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. 

 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 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.

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.

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.

 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 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 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 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

 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.

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

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

 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.

 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)

Getting Involved and Educating Others:
 

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.

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 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.