Module 02

Global Environmental Concerns

Global Environmental Concerns: It covers global environmental concerns like global warming, acid rain,
ozone depletion and hazardous Wastes etc. It focuses on the impacts of endangered life-species and loss of
Biodiversity. It highlights on industrial or man-made disasters and atomic or biomedical hazards etc.

2.1 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Environmental protection has unquestionably evolved into a shared understanding and development planning
by all nations in the globe. It is the assurance of sustainable human progress as well as the basis and support
of human existence. Currently, humanity is attempting to enter the historical process of the post-industrial
civilization and is working to achieve a later stage of growth that is more in balance with the environment. In
order to achieve mutual gains, sustainable global growth, and the creation of an Earth homeland for peaceful
coexistence of humanity and the environment, all nations must fulfill their individual responsibilities and
obligations in the administration of the environment. Some of the most serious environmental problems India
is currently dealing with include air pollution, inadequate waste management, increasing water scarcity,
declining groundwater tats water pollution, forest preservation and quality, biodiversity loss, and land and soil
degradation. The fact that environmental degradation impacts everyone on a worldwide basis, regardless of
country, area, or race, is one of its most significant features. The fact that everyone on earth is a stakeholder
raises questions about who should do what to stop environmental degradation. One of the greatest
environmental issues that humanity will face in the incoming ten years is climate change, but it is not the only
one.

The global environment is crucial for both a healthy lifestyle and from an economic perspective. The both
conditions for overall economic development are in a well-maintained global environment. It should be
highlighted that any illness or incapacity caused by a dirty environment hinders and slows down economic
growth. People all around the world, especially those in developing nations, rely heavily on the natural
environment for their health and way of life. The basic essentials of existence, such as water, food, and air, are
provided by a healthy environment. Additionally, it provides the means to combat natural disasters and
resources for economic development. Every person, animal, and country on this world is impacted by
environmental issues like global warming, acid rain, air pollution, urban sprawl, waste management, ozone
layer depletion, water pollution and climate change.
2.2 GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is the gradual warming of the Earth's surface that has been seen since the pre-industrial period
(between 1850 and 1900) and is attributed to human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which
raises the levels of heat trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This phrase should not be used in place
of "climate change”. Climate change includes global warming, which is the gradual increase in earth's
temperature. It is brought on by an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, primarily as
a consequence of human activities like farming the burning of fossil fuels. Environmental changes brought on
by global warming may have a negative impact on human health. Additionally, it can result in an increase in
sea level, which poses a threat to biodiversity change in precipitation patterns, an increase in the likelihood of
droughts and floods, and the loss of costal. Since it influences what to expect from the climate. In the future,
global warming is significant. The likelihood snow and hail will reach the surface can be calculated using
latitude. You may also determine the thermal effect from the sun that a location can get.

The ecosystems will put to the test by changing climate conditions and sharp rises in carbon dioxide,
endangering supplies of clean water, fresh air, fuel and energy sources, food, medicine, and other resources
we rely on not just for our way of life but also for our existence. Future implications of global climate change
could include increase in the frequency of wildfires, longer droughts in some areas, and longer and stronger
tropical storms. In addition to other advantages, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate
change can also improve public and individual health due to more active lives, cleaner air, and better water
and soil quality. Impacts of global warming are rise in global temperature, rise in sea level, glacier and ice
sheet melting, and stronger heat waves. According to scientists, greenhouse gases produced by humans will
continue to raise the global temperature. The effects of the severe weather will also worsen and increase.

2.2.1 Causes of Global Warming

When carbon dioxide (C02) and other air pollutants build-up in the atmosphere, they absorb sunlight and solar
rays that have already reflected off the surface of the earth. Normally, this radiation would escape into space,
but because these pollutants may linger in the atmosphere for many years or even decades, they trap the heat
and make the planet hotter. The greenhouse effect is the result of these heat-trapping pollutants, notably carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour, and synthetic fluorinated gases, which are referred to as
greenhouse gases.

