How Does Pollution Affect the Environment

Have you ever wondered how pollution affects the environment around us? The following write-up about pollution and its effects on the environment will provide you the details about the same.

The need to implement various measures to save planet Earth has become even more urgent as we continue to inch towards an obvious disaster that we have created for ourselves. Carbon dioxide concentration in the Earth's atmosphere has reached 386.3 parts per million (ppm) from 280 ppm in 1970s. Similarly, the concentration of greenhouse gases such as CFC-11 and CFC-12, which were not present in the atmosphere at all in 1970s, has reached an alarming 243 ppm and 537 ppm respectively today.

Environmental Pollution

In a broad sense, the term environmental pollution encompasses the pollution of various biological and physical components of the Earth, such as air, water, soil, etc. These components of the planet get polluted when certain contaminants are released into them as a result of various human activities. While the natural causes of pollution such as volcanic eruption and methane gas release do exist, they are relatively less severe as compared to their anthropogenic or human induced counterparts. The most common forms of pollution on this planet are:

Air pollution which is caused when various harmful gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons, etc. are released in the Earth's atmosphere as a result of burning of fossil fuels.
Water pollution which is caused when various harmful chemicals are introduced in various water sources on the planet as a result of human activities such as sewage water discharge, marine transportation, etc.
Soil pollution or land pollution which is caused when certain harmful chemical are introduced in the soil as a result of human activities such as agriculture.

Other than these, there also exist other types of pollution such as noise pollution, thermal pollution, radiation pollution, etc. Among these, radiation pollution is perhaps the most severe form of pollution - which can even cause the death of a person who comes in contact with these harmful radioactive substances. Each of these forms of pollution affect the environment adversely, and eventually trigger a series of domino effects on the Earth.

How Does Pollution Affect the Environment?

Air Pollution: This is by far one of the most widespread forms of pollution, and the effects of the same are also quite severe. When it comes to health hazards, the effects of air pollution include a wide range of diseases, right from viral infection to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks. Other than this, air pollution also has adverse effects on the environment in which we live. It has the tendency to trigger severe environmental issues such as global warming and acid rain. Wondering how does pollution affect global warming? As we mentioned earlier the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing rapidly, and this increase in their concentration is trapping the radiations of the Sun and causing the global temperatures to soar.

Water Pollution: Water is one of the necessities when it comes to existence of life on the planet, and therefore pollution of same is bound to impact the numerous species which are dependent on water directly or indirectly. As in case of air pollution, even the effects of water pollution on humans revolve around various health disorders. The pollutants which contaminate various water sources reach our body even if we don't come in contact with the polluted water directly. For instance, fish species get contaminated as a result of oil spills, and the same contaminants enter our body when we consume this fish.

Soil Pollution: Like water, even soil is one of the major components of the planet as it supports plant life. Plants are important for the existence of humans and other lifeforms because only they have the ability to prepare their own food by means of photosynthesis, while other lifeforms (including humans) depend on them for our energy requirements. As a result of this, understanding soil pollution causes and effects is of immense importance. Some of the major effects of soil pollution on the environment include decrease in soil fertility, disruption of food chain, toxic crop produce, etc.

Even though we talk about different types of pollution and effects of each of these different types, we need to understand that their causes and effects are related to each other directly or indirectly. It's high time we start taking environmental pollution seriously, and take the necessary measures to stop it or else all these hazardous effects of the same will contribute to end of life on this planet.

Plastic Pollution Solutions

If we open our eyes and look around in our surroundings, we are bound to find that plastic pollution statistics have assumed scary proportions. In this article, we will discuss with our readers about some steps regarding plastic pollution control.

Plastic pollution is a menace that has been given significant media attention in the last couple of decades. There have been several laws and amendments enacted by governments all across countries to curb pollution due to usage of plastic bags. Hundreds of environmentalists and NGOs have raised the issue globally. In the US alone, cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have been working tirelessly to achieve their goal of zero waste, a concept in which production, consumption and recycling of products is carried out, without throwing even a fraction of the plastic garbage. Given the potential hazards plastic pollution can cause to human, animal and marine life, total recycling of plastic bags or using other alternatives seems the only way out. Before we really run out of places to dump plastic wastes or oceans overflow with trillion tons of garbage, we must make efforts to finding efficient plastic pollution solutions.

