Environmental Pollution

The entry of a pollutant into the atmosphere causes harm not

only to the living organism but also to the environment.

Therefore, the study of types of environmental pollution

becomes important.

These pollutants are present in many forms. When found in

excessive amounts, it can contaminate the environment a lot.

Pollution affects our ecosystem too. Economic development

is increasing across the world today. But, it is also increasing

the level of pollution in the environment. This has hazardous

effects on our planet.

 Types of Environmental Pollution

There are many forms of pollution. Some

examples are – air, water, noise, light, etc.

The rate of pollution through all these is

increasing quite rapidly; This is a situation of

great worry.

The condition of our planet is very alarming. To

find a solution to this problem, we must first know

what it is in detail.

Hence, let’s discuss the different types of

environmental pollution.
Air Pollution
❑ Air pollution results in extremely hazardous
effects on humanity and the environment as
well.
❑ The rate of air pollution is increasing day by day
with the increase of urbanization &
industrialization.
❑ With the release of harmful substances into the
atmosphere; the air gets contaminated
automatically.

What Causes Air Pollution?

Both human and natural activities cause air
pollution. For example– emission of pollutants
from factories are human activities that cause air
pollution; on the other hand, forest fire causes air
pollution, which is a natural activity.
Effects of Air Pollution:

Air pollution causes many health problems to humans such as

cardiovascular illness, respiratory issues, etc. This hinders the

oxygen supply in the body and decreases the functioning of the

lungs. Air pollution may also cause some other severe health

issues such as cell damaging, chances of heart attack, etc.

Industrial Environmental Pollution

When industrial waste, chemicals, toxins, etc. are released into the

environment through air, water, or land, it causes industrial pollution.

Industrial fumes pollute the air. Disposal of contaminants in rivers and

oceans leads to water contamination. Also, waste from industries gets

accumulated in a landfill, making the environment polluted.

Causes of industrial pollution:
•Using old technologies which cause more pollution.
•Lack of proper rules and regulations.
•Lacks adequate disposal of waste.
•High industrial growth.

Effects of industrial pollution:

•Water pollution.
•Land pollution.
•Increase in ocean acidification.
•Burning fossil fuels lead to air pollution.
•Imbalance in the ecosystem.
•Hampers the health of plants, animals & humans and
•Disturbs the ecology of water bodies.
What Can We Do to Stop It?
Industrial pollution has become a type of environmental

pollution that is continuously increasing after the industrial

revolution. The industries should cooperate in minimizing the

pollution from its source itself. This will prevent it from

spreading in the environment.

Reduction in toxic metals from the source will ensure they don’t

accumulate in the environment. There should be control over

the emission of toxic gases. The bottom line is that if

consumers can limit their requirements & demand, then the

supply will automatically see a reduction. As a result of this, we

can bring down the level of pollution from various industries.

 1. Using public transports
Use Public Transportation to Reduce Air Pollution. our transportation
needs produce 30% of all carbon dioxide gas emissions. We can use
public buses instead of using private cars or vehicles.
Let’s say a bus can carry 40 passengers at once; these 40 passengers
can reduce the emissions of 40 private vehicles by using one public
vehicle instead.
Many public vehicles run on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). CNG
consists of a very large amount of methane (CH₄). CH₄ burns cleaner
than some other fuels, reducing ash emissions. As a result, it reduces
the number of fine particles in the air.
Traffic congestion produces high amounts of soot and carbon
monoxide, which contributes to poor air quality. Using public
transportation reduces pollution levels, as well as traffic jams on the
road.
 2. Buy Energy Efficient Vehicles Like Electric:

When purchasing a vehicle, consider fuel-efficient and alternative fuel

vehicles. E-vehicles are much more efficient, and when compared to
the price of energy. Charging an e-vehicle is less expensive than
filling up liquid fuel for your travel needs. Using renewable sources of
energy can enhance using e-vehicles, making them environmentally
beneficial.
Since e-vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel-
burning engines, they require less maintenance. As a result, the
annual cost of operating an e-car is much lower. Electric automobiles
have lower licensing fees and road taxes than gasoline-powered
automobiles.
Petrol and diesel- cars release toxic air pollutants which add to air pollution levels. Major pollutants
produced by gasoline-powered cars include:
•Carbon Monoxide- CO decreases the ability of blood to carry O2 to different body organs. CO
exposure causes lethargy, migraines, disorientation, and nausea. It delays cell growth, unnaturally
small new foliage, an unusual withering of the greenery, and over-developed tissues in plants. Animal
CO poisoning symptoms include cognitive damage, trouble with breathing, and sudden death.
•Nitrogen Oxides- NO irritate the membrane in the mucous. NO in high doses causes lung irritation in
humans. It harms vegetation by destroying the leaves.
•PM10 and PM2.5 fine particulate matter- PM10 and PM2.5 are particles < 10 μm and < 2.5 μm in
diameter, respectively. Exposure to particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; cause respiratory
infections, etc. in humans. PM exposures can lead to respiratory and heart diseases in both animals
and humans. PM exposures block and damage the stomata. It further affects photosynthesis and
respiration in plants.
 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.
These campaigns entail choosing to live a sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle.
It helps in minimizing pollutants that enter the soil, waterways, and air.
Going green minimizes air pollution and environmental pollutants. Going green can
impact our body’s immunity to fight infections and expose us to infections and severe
illnesses. Another benefit of going green is that it cuts the pollution levels that are
released into the air and therefore into the environment.
Going green can help your office/home/school become a healthier place. This can have
a major influence on staff time and result in fewer employees/staff/students taking sick
leave.
4. Plant a Garden:
Planting trees will help us get enough fresh air we need. Tress enhance air quality in
many ways: they consume carbon dioxide and produce O2 via photosynthesis. They
can actively collect pollutants on the exterior walls of leaves and the root system of
the plant.
Increasing greenery is one of the most basic techniques to reduce the impacts of air
pollution. Growing trees, bushes, an organic farm, indoor plants, etc. help us in
reducing air pollution. They help to remove pollutants from the air. Plants help
people concentrate better at home and work.
All living creatures require O2 for the respiration process. It also helps to preserve
the ozone layer. Ozone layer protects Earth’s ecosystem from harmful UV radiation.
That is why we must grow more trees and plants. Growing trees is said to be one of
the most crucial steps among these 10 ways to reduce the air pollution.
 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.
Electricity generation plants employ fossil fuels, which contribute
significantly to air pollution. Save a lot of energy by cutting electricity
consumption, by shutting off lights whenever you leave a room.
Since light bulbs are the least productive type of illumination, switch them
off when you are not using them. Only about 10% of the power is
converted, which they require in lighting, while 90% is converted to
heat. Switching off the light bulbs will also make a room cooler, which is
incredibly useful in the summer.
 6. Avoid Plastic Bags:
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.
Electricity generation plants employ fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to
air pollution. Save a lot of energy by cutting electricity consumption, by shutting
off lights whenever you leave a room.
Since light bulbs are the least productive type of illumination, switch them off
when you are not using them. Only about 10% of the power is converted, which
they require in lighting, while 90% is converted to heat. Switching off the light
bulbs will also make a room cooler, which is incredibly useful in the summer.
 7. Make use of Solar Energy: 9. Quit Smoking:

8. Always Use Recyclable Products: 10. Educate Your Companions:

 Water Pollution
Water is an important natural resource that is crucial to

all life on Earth, though only .5% of Earth’s water is fresh,

accessible, and drinkable.

Water is our primary need. We won’t survive without it.

Unfortunately, water bodies such as rivers, oceans,

lakes, groundwater, etc. are getting contaminated at an

alarming rate.

Water pollution in the form of microbial pathogens,

nutrients, and hazardous substances contaminates both

freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, harming aquatic

life and public health.

 Causes of water pollution
❖ Water pollution happens when the contaminants such as harmful chemicals, industrial wastes, fertilizers,
etc. enter into the water bodies. This type of pollution is mainly caused by various unhealthy activities of
human beings.
❖ Examples are: dumping industrial waste, sewage disposal, dumping wastes, mining, oil spills, etc. These
pollutants affect the Eco-system underwater by spoiling the life of numerous plants & animal species.
Water pollution not only harms aquatic life but affects the entire food chain too.

➢ One notable example of water pollution is nonpoint-source agricultural pollution. After intense rain
events, agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, and particulate matter from eroded soil can enter streams,
rivers, lakes, bays and even oceans.
➢ From here, excess concentrations of nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen spur the growth of algal
blooms, which deplete the water of oxygen in a process known as eutrophication.
➢ The resulting “fish kills,” “dead zones,” and drinking water crises are common throughout the United
States, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.
➢ Agricultural practices that build soil health and minimize synthetic inputs can actually reduce water
pollution.
 What Have the Governments Done?

There are many initiatives taken by different

countries to tackle water pollution worldwide.

As per news sources, G20 countries have

committed to minimizing plastic ocean waste.

Also, the Queensland state parliament has

passed laws to save the Great Barrier Reef.

Minimization of the sediment & pesticides

coming from the farms along the coastline is

its main focus.

 Noise Pollution

When the intensity of sound crosses 85 dB, it

causes us both mental and physical discomfort. This

is what is known as sound pollution. It is also

called noise pollution which affects not only human

health but is also harmful to animals.

Effects of noise pollution in humans include:

•It may cause hypertension.

