# data[].attributes.body
A. Water pollution is a prominent problem in China. With up to 90% of the nation's groundwater is tainted by hazardous human and industrial waste, as well as fertilizers. This makes rivers and lakes unusable for human use. China's rivers have suffered profound water quality impairments due to the undeniable pressure of economic development on the environment since China's Reform and opening up in 1978. Water pollution in China has been confirmed to be a major cause of 40 billion cubic meters of water shortage in China per year.

B. As a student, to alleviate water pollution is to use my voice to educate friends and family about the negative impacts of water pollution, use reusable alternatives to plastics such as cloth, and conserve water.

C. 1. https://earth.org/environmental-issues-in-china/#:~:text=Water%20Pollution,-High%20on%20the&text=As%20much%20as%2090%25%20of,be%20unsafe%20for%20human%20use.

2. https://atlas-scientific.com/blog/water-pollution-solutions/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The climate crisis is accelerating at a pace like never before. From -deforestation and droughts to air and plastic pollution, these are just several factors that are exacerbating climate change and its consequences are felt everywhere in the world. China is certainly not spared by the effects of global warming and is experiencing more frequent natural disasters, which lead to destruction, great human suffering, and biodiversity loss. As of 2021, the economic superpower is ranked fourth in the world among countries with the most natural disasters worldwide. On track to becoming the world's largest economy, China's extremely rapid industrial expansion in recent decades has also contributed to record levels of air and water pollution. Here are five of the most worrisome environmental issues in China this year.
Top 5 Environmental Issues in China in 2024

1. Air Pollution

According to the 2021 World Air Quality Report , out of 1,374 cities located in East Asia, 143 (or about 11%) recorded annual average PM2.5 concentrations that are seven times greater than World Health Organization (WHO) standards. All of them were located in China, with the town of Hotan in southwestern Xinjiang experiencing the highest level of pollution in the country at about 101 µg/m³, over 20 times the WHO guideline value.

Estimated to cause an average of 1.2 million premature deaths every year, China's poor air quality is primarily attributed to the rapid economic expansion the country experienced since 1979, which resulted in a drastic increase in coal-powered industrial production and electricity demand, as well as an exponential rise in private vehicles. It is estimated that roughly 48% of Chinese CO2 emissions come from the industrial sector, with 40% from the power - mainly coal - and 8% from the transport industry . With an ever-increasing population, the demand for electricity has grown with no respite, leading to even more coal-burning and worsened air standards.

Furthermore, despite pledging to reach net zero emissions before 2060, the country remains by far the world's largest producer and consumer of coal, which alone covers 60% of its electricity demand. In an effort to restore the economy to pre-pandemic levels and curb the energy crisis sparked by the exponential rise in industrial activities the country experienced in 2021, the Chinese government ordered factories to increase their production capacity and built more than triple the amount of new coal power capacity as the rest of the world combined. Unsurprisingly, CO2 emissions in the same year almost reached 12 billion tonnes, accounting for 33% of the global total .

Yet, despite the worrisome values recorded and no Chinese city meeting the WHO standards, air quality in China has consistently improved in recent years. Since 2018, major cities have seen an overall 21% reduction in annual PM2.5 concentrations, and in 2021, the capital city of Beijing met its own air pollution targets for the first time.

President Xi Jinping argues that fighting pollution is one of his top priorities , labelling this environmental issue as one of China's 'three tough battles' - along with reducing poverty and improving financial stability. The long-term strategy focuses primarily on carbon emission intensity reduction through the primary use of non-fossil fuel energy. In recent years, China has placed a very strong emphasis on clean energy such as wind and solar. The latest Five-Year Plan (FYP) - one of the country's most important policy blueprints - has set out a new strategy involving investment in onshore clean energy technologies, transmission grid, nuclear, as well as offshore wind in the coastal region.

W ith China being the world's most populous nation, tackling the impending pressures of urbanisation - most notably air pollution - is especially crucial. To improve air quality in ever-expanding urban areas, the government is betting big on smart cities . Metropolises such as Beijing and Nanjing are already working on strategies to reduce pollution deriving from industries as well as traffic; they have adopted smart technologies to identify various pollutants, and develop green infrastructure powered by renewable energy sources.

2. Water Pollution

The Thirteenth Five Year Plan (13FYP) in 2016 set specific goals for water consumption and water quality, aiming at reducing water consumption by 23% from 2015 levels by 2020. This includes upgrading urban sewage facilities, increasing rates of wastewater treatment, and forcing farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and insecticides in a bid to reduce contamination from agricultural pollutants. According to the 2020 State of Ecology & Environment Report , most of the key targets set in 13FYP have been met and exceeded, owing to the fact that within a very short period of time, the country managed to build more than 39,000 new sewage treatment facilities in 95% of municipalities and 30% of rural areas. To further improve water quality, the Chinese government funded the construction or renovation of nearly 80,000 kilometres of sewage collection pipeline network between 2021 and 2025.

3. Food and Water Shortages

Besides pollution, water availability in China is also among the most worrisome environmental issues in China. It is exacerbated by the climate crisis, the effects of which considerably diminish the country's accessible water resources, triggering severe shortages. Despite being home to almost 20% of the global population, China has only 6% of the world's total freshwater resources .

Scientific consensus says that climate change is playing a key role in the water shortage in China; increasing temperatures is one of the main factors exacerbating the crisis. On the one hand, glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau - also known as ' The Third Pole ' - that have fed the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers with glacial meltwater for thousands of years, have retreated by 82% and more than one-fifth of the ice cover has disappeared since the 1950s. According to Greenpeace , the shortage will become 'dramatically' acute when these glaciers reach their 'peak water' - meaning that the rate of water consumption surpasses water supply - something that might happen as early as 2030.

To tackle one of the most pressing environmental issues in China, the government developed several water schemes to boost water availability in dry regions. The most remarkable is the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The plan is 50 years in the making, and involves infrastructure to divert nearly 45 billion cubic metres of water annually from the Yangtze River in the South to the dry north. While the USD$62 billion project is not expected to be fully completed before 2050, the East and Middle routes - opened respectively in 2013 and 2014 - are already transferring 20.9 billion cubic metres of water each year.

