I.

cause of pollution
The continuous development of social life has made environmental
pollution a global painful problem. The causes of environmental pollution are
very diverse. Artificial and natural factors are the two main causes of pollution.
When we grasp these causes, we need to raise awareness of environmental
protection and limit the consequences of pollution problems.
Impact on Human Life: This situation occurs due to chemicals and waste
from agricultural activities, industrial activities, and human activities. These
substances are discharged into the environment exceeding the permitted level
and are not properly treated. This leads to a recession and impacts the ecosystem
of creatures and human life.
Impact on Environmental Climate : According to the annual
Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report, some of the top 10 countries
with the worst water pollution in Asia are heavily affected. Typically, dust
pollution (PM10, PM2.5) is a significant issue. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
experience the heaviest air pollution in the country, with many instances of fine
dust (PM2.5) covering the sky, limiting visibility, and significantly affecting
public health. Causes from Nature: Air pollution due to storms: Storms produce
large amounts of COx and fine dust, increasing pollution levels in the air. Air
pollution due to volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruptions release a large amount of
nutrients into the soil. However, they also emit methane, chlorine, and sulfur,
which cause serious pollution. In addition, other natural factors such as the
decomposition of animal corpses, ocean waves, or natural radiation also
contribute to air pollution. Causes from Humans (Artificial Factors): Water
pollution: In daily life, we use large amounts of water and discharge wastewater
outside. This wastewater contains toxic substances that, if not properly treated,
are directly released into ponds, lakes, and rivers, causing water pollution. Air
pollution from factories and industrial zones: Smoke and dust from factory
exhaust pipes blacken the sky. They emit CO2, CO, SO2, NOx, and other
organic substances at extremely high concentrations. These industrial zones not
only pollute the air but also contaminate water sources, leading to the emergence
of "cancer villages." Forest fires: Wildfires produce a huge amount of nitrogen
oxides. Additionally, they release large quantities of dust and ash into the air,
further worsening air pollution.
Impact on the Ecosystem: Air pollution affects the entire ecosystem of
animals and plants, both on land and underwater. According to the National
Environmental Status Report 2021, air pollutants impact plants by affecting three
main physiological processes: photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. SO2
gas penetrates plant tissues, combining with water to form sulfuric acid, which
damages cell membranes and reduces photosynthesis. As a result, plants show
signs of slow growth, yellowing, and eventually dying.
Other pollutants like O3, NO2, and H2S have similar harmful effects, but at
different levels and through different mechanisms, mostly leading to tissue
collapse (leaf spots, withering) or even complete plant death. These pollutants
break down cellular reactions, reducing photosynthesis efficiency. Dust in the
atmosphere reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching vegetation, thereby
lowering the photosynthesis rate of plants. Additionally, the accumulation of
dust on leaf surfaces obstructs gas exchange and transpiration. Conclusion
Protecting the environment is an urgent and long-term mission. Raising
awareness, implementing strict regulations on waste management, and applying
advanced pollution control technologies are essential measures to safeguard our
environment for future generations.
II. Current status of environmental
protection
The state of the environment in the present is a serious problem around the
world. Now, Vietnam has to face the pollution of the environment, which has
increased to alarming levels, especially in Hanoi capital and Ho Chi Minh City.
The developing economy and society put much pressure on the environment and
ecosystem. Therefore, the state of pollution still continues complicatedly.
Environmental pollution has affected the ecosystem. Ho Chi Minh is one of the
most polluted. We can see air pollution in the city in the morning. Most people
think that’s foggy, but actually that’s dust. Environmental pollution is not only an
impact on daily life, but it also affects the health of humans. Now, governments are
trying to find the best solution to deal with this problem.

Air pollution: It causes respiratory diseases and contributes to climate

change.
Water pollution: Waste reduces water quality and affects ecosystems.
Soil pollution: The use of chemicals and resource exploitation leads to soil
degradation.
Plastic waste: Accumulates in land and oceans, harming animals and
humans.
Climate change: Causes damage due to extreme weather events.
Ineffective policies: Environmental protection measures are not fully
implemented.
III.harmful effects of environmental pollution
There are different types of environmental pollution like water, earth, and air.