Although the earth's climate has changed several times over the past 800,000 years due to natural cycles and
fluctuations, our current era of global warming is solely attributable to human activity, specifically the burning
of fossil fuels like coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas, which creates the greenhouse effect. Transportation
accounts for 29 % of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, with power generation (28 %) and industrial activity
coming in second and third, respectively (22 %).
Solar activity: modifications in the amount of solar energy that reaches Earth can potentially cause global
warming. Changes in solar activity and modifications to Earth's orbit around the sun are two examples of these
changes. The amount of sunlight that reaches Earth's surface can change depending on changes in the sun.
Warming can occur during periods of stronger solar intensity or cooling can occur during periods of less solar
intensity depending on how intense the sun is. A low solar phase from 1645 to 1715 may have contributed to
the well-documented period of colder temperatures between the 17th and 19th centuries, which has been
referred to as the Little Ice Age. Additionally, modifications to the Earth's orbit around the sun have been
connected to previous ice age and glacial expansion cycles.

Earth's reflectivity: Depending on conditions in the atmosphere and on the surface of Earth, sunlight that
reaches the planet is either reflected or absorbed. Darker objects and surfaces, like the ocean or soil, tend to
absorb more sunlight, whereas light-colored features and places, like snowfall and clouds, tend to reflect the
majority of the sun's rays. Small fluid droplets or airborne particles known as aerosols have an impact on the
Earth's reflectivity as well. Aerosols with light colours that reflect sunlight such as volcanic ash or sulphur
dioxide from burning coal, have a cooling impact. Soot is one of those things that absorbs sunlight and warms
the environment. By releasing particles into the high atmosphere that generally reflect sunlight back to space,
volcanoes have also had an impact on reflectivity. Desertification, reforestation, and deforestation are all.

To stop hazardous climate change, emissions must be drastically reduced, and fossil fuel alternatives must be
used globally. The good news is that nations all around the world have publicly committed to reducing their
emissions by setting new criteria and creating new policies to meet or even surpass those targets as part of the
2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

According to scientists, we need to reduce global carbon emissions by as much as 40 % by 2030 if we want
to escape the worst effects of climate change. In order for that to happen, the international community needs
to take swift, decisive action: decarbonize electricity production by equitably switching from Production based
on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind and solar to electrify vehicles, as well as to increase
energy efficiency in companies, buildings, and appliances.

A number of factors are triggered by the initial warming brought on by rising carbon dioxide: more water
vapour, a potent greenhouse gas; permafrost thawing and decomposition, which releases more methane
and carbon dioxide; loss of sea ice and snow, which reduces the amount of sunlight the Earth reflects an
additional ocean carbon dioxide outgassing. These feedback loops work together to raise the warming to a
factor of two or more compared to what would otherwise occur if carbon dioxide levels increased only.

2.2.2 Impacts of Global Warming

Every year, scientists discover more information about the effects of global warming, and every year were
accumulate more proof of the catastrophic harm it causes to both people and the environment communities
suffer, and the number of fatalities rises, as the heat waves, droughts, and floods brought to by climate change
grow more regular and severe. Scientists predict that if we don't cut back on over emissions, climate change
might kill more than 250,000 people annually and push 100 million people -poverty by 2030.

The single greatest hazard to human health is climate change. Air pollution, sickness, harsh weather forced
relocation, stress on mental health, increasing hunger and inadequate nutrition in areas were people cannot
grow or get enough food are only a few of the health effects of climate change.

Increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increasing sea levels, weather-related nature disasters,
increased drought, and reduced food security are all effects of climate change.

Weather patterns are shifting as a result of warming temperatures, which is also upsetting the nature order.
This puts both ourselves and all other kinds of life on Earth in grave danger.

Rainfall changes in response to temperature changes. Storms become more intense and frequent as a result.
They cost billions of dollars and devastate homes and communities by causing flooding and landslides.

Increasing ice melt in Greenland, Antarctica, and the Arctic; changing flower or plant blooming periods; rising
sea levels; retreating mountain glaciers.

2.3 ACID RAIN

Any type of precipitation that contains acidic elements, such as sulphuric or nitric acid that falls to the ground
from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms is referred to as acid rain, also known as acid deposition. Rain, snow,
fog, hail, and even acidic dust might fall under this category. Acid rain, also known as acid precipitation or
acid deposition, is a type of precipitation that has a pH of 5.2 or lower and is predominantly caused by the
combustion of fossil fuels, which releases sulphur dioxide (S02) and nitrogen oxides (NOx; the mixture of
NO and NO). Acid deposition can impair biodiversity and lower the pH of surface waters in acid-sensitive
areas. There are several different types of acid rain, including moist deposition (rain, snow, sleet, hail, and
fog), as well as acid particles aerosols, and gases (dry deposition). Acid deposition is created when sulphur
dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and atmospheric moisture react to make sulphuric acid and nitric acid,
respectively. Because of the atmosphere absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2), which results in the production
of carbonic acid, and the organic acid produced by biological activity, normal rainfall has a modest acidity. In
addition, depending on the emission linked to certain volcanoes, volcanic activity can result in the production
of hydrochloric acid (HCI), nitric acid -1 sulphuric acid (H2SO4).