4. Plastic Pollution

Home to one-third of the world's single-use plastic production facilities, in 2020 alone China produced about 60 million tonnes of plastic waste. However, on average, only about 17% is recycled in some shape or form. Moreover, along with India and Brazil, the economic superpower holds around 20% of the global share of mismanaged plastic waste , which not only contributes to increased methane emissions from landfills, but eventually makes its way into the ocean via inland waterways or through wind and tides. The Yangtze river - Asia's longest and the world's third-longest river - has turned into one of the biggest sources of global plastic pollution. This is an extremely worrying issue that the government cannot afford to ignore, given the fact that its basin comprises one-fifth of the country's land area and supports and houses nearly one-third of the population.

Not only does China produce immense quantities of plastics each year, but it also consumes at least one-fifth of the world's plastics and up until recently, it was also the largest importer of plastic, acting as the dumping ground for nearly 600,000 metric tons of trash from foreign nations each year. The rapidly growing amount of plastics the country had to deal with prompted the government to introduce an import ban on solid waste including several types of plastics and other recyclable waste, which came into effect on January 1, 2018. Within just a few months, ​​ the decision halved imports of solid waste and nearly ceased imports of scrap plastic.

5. Biodiversity Loss

Last on our list of environmental issues in China is biodiversity loss. As a consequence of nature degradation and increased pollution from human activities, the country is threatening the survival of thousands of animal and plant species.

Water pollution in particular is affecting vital resources and threatening thousands of species whose survival depends on river and ocean water. The Yangtze river, one of China's most crucial water bodies, is also the world's largest source of ocean plastic and a vector for more than half of all marine plastic pollution - disgorging hundreds of thousands of tonnes annually. Fish makes up the majority of diets for many people in China. As a result of ocean plastic pollution - where plastics slowly break down into smaller debris and particles called microplastics - discovered that all 21 species of sea fish and freshwater fish from Chinese waters that were examined have ingested plastic. This means that people eating fish have also been consuming plastics.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Environmental Issues in China in 2024 | Earth.Org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pressing environmental issues in China: 1. Air pollution; 2. Water pollution; 3. Biodiversity loss; 4. Plastic Pollution; 5. Water shortages.

# data[].attributes.body
A. One negative human impact is the excessive amounts of pollutants of water in India. 276 districts in India have groundwater contaminated with fluoride, arsenic, and nitrate beyond the permissible limits. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture contributes to groundwater pollution. It would be hard for citizens to obtain clean water for drinking, cleaning and other activities because it is dirty. The largest source of water pollution in India is untreated sewage. Nearly 1.6 million deaths were due to air pollution alone, and more than 500,000 were caused by water pollution.

B. Refrain from littering especially to bodies of water, decrease use of fertilizers, use biodegradable detergent. WaterAid India is working independently in the country and is determined to make clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene normal for everyone.

https://www.google.co.id/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjTgpaPgvaDAxVMS2wGHWAFAzwQFnoECAkQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2Fblogs%2Fvoices%2Fwater-contamination-still-a-serious-national-challenge%2F%23%3A~%3Atext%3DA%2520study%2520by%2520the%2520CPCB%2Cagriculture%2520contributes%2520to%2520groundwater%2520pollution.&usg=AOvVaw2vRsnWh7Q6PYp0z9tbIROZ&opi=89978449

https://www.google.co.id/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjz_pzMg_aDAxVCb2wGHV-mAKUQFnoECAgQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-asia-india-61489488%23%3A~%3Atext%3DPollution%2520led%2520to%2520more%2520than%2Cwere%2520caused%2520by%2520water%2520pollution.&usg=AOvVaw1r5NHkYGlQYptP9iG-4cy0&opi=89978449

# data[].attributes.body
A. One negative human impact is the contribution of worsening the air pollution. Throughout the years, air pollution levels deteriorate and is very impactful on the health of the citizens. The risk air pollution creates on the environment can lead to serious illnesses and even death in some cases. Most of Indonesia's air pollution comes from transportation, forest fires, vehicle emissions and coal-fired factories which are the result of human activities. The most polluted city as of late is Medan with 117 US AQI.

B. As a student, the ideal approach is to minimize the usage of unnecessary transportation as it is one of the major factors of air pollution. The harmful emissions released by vehicles can be reduced and therefore can be useful.

https://wri-indonesia.org/en/insights/7-things-know-about-jakartas-air-pollution-crisis#:~:text=Air%20pollution%20significantly%20impacts%20public%20health&text=The%20annual%20average%20PM2.,139%20days%20of%20unhealthy%20air

https://www.iqair.com/indonesia

# data[].attributes.body
A) Due to Vietnam's rapid growth and industrialization, a myriad of negative impacts have been done towards the environment. Urbanization is the leading cause here, having lead to air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, and etc. This is especially evident in more industrial cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Vietnam's greenhouse gas emissions has also increased fivefold in the last 20 years.

B) As a society, we should work with international partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating Vietnam's transition to clean energy. An existing organization that supports this cause is the USAID. They have established multiple funds to help this cause.

C) https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/vietnam/enviro.htm#:~:text=Urbanization%2C%20industrialization%2C%20and%20intensive%20farming,serious%20problem%20is%20waste%20treatment.

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/vietnam-environmental-technology

# data[].attributes.body
2a. Over 42,000 deaths in 2019 were attributed to air pollution, and the nation is thought to have a "high number of deaths attributable to air pollution exposure."

2b. As a student, i would minimize the use of energy, minimize driving and buy efficient vehicles like electric, and avoid using plastic bags

https://energytracker.asia/environmental-issues-in-japan-and-solutions/#:~:text=Air%20Quality%20–%20Air%20Pollution%3A%20Japan's,air%20pollution%20are%20increasing%20annually.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are so many ways that we can discuss about how to reduce air pollution. Millions of people die every year because of air pollution. The air we breathe everyday has many toxic and dangerous pollutants. Everyone should be responsible to reduce air pollution. Let's discuss the 10 ways how to reduce air pollution.

10 Ways How to Reduce Air Pollution:

1. Use of public transport: Use Public Transportation to Reduce Air Pollution. Facts and figures don't lie - our transportation needs produce 30% of all carbon dioxide gas emissions.