•Blood pressure problems.

•An increase in stress level.

•Leads to anxiety.
 Effects of noise pollution in animals include

•Reproductive problems.

•Breeding problems.

•Production issues.

•Loss of hearing.

There may be several reasons for noise pollution such as loudspeakers, disco, marriage functions, industrial

noise, etc. But we can control it through various steps.

For example –

•Lower the volume to avoid unnecessary noise pollution,

•stop using loudspeaker late at night,

•strictly follow the noise pollution limits,

•near sensitive zones like hospitals, we should put up boards and check the level of noise.
Land Environmental Pollution
The leading causes of land pollution are:
It is also known as soil pollution. When the quality of
•Improper disposal of wastes released from factories
the Earth’s top surface i.e. soil – decreases, it leads to
and agricultural wastes also cause land pollution.
land pollution.
•Rapid construction,

•Mineral exploitation,

•Acid rain,

•chemicals used in agriculture.

Soil degradation (through excessive grazing, excessive

farming, extreme mining activities, etc.) also causes soil

pollution. It is contaminating the surface of the earth, and

hence the environment is getting polluted.

Land pollution eventually hampers the health of living organisms. Therefore, many

countries are making new rules and regulations to tackle land pollution.

❖ Greece is an excellent example. The Govt. of Greece

has announced to treat plastic waste to save its

beaches. They have prioritized the reduction of plastic

pollution and also resolved to stop single-use plastic.

❖ San Francisco has also taken an excellent initiative.

‘San Francisco International Airport’ has banned the

selling of single-use plastic bottles. These small

initiatives will become revolutionary steps towards

environmental protection.
 Soil pollution

We tend to look skywards when talking about pollution, but this problem is not confined to our skies. The soil in

which our fruit and vegetables grow is also suffering its consequences, the effects of which getting to us directly,

for instance, through the aforementioned foodstuffs. The time has come to look after what lies under our feet!

The soil is the skin of the earth, a mantle full of scars,

thousand-year-old wrinkles and more recent injuries caused

both by man and nature itself. Some of these ulcers are

incurable — such as the extinction of species —, whereas others

expose health and food security, all of which threaten the well-

being of the world's 3.2 billion inhabitants, as made clear in the

latest report on soil degradation by the Intergovernmental Science-

Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

 WHAT IS SOIL POLLUTION

This invisible affliction appears when the concentration of pollutants on the surface becomes so high

that it harms land biodiversity and endangers health, particularly through food. Activities such as stock

breeding and intensive farming use chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers that pollute the land, just as

happens with heavy metals and other natural and man-made chemical substances.

Soil pollution is a global threat that is particularly serious in regions like Europe, Eurasia, Asia and

North Africa, as indicated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The

FAO also affirms that both intense and even moderate degradation is already affecting one third of the

world's soil. Moreover, recovery is so slow that it would take 1,000 years to create a 1 centimeter layer of

