Reading 2-Top 17 Environmental Problems
Reading 2-Top 17 Environmental Problems
Reading 2-Top 17 Environmental Problems
At this point there is no denying the fact that our environment is changing.
Hundreds of studies have been conducted to demonstrate that this is
happening and it is having an effect on life around us.
However, many may be unaware of the specific issues that have led to
these changes. Terms like “climate change” and “genetic modification” are
commonplace, but without additional information it is difficult to see why
they actually matter.
To complicate the matter, many of these issues are linked to one another.
The key is that they are all important challenges that need to be
confronted.
Not only does this create explosion hazards, but methane also ranks as one
of the worst of the greenhouse gases because of its high global warming
potential.
This results in a number of issues, such as a lack of fresh water, habitat loss
for wild animals, overuse of natural resources, and even species extinction.
The latter is particularly damaging, as the planet is now losing 30,000
species per year.
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13. Deforestation
The demands of an increasing population have resulted in increasing levels
of deforestation. Current estimates state that the planet is losing 80,000
acres of tropical forests per day.
This results in loss of habitat for many species, placing many at risk and
leading to large-scale extinction. Furthermore, deforestation is estimated
to produce 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Satellite images produced by NASA have also shown how urban sprawl
contributes to forest fragmentation, which often leads to larger
deforestation.
11. Overfishing
It is estimated that 63% of global fish stocks are now considered
overfished. This has led to many fishing fleets heading to new waters,
which will only serve to deplete fish stocks further.
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clearly seen in aquatic ecosystems, where increasing acidity in the water
can lead to animal deaths.
It also causes various issues for trees. Though it doesn’t kill trees directly,
acid rain does weaken them by damaging leaves, poisoning the trees and
limiting their available nutrients.
8. Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is the term used to describe the continued lowering of
the pH levels of the Earth’s oceans as a result of carbon dioxide emissions.
It is estimated that ocean acidity will increase by 150% by 2100 if efforts
aren’t made to halt it.
This increase in acidification can have dire effect on calcifying species, such
as shellfish. This causes issues throughout the food chain and may lead to
reductions in aquatic life that would otherwise not be affected by
acidification.
7. Air Pollution
Air pollution is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem, particularly
in heavily-populated cities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
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found that 80% of people living in urban areas are exposed to air quality
levels deemed unfit by the organization.
It is also directly linked to other environmental issues, such as acid rain and
eutrophication. Animals and humans are also at risk of developing a
number of health problems due to air pollution.
6. Lowered Biodiversity
Continued human activities and expansion has led to lowered biodiversity.
A lack of biodiversity means that future generations will have to deal with
increasing vulnerability of plants to pests and fewer sources of fresh water.
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Increased resource use is linked to a number of other environmental
issues, such as air pollution and population growth. Over time, the
depletion of these resources will lead to an energy crisis, plus the chemicals
emitted by many natural resources are strong contributors to climate
change.
3. Transportation
An ever-growing population needs transportation, much of which is fueled
by the natural resources that emit greenhouse gases, such as petroleum.
In 2014, transportation accounted for 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
There is strong evidence to suggest that sea levels are rising, with the Arctic
ice caps melting being a major contributor. Over time, this could lead to
extensive flooding, contamination of drinking water and major changes in
ecosystems.
1. Climate Change
The majority of the issues previously listed contribute or are linked to
climate change. Statistics created by NASA state that global temperatures
have risen by 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880, which is directly linked to
a reduction in Arctic ice of 13.3% per decade.
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The effects of climate change are widespread, as it will cause issues with
deforestation, water supplies, oceans and ecosystems. Each of these have
widespread implications of their own, marking climate change as the major
environmental issue the planet faces today.
Climate change and the many factors that contribute to emissions could
lead to catastrophic issues in the future.
The good news is that many of these issues can be controlled. By making
adjustments, humanity can have a direct and positive impact on the
environment.