How to Stop Plastic Pollution

The concept of zero waste seems to be a classic example of a utopian vision, that is likely to fail in its objectives. But just because an idea seems too far to become a reality, it must not deter us from trying our best. In the event of trying, even if we are able to eliminate 50% - 80% of plastic waste, it will be an astounding success. What are the solutions to plastic pollutions? Have a look.

Let us be Responsible
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi. Most of us have developed a unique habit of blaming our governments for everything that goes wrong in the environment. Why do we have to wait for governments to make laws and compel us to do the right things as citizens? We will wait for environment laws to be framed and only then we will quit the habit of saying NO to plastic bags in grocery stores! Quite ridiculous. As I have observed, our habit of shifting the responsibility to the government has made matters worse. Even if a few NGOs, environmental organizations and even the government try to work in tandem, we as citizens can be lazy or careless in assuming our true responsibility. Instead of waiting for the government to order us to conserve nature, each of us can make a huge difference, by just doing our bit for nature. You don't need a leader or a billion dollar environmental protection project to benefit nature. Just your little efforts are worth the results. Irrespective of the fact that you are a resident of Canada, Australia, USA, India, Japan or China, following some simple steps will help you become an environmentally aware citizen.

Carry your own personal bag in the market. If it is made of jute or paper, it is appreciated. Even if it is a plastic bag, you will at least not take another bag back to your home, in case you don't carry one in your pocket.
Keep few folded bags in your pocket, cars, and bikes while going out. If you buy something, make it a point to use the bags you are carrying with you. Bags don't occupy a large space, they can be easily folded and kept in minimum possible spaces.
Educate people to carry their own bags. Appreciate people if you watch them carrying their own bags. Don't feel hesitant to appreciate. Meeting with like-minded people and encouraging this habit will make it easier for you to spread the virtues of this seemingly small but extremely beneficial habit.
Read about tips to reduce plastic pollution at home, work and during journeys. The Internet is an awesome source to find quick ways to eliminate plastic waste.
If possible, give sometime to the communities in endeavors of environmental pollution control. Volunteer for NGOs, depending on your ability, education and flexibility.
Believe that only a combined effort of the government and its citizens can make a difference.

Corporates, Governments, and Industry: Call for a Change
Enacting environmental laws is not a cakewalk, as it appears to us. Recycling laws in the US haven't yet got any national level stature but at the state and local government levels, there are several laws that have been enacted. In NYC and Seattle, for instance, fines are imposed upon citizens who are found throwing away recyclable materials. On a national level, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors numerous issues related to waste management and works in close coordination with several state governments to manage the plastic wastes. Some of the best plastic pollution solutions can be reached by close association of mega corporates, technology companies, manufacturing industries and with the support of the government. Since plastic pollution is not an issue that can be controlled overnight, yearlong policies must be framed to achieve success. These policies further can't solely be decided by a government or any single corporate house. All the pillars of the industry especially the suppliers, manufacturers, packagers and the government have to work as one single unit. Only a holistic approach towards plastic pollution can work. International cooperation of several countries is also the key to reduce plastic pollution. For example, plastic used in the packaging of millions of goods that are exported to China from the US, every year, can be recycled for packaging purposes when China has to export goods to the US! This is exactly what has been happening in the last few years.

With innovation in waste management, the future of this world can be made brighter. Governments must allocate funds for research of the best technological methods to tackle plastic pollution. If we are really trying to change at an individual level and the government is cooperating with us, it can surely lead to a better world. You can contribute your simple methods, ideas and tips to curb plastic pollution by commenting below, in the comment column.

