INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

This is a term used to describe a situation in which a part of the natural environment is damaged. It can be used to refer to damage to the land, to water or the air. Environmental degradation can also mean a loss of biodiversity and a loss of natural resources in an area.The problem is that it is now occurring at a much faster rate, therefore not leaving enough time for the environment to recover

CAUSES

Environmental degradation can be attributed to various human activities, as well as some natural processes

Population : Increasing population increases the needs of people and hence, more stress on natural resources.

Poverty : Poverty is said to be the cause of degradation because the poor, who rely on natural resources more than the rich, deplete natural resources faster.

Pollution : Pollution is also an important factor in causingenvironmental degradation.

Deforestation: Deforestation decreases the number of trees on earth and as a result the polluted air in our environment increases.

IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Global warming : This is the continued build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming leads to the rise in seawater level and to soil erosion, flooding and drought.

Ozone layer depletion : Depletion of ozone layer allows the ultra-violet rays to reach to earth’s surface which results in most of the skin diseases in humans and the low productivity in agriculture.

Soil Erosion : It is a quite slower process and takes years to be noticed. It reduces the quality of soil and hence, lower productivity.

Loss of biodiversity: Wild habitats all over the world are fast disappearing. Forests are being cut down, rivers and seas polluted. As the habitats decrease, so do their communities of animals and plants. Habitat destruction is one of the main reasons why many species face extinction.

PREVENTION Aforestation : Trees clean the air and keep the

atmosphere cool. Trees absorb sunlight and reduce the heat. Plants provide fodder for animals, firewood, timber, medicines, honey, wax, gum, lac and food for us.

Reduce Waste : Waste reduction is the process and the policy of reducing the amount of waste produced by a person or a society.Waste minimisation involves efforts to minimise resource and energy use during manufacture.

Use of renewable resources of energy: When we use renewable resources of energy then the stress upon the non-renewable resources of energy decreases.and they also don’t produce any pollution or residue.

Recycle : Stop wasting and you are sure to prevent your environment from the damage. It is one of the easiest ways to protect environment.

Stop using plastic bags : A Plastic bag takes 10000 years to get decay. These are most harmful to nature. These should be legally banned.

Public Awareness : People should be made aware about what is happening around them. They should be told about the dangers of polluted environment. They should also be told how to save our environment. Television and internet media is the best tool for doing this.

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