MODULE 4

MAN AND BIOSPHERE AND ITS TOTALITY

Man, Environment and Environmental Awareness

Overview:

Our environment means our physical surroundings and the characteristics of the
place in which we live. It also refers to the wider natural world of land, sea and
atmosphere. Humans have been interacting with their environment since people first
walked the Earth. For example, humans have been cutting down forests to clear land to
grow crops for centuries and by doing so we have altered the environment. Conversely,
the environment affects us in many different ways as well. A simple example is the way
we change our clothes in response to cold or hot weather. In this section we will
introduce some of the ways in which humans influence their environment and how the
environment influences us, both positively and negatively.

Content Focus

1.1  Relationships between human activity and the environment

The links between human activity and the environment are complex and varied, but
can be grouped into two main types of activity:
 use of natural resources such as land, food, water, soils, minerals, plants and
animals
 production of wastes from a range of activities including agriculture, industry and
mining, as well as wastes from our own bodies.

1.2  Use of Natural Resources

1.2.1 Resources:   Renewable and non-renewable resources

The resources we use can be classified as renewable or non-renewable. The

basic difference between the two is the rate at which they are regenerated back into a
usable form, relative to the rate at which they are used by humans. Non-renewable
resources cannot be replenished by natural means as quickly as the rate at which they
are consumed. They include minerals and fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas, which
are formed over millions of years by natural processes from decayed plants and
animals.
Renewable resources are constantly available or regenerated over short timescales
by natural processes. Some renewable resources, such as solar energy, are not
modified or used up by humans. Others, such as water, are altered when we use them
and can be over-exploited or damaged such that the resource is no longer available for
use.

1.2.2 Problem due to over-exploitation of Natural Resources

  Deforestation
- occurs when forest areas are cleared and the trees are not replanted or allowed
to regrow. Clearing land for agriculture to meet the food needs of the growing
population and the demand for fuel and construction materials has resulted in a
steady loss of forest area
-
1.3  Production of waste and pollutants

Following on from our use of natural resources, it is inevitable that wastes are
produced.

Industry, agriculture and energy production all generate wastes that can pollute
air, water and soil. Pollution means the introduction into the environment of
substances liable to cause harm to humans and other living organisms
Figure 1 summarizes the interactions between ‘human activities’ and ‘the environment’.
The green arrow indicates the waste generated as a product of this interaction. The red
arrows indicate the negative effect on both the environment and humans if the waste is
not properly managed.

https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=79926&section=5
Figure 1. Human–environment interaction and the generation of waste and pollutants.
1.4  How we can protect and restore our environment
We end this study session with a positive message. Humans not only affect the
environment negatively – we can also contribute positively to sustaining it. When we
install wastewater treatment plants, protect endangered species and replant forests, we
have a positive impact on our environment.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Ecology is a scientific approach to the study of the biosphere. Ecosystems are

created by the interrelationships between living organisms and the physical
environments they inhabit (land, water, air). Ecosystems require a source of energy to
make them work and for most, although not all, this is light from the sun. To study
ecosystems we have to start to identify the components involved and the
interrelationships between them. We can list the living organisms by identifying the
species involved. Human beings are part of ecosystems, as well as manipulators of
ecosystems. As such we are dependent on, as well as responsible for, the ecological
health of the ecosystems we inhabit.

MAN, NATURE AND HUMAN IMPACT IN THE

ENVIRONMENT/ISSUES/PROBLEMS:

Natural Resources present on the earth can also be categories into: Air – The
atmosphere which contains different gases such as Oxygen, Nitrogen and carbon
dioxide which are required for the survival of life on earth. Water – The hydrosphere
which covers almost 75% of the Earth surface. It is a home to an abundance of animals
and plants and is also required for the survival of life on earth. Land – The upper crust
of the earth is called Lithosphere where different kinds of soils are found which are
necessary for the growth of plants and are a home to several vitamins and minerals.

