Disposal of the trash and pollution that humans create affects the environment. Learn more about landfills and what you can do to keep your garbage out of them.
Environmental Problems Caused by Humans
information courtesy of Afua Saafir at eHow.com
Toxic chemicals are released daily into the land, air and water creating hazardous health conditions for people and destroying animal habitats and ecosystems at an ever-increasing rate. Pollution occurs when a contaminant is introduced into the environment, according to Green Student University. Human beings are responsible for the environmental issues caused by industrial and commercial waste and modes of transportation.
Air Pollution
Vehicle emissions pollute the air in towns and cities across the globe, and smoke released from factories and power plants contains harmful chemicals and contributes to air pollution. The thick layer of smog that hangs over major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Moscow, Shanghai and Beijing causes major health concerns for residents. The hole in the ozone layer is in part a result of air pollutants.
Water Pollution
Humans also are polluting the world's water sources. Factories and plants create chemical contaminant runoff into waterways. Energy companies are responsible for oil spills that harm marine life and damage ecosystems. Toxic waste is dumped into lakes, rivers and streams, killing fish and other forms of wildlife. The quality of drinking water is also reduced as a result of pollution.
Land Pollution
Chemical and nuclear plants, construction debris, oil refineries and human waste are among the many human factors that contribute to land pollution. Commercial and industrial waste contribute to ever-expanding landfills. Green Student University claims that each year a typical American produces more than 3,000 pounds of hazardous waste.
The Effects of Environmental Problems
information courtesy of Kyra Sheahan at eHow.com
The environment is a delicate thing, and environmental problems, such as global warming and water pollution, are causing negative impacts around the world. Many of the environmental problems being experienced are a result of human contributions, such as excessive waste, industry pollution and overpopulation. Meanwhile, the Earth's resources become more scarce, creating an impending problem for the planet's inhabitants
Global Warming
Global warming is a common environmental buzzword used in reference to environmental problems. The phenomenon of global warming relates to gradual climate changes in the form of increased temperatures, longer heat waves and shorter cold spells. Global warming, which is linked to the emission of greenhouse gases, affects the planet in a variety of ways, including a reduction in water resources, the diminishing of certain ecosystems, glacial melting and the potential of plant and animal extinction.
Polluted Water
Water pollution is a serious epidemic that directly affects the health of humans, animals and plants. Consuming water that is saturated with waste can be toxic, but more and more bodies of water are in danger of becoming polluted due to things like oil spills, industrial plants and general sewage. Combine this with the fact that global warming and its rising temperatures reduce water availability because of the heat's impact on evaporation.
Air Quality
Think about how many cars are on the road, how many people use hairspray or how many factories there are around the planet, and you will start to understand how the environment is experiencing a problem with air quality. Poor air quality -- think smog -- can impact human health, since humans breathe the air to survive. Asthma and respiratory problems may become more common as a result. The ozone layer cannot be repaired once the damage is done, so air quality continues to be an environmental problem.
Animals
Many animals die because of environmental problems. Oil spills, droughts, floods and deforestation are some environmental problems that lead to the dying off of animals or ecosystems. Polar bears, for instance, are predicted to become nearly extinct due to global warming and the melting of glaciers. Birds are also feeling the effects of environmental problems. Many migratory birds are unable to find food in warmer climates and are dying, according to a November 2006 article on ABC News Online.
Agriculture
Our food is in jeopardy because of environmental problems. The changes in the climate impact a crop's ability to produce. Severe heat spells can cause crops to burn and die, or floods can wash them away altogether. This means you may no longer be able to purchase certain types of foods. That, or farmers will have to move so that their crops can grow more successfully in other climate regions.