Environmental Challenges: Water Scarcity, Pollution, and Future Outlook
Demand for Air and Water
Erosion problems described above are further aggravating the growing global problem of water supply. Most field problems occur in semi-arid and coastal regions of the world. Expanding human populations require irrigation and industrial water, that is draining so much groundwater begins to enter them along saltwater coastal areas in the U.S., Israel, Syria, the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, and some areas of the countries bordering the Mediterranean (mainly Spain, Italy, and Greece). Some of the largest cities in the world are depleting their water supplies, and cities like New Delhi or Mexico City are pumping water from increasingly distant locations. In inland areas, porous rocks and sediments are compacted to lose water, causing problems for the progressive collapse of the surface. This phenomenon is already a serious problem in Texas, Florida, and California.
Earth Summit
In June 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Earth Summit, met for 12 days on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The summit developed and legitimized an agenda of measures related to environmental change, economic, and political inference. The purpose was to determine what environmental reform was necessary to undertake long-term, and begin its implementation and monitoring. Several conventions were held to discuss and approve environmental documents. The main topics covered in these conventions include climate change, biodiversity, forest protection, Agenda 21, and the Rio Declaration. The Earth Summit was a historic event of great significance.
Outlook
The outlook for the future, as environmental concerns are unclear. Despite the economic and political changes, interest and concern for the environment is still important. Air quality has improved, but problems of acid rain, chlorofluorocarbons, ozone loss, and massive air pollution in eastern Europe are still unresolved and require coordinated action. While acid rain does not decrease, loss of life continues in the northern lakes and streams, and forests may be affected. The growth of water pollution remains a problem as population growth continues to increase the pressure on the environment. The infiltration of toxic waste into underground aquifers and the intrusion of salt water into coastal freshwater aquifers has not stopped. The depletion of aquifers in many parts of the world and the growing demand for water will produce conflicts between the agricultural, industrial, and domestic use of it. The shortage will impose restrictions on water use and increase the cost of their consumption. Experts believe that, as populations grow older and their demands increase, the idea of continued growth should prompt a more rational use of the environment, but this can only be achieved with a dramatic change of attitude on the part of the human species.
Conclusion
The environment is the greatest work of our Lord, that’s why we care for and preserve it for the good of ourselves and all living beings that inhabit our planet. The destruction of the ozone layer, pollution of water, carbon dioxide, acidification, soil erosion, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and other causes of pollution such as oil spills are destroying our planet.