2. Buy Energy Efficient Vehicles: When purchasing a vehicle, consider fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles.

3. Consider "going green": "Going Green" means practicing an environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible lifestyle as well as making decisions to help protect the environment and sustain natural resources.

4. Plant a Garden: Planting tree will help us get enough fresh air we need.

5. Turn Off Lights When not in Use: Don't waste energy and money. Be very careful and responsible to turn off lights at home when you or your family members are not at home or the lights are not in use.

6. Avoid Plastic Bags: Because they are very hardly to decompose.

7. Make use of Solar Energy: Solar power can save a ton of energy for you and, on top of that, it could also end up saving you a lot of cash in the long run as well.

8. Always Use Recyclable Products: Buy recyclable products if you have access to them and the ability to choose them.

9. Quit Smoking: Smoking is very hazardous to health and the people around you.

10. Educate Your Companions: Let the people around you know about how they can contribute to clean air initiatives and educate them about all of the different ways.

Responsibilities as an individual :

To reduce air pollution is not for the responsibility of an individual. Everyone should be very sensitive because millions of people are dying every year. You can meet people, discuss issues and share ideas on what you can do about it. In today's complex world, with hazardous chemicals in everything we buy, e-waste filling our landfills and the exponential increase in gasoline-burning automobiles on the highways, the idea of being able to reduce air pollution is not easy to imagine.

Also Read: How Air Pollution Affects Your Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Ways How To Reduce Air Pollution Effectively | Prana Air

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are so many ways that we can discuss about how to reduce air pollution. Millions of people die every year because of air pollution. The air we breathe everyday has many toxic and dangerous pollutants. Everyone should be responsible to reduce air pollution. Let's discuss the 10 ways how to reduce air pollution.

# data[].attributes.body
a) One negative human impact on the environment in South Korea is air pollution. It is an important environmental issue now in Korea, specifically in the urban areas like Seoul.

b) As a society we can promote clean energy sources such as supporting the transition to clean renewable energy sources such as solar and we should encourage government policies

c) https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjA8OWw0fKDAxUEq2YCHQFyA1sYABADGgJzbQ&ae=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwbitBhDIARIsABfFYIKksgMJhlNxMEwG3LK44FgdRpIiaam-CKNtPIz0smgGMlq9nRDXi5IaAr_1EALw_wcB&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVuD2FsQCbrZRMzSMlnjePtptcX95T-bf1MhDyiAWObgfqacqUQUfsYwW_h0qnE1QJJSUD9XtRh6YEBgXGdnLWm5_8tRsxfx0kp0fXmRjzkf2DOkp8plb&sig=AOD64_2jehXS8veRAFpcA0BsVUbPqiKUag&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjXhOGw0fKDAxWO6zgGHTjYCfQQ0Qx6BAgBEAE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Let’s talk Renewable Energy | PR, Brand, Marketing | BLUE Comms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Integrated brand, PR & marketing services for the renewable energy industry. Helping to position brands, build reputation, & communicate with key stakeholders.

# data[].attributes.body
A) Deforestation is one of the leading causes for the ever-growing damage that is being done towards the environment in Indonesia. The main reason that deforestation continues to persist in Indonesia is to make more land for areas such as urban development or agriculture (especially as Indonesia is known to be the world's leading palm oil producer). This has resulted in soil erosion, which is especially concerning as a large percentage of Indonesia's economy depends on its agriculture. Another negative impact is the loss of biodiversity. Deforestation leads animals to losing their natural habitats, increasing their rate of extinction.

B) As a student, I can alleviate the issue by increasing the awareness of the country's people regarding deforestation and the impact it has on the environment. I could also plant more trees and decrease the overall usage of paper-based products.

C) https://www.green.earth/blog/deforestation-in-indonesia-and-its-impact-on-the-environment

https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/how-can-we-stop-deforestation

# data[].attributes.body
1a. the negative human impact on the environment in Indonesia is deforestation which is the the destruction of trees to make more land for many uses such as agriculture and mining. Data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry show that between 2000 and 2012, Indonesia lost more than 6 million hectares of its forest cover. This may result in environmental issues such as flooding, the loss of wildlife habitats and animals and changes in climate.

1b. As a student, i would contribute to promote deforestation by promoting awareness through organizations or campaigns to raise people’s understanding about the importance of forests and their role in biodiversity and the impacts as well and supporting it by participating in a tree planting organization and practice sustainability like reduce your food waste and recycling.

references:

https://www.green.earth/blog/deforestation-in-indonesia-and-its-impact-on-the-environment#:~:text=Causes%20of%20deforestation%20in%20Indonesia&text=This%20deforestation%20has%20caused%20significant,changes%20to%20the%20local%20climate.&text=The%20primary%20cause%20of%20deforestation%20in%20Indonesia%20is%20the%20expansion%20of%20agriculture.

# data[].attributes.body
https://uniteforchange.com/en/blog/environment/human-impact/

In the US, air pollution caused by factories and wildfires have caused many illnesses and ecosystem loss.

A way to alleviate this is to limit the amount of carbon dioxide from factories allowed to be expelled to clean air.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the latest IPCC report warned, it is 'now or never' to limit global warming below 1.5C. Countries around the world are already bearing the brunt of climate change but the reality is that, unless we reverse this trend, the effects that we are going to experience in the near future are going to be significantly more devastating. The US is certainly not spared by global warming. From north to south, from east to west, all of its states are affected by pollution and extreme weather events in some shape or form. Here are the top environmental issues in North America and what the government is doing to tackle them.
-

1. Air Pollution

As the world's second-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, preceded only by China, it comes as no surprise that air pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues in the US. In 2021 alone, a bout 67 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in the country, mainly coming from the transportation and electric power sectors. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), in the same year, the country's electric power sector emissions from coal increased for the first time since 2014 .

The latest assessment on air pollution conducted by the American Lung Association found that 4 in 10 individuals - accounting for about 135 million people - are currently living in areas with unhealthy and polluted air. While the main cause is the burning of fossil fuels, climate change-related events such as wildfires and prolonged pollen seasons further exacerbate the quality of air in the country.