arable soil.
 Soil Pollution
A local problem?
Soil is often a neglected domain of biodiversity
The way we use land often introduces additional
but even a small patch can teem with life,
substances to these unique ecosystems in order to
ranging from tiny organisms to fungi and
protect selected crops or add nutrients. Pollutants
earthworms, all playing a vital role in the
released from industry, transport and other economic
functioning of the soil ecosystem. It is also in
activities can also travel long distances and reach soils,
this space that nutrients are turned into forms
where they become diluted and are temporarily stored.
that plants can take up, allowing biomass to
Soil, a component of land, is considered polluted when
form and store carbon. It is also here that our
contaminants adversely affect human health or the
prospective drinking water starts its natural
environment.
purification journey towards groundwater.
Soil Contamination
Heavy metals, fertilizers and pesticides
All the soils contain compounds that are harmful to
human beings and other living organisms. However, Plants need, among other things, nutrients to grow and
the concentration of such substances in unpolluted soil intensive agriculture can deplete nutrients in the soil faster
is so low that they do not pose any threat to the than nature replenishes them. Fertilizers work by
surroundings but when the concentration of such toxic compensating this deficit by introducing extra nutrients.
substances becomes high enough to cause damage to Unfortunately, the whole amount is often not taken up by
living organisms, the soil is said to be contaminated. the plants and the surplus that is initially in soil, sooner or
later, enters lakes and rivers. Once in water, surplus
Soil contamination can occur because of human nitrogen often leads to excessive growth of plants and
activities or because of natural processes. However, algae, the decomposition of which can severely reduce
mostly it is due to human activities. It occurs due to oxygen levels in water, harming animal and plant species
many different activities such as overuse of pesticides in that ecosystem.
the soil will lose its fertility and the presence of excess Copper has been used extensively as a fungicide in
vineyards and orchards for decades.
chemicals will increase the acidity or alkalinity of soil
Cadmium is another highly toxic metal found in
and hence degrading the quality of the soil. mineral phosphorus fertilizers
Soil contamination
Contaminated soils are common throughout the industrialized world, with the most common
pollutants including agrochemicals, petrochemicals, microplastics, acid rain, and industrial waste.
In some cases, soils are polluted through agricultural practices, including applying pesticides,
fertilizers, and irrigation water that contain microbial pathogens, heavy metals like cadmium, lead,
mercury, arsenic, and other bio-toxic substances. While some pesticides and herbicides degrade
readily, other agrochemicals are “persistent,” meaning the agrochemical and its byproducts linger in
the soil, sometimes up to 10 years.
Other sources of contaminated soil include industrial waste. These may be known
as “brownfields” — areas that require remediation before they are suitable for human use.
When contaminated soil comes in direct contact with humans and wildlife via food or dust, or
indirectly by seeping into drinking water, a number of negative health effects may result depending on
the contaminant, concentration, and exposure.
CAUSES AND TYPES OF SOIL POLLUTION
Phenomena such as erosion, loss of organic carbon, increased salt content, compacting, acidification
and chemical pollution are the major causes of current soil degradation. Moreover, the FAO
distinguishes between two types of soil pollution:
•Specific pollution: accounted for by particular causes, occurring in small areas the reasons for
which can be easily identified. Land pollution such as this is normally found in cities, old factory sites,
around roadways, illegal dumps and sewage treatment stations.
•Widespread pollution: covers extensive areas and has several causes the reasons for which are
difficult to identify. Cases such as these involve the spreading of pollutants by air-ground-water
systems and seriously affect human health and the environment.
Among the most common causes of soil contamination caused by human activity, the FAO highlights
industry, mining, military activities, waste — which includes technological waste — and wastewater
management, farming, stock breeding the building of urban and transport infrastructures.
Best solution — prevention
Prevention remains the most effective and cheapest way to ensure healthy soils — and cleaner
water and air — in the long term. Any initiative aimed at preventing and reducing pollution —
from product design, better recycling, waste management, crop rotation, precision farming and
reduced pesticide and fertiliser use to cleaner transport and industry — and at supporting
authorities to implement effective measures will contribute to alleviating pressures on these
vital ecosystems.
Many existing and upcoming policy initiatives under the European Green Deal — the circular
economy, the farm to fork strategy, the biodiversity strategy, the chemicals strategy, the new soil
strategy and the zero pollution action plan — provide a European framework and support
national authorities and land users to protect land and soils from pollution. Additional support
to local authorities and a more coherent EU policy framework on soil would further reinforce
these efforts. After all, pollution is only one of the many threats that soils and land face.
Thermal Pollution

The excessive heat released from vehicles & factories may cause unwanted changes in nature. Thermal pollution

is polluting the water bodies on the Earth’s surface. In short, it is also a reason for water pollution. Earth’s

temperature is increasing day by day due to this. The effect is that it’s eventually causing climate change, global

warming, wildlife extinction, etc. Effects of thermal pollution:

Causes of thermal pollution: 1.Harm to the marine life reproductive system.
1.Increases Toxin levels. 2.Migration of marine species because of warm water.
2.Biodiversity in danger. 3.Loss of life of many fishes and insects.
3.Increases temperature of the water. 4.Huge environmental impact.
4.Leads to soil erosion and deforestation.
Plastic pollution
Of the 380 million tons of plastic produced per year, some 31 million
tons will enter the environment and around 8 million will enter the
ocean.
As they degrade in the environment, plastic bottles and plastic waste
becomes “microplastics,” small particles of plastic that find their way into
food chains, soil, rain, snow – even our lungs – in high levels. A recent
study demonstrates that people ingest around a credit card’s worth of
microplastics every week, with yet unknown health effects.
Some scientists speculate chemical toxicity from
microplastics might affect pregnancy or cause cancer. Others fear
“nano-plastics” – plastic particles even smaller still – may enter cells
and disrupt cellular activity. Mitigation efforts such as re-cycling only go
so far; for example, much of the plastic that is “re-cycled” is not, in fact,
recycled, instead of shipped to developing countries where it re-
enters the environment.
Light Pollution
Excessive use of artificial light leads to this
type of pollution. It lights up the skies at
night. The cycle of natural activities gets
upset due to light pollution.
As a result of this, wildlife is also being
affected. It causes them an unnecessary
nuisance. It is mainly observed in
metropolitan and busy cities.
Radioactive Pollution
This type of pollution happens due to the irresponsible disposal of
nuclear waste and accidents in nuclear plants. Radioactive pollution is
the most hazardous pollution. It has permanent effects on living
organisms & the environment too.
Causes of radioactive pollution:
•Some cosmic rays are not visible to human eyes.
•Nuclear tests and accidents.
•Radiation tests.
•Increases of geological processes by mining.
•Using radioactive chemicals.
Effects of radioactive pollution:
•Many skin diseases, including cancer.
•Blindness, skin allergy, infertility, etc.
•Genetic mutations.
•This leads to soil infertility and nutrient quality decreases.
•Burning of skin.
However, it is quite hard to avoid radiation in our lives because radiation is
everywhere. Our cell phones, medical examination equipment, etc. everything runs
on radiation. Radiation surrounds us at every moment of our life.
The best option to protect ourselves from radiation is to maintain some distance from
gadgets and equipment. We also should minimize the use of these types of
equipment to save the environment.
Radioactive contamination
When thinking about radioactive contamination, Fukushima or Chernobyl may come to mind. However, radioactive
contamination is more widespread than these isolated incidents, with possibly 45,000 sites contaminated with
radioactive materials across the US, according to the EPA.
Radioactive contaminants are generated by uranium mines, nuclear reactors, and test laboratories, where they can
enter the environment.
For example, uranium mining can release radiation into the soil, at which point rain washes this material into drinking
water. In fact, up to 170 million Americans drink tap water contaminated with radioactive materials. High levels of
exposure to these materials can cause cancer, reproductive dysfunction, and myriad other health effects.
Electromagnetic pollution
Much of the technology we use today — from our cell phones to our laptops to the wi-fi that connects them —
generates an electromagnetic field. At certain frequencies and exposure levels, this energy can be considered toxic
(for example, strong fields have been shown to cause burns). That being said, the jury’s still out on whether our
current exposure to electromagnetic energy is detrimental to human health and wildlife.
Environmental Pollution and Farming
From pesticides to fertilizer runoff, from greenhouse gas emissions to harmful particulates, the by-
products of modern agriculture can have unintended consequences for ecosystems and human health.
As mentioned, agriculture can be a source of non-point source water pollution, causing algal blooms, but
can also contribute to air pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, and even plastic pollution. Several
causes of agricultural pollution include:
Particulate matter erodes from farm fields and enters waterways as runoff, causing sedimentation (i.e.
the clouding of water) and subsequent harm to aquatic ecosystems. Agrochemicals such as pesticides
contaminate soil, directly damaging above- and below-ground ecosystems.
The manufacturing of agrochemicals — especially synthetic nitrogen — is a large contributor to
greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural plastics used for weed control, representing over 12 million
tons annually, are often not disposed of properly. In many cases, these plastics find their way into
ecosystems and soil as microplastics.
Although agricultural pollution is grave, the issue is not without solutions. You can learn more about
agricultural pollution, as well as how to minimize your farm’s environmental footprint, here.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Extreme weather conditions have been on the rise across the globe for decades.
We’re experiencing hotter summers, colder winters, wider temperature swings,
rising sea levels, reductions in sea ice levels, shrinking glaciers, increased storm
activity, and more.

So, what is climate change? Is the climate actually changing? What’s causing the
climate to change? Should we really be worried about the effects of a changing
climate? Is there a climate change definition everyone agrees on?
 What Is Climate Change?
Climate change is the long-term increase in the earth's average surface temperature
and the large-scale changes in global, regional, and local weather patterns that result
from that increase, caused by a significant increase in the levels of greenhouse
gases that are produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Record floods. Raging storms. Deadly heat. Climate change manifests itself in myriad ways and is

experienced by every living being, although not equally. Throughout the world, the economically

disadvantaged and people of color—those who have contributed the very least to the root causes of

climate change—are the most likely to suffer from its worst impacts. Here are the basics on what

causes climate change, how it’s affecting the planet and its people, and what we can do about it.
Climate change is the significant variation of weather patterns over long
periods.

•Over the last two centuries, the global average temperature of the
earth’s surface has risen by 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit (1.18 degrees
Celsius).
•Between 1993 and 2019, there was an annual loss of 279 billion tons
of ice in Greenland and 148 billion tons of ice in Antarctica, as ice
sheets break off and eventually melt.
•There has been a 0.6 degree Fahrenheit (0.33 degree Celsius) rise
in the temperature of the top 100 meters of the ocean since 1969.
Some data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
1. The world’s 20 warmest years have been recorded in the past 22
years.
2. The years between 2015-18 have been the top four warmest.
3. The average sea level rise has been by 3.6mm per year between 2005
and 2015.
4. Melting ice is attributed to be the main reason for rising sea levels.
5. Most glaciers in temperate regions of the world, whether the West
Antarctic Ice Sheet, East Antarctica, or the Greenland Ice Sheet, are
retreating.
6. Satellite records depict a dramatic decline in Arctic sea-ice since 1979.
 What Is the Difference Between Weather and Climate?

