Understanding Environmental Issues: Causes, Effects, Solutions
Environmental Issues: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
We must be conscious of environmental problems such as overpopulation, deforestation, endangered species, pollution, hunting, and overfishing, because they contribute to global warming.
Deforestation and Its Impact
For instance, deforestation leads to the destruction of rainforests, wiping out many animals and fish. Rainforests help control global warming because they absorb carbon dioxide. In recent years, large areas have been destroyed as trees are cut down for wood or burned to clear land for farming. Burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Many rainforests grow on poor soils, and when they are cut down or burned, the soil is washed away in tropical rains, potentially turning the area into a desert. Many plants and animals that live there could become extinct.
Pollution and the Greenhouse Effect
Factories and cars release large quantities of carbon dioxide and other gases into the air, a major cause of the greenhouse effect. Much petrol contains lead, which is very poisonous and can cause brain damage in children. Most cars now use unleaded petrol, and hybrid cars use batteries and petrol to reduce petrol consumption.
Some poisonous gases dissolve in water in the atmosphere and then fall to the earth as acid rain. Acid rain damages trees and buildings and can kill fish in lakes and rivers. Rivers can also be polluted by industrial waste from factories or chemical fertilizers and pesticides used by farmers.
Global Warming and Climate Change
Scientists say that the Earth’s temperature could rise by 3°C over the next 50 years, potentially causing droughts in some parts of the world and floods in others, as the ice at the North and South poles begins to melt and sea levels rise.
Global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect. Normally, heat from the sun warms the Earth and then escapes back into space.
However, carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere trap the sun’s heat, slowly making the Earth warmer.
The Ozone Layer and CFCs
The ozone layer is a layer of gas high above the Earth’s surface that helps protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can damage our skin and cause cancer.
Scientists have recently discovered holes in the ozone layer, caused by substances called CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons).
CFCs are used in refrigerators, aerosol cans, and in the manufacture of some plastic products. Some companies now make aerosols that do not contain CFCs, and these are often marked “Ozone Friendly.”
Solutions and Personal Actions
Cars use fossil fuels and cause significant pollution. One thing we can do is use less petrol for transportation by riding a bicycle. Hybrid cars emit less pollution, which is important because we have very poor air quality in cities.
We can take personal actions to protect the environment, for instance:
- Switch off the lights when we leave a room.
- Wear warm clothes in the winter.
- Ride a bicycle.
- Insulate our houses.
Nowadays, we are all becoming more and more concerned about the effect our lifestyle has on the environment.
- The thing that worries me most is global warming.
- The main problem in our cities is air pollution.
- The cleanest form of energy is wind power or solar technology.
- A bicycle is something everyone should use.
- Many rare species are in danger of extinction.
Our carbon footprint tells us how much land and water is needed to support the way we live. Global warming changes the world climate, and consequently, we have extreme weather conditions; for instance, ocean levels are rising.
Looking after the environment takes into account things like the food we buy, the amount of travelling we do, the amount of rubbish we throw away, and how much energy we consume.