Unit IV: Environmental Issues

Environmental pollution; Global climate change and ozone layer depletion; Hazards,
disasters, and their management; Human migration and its environmental impacts;
Urbanization and its challenges; Pandemics and communicable diseases in relation to the
environment.

Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of the natural environment by harmful

substances or activities that disrupt its balance and negatively impact living organisms,
ecosystems, and human health.

When the contamination reaches beyond certain allowed concentrations, it is called pollution
and the contaminants are called the pollutants.

It occurs when pollutants such as chemicals, waste, noise, or radiation are introduced into the
air, water, soil, or other environmental components at levels that exceed their natural capacity
to neutralize them.

Environmental pollution is driven by various human activities, including industrial processes,

deforestation, habitat destruction, and rapid urbanization. Overpopulation further exacerbates
the problem by increasing the demand for resources and generating more waste. Improper
waste disposal, the extensive use of fossil fuels, and unsustainable agricultural practices, such
as excessive pesticide and fertilizer use, contribute significantly to pollution. These activities
release harmful substances into the air, water, and soil, disrupting the natural balance of
ecosystems.

The consequences of environmental pollution are broad and severe. It poses significant health
risks, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancer. Ecosystems suffer
from biodiversity loss and disruptions that threaten the survival of various species. Pollution
accelerates climate change and global warming, depletes natural resources, and imposes
economic burdens due to healthcare costs and environmental restoration efforts. To address
these challenges, sustainable practices, stricter regulations, technological innovations,
increased public awareness, and global cooperation are essential.

List of major Environmental Pollution:

Air Pollution: Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It
is the contamination of air by the release of pollutants such as gases, particles, biological
molecules, dust and smoke which is harmful to human health and the environment. Example
carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Water Pollution: Water pollution may be defined as the contamination of streams, lakes,
seas, underground water or oceans by substances, which are harmful for living beings. If the
concentration of substances naturally present in water increases, then also the water is said to
be polluted. Introduction of pollutants like industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage
into water bodies, degrading water quality and aquatic life.
Soil Pollution: Soil pollution is the contamination of the soil with pollutants, toxic chemicals
or any contaminant in such a quantity that reduces soil quality and makes it inhabitable to
organisms such as insects and other microbes. Or it can be referred to as the addition of
chemicals to the soil in quantities that are toxic to the environment and its residents.

This addition is mostly by human activities such as mining, modern practices in agriculture,
deforestation, indiscriminate dumping of human generated trash and unregulated disposal of
untreated wastes of various industries Presence of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or waste in
the soil, reducing fertility and harming plant and animal life.

Noise pollution: Noise pollution is defined as any sound that's unwanted or disturbing, and
can interfere with normal activities like sleeping or conversation. Sound is measured in
decibels (dB). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines noise pollution as noise above
65 dB, and harmful when it exceeds 75 dB.
It is caused by many things, including traffic noise from highways, railways, and airplanes,
construction sites, industrial facilities and other workplaces, agricultural machines like
tractors, and harvesters etc.
It has impact on both human health and wildlife. It causes physical discomforts like
headaches, nausea, or muscle tension. It also impacts wildlife by changing their behaviour
and communication patterns.
To reduce noise irritation, you can identify the sources of noise and minimize exposure to
them.
Use protective measures like earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, create a quiet and
peaceful environment etc.

Thermal pollution refers to the degradation of water quality caused by the release of
excessive heat into water bodies, typically as a result of human activities. It disrupts the
natural temperature balance of aquatic ecosystems, leading to harmful effects on aquatic life
and the environment. It is generally caused by the release of heated water into nearby water
bodies by industries, factories, power plants (especially thermal and nuclear plants), and
refineries which often use water for cooling machinery.

Thermal pollution reduces dissolved oxygen in water, harming aquatic organisms and
promoting excessive algae growth, which further depletes oxygen. It disrupts ecosystems by
forcing temperature-sensitive species to migrate or face extinction, leading to biodiversity
loss and altered food chains. Sudden temperature changes, known as thermal shock, can also
result in the immediate death of aquatic life unable to adapt.

Solutions to thermal pollution include using cooling systems, recycling heated water,
restoring vegetation for natural shade, and enforcing stricter regulations on industrial
effluents. Additionally, transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar can
reduce reliance on cooling-intensive thermal power plants, helping to protect aquatic
ecosystems and water resources.

Global climate change

Global climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation (rainfall),

and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels and
deforestation. It leads to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to
ecosystems. Examples- rising temperatures, melting glaciers, sea level rise, ocean
acidification, Extreme weather like droughts are becoming longer and more extreme, and
tropical storms are becoming more severe; melting snow etc.

Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere,
primarily caused by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
This depletion reduces the layer's ability to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun. Increased UV exposure can lead to skin cancer, weak immune systems, and damage to
ecosystems. Global efforts, such as the Montreal Protocol, have been implemented to phase
out ozone-depleting substances and protect the ozone layer.

Hazards, Disasters, and Their Management

Hazards: Hazards are potential threats or events that have the capacity to cause harm to life,
property, and the environment. They can be natural, such as earthquakes, floods, and
hurricanes, or man-made, like industrial accidents, chemical spills, and nuclear radiation.
While hazards pose risks, they do not necessarily result in disasters unless they significantly
affect human populations or ecosystems.

Disasters: Disasters occur when a hazard materializes and causes widespread damage,
disruption, or loss of life.
Disaster can be classified into:
i. Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and droughts.
ii. Man-Made Disasters: Oil spills, industrial explosions, deforestation, and urban fires.
iii. Hybrid Disasters: A combination of natural and human factors, such as climate change-
induced floods.
Effective management of hazards and disasters involves strategies to mitigate risks, prepare
for emergencies, and recover from disasters. Key approaches include:
i. Risk Assessment: Identifying vulnerable areas and populations and evaluating the potential
impacts of hazards.
ii. Mitigation Measures: Building resilient infrastructure, enforcing safety regulations, and
implementing early warning systems.
iii. Preparedness: Conducting education campaigns, drills, and disaster planning to enhance
community readiness.
iv. Response: Coordinating emergency services, providing medical aid, and ensuring rapid
evacuation during disasters.
iv. Recovery and Reconstruction: Rehabilitating affected areas, restoring infrastructure, and
improving resilience against future disasters.
Collaborative efforts among governments, communities, and international organizations are
crucial to reducing the risks and impacts of hazards and disasters.

Human migration and its environmental impacts

i. Urban Overcrowding: Migration to cities can lead to deforestation, loss of green spaces,
and increased pollution due to rapid urban expansion.
ii. Strain on Natural Resources: Migrant influx in certain areas raises demand for water,
energy, and food, depleting local resources.

iii. Agricultural Pressure: Migration to rural areas may result in overcultivation,

deforestation, and soil erosion, harming ecosystems.

iv. Waste and Pollution: Sudden population increases in host regions can lead to inadequate
waste management and heightened pollution levels.

v. Disrupted Ecosystems: Large-scale migration, such as from conflict or disasters, can

disturb local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

vi. Climate Change Link: Migration patterns are influenced by environmental factors like
rising sea levels and desertification, creating a feedback loop with ecological impacts.

Sustainable migration policies and resource management are essential to balance human
needs and environmental preservation.

Urbanization and Its Challenges

i. Overcrowding: Rapid urbanization leads to high population density, straining housing,

infrastructure, and public services.

ii. Traffic Congestion: Increased vehicle use causes severe traffic issues, air pollution, and
longer commuting times.

iii. Environmental Degradation: Urban expansion often results in deforestation, loss of

green spaces, and increased pollution.

iv. Waste Management: Cities generate large amounts of waste, creating challenges in
proper disposal and recycling.

v. Water and Sanitation: High demand for water and inadequate sanitation systems often
lead to shortages and health risks.

vi. Social Inequality: Urbanization can exacerbate economic disparities, with marginalized
communities facing poor living conditions.

vii. Housing Shortages: Limited affordable housing leads to the growth of slums and
informal settlements.

viii. Climate Change Impact: Urban areas contribute significantly to greenhouse gas
emissions, exacerbating climate challenges.

Addressing these challenges requires sustainable urban planning, efficient resource

management, and equitable policy implementation.
Pandemics, Communicable Diseases, and Their Environmental Links

i. Environmental Degradation: Deforestation and habitat destruction increase human-

wildlife interaction, heightening the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

ii. Urbanization: Overcrowded cities and poor sanitation in urban areas create ideal
conditions for the spread of communicable diseases.

iii. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns expand the range of
vectors like mosquitoes, spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue.

iv. Water Pollution: Contaminated water sources contribute to the spread of waterborne
diseases like cholera and typhoid.

v. Global Connectivity: Increased travel and trade accelerate the spread of pandemics across
regions and countries.

vi. Biodiversity Loss: Declining biodiversity weakens ecosystems' natural defenses against
pathogens, increasing disease outbreaks.

vii. Waste Generation: Medical and plastic waste during pandemics, such as masks and
syringes, pose environmental challenges and potential health risks.

Efforts to prevent and manage pandemics should include environmental conservation,

improved sanitation, and climate-resilient health strategies.