Unique Characteristics of Environmental Problems
Answer:-
1. Genetic Modification of Crops
- GM crops are artificially modified to enhance yield, resist pests, and improve nutritional value.
- Positive impacts include reduced pesticide use, increased yield, and biofortification.
- Negative impacts include harm to non-target species, unintended ecological effects, and potential soil degradation due to root exudates.
- They may disrupt ecosystems and food chains.
2. Waste Production
- India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with only 12 million tonnes treated.
- Landfills release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming.
- Rapid economic growth will increase urban waste to 165 million tonnes by 2030.
- Inefficient waste management causes pollution, health risks, and resource loss.
3. Population Growth
- Global population grows by 80 million people annually, straining resources.
- Leads to habitat destruction, species extinction, and overuse of natural resources.
- Causes water scarcity and food insecurity.
- The loss of 30,000 species per year highlights its ecological impact.
4. Water Pollution
- Freshwater pollution is caused by untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste.
- In India, 80% of water is severely polluted, affecting health and ecosystems.
- Contaminated water causes diseases like diarrhea, killing 1.5 million children annually in India.
- Marine ecosystems suffer from loss of biodiversity and disruption of aquatic life.
5. Overfishing
- Overfishing depletes 63% of global fish stocks, disrupting food chains.
- Leads to loss of marine biodiversity and economic instability for coastal communities.
- Healthy fish populations are essential for carbon cycling, affecting climate.
- Fisheries collapse causes unemployment and reduced profitability.
6. Deforestation
- 80,000 acres of tropical forests are lost daily, destroying habitats and leading to species extinction.
- Contributes 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Results in soil erosion and reduced water retention capacity.
- Disrupts local and global ecosystems.
7. Urban Sprawl
- Unplanned city expansion destroys natural habitats and agricultural land.
- Increases air pollution, water depletion, and energy consumption.
- Social impacts include traffic congestion, reduced community engagement, and inequality.
- Urban planning challenges include inefficient transportation and loss of green spaces.
8. Acid Rain
- Caused by industrial emissions of SO₂ and NOₓ, forming sulfuric and nitric acids.
- Damages aquatic ecosystems, degrades soil, and harms forests.
- Erodes buildings, corrodes metals, and impacts human respiratory health.
- Natural sources like volcanic eruptions also contribute, but less significantly.
9. Ozone Layer Depletion
- Caused by chemicals like CFCs and bromide, allowing harmful UV radiation to reach Earth.
- Leads to skin cancer, cataracts, and reduced plankton populations in oceans.
- Affects plant growth and marine ecosystems.
- Increases vulnerability of humans and animals to UV-related diseases.
10. Ocean Acidification
- CO₂ emissions lower ocean pH, affecting calcifying species like shellfish.
- Acidification disrupts the food chain and reduces biodiversity.
- Affects aquatic species not directly impacted by acidification.
- Could increase ocean acidity by 150% by 2100, harming ecosystems.
11. Air Pollution
- 80% of urban areas exceed WHO’s air quality standards, causing health issues.
- Linked to acid rain, eutrophication, and climate change.
- Causes respiratory diseases and impacts ecosystems.
- Major pollutants include particulate matter, CO₂, and NOₓ.
12. Lowered Biodiversity
- Human activities have led to the extinction of many species.
- Loss of biodiversity increases vulnerability of ecosystems to pests and diseases.
- Reduces resources like fresh water and food supplies.
- Impacts ecosystems as profoundly as climate change and pollution.
13. Nitrogen Cycle Disruption
- Overuse of fertilizers introduces excess nitrogen into ecosystems.
- Causes eutrophication in water bodies, depleting oxygen and killing aquatic life.
- Excess nitrogen disrupts food chains and reduces water quality.
- Agriculture contributes to half of global nitrogen fixation.
14. Natural Resource Use
- Humanity consumes resources at a rate requiring 1.5 Earths to sustain current needs.
- Overuse leads to resource depletion, energy crises, and pollution.
- Industrialization increases strain on natural resources.
- Depletion of resources contributes to climate change.
15. Transportation
- Accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions (2014).
- Contributes to air pollution, fuel spillage, habitat destruction, and noise pollution.
- Urban traffic causes congestion and accidents, consuming land and energy.
- Increased transportation demands exacerbate environmental degradation.
16. Melting Polar Ice Caps
- Arctic ice is shrinking by 13.3% per decade, contributing to sea level rise.
- Causes habitat loss for polar species and flooding in coastal areas.
- Disrupts ecosystems and contaminates freshwater supplies.
- Leads to long-term climate and ecological shifts.
17. Climate Change
- Global temperatures have risen by 1.7°F since 1880 due to human activities.
- Contributes to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems.
- Impacts water supplies, forests, and agriculture, with widespread effects.
- Combines and amplifies all other environmental issues.