Life on Earth is possible because of the presence of these three major sources. A
zone where the lithosphere, the atmosphere and the hydrosphere intersect and the life
sustains is called the Biosphere. However this sources were threatened due to human
intervention that may pose environmental problems.

Module Outcome:

At the end of this module the students are expected to:

1. describe and explained the different environmental problems and their probable
causes
2. analyzed the impacts of the different environmental problems
Take Off (Motivation)

Kindly look at the picture. What does it tells

you?

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/
647885096374672165/

Content Focus

Different environmental groups around the world play their role in educating
people as to how their small actions when combined together can play a big role in in
protecting this planet. If you look at the environment around us, you can see that there
are a number of issues that come to our attention.
Environment/Issues/Problems

1. LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity is yet another casualty due to the impact of human beings on the
environment. It is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution. Habitat
destruction is a major cause for biodiversity loss. Habitat loss is caused by
deforestation, overpopulation, pollution and global warming.

IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity is indeed, very important to the well-being of Planet Earth. The

importance of healthy ecosystems and rich biodiversity can be underscored by the
following points.

a. Increase ecosystem productivity – Each species in an ecosystem has a specific

role to play. Most of these are interdependent on each other for their survival.
b. Support number of plant species – This results in a greater variety of crops.
c. Protect freshwater resources- Biodiversity protects freshwater resources and
keeps them clean.
d. Promote soils formation and protection – The greater variety of plants helps in
formation of soil and makes it rich in nutrients.
 e. Provide for nutrient storage and recycling – Plants store nutrients, these are
consumed by animals and are finally given back to the environment when they
die.
f. Aid in breaking down pollutants – Plants utilize carbon dioxide for
photosynthesis. More the greenery in an area, lesser is the pollution level in the
air.
g. Contribute to climate stability- The presence of plant and animal species provides
climate stability as global warming is reduced.
h. Provide more food resources – Greater variety of plants and poultry animals
results in more food resources in a nation.
i. Provide pharmaceutical drugs – Medicinal property of plants is important for the
pharmaceutical industry.
j. Offer environments for recreation and tourism- Places with greenery and flowing
rivers, mountains, beaches offer great recreation facilities for humans.

THE MAJOR FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOSS OF

BIODIVERSITY include the following:

1. Destruction of Habitat:
The natural habitat of animals is destroyed by man for the purpose of
settlement, agriculture, mining, industries, construction of highways, and so
on. As a result of this, the species must either adapt to the changes in the
environment or move to other places. If not, they become target to
predation, starvation, disease and eventually die.

2. Hunting:
Hunting of wild animals is done for the commercial utilization of their
products. These include hides and skin, fur, meat, tusk, cosmetics,
perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and decoration purposes. In recent years,
95% of the black rhino population in Africa has been exterminated by
poachers for their horn.
In addition to this, over one-third of Africa’s elephants have been killed in the
last decade to collect 3,000 tonnes of ivory. Though the formulation of
International laws and Indian regulations has reduced hunting in a large amount
but poaching still continues to be a threat to biodiversity.

3. Exploitation of Selected Species:

Exploitation of medicinally important plants results in their disappearance
from their natural habitat. Examples of the plants which are ruthlessly collected
for laboratory and other works are the pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana,
Drosera sp., Psilotum sp. Isoetes sp etc.
4. Habitat Fragmentation:
An “unnatural separation of expansive tracts of habitats into spatially
segregated fragments” that is too limited to maintain their different species for
the future, is known as habitat fragmentation. The landmass is broken into
smaller units which eventually lead to the extinction of species.

5. Collection for Zoo and Research:

Animals and plants are collected for zoos and biological laboratories. This is
majorly done for research in science and medicine. Primates such as monkeys
and chimpanzees are sacrificed for research because of their anatomical, genetic
and physiological similarities to human beings.