Adopted in 1970, the Clean Air Act (CAA) is a comprehensive US federal law that led to the specific standards of emissions of hazardous pollutants that cause smog, acid rain, and other health hazards by setting specific limits on the atmospheric concentration of these pollutants. However, this alone will not solve air pollution in the country and the government's best solution is drastically cut emissions.

2. Water Pollution

According to a survey conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately half of the country's rivers and streams - amounting to more than 700,000 miles of waterways - and more than one-third of its lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking.

In the US, agricultural pollution is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes as well as a major contributor of contamination to estuaries and groundwater. This type of pollution includes how we grow, raise, transport, process, and even store food and nonfood crops as well as other agricultural products.

Tainted water has extremely detrimental effects on human health as well as the environment, with repercussions on biodiversity. According to a study published in The Lancet , water pollution alone killed more than 500,000 people in 2019 and makes about 1 billion people sick every year, especially among low-income communities. Even swimming can pose a risk. Every year, approximately 3.5 million Americans contract health issues such as skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections, and hepatitis from sewage-laden coastal waters, according to EPA estimates.

3. Water Shortages

The consequences of climate change are felt across the entire country, with some states experiencing worst effects than others. Historically, droughts in the US have had catastrophic impacts on agriculture and water reserves: the country has been experiencing continuous droughts over the last 20 years and each of them has caused billions of dollars in economic loss.

Among the worst-hit states are California - with currently 88% of the population estimated to live in drought, Colorado , New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas .
Image 1: Severe drought threatens Hoover Dam Reservoir on the Colorado River and Lake Mead in southwestern US (photo by Wikimedia Commons)
Droughts bring with them a whole host of problems for the environment and the larger human population. With diminishing precipitation and rainfall, soils and crops dry out easily and die. In July 2022, nearly 230 million acres of crops were found to be undergoing drought conditions. Moreover, when these events occur over prolonged periods, they severely impact water levels in lakes and reservoirs, resulting in water shortages in nearby communities and cities.

As for the agriculture sector, adding more resources in crop rotation, no-till farming - a method for growing crops with minimal soil disturbance - and the use of cover crops could help build up soil health, enabling it to absorb and retain more water.

4. Wildfires

A 2017 report found that careless human activities were behind about 84% of all wildfires in the US and accounted for 44% of the total area burned. This includes abandoned cigarettes, campfires, and barbecues that were not put out properly, as well as so-called "gender reveal parties" - particularly popular in the country where expectant parents use pyrotechnic devices to reveal a baby's gender. One notable example is the El Dorado fire, where a smoke bomb led to a fire that lasted more than two months and covered over 22,000 acres of southern California . Another study showed that human-sparked fires typically spread about 1.83 kilometres per day, more than twice as fast as lightning-induced fires.

Smoke from large-scale wildfires causes significant air pollution in the affected area and is a threat to public health. In 2022, for example, 7 out of 15 most polluted cities in the US were located in California , a state that was most affected by severe fires that season. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke and poor air quality inhalation can lead to minor issues such as burning eyes and allergies or in a worst-case scenario, premature death. The 2021 wildfires that plagued much of the southwest US were visible from the east coast, and near-surface smoke from it contributed to hazy and even smog conditions .

5. Food Waste

Food waste in America has skyrocketed in recent years, tripling in just five decades and it is now estimated to be 30-40% of its entire food supply, valued between US$161 and $218 billion. Today, t he US counts as the second highest country in the world for food waste per capita, behind only Australia. Sadly, Americans throw away more food than the citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Sweden combined , equivalent to nearly 206 billion pounds (103 million tons). On a daily basis, that's about 0.5 kilograms (one pound) of food discarded by one American.
Figure 2: Environmental Impacts of Food Waste in America
Food production is one of the most water-intensive practices as growing crops requires extensive amounts of water. In the US, agriculture alone is responsible for 80% of all water consumed , and it is estimated that between 21% and 33% of it is wasted every year.

But there is some good news. Fortunately, the US is home to some of the world's most successful food waste startups that are changing the game and helping tackle one of the most pressing environmental issues of our times . Moreover, in 2015, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal alongside a series of programmes and initiatives aimed at reducing climate and environmental impacts associated with food loss and waste while improving food security and saving money for families and businesses. Led by EPA, USDA, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal government is "seeking to work with communities, organisations and businesses along with our partners in state, tribal and local government to achieve this goal."

These initiatives alone, however, will not completely eliminate food insecurity or solve the issue of food waste. In order to achieve this, it is necessary that individuals do their part as well, learning first and foremost how to reduce food waste in their households and communities.

6. Plastic Pollution

Last but not least on our list of the most pressing environmental issues in the US in 2022 is plastic pollution.

A congressionally mandated report released in late 2021 described the US as the leading country for plastic waste generation . The analysis found that the country produces more plastic waste than any other nation, equivalent to about 42 million metric tons every year, which amounts to 287 pounds (130 kilogram) per person. In total, the country produces almost twice as much as China, and more than all the countries in the EU combined.

Researchers note that recycling infrastructure in the US has been unable to keep up with the growth of plastic production, and they estimate that 1.13-2.24 million metric tons of waste are leaked into the environment and oceans each year. This includes everything from plastic bottles and straws to packaging, most of which are made from fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to decompose.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 6 Environmental Issues the US Is Facing in 2024 | Earth.Org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From air and water pollution to food waste, here are the top environmental issues in America and how the government is tackling them.

# data[].attributes.body
A) One negative human impact on the environment in Indonesia One negative human impact on the environment in Indonesia is deforestation, which affects the country's environment and biodiversity. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, which reduces soil fertility, making it harder for crops to grow. It threatens the survival of endangered species by destroying their habitats.

B) As a student, I could not do much to alleviate the issue directly. However, we could raise awareness using social media and even through our peers and family members.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Indonesia, home to the world's third-largest tropical forests, is facing a significant deforestation crisis that is damaging its environment and biodiversity.