Burning coal and petroleum products releases sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which when combined with
moisture in the air and rains result in the production of sulphuric acid and nitric acid, respectively, and falls
on the ground as acid rain. The release of sulphur and nitrogen particles into the atmosphere can be caused by
both man-made and natural processes. Examples of human's activities include industrial emissions, garbage
burning the production of paper, and the burning of fossil fuels like coal and diesel.
Examples of natural causes include sulphur created during volcanic eruptions or nitrogen ions released into
the atmosphere during a lightning strike. A chemical reaction that occurs in the presence of lightning produces
nitric oxide. Following this oxygen-nitrogen interaction, nitrogen dioxide is produced.

2.3.1 Sources/Causes of Acid Rain

Acid Rain results from a chemical reaction that begins when chemicals like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
oxide are released into the atmosphere. These molecules can go very high into the atmosphere, where they
interact with oxygen, water, and other chemicals to make acid rain, another type of acidic pollution. Sulphur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere through microbiological activities,
earthquakes, natural fires, lightning, and volcanic eruptions.

Sulphur dioxide and a large portion of nitrogen oxides are released by power plants when they burn fossil
fuels like coal to create electricity. Additionally, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are released into the
atmosphere by vehicles such as buses, trucks, and cars. These toxins are the root of acid rain.

Sulphur and nitrogen oxides are released into the environment by burning fossil fuels, manufacturing, oil
refineries, electricity production, and automobiles.

The main causes of acid rain are human activities that result in chemical gas emissions, particularly those of
sulphur and nitrogen. The main sources of sulphur and nitrogen gas emissions are factories, power plants, and
automobiles. The largest source of gaseous emissions that cause acid rain is the use of coal for electrical
power generation.

Everyday high levels of gaseous emissions are also released into the air by companies and automobiles,
especially in heavily industrialised areas and cities with heavy automotive traffic. These regions consequently
endure abnormally high levels of acid rain.

The burning of fuel in buses, lorries, vehicles, and aeroplanes is a significant source of NOx and SO2
emissions. These vehicles regularly emit high concentrations of sulphur and nitrogen gases into the
environment, mainly in heavily industrialised regions and densely populated urban areas. As a result, these
locations frequently get heavy acid showers.
Fig. 2.1: Acid Rain

2.2.3 Effects of Acid Rain

Nearly everything is impacted by acid rain. The precipitation has the power to change things like plants, soil,
trees, structures, and even sculptures. Trees have been discovered to be severely harmed by acid ram. It inhibits
growth and weakens them by washing away the protective coating on the leaves.

In regions where acid rain has occurred, dead or dying trees are frequently seen. Aluminium is removed from
the soil by acid rain. Both plants and animals may be harmed by that aluminium. The minerals and nutrients
that trees require to develop are also taken out of the soil by acid rain.

Numerous harmful impacts of acid rain on human health. The most noticeable symptoms are offensive smells,
reduced sight and irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Some of the direct effects include cancer,
emphysema of the lungs, and chronic bronchitis.

The detrimental effects on human health are a result of elevated concentrations of dangerous heavy metals as
manganese, copper, cadmium, and aluminium. Higher altitude acid rain produces a thick acidic fog that hangs
low in the sky and reduces visibility.

In addition to its negative effects on air quality, acid rain also significantly affects the ecosystem balance.
Acidic rain causes lost harvests because it can injure trees and crops when it rains directly on them. Due to an
imbalance in the amounts of resources available, the fishing sector suffers.

Structures constructed by humans are likewise impacted by acid deposition. The most noticeable impacts are
seen on gravestones and monuments made of marble and limestone, which are frequently used construction.
In the presence of water, sulphur dioxide, a precursor to acid rain, can directly react with limestone to create
gypsum, which eventually flakes off or is dissolved by water. In addition, marble and limestone can be directly
dissolved by acid rain.