6. Introduction of Exotic Species:

A species which is not a natural inhabitant of the locality but is deliberately or
accidentally introduced into the system is termed as an exotic species. Due to
the introduction of exotic species, native species have to compete for food and
space.
7. Pollution:
Pollution makes survival difficult for the species as it alters their natural
habitat. Water pollution is injurious to the biotic components of coastal
ecosystems. Toxic wastes entering the water bodies disturb the food chain. In
addition, materials like insecticides, pesticides, sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and
acid rain also adversely affect the plant and animal species.
8. Control of Pests and Predators:
Generally, non-target species that are a component of balanced ecosystem
may also get killed in the predator and pest control measures.

9. Natural Calamities:
Floods, draught, forest fires, earth-quakes and other natural calamities
sometimes take a heavy toll of plant and animal life. These trap a large number
of animals while frittering away soil nutrients.

10.Other Factors: Other Ecological Factors that contribute to the loss of

biodiversity include:
(a) Distribution range – The threat of extinction increases as the size of
distribution range becomes smaller.
(b) Degree of specialization – specialized organisms are more vulnerable to
extinction as compared to the non-specialized ones.
(c) Position of the organism in the food chain – the higher the position of
the organism in the food chain, the more susceptible it is.
EFFECTS OF LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

The negative effects of the loss in biodiversity from a healthy stable state include
dramatic influence on the food web and chain. Even reductions in only one species can
adversely affect the entire food chain which further leads to an overall reduction in
biodiversity. Reduced biodiversity leads to immediate danger for food security by
reducing ecosystem services and for humankind also.

The effects of extinction of animal and plant species are widespread. Here are six
significant problems caused by loss of biodiversity:

1. Monetary Implication of Lost Biodiversity

The economic cost of biodiversity around the world tops the list. We will have to
pay for costs of pollination, irrigation, soil reclamation and other functions if nature
is unable to take care of them. The estimated value of global biodiversity is in the
trillions. Deforestation costs around $2-5 trillion annually worldwide.
2. Threat to existing species
The introduction of new species is happening on farms, too, where natives are
pushed out because of imported foreign breeds of cattle. The effect of this is the
narrowing of the world’s livestock population. They are also becoming more
susceptible to disease, drought, and changes in climate.
3. Increased Contact with Diseases
The loss of biodiversity has two major effects on human health and the spread of
disease. Firstly, it increases the count of animals carrying disease in local
populations. As habitats reduce in size, these animals become common, winning out
the species that do not generally transmit disease.
4. More Unpredictable Weather
Indeed, unseasonable weather and extreme weather is a huge problem which
leads to destruction and displacement. Research has shown that loss of species
causes more unpredictable weather.
5. Loss of Livelihoods
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining livelihoods. Taking an example, when
ecosystems collapse, entire communities built on the plenty they provide lose their
means of employment as well. The cause can be pollution, overfishing, or a
combination of these. Humans are always affected by the downfall of the ecosystem
surrounding them.
6. Losing Sight of Nature
The worth of nature to humanity is far beyond the utility of it. The physical
deflation of nature certainly does affect humans. People always tend to find solace
in nature. It also provides a recreation spots for us to take a break from our busy
lives. But loss of biodiversity threatens to take away the value that man finds in
nature.
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO STOP LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

(How to Prevent Loss of Biodiversity/How to Conserve Biodiversity)

The reduction in land and soil degradation and formation of regulated protected
areas and national parks, in addition, are among important solutions to the loss of
biodiversity. However, these have limitations in tackling the biodiversity crisis to the full
extent.
What is required is to place greater emphasis on sustainable practices in
agriculture, which is the most significant cause of biodiversity loss. Thousands of
traditional crops have become threatened species as they have been discarded for food
production, a concept called mono production.
An alternative approach that can be introduced here is “agro-ecology” or “eco-
farming”. It seeks higher yields achieved through intense cultivation on small farms. It
is a low input model that requires skills in processes like soil regeneration, nitrogen
fixation and natural pest control. Reconciliation of these changes in agriculture is critical
for both food security and biodiversity.
Along with the proposed changes in agriculture, there are other solutions to the
biodiversity loss too. Some of them are simple changes we need to bring in our daily
lives.
 Since over-consumption of resources is the root cause of biodiversity loss, we
can consume less and be more mindful about what we consume.
 Energy must be saved too by using energy efficient appliances in our homes.
 Maintaining wetlands by conserving water.
 Managing livestock grazing.
 Consider donating property to land trusts.
 Encourage and support global environmental initiatives.
Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Biodiversity or the variety of plants and animals in the environment plays an