Causes of deforestation in Indonesia

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests and trees to make land available for other uses, such as agriculture, mining, and urban development. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia lost over 6 million hectares of forest cover from 2000 to 2012. This deforestation has caused significant environmental problems such as soil erosion, flooding, loss of wildlife habitats, and changes to the local climate.
Read more: Top 10 causes of deforestation Read more: Deforestation in Asia: a call for conservation
The primary cause of deforestation in Indonesia is the expansion of agriculture. Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer, and the industry has rapidly expanded, leading to extensive land clearing for palm oil plantations. The logging industry is also a significant contributor to deforestation, with illegal logging occurring in many protected areas. Additionally, mining activities, such as coal and gold mining, have led to the destruction of large areas of forests and the pollution of waterways.

Signs of deforestation close to a palm oil plantation in Indonesia.

The effects of deforestation in Indonesia
Read about: Countries with the highest deforestation rates in the world
The loss of forest cover in Indonesia significantly impacts the environment, biodiversity, and local communities. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, which reduces soil fertility, making it harder for crops to grow.

Indonesia's deforestation problem also affects its biodiversity. The country is home to many endangered species, such as orangutans, tigers, and elephants. The loss of forests and habitat destruction threatens these species' survival, and many have become critically endangered. The destruction of forests also affects the livelihoods of local communities that rely on forests for food, medicine, and income.

Indonesia's efforts to combat deforestation

Despite the challenges, Indonesia has made efforts to combat deforestation in recent years. The government introduced policies and regulations to protect forests and promote sustainable land use. For example, the moratorium on new permits for logging and palm oil plantations in primary forests and peatlands has been extended several times since 2011. The government has also launched programmes, such as the Social Forestry Programme, which allows communities to manage and protect forests, and the Forest and Landscape Restoration programme, which aims to restore degraded lands and forests.

Non-governmental organisations and the private sector have also played a crucial role in protecting Indonesia's forests. NGOs, such as the World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International, work with local communities to promote sustainable land use and support the development of sustainable livelihoods. The private sector, including companies in the palm oil industry, has committed to zero deforestation policies and sustainable sourcing of commodities.

However, despite these efforts, Indonesia's deforestation crisis is far from solved. Illegal logging and land clearing continue, and the government's efforts to enforce regulations and hold companies accountable have been insufficient. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in deforestation as governments relaxed regulations to stimulate economic growth.
Read more: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest: causes, effects, solutions
A family of Asian elephants in Sumatra, Indonesia.

A firmer approach is needed
Contact us to find out more about our projects and how you can get involved
To address Indonesia's deforestation crisis, a comprehensive approach is needed that addresses the root causes of deforestation while promoting sustainable land use and community development. Strengthening law enforcement and holding companies accountable for illegal activities is essential. The government must also promote sustainable land use and alternative livelihoods for local communities. Finally, international cooperation and support are crucial to address the global demand for commodities that contribute to deforestation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indonesia's deforestation problem has significant environmental, social, and economic implications. The expansion of agriculture and mining activities, illegal logging, and weak law enforcement are among the leading causes of deforestation in the country.

Although efforts have been made to address the issue, a comprehensive approach that promotes sustainable land use and community development is needed. This is what DGB Group aims to do, promote sustainable practices and reforest the world at scale. DGB works with various stakeholders, such as governments and communities, to develop large-scale impactful nature-based projects that restore nature and capture large amounts of carbon. These projects help the regeneration of biodiversity and the restoration of vital habitats.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Deforestation in Indonesia and its impact on the environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the causes and impact of Indonesia's deforestation problem, as well as potential solutions to address the environmental challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
A. Negative human impact to environment

Environmental crisis had been a very serious global crisis in these years. One of the example being the Amazon Forest in Brazil that is known for being the lungs of the earth. Amazon carries tons of resources worth to supply the current resource shortage. However, recently it is issued that Amazon is experiencing large scale deforestation and it has been a problem since then.

B. How to solve this problem as a society

It is important to keep our trees alive because it does not only gives us resources but also oxygen and many other functions as well. As a society, we can make a campaign to spread awareness about importance of trees and encourages to use recyclable items in businesses. Recently, the governmental organization from Brazil also take part in stopping amazon deforestation. It is informed by the government of Brazil that they will stop deforestation in Amazon by 2030.

References

Brazil and the Amazon Forest - Greenpeace USA

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-lula-launches-plan-stop-deforestation-amazon-by-2030-2023-06-05/

# data[].attributes.body
A. Deforestation

deforestation is the clearance of forest land to make space for other purposes, usually for agriculture. deforestation has had a massive impact on our planet, especially indonesia. indonesia has some of the most forest land in the world but that has rapidly decreased in the past decades. this rapid deforestation has caused a massive spike in greenhouse gasses and pollution in general.

B.raise awareness

as a student i cannot do much to directly interfere in the workings of powerful people, but i can raise awareness so that many people like me who have little to no say in this can join together and fight against it.

C.references

De Sy V, Herold M, Achard F, Beuchle R, Clevers J, Lindquist E and Verchot L 2015 Land use patterns and related carbon losses following deforestation in South America Environ.

https://ct.prod.getft.io/aW9wcCxpb3BwdWJsaXNoaW5nLGh0dHBzOi8vaW9wc2NpZW5jZS5pb3Aub3JnL2FydGljbGUvMTAuMTA4OC8xNzQ4LTkzMjYvMTAvMTIvMTI0MDA0L3BkZg.nchwSv5of4vybFa3Q4JvljxhmDNoPRIiBQi4WssVEQU

Gaveau D, Sheil D, Husnayaen, Salim M, Arjasakusuma S, Ancrenaz M, Pacheco P and Meijaard E 2016 Rapid conversions and avoided deforestation: examining four decades of industrial plantation expansion in Borneo Sci.

https://ct.prod.getft.io/aW9wcCxzcHJpbmdlcixodHRwOi8vbmF0dXJlLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy9kb2k6MTAuMTAzOC9zcmVwMzIwMTc_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nZXRmdHImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1nZXRmdHImdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWdldGZ0cl9waWxvdA.Q2JFcMAr-z62T2Y4WOPC5kfVrd-hpg0JRREWtcWf_RQ

# data[].attributes.body
a) 1 negative human impact on the environment in indonesia is deforestation. Indonesia has experienced a large scale deforestation. Usually it is caused by activities such as palm oil plantation expansion, and agriculture. Because of these activities large areas of forests including valuable tropical rainforests have been cleared.

