Human Impact on the Environment and Conservation Efforts
Human Influence on the Environment
Human activities (anthropogenic) have a twofold impact on the natural environment.
Provocative Environmental Problems
The main negative actions of humans on the environment are:
a) Air Pollution
Caused by primary pollutants discharged directly into the atmosphere or secondary pollutants generated by chemical and photochemical reactions. Important pollutants include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and chlorine.
Consequences of air pollution:
- Acid rain: Precipitation with higher acidity than normal, caused by sulfur and nitrogen emissions.
- Thinning of the ozone layer: Primarily due to chlorine in CFCs used in aerosols and refrigerants.
- Greenhouse effect: Caused by the emission of gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
- Dust and pollution bell: Formed over major cities in winter due to suspended particles.
- Noise: Considered a pollutant that deteriorates environmental quality.
b) Deforestation
Destruction of vegetation cover due to:
- Agriculture and livestock
- Urban expansion and industrial facilities
- Forest fires
c) Pollution, Desertification, and Soil Erosion
Soil contamination from industrial and municipal discharges, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Erosion is increased by steep slopes, heavy rainfall, and deforestation, leading to desertification.
d) Water Exploitation and Pollution
Increased water consumption for agriculture, urban, and industrial use. Pollution comes from rural, industrial, and urban sources, including untreated sewage and industrial discharges.
e) Municipal Solid Waste
Non-biodegradable waste leads to landfills, polluting soil and water, and altering the landscape.
Protecting Natural Areas
Increased awareness about environmental degradation has led to measures for protection, planning, and management.
Creation and Expansion of Protected Natural Areas
In Spain, protection began in the early 20th century. The 1975 law on Protected Areas was replaced by the Conservation Law of Natural Areas and Flora and Fauna in 1989, amended in 1997.
Types of protected sites:
- National parks: Areas of ecological significance.
- Natural parks: Smaller areas promoting rural tourism.
- Nature reserves: Protect ecosystems or biotic elements.
- Natural monuments: Unique formations.
- Protected landscapes: Areas preserved for aesthetic and cultural values.
Spanish Environmental Policy
Determined by the European Union’s environmental policy and the Ministry of Environment’s priorities.
Objectives:
- Preserve, protect, and improve environmental quality.
- Contribute to health protection.
- Ensure rational use of natural resources.
Actions to mitigate environmental damage:
a) Air Pollution
- EUROAIRNET for air quality assessment.
- Geneva International Agreement to reduce sulfur emissions.
- Montreal and Kyoto Protocols.
- Promoting public transport and energy saving.
- Noise pollution projects.
b) Deforestation
- Conservation of endangered species.
- Combating pests and forest fires.
- Reforestation through the Forest Plan.
c) Land Degradation
- National Recovery Plan for Contaminated Soil.
- Anti-erosion efforts in the Mediterranean.
d) Overfishing and Water Pollution
- Infrastructure planning for wastewater treatment.
- Monitoring and quality control of fresh water.
- Development of plans to address overuse and degradation.
- Comprehensive projects for erosion control and flood prevention.
- Beach recovery and prevention.
- Rational water use.
e) Municipal Waste
Reduce, recover, and recycle waste. Seal uncontrolled landfills and recover affected areas.
f) Public Awareness
- Eco-labeled products.
- Environmental audits.
- Promotion of environmental education.