Major Environmental Problems

Many environmental problems result from human activities. Most of these activities result in pollution, be it in the air, in the water, or on land. As human populations grow, their need for resources increases. Development, such as the construction of homes, shopping areas, roads and industrial parks often results in habitat degradation and/or habitat loss.

Air Pollution

One of the most common sources of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, such as emissions from vehicles or factories. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to smog, the hazy particulate matter that hangs in the air over many industrialized cities. Particulate matter, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is composed of several different materials, including nitrates and sulfates, organic chemicals, metals, and dust and/or particles of soil. Particulate matter in the air can lead to health problems in humans such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and decreased lung function, among other ailments. Air pollution can result in acid rain, a type of precipitation characterized by a pH lower than normal rain. Acid rain affects ecosystems by harming the growth of trees and decreasing the pH of water in lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. Decreasing the pH in a water body negatively affects plants, animals and other organisms that inhabit the water. Acid rain can also eat away at the surface of man-made objects such as statues and buildings.

Water Pollution

One source of water pollution is human-introduced pollutants, such as run-off from farms, industrial plants and other sources. Water pollution can change the characteristics of water, affecting the species of plants and animals that inhabit it. Many animals that live in water, such as amphibians, are particularly susceptible to water pollutants due to their water-soluble skin, meaning they easily absorb materials in the water. Amphibians are especially vulnerable during the embryo stage, as the absorption of chemicals in the water through an egg can lead to the improper formation of body parts. Pollution also renders fresh water unsuitable for human consumption. For example, drinking water contaminated by raw sewage can lead to severe health problems in humans, such as dysentery and other water-borne diseases.

Solid Waste

Though disposable items such as water bottles, paper plates and other objects make our lives easier, they also contribute to a massive amount of solid waste accumulating on our planet. According to the EPA, in 2007 Americans generated about 254 million tons of trash. Of this amount, only about 33 percent of it was recycled or composted.

Global Climate Change

Global climate change, sometimes referred to as global warming, is a much-talked about environmental problem. Global climate change refers to the trend of increasing global temperatures. Most scientists agree that this increase in global temperatures is due in part to human activities that result in the formation of greenhouse gases. Burning fossil fuels is one activity that results in the formation of greenhouse gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming.

Habitat Destruction/Fragmentation

As human populations increase around the globe, they require more space and resources. Taking over more green space for buildings and roads leads to habitat destruction and habitat fragmentation. The loss of habitat affects biodiversity as fewer plants and animals are able to survive in a smaller area due to competition for resources. The construction of roads and other man-made objects often cut a path through an animal's habitat, resulting in habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation can have a deleterious impact on an animal's migration pathway by preventing the animals from accessing all portions of their territory and range.

Resources

• Health and Environment
• Particulate Matter