b) As a student i could reduce personal environmental impact such as, recycling as much as possible and purchase recyclable and recycled products whenever i can, turn off lights and unplug devices when i am not using them, and respect and protect green spaces by not destroying them and taking care of them.

c.) https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi4z_yUzfKDAxW4TGwGHRRqA9oQFnoECAwQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.austintexas.gov%2Fblog%2Ftop-10-ways-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-and-save-money&usg=AOvVaw0VrebxF3h8PvHZ-UoI6GmG&opi=89978449

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjE2rW8yvKDAxWlXWwGHYwcA4IQFnoECAsQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjournal.unnes.ac.id%2Fsju%2Findex.php%2Fislrev%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F46511%2F24085%2F%23%3A~%3Atext%3DOne%2520of%2520the%2520major%2520environmental%2Cthe%2520loss%2520of%2520forest%2520cover.&usg=AOvVaw3j1_GiewOxPHvGBTyXigZW&opi=89978449

# data[].attributes.body
1.a)deforestation is one of the negative impact that we have done to the forest in Indonesia,lumbers cut down trees without thinking the negative affect that might happen to the land and how trees are important for the planet,trees also play in a vital role in reducing floods, by absorbing the rainwater and stopping the rain water to raise and cause floods in the nearby neighbour hoods, trees also help in reducing air pollution that is caused by our motorised vehicles,trees also help with climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in the trees and soil and releasing oxygen into the air that is needed by humans to breathe

b)we can reduce deforestation by doing reforestation,we can also reduce deforestation by educating other about the affect that may be caused because of deforestation,we can also use less palm oil since it's the source of air pollution in Indonesia, and it's also the cause of deforestation because people cut down trees for land to plant palm trees and making palm oil plantation

c)-https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_oil_production_in_Indonesia#:~:text=Palm%20Oil%20production%20is%20a,floors%20are%20known%20as%20peatlands.

-https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_in_Indonesia#:~:text=The%20widespread%20deforestation%20(and%20other,China%20and%20the%20United%20States.

# data[].attributes.body
A)Deforestation-> it involves slash and burning of trees to use the land for industrial or agricultural activities which causes massive amount of gas products such as Carbon Dioxide and Methane to be released into the atmosphere which are greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and leads to increase in temperature which will lead to melting of ice caps and glaciers and this causes rising sea levels and if deforestation is still happening at its current rate it will lead to vast amount of land to be submerged in the water in years to come. It also leads to loss of habitats for many species of flora and fauna including us humans. If icebergs and ice glaciers melt this displace animals such as polar bears from their habitat and deforestation leads to loss of habitat for the flora and fauna who reside in the forests

B)One way as a student to curb with the current deforestation rate is to spread awareness. One way is to post about deforestation on multiple social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter or repost videos and posts about negative impacts of deforestation etc. Another way is to make posters and stick it up at common places such as stairwells and toilets. Basically places where people usually walk past to increase the chances of people stopping by and reading the posters. This helps maximise the efficiency of the posters. The posters should include statistics and data from credible sources to emphasise on how concerning the problem is. Lastly, educate the people who are unaware about the negative impacts and encourage them to alter their bad habits. Typically people who reside in secluded villages in forests with vast amount of trees where education is scarce. They are the people who usually cause deforestation which leads to massive wildfires.

References->

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/deforestation/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki

Deforestation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Deforestation is the purposeful clearing of forested land. Throughout history and into modern times, forests have been razed to make space for agriculture and animal grazing, and to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction.

Deforestation has greatly altered landscapes around the world. About 2,000 years ago, 80 percent of Western Europe was forested; today the figure is 34 percent. In North America, about half of the forests in the eastern part of the continent were cut down from the 1600s to the 1870s for timber and agriculture. China has lost great expanses of its forests over the past 4,000 years and now just over 20 percent of it is forested. Much of Earth's farmland was once forests.

Today, the greatest amount of deforestation is occurring in tropical rainforests, aided by extensive road construction into regions that were once almost inaccessible. Building or upgrading roads into forests makes them more accessible for exploitation. Slash-and-burn agriculture is a big contributor to deforestation in the tropics. With this agricultural method, farmers burn large swaths of forest, allowing the ash to fertilize the land for crops. The land is only fertile for a few years, however, after which the farmers move on to repeat the process elsewhere. Tropical forests are also cleared to make way for logging, cattle ranching, and oil palm and rubber tree plantations.

Deforestation can result in more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. That is because trees take in carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis, and carbon is locked chemically in their wood. When trees are burned, this carbon returns to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. With fewer trees around to take in the carbon dioxide, this greenhouse gas accumulates in the atmosphere and accelerates global warming.

Deforestation also threatens the world's biodiversity. Tropical forests are home to great numbers of animal and plant species. When forests are logged or burned, it can drive many of those species into extinction. Some scientists say we are already in the midst of a mass-extinction episode.

More immediately, the loss of trees from a forest can leave soil more prone to erosion. This causes the remaining plants to become more vulnerable to fire as the forest shifts from being a closed, moist environment to an open, dry one.

While deforestation can be permanent, this is not always the case. In North America, for example, forests in many areas are returning thanks to conservation efforts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Deforestation is the intentional clearing of forested land.

# data[].attributes.headline
Negative human impact on the enviroment of Indonesia

# data[].attributes.subject
Negative human impact on the enviroment of Indonesia

# data[].attributes.body
A: The loss of forest cover in Indonesia significantly impacts the environment, biodiversity, and local communities. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, which reduces soil fertility, making it harder for crops to grow.

B:

# data[].attributes.body
1) People of Indonesia has made significant damages to their environment. One of which is the loss of forest areas due to continous deforestation. It is well known that deforestation causes a number of issues such as soil infertility, drought, and even floods. This is one of the reasons why floods in Indonesia are very common with a staggering 1.5 thousand floods reported in 2022.

2) As an Indonesian I feel a sense of responsibility to what has happened to my country and its people. To do this, I will start conserving the use of paper-made items and begin using items that are eco-friendly and reusable. Then, I will raise awareness to the people around me, family, close friends, and my community regarding the issue of deforestation and how we can reduce it by making use of reusable alternatives such as metal straws, tupperwares, etc. Afterwards I would go for a bigger audience, by social media I can raise awareness to more people in one click. Being a student does not limit me to educate people, instead I could use my opportunity as a Student to educate other fellow students who are eager to learn about our environment.