 

 

 

Light Pollution Facts

Light pollution is a consequence of overuse of lights in varied forms. It adversely affects the ecosystem functioning in many ways. For learning some interesting facts about light pollution, read this article...We all have a fair idea about the common types of environmental issues, like air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and noise pollution. However, light pollution may be a new term to many of us. But, the fact is, artificial light does affect the natural light levels in the same way as other man-made sources. Similar to other pollution types, it adversely affects mankind, other living forms and the environment as a whole.

Light Pollution Facts for Kids

The alternative names for light pollution are luminous pollution and photopollution. This problem stems from poorly designed light fixtures, which brighten all areas, instead of focusing on the desired ground area. In simple words, light pollution is resulted when artificial light sources illuminate certain areas, which do not require lighting.

What is Light Pollution?
It is an umbrella term for representing all forms of misused artificial light. In the broad sense, light pollution is defined as the unwanted change of natural light levels in the environment due to effects of man-made light sources. Based on the area affected, it is grouped under indoor and outdoor light pollution. Human activities are directly or indirectly responsible for this form of pollution.

Light Pollution Types
Even though this environmental issue is a new aspect, nearly all people are acquainted with light pollution types. You may notice it in the form of light trespass (light entering into someone's property), skyglow (glow effect at night in crowded cities), light clutter (groups of artificial lightings), over-illumination (use of light more than required) and glare (bright light that is uncomfortable for our eyes).

Light Pollution Sources
The obvious cause of light pollution is use of external lighting products inappropriately. It can be apartment light, office lighting, car headlights, decorative lights, billboards, security lights, station lights, streetlights and many more. With reference to these many contributing sources, it won't be wrong to say that photopollution is an outcome of industrial civilization.

Light Pollution Effects
Light pollution is detrimental to both plants and animals. Upon studies, it is found that deciduous plants that have been exposed to inappropriate outdoor lights fail to shed their foliage as they used to. In animals, obvious effects are observed in the behavior of nocturnal animals. Needless to mention, bright light at night

Light Pollution Effects on Health
Light pollution is directly or indirectly responsible for causing several diseases. Its effects are related to disturbance in the circadian rhythm. It contributes to impairment of the immune responses, reduced secretion of melatonin hormone and increased risks of developing cancerous cells. As per the American Medical Association, light pollution is nothing less than a threat to human health.

Cost of Light Pollution
You have already seen the negative effects of light pollution on plants, animals and human health. Apart from this, the actual cost of misused light is estimated to be millions of dollars every year. It also accounts to emission of greenhouse gases and global warming. After all, fossil fuels are used for producing maximum electricity in both developed and developing countries.

Solutions for Light Pollution
While outdoor lighting and using artificial light fixtures are part of our modern lifestyle, simple steps from our side will surely help in reducing light pollution. Say for example, while installing outdoor lighting, make sure that they are pointed downwards. Also, use only the required light fixtures for home and offices. Likewise, let's contribute our part in minimizing the waste.

There are many more interesting facts that you can learn about this environmental issue. The concluding point is, it affects the natural ecosystem in a number of ways. Believe it or not, many urban dwellers cannot view clear sky, stars and milky way at night. Also, it disturbs the work of astronomers greatly. A practical choice is to install the right lighting fixture at the right place.

makes it difficult for these animals to hunt, roam and perform their regular activities.