important role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. The loss of biodiversity gives
rise to a lot of problems like decreased food security, disruptions in the food chain,
climate change, loss of livelihoods etc. This has a huge impact on humans as there will
longer be food to eat, prices of commodities will rise and the beautiful sight of nature
will be lost.
Moreover, ecosystem balance gets disturbed. The problem is indeed a very grave
one, and it’s time humans realize what impact their actions have on the environment.
Proposed solutions like alternate approaches in agriculture, consuming less and
generating lesser waste should be adopted. Only then the biodiversity loss rates can be
reduced and humans can live in harmony with Mother Earth.
2. POLLUTION

Content Focus

Pollution is the process of making land, water, air or other parts of the
environment dirty and not safe or suitable to use. This can be done through the
introduction of a contaminant into a natural environment, but the contaminant doesn't
need to be tangible.

Air
The air or the atmosphere comprises of various gases. Life is present on the earth
because of these gases especially oxygen. Other planets such as Mars and Venus
contain majorly carbon dioxide (95% to 97%) that is why life cannot exist there.

Air Pollution
The presence of harmful substances in the air leads to pollution of the air. It can
severely affect the health of living organisms and the quality of the environment.

What causes Air Pollution?

Burning of Fossil Fuels – When coal

and petroleum are burnt they release
sulphur and nitrogen oxides which are
harmful agents. They also release
unburnt carbon particles in the air
called Hydrocarbons.

 Exhaust from Industries –

The industries release harmful
gases and smoke in the air that
contains carbon monoxide and
organic compounds that
decrease the quality of the air.
https://blog.agrivi.com/Media/archive/
 Mining – During the mining
2015/07/air-pollution.jpg
process harmful chemicals are
released in the air that leads to
air pollution.
  Indoor Activities – Cleaning agents and paints used in houses release harmful
chemicals which pollutes the air.

 Suspended Particulate Matter – The particles such as dust often remain

suspended in the air and degrade its quality. SPM is one of the major causes of
air pollution in the cities.

What are the effects of Air Pollution?

 Acid Rains – Rains often contain acidic compounds that can affect animals,
plants and crops.
 Harmful diseases and allergies – Inhalation of harmful substances can lead
to diseases such as heart problems and cancer and allergic reactions in the skin
and eyes. 
 A decrease in the visibility – The suspended particles in the air affects the
visibility and also lead to the formation of smog in the cold weather.
 Global Warming – The temperature of the earth rises due to the presence of
greenhouse gases in it such as carbon dioxide and methane.
 Ozone Layer Depletion - The air pollution leads to depletion of the outer
covering of the ozone layer around the earth’s atmosphere.
Water
The different forms of water present on the earth are:
 Water Vapour – found in the atmosphere
 Saline Water – found in seas and oceans
 Freshwater – found in frozen ice caps, snow-covered mountains, underground,
rivers, lakes and ponds.

Figure _ Water Present on Earth https://files.askiitians.com/cdn/images/2018115-

13249612-8331-water-present-on-earth.png

Why water is a necessity for life?

 The presence of water in a region decides the biodiversity of that area to a great
extent.
 The cellular processes take place in the water-like-medium.
  A major constituent of blood is water which allows it to carry substances
throughout the body.
 Water helps in regulating the body temperature in animals and human beings.
 It prevents the tissues, organs and cells from drying out by keeping them moist.
 Water helps in digestion of food.
 Water helps in the removal of waste products out of the cells.
 Plants also require water to transport food through different parts such as the
stem and leaves and also in the process of photosynthesis.

Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances such as chemicals and waste
materials like garbage are present in water that affect its quality and the presence of
life in it.