1. Soil pollution
Effects on human health:

- Toxic chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals (mercury, lead) from soil
can enter the food chain, causing poisoning when consumed by humans.

- Long-term exposure to contaminated soil can cause skin irritation, respiratory

problems, and possibly neurological effects.

- Pollutants from soil, such as industrial waste and chemical waste, increase the
risk of cancer.

Biodiversity decline: reduces the quality of the living environment of

animals and plants

Impact on agriculture: Soil pollution reduces soil fertility, causing crop

productivity to decrease, affecting the yield and quality of agricultural products.

2. Water pollution
Effects on human health:

- Polluted water contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause gastrointestinal
infections (such as cholera and dysentery), liver disease, kidney disease, and skin
diseases.

- Water is contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic, causing
poisoning, damaging internal organs, and affecting health.

Effects on aquatic animals: Water pollution reduces the quality of life of

aquatic animals such as fish, shrimp, and crabs, and degrades the underwater
ecosystem

Impact on agriculture and fisheries industry: Polluted water can damage soil
and plants when irrigated with polluted water, affecting the fisheries industry,
causing death, and reducing the health of aquatic species.
3. Air pollution
Effects on human health:

- Air pollution causes respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease.

-Cardiovascular disease: Pollutants in the air, such as fine dust PM2.5, cause
cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and stroke.

-Cancer: increased risk of all types of cancer, especially lung cancer.

Impact on the environment and ecosystem:

-Acid rain phenomenon: reacts with rainwater, forming acid rain, causing harm to
soil, plants, and water sources.

-Increased temperature: increases the greenhouse effect, contributing to global

warming and climate change.

Impact on the economy: increased medical costs due to increased respiratory

and cardiovascular diseases and damage to agricultural production when crops are
affected by air pollution.

IV. Why is it necessary to protect the environment?

Protect human health: Reducing pollution helps prevent diseases such as
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Protecting biodiversity: Preserving animal and plant species and maintaining

ecological balance.

Responding to climate change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps minimize

global warming and extreme weather events.

Maintain natural resources: Protect land, clean water, and natural resources to
ensure sustainable development.

Improve quality of life: Create a fresh, comfortable living environment and

improve quality of life.
Future for the next generation: Ensuring a good living environment for future
generations.

IV. How to Protect the Environment?

Protecting the environment is essential for keeping our planet healthy and
safe. There are many simple yet effective ways to reduce pollution and conserve
natural resources. Here are some key actions we can take:

First, reducing plastic waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers
can significantly reduce pollution. Recycling and disposing of waste properly also
help protect nature. For example, sorting plastic, paper, and glass before disposal
ensures they can be recycled instead of ending up in landfills.

Second, conserving electricity by turning off lights and electronic devices

when not in use helps lower pollution. Using clean energy sources, such as solar or
wind power, is another great way to protect nature. Additionally, opting for
energy-efficient appliances can further reduce power consumption.

Third, planting more trees and preserving forests contribute to cleaner air
and a healthier ecosystem. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen,
making the environment better. Reducing deforestation and supporting tree-
planting programs also help protect wildlife and natural habitats. Governments
should enforce strict laws to prevent illegal logging and encourage reforestation
efforts.

Fourth, choosing sustainable transportation can reduce traffic congestion and

air pollution. Public transport, such as buses and trains, helps lower the number of
private cars on the road. Additionally, riding bicycles or using electric vehicles is a
greener way to travel. To improve transportation, governments should invest in
better infrastructure and public transport systems.

Finally, raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging

people to take action can create positive change. Small daily habits, such as saving
water, reducing car use, and buying eco-friendly products, can help protect the
planet. Schools and communities can also organize campaigns to raise awareness
about environmental protection.
 By following these steps, we can build a cleaner and greener world for future
generations. Every small action contributes to protecting the environment and
improving our lives.