2.4 OZONE DEPLETION

The breakdown of ozone in the stratosphere, where it protects the earth from damaging ultraviolet radiation is
known as ozone depletion. Chemical processes that utilise hydrogen, nitrogen, chlorine, and bromine oxides
as catalysts lead to its demise. The atmosphere of the Earth is made up of various layers. The troposphere, the
planet's lowest layer, rises from the surface of the planet to a height of around 10 km. In the troposphere,
almost all human activity take place. The world's tallest mountain, Mt. Everest, is just 9 km high. The
stratosphere, the following layer, extends from 10 km to approximately 50 km. The lower stratosphere is where
the majority of commercial aircraft operate. About 15 to 30 km above the surface of the Earth, a layer of the
stratosphere contain; the majority of the atmosphere's ozone. Three oxygen atoms are present in the molecule
of ozone. Ozone molecules are constantly being created and destroyed in the stratosphere at any given time.
Throughout the decades that it has been measured, the overall amount has been largely steady. A portion of
the sun's radiation are absorbed by the ozone layer in the stratosphere, keeping it from reaching the planet's
surface. Most significantly, it absorbs UVB radiation, which is a type of UV light. Numerous negative
consequences, including skin cancer, cataracts, damage to some crops, and harm to marine life have all been
connected to UVB.

Fig. 2.2 Ozone depletion

Hazardous waste management is the collecting, handling, and disposal of waste that, if handled carelessly, can
seriously harm the environment or human health and safety. Hazardous wastes are typically produced by
chemical production, manufacturing, and other industrial activities. They can be solids, liquids, sludges, or
enclosed gases. Inadequate operations for storage, transportation, treatment, or disposal could result in
damage. Improper handling, storage, or disposal of hazardous material frequently causes harmful water
pollution by contaminating groundwater and surface water supplies. It can also cause hazardous land
contamination. Homes built next to outdated and abandoned garbage disposal facilities may put residents at
risk. Governments strictly control the process of managing hazardous wastes in an effort to address current
issues and avert future harm.

On the basis of their biological, chemical, and physical characteristics, hazardous wastes are categorised.
These characteristics produce substances that are radioactive, poisonous, flammable, reactive, corrosive, or
contagious.

Even in very minute or trace quantities, toxic wastes are poisonous. They may have immediate consequences,
like death or violent disease, or they may have long-term consequences, like gradually doing irreparable
damage. Some cause cancer after years of exposure because they are carcinogenic. Some of them are
mutagenic and have a significant biological impact on the progeny of exposed humans and wildlife.

Chemically unstable reactive wastes react aggressively with air or water. They either start fires or release
poisonous vapours. Ignitable wastes can start a fire right away since they burn at a low temperature. Strongly
acidic or alkaline wastes are corrosive wastes. They instantly cause a chemical reaction that renders living
tissue and solid objects useless.

Ionizing energy is released by radioactive waste, which can be harmful to living things. The management of
these wastes is a major concern since some radioactive materials can linger in the environment for tens of
thousands of years before totally degrading. However, local municipal authority is not accountable for the
handling or disposal of radioactive material. The management of radioactive waste, particularly nuclear fission
waste, is typically seen as an engineering effort distinct from other forms of hazardous-waste management
and is covered in the article nuclear reactor due to the size and complexity of the issue. Ionizing energy is
released by radioactive waste, which can be harmful to living things. The management of these wastes is a
major concern since some radioactive materials can linger in the environment for tens of thousands of years
before totally degrading. However, local municipal authority is not accountable for the handling or disposal
of radioactive material. The management of radioactive waste, particularly nuclear fission waste, is typically
seen as an engineering effort distinct from other forms of hazardous-waste management and is covered in the
article nuclear reactor due to the size and complexity of the issue.
2.5.1 Causes of Hazardous Waste

These poisonous chemicals are primarily caused by hazardous compounds produced by industrial and
technological advancements. Events like the Industrial Revolution, which took place in the 1700’s and 1800's,
made the situation considerably worse.

Nuclear technology has been one of the major advancements in recent decades. Around the world, interest in
various nuclear applications has grown. As a result, the consequences of radioactive elements emitted into the
environment of the Earth have increased. The biological systems on Earth have been greatly impacted by this.
Hazardous wastes are typically produced by chemical production, manufacturing, and other industrial
activities. They can be solids, liquids, sludges, or enclosed gases. Inadequate operations for storage,
transportation, treatment, or disposal could result in damage.