•Weather: The local meteorological conditions experienced over short periods of time, including
temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, and visibility.
•Climate: The long-term average of patterns and trends in weather, including day-to-day, year-to-
year, and even longer time periods.

Global Warming and Climate Change

The two most popular terms used to describe the earth's increasing temperatures are global warming and
climate change. These relate to both short-term and long-term trends for both weather and climate. While they're
often used interchangeably, there's a slight difference between them:
•Global Warming: The rising average temperature of the earth's lower layers, including the ocean and
atmosphere. Such warming occurs from the heat being trapped in the earth's atmosphere due to greenhouse
gases.
•Climate Change: The varying environmental conditions that influence the planet's weather patterns.
 Causes of Climate Change
Natural Causes of Climate Change
When it comes to natural factors impacting climate change, these three causes are frequently
cited as contributors:
•Changes in Solar Radiation - The sun's rays heat the earth regardless of changes in weather
patterns that occur below. As such, any change in the sun's radiation - either an increase or
decrease - will influence our surface temperatures.
•Greenhouse Gases - As the temperature increases, more greenhouse gases are released into
the air. This traps more heat in the earth's atmosphere while thinning out the ozone layer, which
means less radiation can escape. It can cause a nasty cycle where the participants feed off each
other.
•Drastic Weather Changes - Climate change can also occur through drastic weather changes.
Disasters like hurricanes or floods can cause significant damage to the surrounding environment,
which in turn can affect the climate.
Man-Made Causes of Climate Change
The most prominent man-made causes of climate change include:
•Industrialization - Increased development has led to greater production and allocation of energy,
which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in greater percentages than in the past.
•Inconsistent Emissions Controls - As technology continues to improve, emissions control
standards haven’t kept pace. This means that more harmful greenhouse gases are being released
into the air.
•Deforestation - Plants breathe in carbon dioxide, which makes them an essential part of life on
this planet. When increasing amounts of trees are cut down without planting new ones, it means a
disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere and heats up the environment.
•Agribusiness - Contemporary farms send up large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into
the atmosphere while meeting the food needs of developed countries.
•Modernization - The concrete used to build roads, and the vehicles that travel upon them, create
high levels of carbon dioxide and exhaust fumes that contribute to higher temperatures.
All of those causes combine to create what’s known as “The Greenhouse
Effect” where greenhouse gases prevent heat from escaping into space,
warming the planet.
Human activities have caused the increase in radiation, temperatures, and
gases to spiral out of control. This results in these warming factors being
trapped in the earth’s atmosphere, creating an unhealthy greenhouse-like
environment.
Greenhouse gases (many of them man-made) feature prominently among the
human causes of climate change because the levels of those gases emitted to
the environment have increased significantly in the last few centuries.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Greenhouse gases are the gases that contribute directly to the greenhouse effect. They
trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, which can trigger increases in average global
temperature. Some of the greenhouse gases include:

•Carbon Dioxide (Natural): Absorbs, retains, and radiates heat, resulting in global
warming.
•Methane (Natural): A more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Due to a
chemical reaction, methane converts into carbon dioxide when it comes in contact with
oxygen. This causes an increase in global temperatures.
•Nitrous Oxide (Natural): Can remain in the atmosphere for 150 years, and is about 300
times more potent than carbon dioxide.
•Chlorofluorocarbons (Man-Made): These gases are used as refrigerants and aerosols.
When they leak into the atmosphere, they can accumulate and contribute to the increased
•Hydrofluorocarbons (Man-Made): These chemicals contain fluorine and are primarily used in
refrigeration. They have been replaced by chlorofluorocarbons, but they still contribute to global
warming.
•Carbon Monoxide (Man-Made): Emitted by motor vehicles, airplanes, ships, and industrial processes
where combustion is present.
•Nitrogen Oxide (Man-Made): A contributor to the production of acid rain, it’s created from burning
fossil fuels and industrial processes, both of which emit nitrogen dioxide as a byproduct. As this occurs,
it then converts into nitric oxide and nitrous oxide in the air.