3) refrences:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/954377/indonesia-number-floods/

https://www.green.earth/blog/deforestation-in-indonesia-and-its-impact-on-the-environment#:~:text=The%20loss%20of%20forest%20cover,problem%20also%20affects%20its%20biodiversity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Indonesia: number of floods 2022 | Statista

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In 2022, around 1.5 thousand floods occurred in Indonesia, up from 1.1 thousand in 2020.

# data[].attributes.body
A. One negative human impact on the environment

Indonesia is known as one of the country that is rich with many natural resources. Many people start to unearth different types of natural resources to be processed into raw material for industrial purposes or other purpose. However, the amount of resources taken is not balanced with the amount replanted. This results in decreasing amount of natural resources. Cases like this can be seen in Kalimantan where thousand hectares of trees are getting cut down. This causes destruction of animal habitats and increase in pollution.

B. Approaches as a student

To fight back deforestation, we can educate other people at our age or younger to spread awareness about the importance of trees. Action like using recycled materials or recycling items and planting more trees help in solving these problems.

Reference

Eyes On The Forest

https://www.eyesontheforest.or.id › ...

Kalimantan

Profauna.net

https://www.profauna.net › about-f...

About Forests in Kalimantan

# data[].attributes.body
A. Deforestation:

One of the most significant environmental problems in Indonesia, caused by the expansion of agricultural areas, mining operations, and logging. This had led to habitat destruction, decrease in biodiversity, and, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

B. As a student, I would use paper wisely by using both sides and writing in REALLY small handwriting. I would continue by bringing awareness to this situation to ignorant friends and family and show them ways to prevent deforestation from worsening.

C. 1. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/index.php/islrev/article/download/46511/24085/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20major%20environmental,the%20loss%20of%20forest%20co

2. https://greentumble.com/15-strategies-to-reduce-deforestation

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111804162.html

Deforestation in Indonesia has caused the loss of forest cover and the loss of biodiverity, and the method of burning trees has caused Indonesia to be one of the top carbon dioxide producers in the world.

To alleviate this, we can educate other people about the human impacts on the environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Indonesia, home to the world's third-largest tropical forests, is facing a significant deforestation crisis that is damaging its environment and biodiversity.

Causes of deforestation in Indonesia

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests and trees to make land available for other uses, such as agriculture, mining, and urban development. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia lost over 6 million hectares of forest cover from 2000 to 2012. This deforestation has caused significant environmental problems such as soil erosion, flooding, loss of wildlife habitats, and changes to the local climate.
Read more: Top 10 causes of deforestation Read more: Deforestation in Asia: a call for conservation
The primary cause of deforestation in Indonesia is the expansion of agriculture. Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer, and the industry has rapidly expanded, leading to extensive land clearing for palm oil plantations. The logging industry is also a significant contributor to deforestation, with illegal logging occurring in many protected areas. Additionally, mining activities, such as coal and gold mining, have led to the destruction of large areas of forests and the pollution of waterways.

Signs of deforestation close to a palm oil plantation in Indonesia.

The effects of deforestation in Indonesia
Read about: Countries with the highest deforestation rates in the world
The loss of forest cover in Indonesia significantly impacts the environment, biodiversity, and local communities. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, which reduces soil fertility, making it harder for crops to grow.

Indonesia's deforestation problem also affects its biodiversity. The country is home to many endangered species, such as orangutans, tigers, and elephants. The loss of forests and habitat destruction threatens these species' survival, and many have become critically endangered. The destruction of forests also affects the livelihoods of local communities that rely on forests for food, medicine, and income.

Indonesia's efforts to combat deforestation

Despite the challenges, Indonesia has made efforts to combat deforestation in recent years. The government introduced policies and regulations to protect forests and promote sustainable land use. For example, the moratorium on new permits for logging and palm oil plantations in primary forests and peatlands has been extended several times since 2011. The government has also launched programmes, such as the Social Forestry Programme, which allows communities to manage and protect forests, and the Forest and Landscape Restoration programme, which aims to restore degraded lands and forests.

Non-governmental organisations and the private sector have also played a crucial role in protecting Indonesia's forests. NGOs, such as the World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International, work with local communities to promote sustainable land use and support the development of sustainable livelihoods. The private sector, including companies in the palm oil industry, has committed to zero deforestation policies and sustainable sourcing of commodities.

However, despite these efforts, Indonesia's deforestation crisis is far from solved. Illegal logging and land clearing continue, and the government's efforts to enforce regulations and hold companies accountable have been insufficient. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in deforestation as governments relaxed regulations to stimulate economic growth.
Read more: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest: causes, effects, solutions
A family of Asian elephants in Sumatra, Indonesia.

A firmer approach is needed
Contact us to find out more about our projects and how you can get involved
To address Indonesia's deforestation crisis, a comprehensive approach is needed that addresses the root causes of deforestation while promoting sustainable land use and community development. Strengthening law enforcement and holding companies accountable for illegal activities is essential. The government must also promote sustainable land use and alternative livelihoods for local communities. Finally, international cooperation and support are crucial to address the global demand for commodities that contribute to deforestation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indonesia's deforestation problem has significant environmental, social, and economic implications. The expansion of agriculture and mining activities, illegal logging, and weak law enforcement are among the leading causes of deforestation in the country.

Although efforts have been made to address the issue, a comprehensive approach that promotes sustainable land use and community development is needed. This is what DGB Group aims to do, promote sustainable practices and reforest the world at scale. DGB works with various stakeholders, such as governments and communities, to develop large-scale impactful nature-based projects that restore nature and capture large amounts of carbon. These projects help the regeneration of biodiversity and the restoration of vital habitats.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Deforestation in Indonesia and its impact on the environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the causes and impact of Indonesia's deforestation problem, as well as potential solutions to address the environmental challenges.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
One of the source on question 2 ^^^^^^^^^

# data[].attributes.body
1a. One negative human impact on the environment in Indonesia is deforestation which causes soil erosion, flooding, landslides, etc. Soil erosion reduces soil fertility and making crops harder to grow. Flooding and landslides are caused by lack of trees not absorbing the water from the soil or the lack of stability of the soil.