Generally speaking, waste is produced in accordance with the continuation of life and is proportionally linked
to human activities including agriculture, industry, residential, institutional, municipal, commercial, mining,
and recreation. This problem is seriously escalating and could cause problems in the neighbourhood. This
study's main emphasis is on hazardous and radioactive wastes along with the many methods created for their
management.

The main causes of the build-up of hazardous compounds are the fast-paced industrial trend and high-tech
advancement. Recently, nuclear applications have advanced quickly, and several nuclear power facilities have
begun operations around the globe. Nuclear accidents, which pose major issues to biological systems, have
increased awareness of the possible effects of discharged radioactive pollutants on the environment.

Hazardous wastes are wastes that may contain dangerous materials and are produced from medical, industrial
and some forms of domestic garbage. These wastes could be explosive, flammable, caustic, or react with other
substances. Certain hazardous wastes are extremely dangerous to the environment, which includes people,
animals, and plants.

In many but not all instances, using radioactivity resulted in the production of radioactive waste. When
compared to other waste categories, the management of radioactive waste has been treated differently by
scientific society. The term "radioactive waste" refers to materials that have radionuclides present or that have
radionuclides present in concentrations or activities above regulatory agencies' predetermined "clearing
levels”. In many, but not all, instances, the usage of radioactivity resulted in radioactive waste. The
management of radioactive waste has been tackled by scientific society in a different way than the
management of other waste types. The material that contains radionuclides or is contaminated with them at
concentrations or levels that are higher than those set by regulatory authorities is referred to as radioactive
waste.

As a result, it became crucial to handle the rapidly expanding volumes of these wastes. Poor waste
management resulted in environmental degradation of the water, land, and atmosphere as well as a significant
negative influence on human health. The direct health effects of improper waste management are widely
established and are readily apparent in underdeveloped nations. By effectively enhancing waste management
systems, the environment and human health are protected from the harmful impacts of hazardous and
radioactive wastes.

2.6 ENDANGERED LIFE-SPECIES

An organism that faces extinction is referred to as an endangered species. The two main factors that causes' a
species to become endangered are habitat loss and genetic diversity loss. Natural occurrences may result in
habitat loss. For instance, dinosaurs had their home removed some 65 million years ago. Higher extinction
rates are mostly caused by habitat loss. Other contributing factors include habitat changes, excessive wildlife
hunting for profit, the introduction of noxious non-native species, pollution, and disease transmission. The
main reason fan higher extinction rates are habitat loss. The introduction of hazardous non-native species,
pollution, disease transmission, habitat changes, overkill animal shooting for profit, and disease transmission
are further contributing causes. The preservation of endangered species is crucial because:

Plant and animal species are the cornerstones of healthy ecosystems. When a species is put in risk of extinction,
it means that the ecosystem is deteriorating. Every species that perishes contributes to the extinction of other
species in its environment. Healthy ecosystems are necessary for humans to maintain a clean environment.

Some species are nearing the end of their time on Earth. Poaching, habitat degradation, and the consequent of
climate change are some of the issues that make humans the biggest threat to the survival of endangered
species. Continue reading to discover some of the lovely animals that most require our assistance, protection,
and conservation.

Sea turtles are the next species on our endangered species list. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species, there are two sea turtle species that are severely endangered: Kemp's Ridley and Hawksbill turtles.
Although the population is declining and numerous subpopulations are in danger of going extinct, leatherback
sea turtles are still considered to be vulnerable. Sea turtles are among those most at risk from hunting, when
people steal their eggs, shells, meat, and skin. Along with climate change, they are also at danger from
pollution, bycatch and lost habitat. Eggs that develop as females in warmer sand temperatures decide the sex
of the hatchlings. This implies that population sex ratios could be skewed by even slight temperature
variations. Additionally, when sea levels rise, breeding beaches can vanish beneath the waves.

Gorillas are amazing animals that have 98.3 percent of our DNA in common. Did you know that they can
laugh? They are capable of experiencing emotions just like humans do, and they occasionally act just like us.
The Eastern and Western gorillas’ are separate species, and each has two subspecies. On the IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species, three of the four are classified as Critically Endangered. The Mountain Gorilla, a
subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, which is regarded as Endangered, is the only one that isn't. There are only
about 150 to 180 adult Cross River Goriilas living in the wild as of the time of writing (June 2020). Their
decline is mostly brought on poaching, habitat loss, disease, and human conflict, like that of many other
endangered species.

