Five Biggest Environmental Issues

Affecting the U.S.

We take a closer look at the current environmental issues in the U.S., how it may be
exacerbating these problems and what the country may do to resolve them.
 By Jenna Tsui

 Feb 24, 2020

The environment plays a crucial role in the sustainability of life as we know it here
on Earth. All living things depend on the planet's resources to survive and, if
humans continue to pollute and over-use these resources, they may be completely
destroyed or depleted in a matter of years. Recently, a number of environmental
issues have risen to new heights, affecting economies and policies worldwide. 

The U.S. is just one of many countries suffering from—and contributing to—these
effects. From air pollution to the depletion of non-renewable resources, the nation
is beginning to recognize and address environmental issues within its borders.
Below, we'll take a closer look at the current environmental issues in the U.S., how
it may be exacerbating these problems and what the country may do to resolve
them. 

1. Deforestation 

Each year, the U.S. population grows by more than 1,700,000 people. And each
person, statistically speaking, requires an additional acre of land and highways.
This rapid influx of people has increased the demand for urbanization, resulting in
a troubling rise in deforestation as we seek to find more land on which to build. Of
course, using the land to house more and more people means less open land and
farmland, more overcrowding and a huge loss of biodiversity and animal habitats
all over the country. 

2. Air Pollution 

While air quality has improved greatly in the last 50 years, it still remains an issue in
many major cities with large populations. Sunny California is particularly pressed to
improve its air quality. Last year, the top 12 U.S. cities with the most polluted
ozone were all located in California. And, by year-round particle pollution, three
California cities tied for first place as the most polluted. So, while the U.S. may not
 struggle with air pollution as much as India or China, we still have much room for
improvement. 

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