It's important to note that greenhouse gases are not necessarily a bad thing. The gases only become
dangerous when they exceed other gases in proportion to their normal levels in the atmosphere.
What makes greenhouse gases one of the chief man-made causes of climate change is their
increased output in relation to the growth of human civilization. For example, carbon dioxide exists in
nature, but our atmosphere currently contains too much of it because of the burning of fossil fuels.
Climate Change Effects
Climate change impacts our world in a wide variety of ways, including:
•Weather: As weather patterns become unpredictable, it affects food production. Also, extreme weather conditions
put people at significant risk of disease and injury.
•Plants: As the weather becomes warmer and sea levels rise, plant life moves higher or further inland. This can
result in problems for local animal life.
•Wildlife: Changes in the environment cause changes in animal behavior. Many animals are affected by the lack of
food sources and new predators that were previously unable to penetrate into their territories. Consequently,
animals are forced into a position where they have to migrate or face extinction.
•Businesses: Extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes can destroy vast amounts of
property. As such, businesses suffer the losses that these tragedies bring.
•Increasing Sea Levels: As polar ice caps melt, sea levels begin to rise. This can potentially displace millions of
people worldwide as well as destroy various ecosystems and natural landmarks.
•Ocean Acidification: As the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they become increasingly
acidic, which can be dangerous to coral and marine life.
How Is Climate Change Measured?
Given that climate change is something that occurs over a long period of time, measuring it can be
challenging. The evidence of climate change relies on tracking specific metrics to measure and
monitor these changes, including (in the order of importance):
•Surface Temperature: This is the temperature of the air, land, and water on the surface level. It is a
direct indicator that climate change has occurred. It's important because measuring the rate of change
in temperature helps scientists project how much it will warm or cool over time.
•Sea Level Rise: While this is a slower process, melted ice causes sea levels to rise, and monitoring
that rise can help scientists project how much the oceans will grow in size. This is essential as rising
sea levels threaten to displace millions of people.
•Parts per Million of Greenhouse Gases: This is the measurement of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. For example, when scientists measure how much CO2 humans are emitting into the
atmosphere, they can better predict future levels of global warming that will occur as a result
 Can We Slow Down Climate Change?
Although there are many causes of climate change, humans play a
significant role. As such, we must do our part to slow down the
process.

There has been a history of climate change efforts such as the

Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement that have tried to slow
down climate change. The Kyoto Protocol was an international
treaty that the US never ratified. It would have helped slow down
climate change by reducing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide
and methane emissions.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty detailing how to help climate
change, and it was signed in 2016 with 147 countries as signatories. This treaty is important
because it sets the goal of keeping global temperature from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius
above pre-industrial levels. Climate scientists believe that global temperatures need to stay
below that level to protect human life.
While climate change solutions may seem like they’re out of our individual control, true change
happens when personal responsibility merges with collective efforts. Together, humans can
choose to make changes in our everyday lives that will help reduce the levels of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.
One way we can all work together is with the wholesale adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems to
meet our electricity needs. Turning to solar panels and solar energy is a great way to reduce the
amount of pollution and greenhouse gases we emit, and it has the added benefit of helping to
lower your monthly energy bills.
Other steps we can take to slow down climate change include:
•Electing people at every level of government who are committed to
passing laws and enacting policies that defeat climate change
•Reducing the amount of single-use, disposable plastic items, including
bags, bottles, and silverware, as the production of these cheaply-made
items release high levels of greenhouse gases
•Turning off lights and electrical appliances when they're not in use
•Eating less meat in our diets, as agricultural meat production is one of
the leading causes of greenhouse gas emission
•Taking shorter showers and using water only when needed, since
unnecessary heating of water drives up energy usage.
 Acid rain
Acid rain, also called acid precipitation or acid deposition, precipitation possessing a pH of about
5.2 or below primarily produced from the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx;
the combination of NO and NO2) from human activities, mostly the combustion of fossil fuels. In acid-
sensitive landscapes, acid deposition can reduce the pH of surface waters and lower biodiversity.

It weakens trees and increases their susceptibility to damage from other stressors, such as drought,
extreme cold, and pests. In acid-sensitive areas, acid rain also depletes the soil of important
plant nutrients and buffers, such as calcium and magnesium, and can release aluminum, bound to
soil particles and rock, in its toxic dissolved form. Acid rain contributes to the corrosion of surfaces
exposed to air pollution and is responsible for the deterioration of limestone and marble buildings
and monuments.
Acid rain is a popular expression for the more scientific term acid deposition,

which refers to the many ways in which acidity can move from

the atmosphere to Earth’s surface. Acid deposition includes acidic rain as

well as other forms of acidic wet deposition—such as snow, sleet, hail,

and fog (or cloud water). Acid deposition also includes the dry deposition of

acidic particles and gases, which can affect landscapes during dry periods.

Thus, acid deposition is capable of affecting landscapes and the living things

that reside within them even when precipitation is not occurring.

Effects on lakes and rivers
The regional effects of acid deposition were first noted in parts of western Europe and eastern North America in
the late 1960s and early 1970s when changes in the chemistry of rivers and lakes, often in remote locations, were
linked to declines in the health of aquatic organisms such as resident fish, crayfish, and clam populations.
Increasing amounts of acid deposition in sensitive areas caused tens of thousands of lakes and streams in Europe
and North America to become much more acidic than they had been in previous decades. Acid-sensitive areas are
those that are predisposed to acidification because the region’s soils have a low buffering capacity, or low acid-
neutralizing capacity (ANC).