The North Atlantic right whale's name was given by whalers. They are gentle giants that frequent coastal areas
and frequently feed on zooplankton at the surface, making them an easy target and the "perfect whale to hunt."
One of the largest whales in danger of extinction, they were nearly exterminated by hunters who sought for
their meat and the oil-rich fat known as blubber. Only around 400 of them remain now, and only about 100 of
them are breeding females. Although hunting is prohibited and they are now protected, population growth is
modest. Females wait ten years before reproducing, after which they will have one calf every six to eight
years. Boat collisions and entrapment in fishing gear are two of the main hazards to their continued existence.
Additionally, the noise from ship traffic binders their capacity to communicate. Whales communicate with
one another and use sound to find mates, find food, and avoid predators. It is an absolutely crucial sense. The
supply of food may also be impacted by climate change and changing water temperatures, which will have an
impact on survival and reproduction rates.

Ninety-nine percent of all species that have ever existed have vanished during the course of five mass
extinctions, which historically were mostly brought on by purely natural events like asteroid impacts and
volcanic eruptions. Due to human activity, the pace of extinction is now happening 1,000-10,000 times
quicker. The primary contemporary causes of extinction include habitat destruction and loss mostly due to
deforestation, overexploitation via overhunting and overfishing, invasive species, climate change, and
nitrogen pollution. A recent study indicated that all sea turtles have plastic or microplastic in their systems,
among other risks to species including the pervasive ocean plastic pollution.

This loggerhead got caught in a line that was pulling a pail made of plastic. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Matt
Strucics. Emerging diseases are caused by increased travel and trade, which allows pathogens and pests to
spread to new areas, and warming temperatures, which make it easier for more pests to survive and spread.
These diseases are affecting an increasing number of wildlife species, including bats, frogs, and salamanders.
Because some species are more valuable to poachers and hunters the fewer there are of them, wildlife
trafficking is still a significant issue.

2.7 LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

The term "biodiversity loss" refers to the reduction or extinction of biological diversity, which is defined as
the range of organisms that occupy the earth, their various degrees of biological organisation, their individual
genetic variability, and the natural patterns found in ecosystems. A decline in biodiversity within a species, an
ecosystem, a specific geographic location, or Earth as a whole is known as biodiversity loss, also known as
loss of biodiversity. The phrase "biodiversity," sometimes known as "biological diversity," describes the
variety of genes, species, and individual creatures within a species, and biological communities that may be
found in a given geographic region, from the tiniest ecosystem to the entire biosphere. An interacting group
of different species in a single area is referred to as a biological community. Similar to this, biodiversity loss
refers to the decline of a certain area's species diversity, genetic variety, and abundance as well as its biological
communities. This reduction in the diversity of life may cause the ecosystem where decline has occurred to
stop working properly. Since the concept of biodiversity is most frequently linked to species richness the
number of species in a region, biodiversity loss is frequently understood to mean the extinction of species
from an ecosystem or perhaps the entire biosphere. However, linking extinction of species alone to biodiversity
loss ignores other subtle events that jeopardise the long-term health of ecosystems. In some species, sudden
population decreases may disturb social structures, preventing surviving men and females from finding mates,
which in turn may lead to future population declines. Rapid population declines that are accompanied by
genetic diversity losses may lead to more inbreeding (mating of relatives), which could lead to more genetic
diversity losses. Even though a species doesn't completely disappear from an ecosystem or the biosphere, it
loses its ecological niche as a result of population declines. A abrupt fall in population may result in major
changes in the ecosystem's structure if the niches occupied by a single species or a group of species are
essential to the ecosystem's healthy operation. For instance, removing trees from a forest reduces the
ecosystem's ability to regulate temperature and moisture, provide habitat for animals, and transport nutrients.

Biodiversity loss is typically associated with more permanent ecological changes in ecosystems, landscapes
and the global biosphere. Wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions are examples of natural ecological
disturbances that radically alter ecosystems by eradicating local populations of particular species and altering
entire biological communities. However, due to the fact that natural disturbances are frequent and ecosystems
have evolved to meet their challenge, such disturbances are transient. A systematic endeavour that results in a
significant alteration in the biological trajectory of a landscape or a region sometimes includes forest cutting,
marsh filling, stream channeling and rerouting, as well as road and building construction. In order to obtain
and produce food, alter the landscape to accommodate human settlement, and create possibilities for trading
with other people in order to increase wealth, humans may alter the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems they
depend on as human populations increase. Usually, these processes are accompanied with biodiversity losses.