The causes of Water Pollution

 Waste from Industries – The industries often release chemicals directly into
water bodies such as rivers and seas which contaminates it.
 Sewage – The waste produced from households is often released into the water
which gives rise to harmful bacteria in the water.
 Mining Activities – The metal wastes obtained from mining activities harm the
organisms present in water
 Usage of Fertilizers and Pesticides – The chemicals present in fertilizers and
pesticides are extremely harmful to aquatic animals, plants as well as animal
consumption.

The Effects of Water Pollution

 Addition of unwanted substances such as fertilizers pesticides and industrial
wastes can make it poisonous and extremely harmful for consumption.
 It can also lead to an increase in bacteria that causes severe diseases like
Cholera.
 Water pollution can lead to a decrease in the amount of Oxygen and nutrients in
the water which affects the aquatic life.
 Water pollution can cause changes in the temperature of water. An increase in
temperature is not suitable for all the aquatic animals especially their eggs.

Soil (Land)

The upper layer of the earth called crust stores different nutrients that can help
in sustaining life on earth. But they are generally bounded in rocks and mountains. Over
a large course of time, these rocks breakdown through some chemical, biological and
physical processes which leads to the formation of a nutrient-rich soil.
Soil Pollution
We know that soil contains different types of substances all of them are
responsible for the sustenance of the biodiversity. When the useful components get
removed from the soil, it loses its fertility and leads to a decrease in the microscopic life
in it. This phenomenon is called soil pollution.

The causes of Soil Pollution

 Long usage of fertilizers and pesticides leads to the killing of the microorganisms
present in it. Without these organisms, the soil would not get recycled and
replenished. Earthworms get killed because of the pesticides. They are the ones
that lead to the formation of humus in the soil.
 Flowing water and winds can carry away the soil particles and often lead to
exposure of rocks.
 Deforestation can also lead to soil pollution as the uprooting of trees exposes the
soil to rains and winds.
 Industrial activities like mining and extraction of minerals can lead to a mixture
of harmful chemicals in the soil and decay its quality.

Figure _ Soil (Land) Pollution

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n0k2MkMPxwPrjQJhkPMXqrtamoi_Jvkkkc1hm5G-9h2FH5AlfUCSPnPYWXTIL4fYuC

The effects of Soil Pollution

 It severely affects the growth of plants.
 It can lead to infertility of soil and thus would restrict agriculture on such land.
 The fertilizers decay the quality of the soil.
 It can affect the health of human beings who consume food grown in soil which
has large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides mixed in it.
 It can change the structure of soil thus decaying the growth of useful bacteria
and other microorganisms in the soil.
Soil Erosion – It a process in which the upper layer of the soil gets washed away thus
leading to degradation in the soil’s quality.

Figure _ What Causes Soil Erosion?

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e8/db/c3/e8dbc317c969fc7a490cb10636228392.jpg

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Environmental pollution is currently the biggest challenge facing the word today.
There are many sources of pollution and each one has its own effect on the
environment and living organisms. This article will discuss the causes and effects of the
different kinds of pollution. The causes of pollution are not just limited to fossil fuels
and carbons emissions. There are many other types of pollution including chemical
pollution into bodies of water and soil through improper disposal practices and
agricultural activities, and noise and light pollution created by cities and urbanization as
a result of population growth. The effects of pollution can be seen every day, all around
you. Pollution is destroying ecosystems and drinking water, and wreaking havoc on
human and environmental health.