High acidity, especially from sulfur deposition, can accelerate the conversion of elemental mercury to its deadliest
form: methyl mercury, a neurological toxin. This conversion most commonly occurs in wetlands and water-
saturated soils where low-oxygen environments provide ideal conditions for the formation of methyl mercury
by bacteria.
 Effects on forested and mountainous regions
In the 1970s and ’80s, forested areas in central Europe, southern Scandinavia, and eastern North
America showed alarming signs of forest dieback and tree mortality. A 1993 survey in 27 European countries
revealed air pollution damage or mortality in 23 percent of the 100,000 trees surveyed.

Acid deposition has been implicated in the alteration of soil chemistry and the decline of several tree species
through both direct and indirect means. Poorly buffered soils are particularly susceptible to acidification
because they lack significant amounts of base cations (positively charged ions), which neutralize
acidity. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, which are the base cations that account for most of the
acid-neutralizing capacity of soils, are derived from the weathering of rocks and from wet and dry deposition.

Soil acidification can also occur where deposition of ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4+) is high.
Ammonia and ammonium deposition leads to the production of H+ (which results in acidification) when
these chemicals are converted to nitrate (NO3−) by bacteria in a process called nitrification
 Effects on human-made structures
Acid deposition also affects human-made structures. The most notable effects occur
on marble and limestone, which are common building materials found in many historic structures,
monuments, and gravestones. Sulfur dioxide, an acid rain precursor, can react directly with limestone in the
presence of water to form gypsum, which eventually flakes off or is dissolved by water. In addition, acid rain
can dissolve limestone and marble through direct contact.
 Causes of Climate Change
Producing food
Producing food causes emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases in various ways,
including through deforestation and clearing of land for agriculture and grazing, digestion by cows and sheep,
the production and use of fertilizers and manure for growing crops, and the use of energy to run farm
equipment or fishing boats, usually with fossil fuels. All this makes food production a major contributor to
climate change. And greenhouse gas emissions also come from packaging and distributing food.

Manufacturing goods
Manufacturing and industry produce emissions, mostly from burning fossil fuels to produce energy for
making things like cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastics, clothes, and other goods. Mining and other
industrial processes also release gases, as does the construction industry. Machines used in the
manufacturing process often run on coal, oil, or gas; and some materials, like plastics, are made from
chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to
greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Generating power
Generating electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels causes a large chunk of global emissions. Most
electricity is still generated by burning coal, oil, or gas, which produces carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide
– powerful greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat. Globally, a bit more than a
quarter of electricity comes from wind, solar, and other renewable sources which, as opposed to fossil
fuels, emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

Manufacturing goods
Manufacturing and industry produce emissions, mostly from burning fossil fuels to produce energy for
making things like cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastics, clothes, and other goods. Mining and other
industrial processes also release gases, as does the construction industry. Machines used in the
manufacturing process often run on coal, oil, or gas; and some materials, like plastics, are made from
chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to
greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Cutting down forests
Cutting down forests to create farms or pastures, or for other reasons, causes emissions, since trees,
when they are cut, release the carbon they have been storing. Each year approximately 12 million
hectares of forest are destroyed. Since forests absorb carbon dioxide, destroying them also limits
nature’s ability to keep emissions out of the atmosphere. Deforestation, together with agriculture and
other land use changes, is responsible for roughly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Using transportation
Most cars, trucks, ships, and planes run on fossil fuels. That makes transportation a major contributor
of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide emissions. Road vehicles account for the largest part,
due to the combustion of petroleum-based products, like gasoline, in internal combustion engines. But
emissions from ships and planes continue to grow. Transport accounts for nearly one-quarter of global
energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. And trends point to a significant increase in energy use for
transport over the coming years.
Powering buildings
Globally, residential and commercial buildings consume over half of all electricity. As they continue to
draw on coal, oil, and natural gas for heating and cooling, they emit significant quantities of
greenhouse gas emissions. Growing energy demand for heating and cooling, with rising air-
conditioner ownership, as well as increased electricity consumption for lighting, appliances, and
connected devices, has contributed to a rise in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from
buildings in recent years.

Consuming too much

Your home and use of power, how you move around, what you eat and how much you throw away all
contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. So does the consumption of goods such as clothing,
electronics, and plastics. A large chunk of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to private
households. Our lifestyles have a profound impact on our planet. The wealthiest bear the greatest
responsibility: the richest 1 per cent of the global population combined account for more greenhouse