2.7.1 Causes of Loss of Biodiversity

Increase in Population: We know that a large portion of our globe is covered by water and forests, which
contributes to the loss of biodiversity. However, due to the overuse of forest area for agriculture and
construction through deforestation, an increase in human population has had a severe influence on the ecology.
Additionally, has been observed that many natural water bodies are now buried in dirt to create rocky ground
for development purposes.

Deforestation is one of the causes of biodiversity loss since many animal species call trees home, and where
the trees are cut down, many of these species lose their habitat.
Overuse of Natural Resources: The loss of biodiversity is caused by overuse of the ecosystem's natural
resources. For instance, unregulated fishing, wild animal hunting, mining, and tree cutting can have a negative
impact on the ecology.

Loss of Habitat: Species can go extinct as a result of habitat degradation. As habitats are lost, many species
perish. Few factors, such as climate change, logging, resource extraction, population increase, and
urbanisation can result in the loss of habitat for numerous species.

Animals, plants, fungi, and microbes that are invasive alien species enter their natural habitats and develop
new ones there. These species' reproduction is so quick that it causes them to outcompete the local species and
lead to their extinction.

Climate Change and Global Warming: At the moment, a major contributor to the decline in biodiversity is
climate change. Many species are going extinct as a result of rapid climate change and global warming. Rapid
climate change reduces a species' capacity to adapt to its environment and leads to extinction, which adds to
the loss of biodiversity.

Pollution: Phosphorus and nitrogen emissions from automobiles affect the ecosystem, which results in a
decline in biodiversity. In the aquatic ecosystem, nutrient overloads can promote the growth of algae, which
can result in a reduction in oxygen levels and the extinction of marine life. Water pollution, soil pollution, and
other types of pollution are further types of pollution that can reduce biodiversity.

Natural catastrophes such as floods, droughts, forest fires, and earthquakes can cause loss of biodiversity.

2.8 INDUSRIAL/MAN-MADE DISASTERS

Disasters brought on by any chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, or other processes are referred to as
industrial disasters. An industrial facility’s failure brought on by an accident, carelessness, or incompetence
can affects areas inside or outside the plant, result in the loss of life and property, and have a negative impact
on the environment. Industrial disasters occur as a result of poor working conditions, poor maintenance of
machinery, foment and control devices, inadequate building design, incorrect plant architecture etc.
Inadequately guarded equipment is one of them. The industrial Disasters, Toxic Waste, and Community Impact
focuses on hazardous and toxic waste releases, industrial disasters, the ensuing environmental and community
contamination, and the social impacts that follow, such as negative health effects, fatalities, property damage,
psychosocial issues, and community disruption. An industrial accident is a serious occurrence that involves
dangerous chemicals and has potential negative effects on the local community and environment. The accident
may manifest as a fire, an explosion, or the release of hazardous or radioactive substances, depending on the
type of products involved.

Technology or human risks are the cause of man-made disasters. Stampedes, fires, transportation mishaps,
workplace accidents, oil spills, terrorist attacks, and nuclear explosions/radiation are a few examples of these
dangers. Few examples of man-made disasters are Bhopal gas tragedy, 1984 (Official death toll: 5,295),
Bombay docks explosion, 1944 (Official death toll; 800), Chasnala mining disaster, 1975 (Official death toll:
372). Korba chimney collapse, 2009 (Official death toll: 45) etc In September 2006, a march of Bhopal disaster
victims demanded that Warren Anderson be extradited from the United States. The worst industrial disaster in
history, according to many. As opposed to natural disasters caused by natural risks, man-made disasters involve
human intention, neglect, or error involving a failure of a man-made system. Crime, arson, civil unrest,
terrorism, war, biological/chemical danger, cyberattacks, etc are examples of man-made disasters.

2.8.1 Types of Industrial Disasters

The following are generally categorized as industrial disasters.

Accidental Release: When dangerous chemicals are unintentionally released during production, processing,
or transportation, everyone nearby is put in danger.

Acid Rain: Chemical pollutants that increase the acidity of the soil and water, such a$ sulphur and nitrogen
compounds, can harm agriculture and the environment. Acid rain occurs when there is a washout due to an
acute concentration of acidic substances in the atmosphere, which causes the compounds to fall into the soil
and water.

