Environmental degradation

Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; and pollution. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable. Environmental degradation is one of the ten threats officially cautioned by the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change of the United Nations.

Causes

The primary cause of environmental degradation is human disturbance. The industrial revolution set off a massive increase in the consumption of resources and an increase in the production of waste. Other causes include agricultural runoff, pollution (both chemical and physical), deforestation, overpopulation, land use, including urban sprawl, and global warming or climate change.

Effects

Environmental degradation can have serious effects on many animals, plants, and humans. Hazardous substances in the environment can compromise immune systems, increase susceptibility to disease, and lead to birth defects. Furthermore, when ecosystems are stressed and fragmented, they lose their ability to recover from natural or man-made disasters, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Environmental degradation also impacts the climate and weather patterns, leading to extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts.

Types

Environmental degradation can broadly be classified into two categories: natural and anthropogenic. While natural degradation occurs through natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanic eruptions, anthropogenic degradation is caused by human activities. This can be further divided into:

• Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution caused by industrial waste, chemicals, and exhaust from vehicles.
• Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, or urban expansion.
• Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
• Climate Change: Changes in global or regional climate patterns, particularly from the mid to late 20th century onwards, due to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Prevention and Mitigation

Efforts to prevent and mitigate environmental degradation are varied and include:

• Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Conservation: Protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment.
• Environmental Protection: Measures to protect the environment and reverse the effects of environmental degradation.
• Renewable Energy: Energy produced from sources that do not deplete or can be replenished within a human's life span, such as solar or wind power.

See also

• Biodiversity
• Ecosystem Services
• Environmentalism
• Natural Resource Management