1b. Us students can use less paper, eat less meals, replant trees and educating others on the negatives of deforestation.

Sources on Question 1:

https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/how-can-we-stop-deforestation

https://www.greenearth/blog/deforestation-in-indonesia-and-its-impact-on-the-environment#:~:text=The%20%loss%20of%20forest%20cover,problem%20also%20affects%20its%20biodiveristy.

2a. One negative human impact on the environment in America is pollution. Pollution comes in many different ways, such as air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and much more. Air pollution is mainly caused by green house gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere which will in turn create climate changes. People with weaker immune system may also be affected with lung cancer, asthma, or any lung based diseases. Water pollution is mainly caused by the plastic wastes and oil spillages. These affect the water quality, creating harmful environmental conditions for the marine biodiversity. Marine life such as fishes or turtles may consume the plastic waste or be affected by the oil so as a result they may die because of it.

2b. We as a society can reduce the use of gas powered cars. We can also eliminate the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil. We should also not leave trash everywhere and throw them at their designated trash disposals. As of now there are no organization that supports pollution however there are international organizations that combats pollution such as UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program)

Sources on Question 2:

https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/reducepollution.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Exposure to air pollution can affect everyone's health. When we breathe in air pollutants, they can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death.

Minnesota's air currently meets all federal air quality standards. However, even levels of air pollution below the standards can affect people's health, including levels currently found in parts of Minnesota.

No matter where you live, you can be exposed to air pollution from vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fueled yard equipment, chemicals we use in our homes, and other sources.

Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems. For people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema or chronic bronchitis), air pollution can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma attacks, or cause wheezing and coughing. Air pollution also increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, and more severely affects people who are already ill.

People's health risks from air pollution vary widely depending on age, location, underlying health, and other factors. Many studies show that low-income communities and minority populations are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are more vulnerable to adverse health impacts. Data from the Minnesota Department of Health show disparities in heart and lung disease by age, race/ethnicity, income level, and geography. Minnesota also has significant disparities in asthma prevalence by race/ethnicity. The asthma hospitalization rate among Twin Cities children is more than 50% higher than among children living in Greater Minnesota.

Populations most at risk of health problems related to air pollution:

people with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

infants and young children

people who work or exercise outdoors

adults over 65

people with a cardiovascular disease

people in poverty; people who lack access to health care

people who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke

people working in occupations where there is high exposure to contaminated air

people who spend a lot of time near busy roadways

The MPCA works to reduce emissions from all sources of air pollution, especially striving to reduce exposures in overburdened communities and work toward environmental justice.

Wood smoke

People who frequently breathe wood smoke are at risk for serious adverse health effects. Wood smoke contains wood tars, gases, and soot, as well as chemicals like carbon monoxide, dioxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particles.

Short-term exposure to fine particles in the air can aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may also increase the risk of respiratory infections. Scientists have also linked short-term exposures to heart attacks and abnormal heartbeats. Over time, breathing fine particles in the air increases the chances of developing chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, or lung cancer. In high concentrations, wood smoke can permanently damage lung tissue.

Indoor air

We tend to think of air pollution as something outside, but the air inside homes, offices, and other buildings can be more polluted than outdoor air. On average, Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor concentrations. Moreover, people who are most susceptible to the effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors.

Common indoor air pollutants include radon, smoke, and lead dust. Carbon monoxide from a faulty furnace, mold from damp walls, or volatile organic compounds from a newly painted room also contaminate indoor air. Pollutants such as fine particles from candles or fireplaces (or from the outdoors) also affect our health.

Biological pollutants-such as mold, pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroaches-may trigger breathing problems, allergic symptoms, or asthma attacks. Tobacco smoke contains some 200 known poisons, such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, and at least 60 chemicals known to cause cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

For details on common indoor air pollutants, asthma, indoor air quality in schools, and more, visit Air quality, climate & health (Minnesota Department of Health).

Take steps to protect your health

Know when air quality is unhealthy - Check out the MPCA Air Quality Index and sign up for air quality forecasts and alerts.

Protect yourself while driving - Close your windows when you're in traffic and set your ventilation system to recirculate the air to avoid breathing vehicle exhaust. Choose driving routes that are less traveled, especially by diesel vehicles.

Avoid exposure to pollutants - Keep away from wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and other sources of airborne particles, where possible. Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion near busy roadways or on days when the air quality is poor.

Science and data

Cumulative health effects

When projects or actions are proposed that might affect pollution levels in an area, communities want to know how it will affect human health when combined with other pollutants and stressors in their community. Many large and small sources of air pollution contribute to an individual's exposure. The MPCA developed a risk-screening tool called MNRISKS to help understand this cumulative impact of air pollution on Minnesotans. MNRISKS is refreshed every three years when air toxics emissions inventory data is released.

MNRISKS compares air pollution levels against health benchmarks to estimate the potential for negative health effects. A health benchmark is an amount of air pollution that is unlikely to result in health effects after a specific exposure period.

Higher scores mean higher risks, but don't necessarily mean that health effects are occurring in an area. MNRISKS helps regulators prioritize emission reduction activities, air monitoring locations, and other efforts to improve air quality. These may include focusing on specific pollutants or geographic areas, double-checking estimates of air emissions provided by permittees, and identifying disproportionate impacts to specific populations.

Air toxicity benchmarks and risk assessment

We use specific benchmark values for risk assessment. We compare air concentrations of pollutants to these health benchmarks to assess for potential health effects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Exposure to air pollution can affect everyone's health.

# data[].attributes.body
[Answer]

References:

[At least 2]

# data[].attributes.body
Answer the following in not more than 10 sentences.

A. Research 1 negative human impact on the environment in Indonesia.

B. Suggest approaches that you, as a student, could do to alleviate the issue.

C. References (at least 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Answer the following in not more than 10 sentences.

A. Choose 1 country besides Indonesia and research 1 negative human impact on the environment of the chosen country.

B. Suggest approaches that we, as a society, could do to alleviate the issue. Are there existing organisation/s that support the cause?

C. References (at least 2).