Amazing 2012 breeding season for Tahiti Monarch

The Critically Endangered Tahiti Monarch Pomarea nigra has enjoyed its most successful breeding season since Société d’Ornithologie de Polynésie (SOP-Manu; BirdLife Partner in French Polynesia) began an intensive programme of nest protection in 1998.
“Ten young fledged, representing a four-fold increase on previous years, and seven new territories were established”, said Caroline Blanvillain, SOP-Manu’s Chargée des oiseaux terrestres.
Tahiti Monarch is Critically Endangered according to BirdLife on behalf of the IUCN Red List, with only 44 mature individuals of this flycatcher known in 2011. The main threat is nest predation by Black Rat. Predation and disturbance by introduced bird species including Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis, Swamp Harrier Circus approximans and Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer are also adding to the pressures on the tiny global population.
The highly invasive plant pest Miconia calvescens, and goats and other introduced mammals have caused deep structural changes to Tahiti’s forests. By 1998, the monarch was known from only four valleys in western Tahiti, and may now be confined to three, with a total range of less than 28 km².
Up to and including the 2012 breeding season, SOP-Manu’s efforts had succeeded in stabilising the breeding population at five to 13 pairs. News of the 2012 breeding success has raised hopes that the population may increase and reoccupy former territories. If the improvement in fledging success is sustained, some birds will be moved to the island of Rimatara, which is currently free from rats, mynahs and other invasive species, and where suitable breeding habitat is available.
“Those ten new chicks raise a fantastic hope for the species’ survival”, added Caroline.
The success of the September 2012-March 2013 breeding season follows a progressive intensification of SOP-Manu conservation work. Since 2009:

1. The control of invasive predators has been greatly expanded from its focus on rats at the nest sites to include mynahs and bulbuls with increasing efficiency
2. Six pairs of monarchs which nest at the upper end of the Vallées Maruapo Important Bird Area , above a series of high waterfalls which make access very difficult, have been brought into the recovery programme.

“The control of introduced birds was considerably increased in 2012, and explains the sharp increase in breeding success last year”, added Caroline. “In addition, we have inventoried the monarch’s nesting habitat and are now restoring it”.

Invironment

There was a time when people thought of the environment, they thought of its beauty; but now as the natural beauty of the earth that disappears, many people around the world have awoken to the realities of just how fragile our earth actually is. Central to this issue is pollution, which involves the introduction of harmful substances into the air, land, and water. Although pollution has been occurring throughout the earth’s history, the rate by which the human species have contributed to the amount of pollution that has entered our environment over the past several hundred years far exceeds the earth’s inherent ability to heal itself.

Along with pollution, the mass deforestation of the world’s old growth forests has also posed a growing problem to the health of our environment. The clearance of forests without sufficient reforestation has gradually wore down nature’s natural defense against air pollution, desertification, and soil nutrient loss to the point that we are now facing a future world without trees, which would ultimately mean a world without people.

Experts and advocates of environment-centered reforms to policies, laws, and harmful corporate and social practices currently make up the global environmental [protection] movement, which seeks to consolidate individual efforts to improve upon the ways human beings interact with the planet.

The global issue of the Environment encompasses many diverse matters of interest some of which will be discussed throughout these Global Issues pages, which include: Animal Rights, Climate Change, Natural Disasters, Sustainable Development, Biodiversity, and Green Spaces.

To learn more about the Global Issues’ Guide-to-Action model used for this issue click here !


INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE

The Alberta tar sands are the largest oil reservoir of crude bitumen in the world, located in Northern Alberta, Canada, Treaty 8 area, beneath 4.3 million hectares of boreal forest. Bitumen is a semi-solid mixture of crude oil, sand, clay, and water; it is mined and processed in order to separate and extract the oil. About two tons of tar sands are required to produce one barrel of oil (Oil Shale & Tar Sands) and for every barrel of oil produced, 3-5 barrels of water is used in the separation process. At the end of the day, for every barrel of oil produced there is one barrel of un-recyclable water waste. Canada has a large-scale commercial tar-sands industry, with more than one million barrels of synthetic oil produced per day (Oil Shale & Tar Sands).

Continual expansion of open-pit mining and Tar sands contribute to negative environmental impacts, such as the destruction of the Boreal forest, muskeg, and wildlife, and high greenhouse gas emissions that increase global warming. Water-waste is drained into the Athabasca/McKenzie River, causing the connected waterways to become poisonous or to dry-up. Many First Nations in the Treaty 8 area are directly affected by the oil industry. There are high levels of bile and colon cancer, lupus and a variety of illnesses within each community attributed to polluted water reserves, air pollution, and contaminated natural food sources. An Indigenous environmental movement is bringing to light the continuous destruction to First Nations people and communities.

