adopting an animal, for as little as £3 per month. This is a great idea for a
present for someone who would like to make a difference to the world in a positive way. Animals up for adoption include snow
leopards, dolphins, elephants, tigers, pandas and polar bears.
Link: https://support.wwf.org.uk
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth is one of the biggest environmental networks globally, with over 70 national member groups and over 5000
local activist groups. It was set up almost 50 years ago, and some of its focus areas include climate change, environmental
justice, fair trade, land, food and water, forests, the banning of GMOs and conserving the environment. You can donate to the
organization, or you can buy products from their shop. Alternatively, you can volunteer for their causes. An example of these is
‘The Bee Cause,’ a campaign to help ban bee-harming pesticides to save the bees on our planet. You can donate to the cause,
which also enables you to take part in a more proactive way, as every person who donates gets a Bee Saver Kit, which includes
everything you need to fight for this cause: A bee guide to help you find out how you can save bees where you live; wildflower
seeds, to help grow bee food; a Bee ID guide to help you identify the species of bees around you; and a garden planner that tells
you what kinds of flowers bees like.
Link: https://www.foe.co.uk

National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is world-renowned for their stunning images, videos, TV specials and magazine, and is one of
the oldest organisations in its field, as it started up in 1888. Their actions mainly focus on protecting oceans, forests, species and
societies, and donations contribute to research, education and exploration projects around the world. You can make monthly
donations, on-off donations, or if you want to be extra generous, you can join the Grosvenor Council, which is made up of people
who contribute an annual gift of $1000 or more to the Society. Different levels of membership have different perks, with some of
the top levels including things like National Geographic expeditions and experiences, and curated tours of National Geographic
Museum exhibitions.
Link: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/about
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is an international, non-governmental environmental organization that aims to protect nature and promote peace
across the globe, by exposing challenges and coming up with solutions to help our environment. Some of the areas where it is
most active are: Combatting climate change; Protecting our oceans; Protecting our forests; Saving the Arctic; Working for peace
and disarmament; and Eliminating toxic chemicals from our daily lives. Some of its most recent campaigns include campaigns to
challenge nuclear power and to promote sustainable agriculture. You can donate any amount to Greenpeace, or you can join as a
Member. You can join your local Greenpeace volunteer group, where you can take part in local campaigns, organise fundraisers
and raise awareness through events and social media. One of Greenpeace’s current campaigns is trying to get Coca Cola to stop
choking our oceans by getting them to take responsibility for their plastic and stop it from entering the oceans as waste.
Link: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk

https://www.guyhowto.com/?s=endangered+animals
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/
Understanding-Conservation/Endangered-Species

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/15-current-
environmental-problems.php

https://thebluegreenjourney.com/get-involved/