Atmospheric pollution: It can be caused by nuclear explosions, chemicals, burning synthetic or natural fuels,
and other industrial processes. These activities can produce significant quantities of radiation, particulates,
and gases that pollute the atmosphere and put local residents and workers in danger.

Chemical Explosion: A chemical explosion is a powerful explosion of flammable ingredients that frequently
results in injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.

Chemical Pollution: When chemicals suddenly contaminate the air or water in industrial regions or close by,
Permanent skin damage and interior physiological diseases may result

Explosion: If an explosion truly causes the disaster, then the tragedy is categorised as an explosion. If an
explosion results in another disaster, the incident is categorised as a resultant disaster.

Nuclear explosion or radiation: International rules specify the radiation levels permitted in civil facilities in
order to ensure safety, and the unintentional release of radiation can result in greater levels that go above the
safety requirements.

Pollution: It is the degradation of one or more environmental components caused by synthetic products, other
trash, improper management of natural resources, or synthetic products.

Because exposure to hazardous chemicals may result in injuries that are not immediately apparent accidents
at Chemical or petrochemical plants can be especially deadly. Injury diagnosis and treatment delays may make
injuries more difficult to treat and/or increase their severity. People who have been exposed to chemicals or
radiation may need ongoing medical care and psychological support for their injuries.

2.9 ATOMIC/BIOMEDICAL HAZARDS

Biological compounds that endanger the health of living things, particularly humans, are referred to a;
biohazards, sometimes known as biological hazards. Samples of microorganisms, viruses, or toxins that can
harm, humans can be included in this. Human or animal healthcare, medical research, medical teaching
facilities, funeral homes, laboratories, and other facilities produce biomedical waste. A component of the waste
stream is potentially contagious or infectious, and it poses a risk to both the environment and public health.

According to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), infectious or potentially contagious biomedical waste
is a contaminant that needs to be handled as a hazardous waste.

The term medical or bio hazardous waste refers to waste that needs to be inactivated of the biological material
in an authorised way before being disposed of completely. This includes, but is not limited to, the following
abandoned items: human tissues and cells, cells or organisms with recombinant DNA, infectious agent stocks
and cultures possible pathogenic substances (for example, bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions), biological
substances that might be contaminated with pathogenic pathogens, Toxins (for example, snake venom),
Attenuated and live vaccinations, Blood, blood products, and additional potentially infectious substances that
could include human blood-borne pathogens, tissues and carcasses.

2.9.1 Impact of Biomedical Wastes on Human and Environment

 Treatment and disposal of biomedical waste may lead to pathogens and toxic pollutants being released
into the environment. This may directly or indirectly lead to potential health and environmental risks.
 The toxic substances in biomedical waste may contaminate the air, water, and land, which could impair
local populations' health. If medical waste is not rendered harmless before it is buried in the ground or
dumped in water, it is thought to be a cause of pollution of both land and water supplies.
 If landfills are not built appropriately, the disposal of untreated medical wastes there could result in the
contamination of drinking, surface, and ground waters.
 Pathogens and toxic contaminants may be introduced into the environment as a result of how biomedical
waste is handled and disposed of. Potential dangers to human health and the environment could result from
this, directly or indirectly.
 Additionally, it pollutes land and water and spreads pandemics and diseases like AIDS through
contaminated syringes and needles. COVID-19 BMW management issues and garbage mixing lead to soil,
water, and air pollution.
 Despite being seen as safe, it places a heavy load on the environment. Polypropylene (PP, commonly
known as polypropene), the substance that makes-up numerous waste items like surgical drapes (among
others), cannot biodegrade and takes hundreds of years to break down naturally.
 Due to contagious waste, abandoned medications, and chemicals used during treatment operations
biomedical waste causes soil pollution. When plants absorb heavy metals from garbage, they infiltrate the
ecosystem and contaminate the food chain.
 Inadequate biomedical waste management poses risks to not only humans but also home pets, local
wildlife, and the environment. Every healthcare facility located within the borders of Canada should have
suitable procedures in place to allow medical staff to correctly separate biomedical waste from other waste
streams at the source. Processes for managing biomedical waste contribute to protecting both people and
the environment.
 Exposure to air pollution can result m a variety of illnesses, more hospital stays, and early mortality.
According to estimates from the Canadian government, air pollution is a contributing factor in 15,000
early deaths annually. Air pollutes detrimental effects on cardiovascular health can raise the risk of heart
attack or heart failure, hypertension, angina, and arrhythmia, as well as the likelihood of stroke.