WATER PERSPECTIVE

Water is fundamental to life. We are made of water; we consume water; we depend on water. Crops grow because of water and oil is extracted with the help of water. Computers, cars, paper, pots, cosmetics and more are manufactured using water. There is no way to escape the fact that we are utterly, and ultimately, dependent on this resource.

For generations, we have been able to find clean, abundant sources of freshwater. With growing populations and increased agricultural and industrial demands, we are beginning to see this formerly bountiful resource becoming scarce. As source waters become polluted and weather patterns shift, communities are placed at the mercy of droughts, water diversion projects and political manoeuvring.

As citizens, we must work to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to clean, safe water. It is in our best interest to know what is in our water and how we can ensure that it is safe to drink and use. Metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and other wastes often find their way into our drinking water and can have serious health effects ranging from toxic poisoning to hormone disruption to cancers.

Where does your water come from? What does your water treatment plant test for? What are the drinking water regulations and guidelines in your area? Where do your wastes go? These are all pieces of your water puzzle and the more you know, the better off all of our water resources will be.

Massive Marine Protected Area announced in the Southern Indian Ocean

Using Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is a core strategy that national governments can employ for protecting the oceans and ensuring sustainable use within territorial waters. BirdLife South Africa applauds the Department of Environmental Affairs for their announcement that South Africa’s sub-Antarctic territory, the Prince Edward Islands, has had an enormous MPA declared. BirdLife congratulates both departmental officials, independent scientists and others who were involved in the work to define and declare this MPA. At around 18 million ha, it’s a gigantic protected area and one of the largest MPAs in the world.
“Many of the world’s most important areas for seabirds remain unprotected, so the news of the Prince Edward Island MPA is very welcome as it will safeguard one of the “crown jewels” for seabirds in the southern oceans. The MPA includes many of the critical feeding areas for the vast seabird colonies the island supports”, said Ben Lascelles, BirdLife’s Marine IBA Programme Officer.
“The site had been identified as a priority for seabird conservation in BirdLife’s new marine e-atlas. The e-Atlas has been designed to give governments the data they need to make these momentous decisions. Protection of the sites within the e-atlas will  help them to  achieve the target of protecting 10% of marine and coastal areas by 2020 that was agreed to through the Convention on Biological Diversity”

Explore the Marine e-Atlas

The islands are internationally renowned for their important seabird colonies, including holding nearly half of the global population of Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans, 13% of the world’s King Penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus, and one of the highest numbers of breeding seabird species (26) of any island in the world. BirdLife International lists the islands as an Important Bird Area in recognition of its irreplaceable biodiversity value. BirdLife is also working at identifying marine Important Bird Areas across the world’s oceans, and the new MPA overlaps with several proposed marine IBAs. The establishment of the multi-zoned MPA will afford protection for many of the breeding seabirds (and other marine life). For example, the establishment of a 12 nautical mile no-take zone around both islands will help to ensure that seabird species such as Gentoo Penguins Pygoscelis papua and the Crozet Island subspecies of Imperial Shag Phalacrocorax (atriceps) purpurascens, which feed exclusively within this area and which have suffered large decreases in recent times, will not face additional pressures from new activities in their feeding ranges.
Dr Ross Wanless, Seabird Division Manager at BirdLife South Africa, commented “This declaration represents the culmination of a lot of work by many dedicated scientists and conservationists over many years. Marine Protected Areas have great potential to protect seabirds and other marine biodiversity, and the scale and nature of the Prince Edward Islands MPA is impressive.”

Plans to Harness Chinese River’s Power Threaten a Region

From its crystalline beginnings as a rivulet seeping from a glacier on the Tibetan Himalayas to its broad, muddy amble through the jungles of Myanmar, the Nu River is one of Asia’s wildest waterways, its 1,700-mile course unimpeded as it rolls toward the Andaman Sea.

