Our environment faces several problems, and many of these seem to be worsening with time, bringing

us into a time of a true environmental crisis. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to raise
awareness of the existence of these issues, as well as what can be done to reduce their negative impact.
Some of the key issues are:

1) Pollution

Pollution of the air, water and soil caused by toxins such as plastics, heavy metals and nitrates, caused
by factors such as toxins and gases released by factories, combustion of fossil fuels, acid rain, oil spill and
industrial waste.

2) Global warming

The emission of greenhouse gases due to human activity causes global warming, which in turn causes an
increase in temperature that then leads to rising sea levels, melting of polar ice caps, flash floods and
desertification.

3) Overpopulation

We are facing a shortage of resources such as food, water and fuel to sustain the rising global
population, particularly in developing countries. Intensive agriculture attempting to lessen the problem
actually leads to more damage through the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides.

4) Waste disposal

An excessive amount of waste is produced and dumped in the oceans. Nuclear waste is particularly
dangerous, as well as plastics and electronic waste.

5) Ocean acidification

The increase in the production of carbon dioxide by humans causes the oceans’ acidity to rise, which has
a negative impact on marine life.

6) Loss of biodiversity

Species and habitats are becoming extinct due to human activity. This causes an imbalance in natural
processes like pollination and poses a threat to ecosystems – coral reef destruction is particularly
affected.

7) Deforestation

Loss of trees in order to make space for residential, industrial or commercial projects means that less
oxygen is produced, and temperature and rainfall are affected.

8) Ozone layer depletion

Pollution caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the air creates a hole in the ozone layer, which
protects the earth from harmful UV radiation.

9) Acid rain
Pollutants in the atmosphere such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain, which has
negative consequences for humans, wildlife and aquatic species.

10) Public health issues

Lack of clean water is one of the leading environmental problems currently. Pollutants in the air also
cause issues such as respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.

Environmental Protection

Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals,

organizations and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural
environment and, where possible, to repair damage and reverse trends.

Importance of Environmental Protection

Environmental protection is one of the basic prerequisites for the overall development of any country in
the world. If economic growth and development are to be established, and there is no country in the
world that does not want to do so, biodiversity must be contributed.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Environmental protection includes initiatives aimed at reducing environmental risks posed by

contaminants such as harmful materials and wastes, as well as fuels and oils. By establishing processes
for properly working with these materials, evaluating storage vessels and locations, and establishing
preventative maintenance procedures, these programs address pollution prevention and regulatory
compliance. Environmental emergency plans are also included, which outline the steps to take in the
case of a spill or discharge.

Environmental Problems

Our environment faces several problems, and many of these seem to be worsening with time, bringing
us into a time of a true environmental crisis. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to raise
awareness of the existence of these issues, as well as what can be done to reduce their negative impact.
Some of the key issues are:

1) Pollution

Pollution of the air, water and soil caused by toxins such as plastics, heavy metals and nitrates, caused
by factors such as toxins and gases released by factories, combustion of fossil fuels, acid rain, oil spill and
industrial waste.

2) Global warming

The emission of greenhouse gases due to human activity causes global warming, which in turn causes an
increase in temperature that then leads to rising sea levels, melting of polar ice caps, flash floods and
desertification.
3) Overpopulation

We are facing a shortage of resources such as food, water and fuel to sustain the rising global
population, particularly in developing countries. Intensive agriculture attempting to lessen the problem
actually leads to more damage through the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides.

4) Waste disposal

An excessive amount of waste is produced and dumped in the oceans. Nuclear waste is particularly
dangerous, as well as plastics and electronic waste.

5) Ocean acidification

The increase in the production of carbon dioxide by humans causes the oceans’ acidity to rise, which has
a negative impact on marine life.

6) Loss of biodiversity

Species and habitats are becoming extinct due to human activity. This causes an imbalance in natural
processes like pollination and poses a threat to ecosystems – coral reef destruction is particularly
affected.

7) Deforestation

Loss of trees in order to make space for residential, industrial or commercial projects means that less
oxygen is produced, and temperature and rainfall are affected.

8) Ozone layer depletion

Pollution caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the air creates a hole in the ozone layer, which
protects the earth from harmful UV radiation.

9) Acid rain

Pollutants in the atmosphere such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain, which has
negative consequences for humans, wildlife and aquatic species.

10) Public health issues

Lack of clean water is one of the leading environmental problems currently. Pollutants in the air also
cause issues such as respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.

7 Ways to reduce Environmental Pollution

Use energy more efficiently. Producing electricity and natural gas and delivering it to your door
generates greenhouse gas emissions. Installing energy-efficient building systems and equipment can
save energy and reduce your environmental footprint. See the Commercial or Industrial energy
efficiency tools for recommendations that are tailored to your business segment.

Install renewables. Clean, renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, can reduce your impact on
the environment significantly while lowering your energy bill. A variety of federal, state and local
incentives are available to make installing renewable energy more affordable. See the Database of State
Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for information about incentives available in your area.

Conserve water. Energy is used (and emissions generated) to heat the water used in your facility and
process waste water. Reduce water heater temperatures and repair leaks. Install low-flow showerheads
and aerated faucets to reduce the amount of water used; this can be especially effective in lodging and
multi-family facilities. Facilities with high hot water demand, such as hospitals and restaurants, should
consider heat recovery to capture the energy from waste fluids to heat or preheat water.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Your environmental footprint goes beyond energy use and your business. All of
the materials and equipment in your facility must be produced and shipped there, and then disposed of
—all of which impacts the environment. Look for ways to use less; it could be something as simple as
printing on both sides of paper or developing a better preventive maintenance program to make
equipment last longer. Establish a companywide recycling program.

Travel less. Employees driving to and from work produce a substantial amount of air pollution.
Encourage (or subsidize) employees to use public transportation or organize car pools, and allow
employees to work from home whenever possible. Minimize business travel through web conferencing,
email and other low-emission communications. If you maintain a fleet of vehicles, use them only when
needed and look for fuel-efficient models.

Consider near sourcing. All businesses require resources to function, whether it is office supplies or raw
materials for manufacturing. Transporting these resources to your door uses energy and creates
emissions. Near sourcing—using vendors close to your business—is a growing trend that can reduce
your environmental impact and may save you money as well.

Ship goods more efficiently. If your business delivers products, consider ways to reduce your shipping
emissions. Ground shipments, by rail or truck, are generally more fuel-efficient than shipping by air.
Fewer, full ground shipments will use less fuel than frequent light loads. If you do not have enough
goods for full shipments, consider teaming up with other local businesses.