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Problems and Solutions

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Environment is everything that is around us. It can be living or nonliving things. It includes physical, chemical and other natural forces.

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1. Pollution

2. Deforestation

3. Desertification

4. Extinction of animals

5. Habitat loss

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Water pollution:

Water pollution has already rendered many ground water resources useless for humans and wildlife.the water comes into contact with heavy metals, harmful chemicals, radioactive waste and even organic sludge.These are either dumped into open oceans or rivers. As a result, many of our water sources have high amount of industrial waste in them which seriously impacts the health of our eco-system.

Land pollution:

Soil pollution is creating problems in agriculture and destroying local vegetation. It also causes chronic health issues to the people that come in contact with such soil on a daily basis.

Air pollution:

Air pollution has led to a steep increase in various illnesses and it continues to affect us on a daily basis. With so many small, mid and large scale industries coming up, air pollution has taken toll on the health of the people and the environment.

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Interview with the best computer science teacher about pollution

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I hope that our project work will succeed.

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Power Plants
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that fossil-fuel burning power plants supply almost two-thirds of the nation's electricity needs. Natural gas and coal make up over 90 percent of this amount, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Fossil fuel emissions contain the major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.

Vehicle Emissions
Vehicle emissions are another source of fossil fuel emissions and air pollution. Private transportation accounts for about 10 percent of your carbon footprint, or the amount of carbon dioxide your lifestyle and activities contribute to the atmosphere, reports Carbon Footprint Ltd.

Industry
Industry is a major contributor to air pollution. Industrial processes release pollutants such as nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons into the air. Agricultural practices, livestock rearing and landfills also contribute to atmospheric methane concentrations. The overall effect is an increase in the global warming potential.

Deforestation
Deforestation affects the atmosphere in several ways. Forests act as sinks for carbon dioxide through a process called carbon sequestration. Trees store carbon dioxide in their plant tissue as they take in this gas to undergo food-making. In effect, this action removes carbon dioxide from the air. When forests are burned and destroyed, this storage area for carbon dioxide is removed, increasing the concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Wood Fires
Wood fires cause air pollution by releasing particulate matter into the air. These particles can become lodged in your respiratory system, causing irritation to tissues. The particles can also aggravate existing health conditions such as asthma, warns the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Smoking:

You are still at risk of the dangers of smoking even if you are a nonsmoker. The University of Minnesota estimates that up to 90 percent of the American population is routinely exposed to secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke contains 40 carcinogens, making it an especially lethal form of air pollution.

Natural Processes;

Natural processes can contribute to the effects of air pollution. Natural events such as volcanoes and tornadoes can stir up debris and cause widespread air pollution. Natural erosion of rock and soils also releases toxins such as radon into the air. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

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Desertification is the expansion of desert into the surrounding areas. The desert area in the world is getting bigger. Desertification usually happens on the edge of deserts. It is caused by a variety of factors.

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Habitat loss is among the greatest threats to species diversity and the natural world, occurring when natural land cover, or its aquatic equivalent, is destroyed, fragmented or degraded, usually as a result of human activity. Humans have already transformed about 43% of the ice-free land surface of the planet, and according to a study from 22 respected biologists and ecologists, the world is approaching a "state shift" in Earth's biosphere where once 50% of the natural landscape is lost, there may be an ecological collapse, threatening the web of life, including humans . The main causes for habitat loss are logging forests, oil and gas exploration and development, draining swamps and coastal habitats for development, road construction, cattle ranching, mining, pipelines, damming rivers and draining them for irrigation, and urban sprawl, which have degraded and destroyed critical habitats throughout the world. When an ecosystem has been dramatically altered or destroyed by human activities, it may no longer be able to provide the fundamentals for species to survive or the food, water, cover, and places to raise their young.

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Over the last century the forest cover around the globe has been greatly compromised, leaving the green cover down to an all time low of about 30 per cent.  According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, an estimated 18 million acres of forest are lost each year.

Climate Imbalance:

Deforestation also affects the climate in more than one ways. Trees release water vapor in the air, which is compromised on with the lack of trees. Trees also provide the required shade that keeps the soil moist. This leads to the imbalance in the atmospheric temperature further making conditions for the ecology difficult. Flora and fauna across the world are accustomed to their habitat. This haphazard clearance of forests have forced several of these animals to shift from their native environment. Due to this several species are finding it difficult to survive or adapt to new habitats.

Increase in Global Warming

Wildlife Extinction

floods

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What Causes Desertification?