But the Nu’s days as one of the region’s last free-flowing rivers are dwindling. The Chinese government stunned environmentalists this year by reviving plans to build a series of hydropower dams on the upper reaches of the Nu, the heart of a Unesco World Heritage site in China’s southwest Yunnan Province that ranks among the world’s most ecologically diverse and fragile places.

Critics say the project will force the relocation of tens of thousands of ethnic minorities in the highlands of Yunnan and destroy the spawning grounds for a score of endangered fish species. Geologists warn that constructing the dams in a seismically active region could threaten those living downstream. Next month, Unesco is scheduled to discuss whether to include the area on its list of endangered places.

Among the biggest losers could be the millions of farmers and fishermen across the border in Myanmar and Thailand who depend on the Salween, as the river is called in Southeast Asia, for their sustenance. “We’re talking about a cascade of dams that will fundamentally alter the ecosystems and resources for downstream communities that depend on the river,” said Katy Yan, China program coordinator at International Rivers, an advocacy group.

Suspended in 2004 by Wen Jiabao, then the prime minister, and officially resuscitated shortly before his retirement in March, the project is increasing long-simmering regional tensions over Beijing’s plans to dam or divert a number of rivers that flow from China to other thirsty nations in its quest to bolster economic growth and reduce the country’s dependency on coal.

According to its latest energy plan, the government aims to begin construction on about three dozen hydroelectric projects across the country, which together will have more than twice the hydropower capacity of the United States.

So far China has been largely unresponsive to the concerns of its neighbors, among them India, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Russia and Vietnam. Since 1997, China has declined to sign a United Nations water-sharing treaty that would govern the 13 major transnational rivers on its territory. “To fight for every drop of water or die” is how China’s former water resources minister, Wang Shucheng, once described the nation’s water policy.

Here in Bingzhongluo, a peaceful backpacker magnet, those who treasure the fast-moving, jade-green beauty of the Nu say the four proposed dams in Yunnan and the one already under construction in Tibet would irrevocably alter what guidebooks refer to as the Grand Canyon of the East. A soaring, 370-mile-long gorge carpeted with thick forests, the area is home to roughly half of China’s animal species, many of them endangered, including the snow leopard, the black snub-nosed monkey and the red panda.

Clinging improbably to the alpine peaks are mist-shrouded villages whose residents are among the area’s dozen or so indigenous tribes, most with their own languages. “The project will be good for the local government, but it will be a disaster for the local residents,” said Wan Li, 42, who in 2003 left behind his big-city life as an accountant in the provincial capital, Kunming, to open a youth hostel here. “They will lose their culture, their traditions and their livelihood, and we will be left with a placid, lifeless reservoir.”

As one of two major rivers in China still unimpeded by dams, the Nu has a fiercely devoted following among environmentalists who have grown despondent over the destruction of many of China’s waterways. The Ministry of Water Resources released a survey in March saying that 23,000 rivers had disappeared entirely and many of the nation’s most storied rivers had become degraded by pollution. The mouth of the Yellow River is little more than an effluent-fouled trickle, and the once-mighty Yangtze has been tamed by the Three Gorges Dam, a $25 billion project that displaced 1.4 million people.

For many advocates, the Nu has become something of a last stand. “Why can’t China have just one river that isn’t destroyed by humans?” asked Wang Yongchen, a well-known environmentalist in Beijing who has visited the area a dozen times in recent years.

Opponents say it is no coincidence that the project was revived shortly before the retirement of Mr. Wen, a populist whose decision to halt construction was hailed as a landmark victory for the nation’s fledgling environmental movement. Although he did not kill the project, Mr. Wen, a trained geologist, vowed it would not proceed without an exhaustive environmental impact assessment.

No such assessment has been released. Given the government’s goal of generating 15 percent of the nation’s electricity from non-fossil fuel by 2020, few expect environmental concerns to slow the project, even if the original plan of 13 dams on the Nu has for now been scaled back to 5. “Building a dam is about managing conflicts between man and nature, but without a scientific understanding of this project, it can only lead to calamity,” said Yang Yong, a geologist and an environmentalist.