Overgrazing:

Overgrazing was not as large of a problem long ago because animals would move in response to rainfall. People would move with the animals so it prevented overgrazing in such areas. Now, humans have a steady food supply so they do not have to move about. Therefore, people use fences to keep their animals in one place which causes overgrazing. (Desertification, 2001)

Farming of Average Land:

Farming of average land is causing desertification worldwide. Farmers are clearing average land, and using it which takes away the richness in the soil. People should let the average land replenish itself before farming. (Desertification, 2005)

Destruction of Plants in Dry Regions:

Destruction of plants in dry regions is causing desertification to occur. People are cutting down tress to use them as a source of fuel. Once all these trees are cut down there is nothing to protect the soil. Therefore, it turns to dust and is blown away by the wind. (Desertification, 2005)

Incorrect Irrigation in Arid Regions Causes a Build Up of Salt in the Soil:

Incorrect irrigation is commonly used in poorer areas. Farmers are using canal irrigation and other poor techniques because of the lack of water. This type of irrigation causes a build up of salt in the soil. (Desertification, 2005)

The Effects Of Desertification

Soil becomes less usable:

The soil can be blown away by wind or washed away rain. Nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which makes it harder for plant growth.

Vegetation is Lacked or Damaged:

Loosened soil may bury plants or leave their roots exposed. Also, when overgrazing occurs, plant species may be lost.

Causes Famine:

Places that have war and poverty are most likely to have famine occur. Drought and poor land management contribute to famine.

Food Loss:

The soil is not suited for growing food; therefore the amount of food being made will decline. If the population is growing, this will cause economic problems and starvation.

People near Affected Areas:

Desertification can cause flooding, poor water quality, dust storms, and pollution. All of these effects can hurt people living near an affected region. (The Facts of Desertification and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 2000)

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Making Sustainable Transportation Choices:

1. Walk or ride your bike whenever possible

2. Use public transportation

3. Consolidate your trips

4. Carpool to school or work

5. Get regular maintenance on your vehicle

6. Drive safely

7. Consider purchasing a hybrid or electric car for your next vehicle

Making Sustainable Food Choices:

1. Choose local food whenever possible

2.  Reduce or eliminate your consumption of animal products from factory farms

3.  Choose organically grown fruits and vegetables

4. Grow your own fruits and vegetables

Making Sustainable Energy Choices:

1. Turn off lights and electronics when you are not in the room

2. Look for small changes that can lead to big energy savings

3. Keep your thermostat set to 78℉ (25C) in warmer months and 68 (20C) in the colder months

4. Make sure your windows and air ducts are well-sealed

Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling:

1. Buy used items whenever possible

2. Buy reusable items

3. Choose items with minimal packaging

4. Recycle everything that you can

5. Purchase items made from recycled materials

Keeping Chemicals Out of the Water Supply:

1. Use fewer and environmentally friendly chemicals

2. Don't use pesticides and herbicides

3. Don't flush medication

4. Dispose of toxic waste properly

5. Conserve water

Getting Involved and Educating Others:

1. Learn about the major polluters in your area

2. Tell people about what you know

3.  Write an article for your school or local newspaper

4.  Protest local polluters

5. Join an environmental group

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what is extinction?
Extinction of a particular animal or plant species occurs when there are no more individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world - the species has died out. This is a natural part of evolution.
But sometimes extinctions happen at a much faster rate than usual. For example, at the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago, a mass extinction caused the death of many different types of animals and plants, including the dinosaurs.
Today human intervention is also causing rapid extinction. Hunting, habitat destruction and the over exploitation of wildlife means that many different types of plants and animals are being pushed to the edge of extinction. It is this type of extinction, caused by humans, that we deal with in these pages.
Well, what is an endangered animal then?

Endangered animals and plants are at risk of extinction - there are so few of them that they might soon be wiped out altogether. Although some plants and animals have always evolved more successfully than others, human activity is changing the world in such a way that many more animals and plants are endangered than would otherwise be.

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Some of the fantastic solutions to deforestation include:

1. Green Business
2. Eco-forestry
3. Law and Regulations
4. Community Forestry
5. Replanting (Reforestation)
6. Sensitization and Educative Campaigns
7. Joint Organizations
8. Land Use Planning

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1. Create protected lands.
In Costa Rica, more than one-quarter of its national territory has been listed as protected lands.

2. Offer land management solutions.
Zoning can also be an effective method of land management.
3. Monitor and test water quality.
Even when the physical structure of a habitat is being preserved, the habitat may be being destroyed from within.
4. Manage existing lands in a proper way.
A good example of this comes from the logging industry.

5. Only use what is needed.
The primary reason why habitats are destroyed is because we are consuming resources.

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How can we prevent or reverse desertification?

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How can we prevent or reverse desertification?

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1. Land and water management: Sustainable land use can fix issues such as overgrazing, overexploitation of plants, trampling of soils and irrigation practices that cause and worsen desertification.

2. Protection of vegetative cover

3. Alternative Farming and Industrial Techniques:

4. Establish economic opportunities outside drylands

5. Great Green Wall

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1. Learn about endangered species in your area.
2. Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space .
3. Make your home wildlife friendly.
4. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife.
5. Slow down when driving
6. Recycle and buy sustainable products.
7. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species.
8. Harassing wildlife is cruel and illegal.
9. Protect wildlife habitat