3. DEFORESTATION

Content Focus

Deforestation

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to utilize the land

or trees. Typically, deforestation is clearing a lot of trees without the intention of
establishing future growth. Harvesting, forest fires, and insect infestations do not count
as deforestation because the affected areas will eventually grow back.
Causes of Deforestation
 Mining. The increase of mining on tropical forests is furthering damage due to
the rising demand and high mineral prices. These projects are often
accompanied by large infrastructure construction, such as roads, railways, and
power systems. This contributor to deforestation is putting additional pressure on
our forests and freshwater ecosystems.
 Paper. America, China, Japan, and Canada make up more than of the world’s
paper production—400 million tons a year. Approximately 640 million trees
represent the paper that’s thrown away each year, according to the Environment
Paper Network. If we recycled, we could save 27.5 million tons of carbon dioxide
from going into the atmosphere. By using recycled paper, we allow the forests to
remain as an ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
 Overpopulation. Due to overpopulation, more land is needed to establish
housing and settlements. As well as many, many more roads and highways are
being built in order to accommodate a larger sum of people driving. With more
people that come with a large need for food and farmland to grow on and raise
livestock—resulting in deforestation. Logging industries will cut down trees for
furniture, paper, building materials, and many more products. These are a direct
result of growing human population and is why it’s important to purchase from
sustainable companies which actively work against deforestation
 Logging. Wood-based industries such as paper, matchsticks, and furniture need
a substantial quantity of wood. Lumber and charcoal are common examples of
trees being used as fuel. Cooking and heating all around the world use these
resources, and half of the illegal removal from forests is thought to be used as
fuelwood. Large areas are also cleared to construct roads in order for large
trucks to have entry to logging sites. Selective logging is where only the most
valuable trees are felled, however, this doesn't help our problem as one large
tree may bring down surrounding trees and thin the forest canopy. The forest
canopy is extremely important to the ecosystem as it houses animals, protects
plants and insect population, and protects the forest floor.
 Agriculture Expansion & Livestock Ranching. A major cause of
deforestation is agriculture plantations. An increasing supply-demand for
products such as palm oil and soybeans are driving producers to clear forests at
an unnerving rate. Farmers often clear the land for cattle by using slash and
burn techniques (cutting down trees and burning them). Unfortunately, they will
then use the property until the soil is completely degraded and repeat the
process on a new patch of woodland. Eventually, it'll reforest, but it will take
many years to return to its original condition.
 Climate Change. Forests are essentially the lungs of our planet. All plants take
in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Trees are able to convert more carbon
dioxide than a regular plant, though. Forest loss is often caused by climate
change. Tropical rainforests are extremely humid due to the water vapor
released along with the oxygen. But when a forest is cut down, the humidity
levels decrease and causes the remaining plants to dry out. For example, drying
 out our tropical rainforests increases fire damage. Fires can be both accidental
and intentional but destroy forests quickly.

Effects of Deforestation

 Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Trees help to mitigate carbon dioxide

and other greenhouse gas emissions, but they become carbon sources once
they’re cut, burned, or otherwise removed. It’s estimated that deforestation is
responsible for around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and 1.5 billion tons of
carbon is released every year by tropical deforestation.
 Acidic Oceans. The oceans are becoming more acidic with an increased supply
of carbon dioxide from deforestation and burning fossil fuels. Oceans are already
30 percent more acidic since the Industrial Revolution, putting ocean species and
ecosystems at an extreme risk.
 Loss of Species. Orangutans, giant pandas, rhinos, and the Asian elephant are
just a few of hundreds of endangered species due to deforestation. Removing
trees thins the forest canopy which is meant to block sun rays during the day
and holds in the heat at night. This damaging disruption leads to extreme
temperature swings that are harmful to plants and animals. Many animals,
insects, and plants lose their habitats and may become endangered and even go
extinct.
 Life Quality Decrease. Millions of people in the world depend on forests for
hunting, small-scale agriculture, gathering, and medicine. Common materials we
use every day such as latex, cork, fruit, nuts, natural oils, and resins are found in
the tropical forests. Deforestation disrupts the lives of millions of people. In
Southeast Asia, deforestation has contributed to social conflict and migration.
Poor people from Brazil have been lured from their villages to soy plantations
where they can be abused and forced, at gunpoint, to work under inhumane
conditions.
 Educate Others. Many are completely unaware of this global problem we’re
facing. By educating your friends, family, and community of the facts, by cause
and effect you’ll increase awareness and make an impact.
 Use Renewable Wood Resources. We can plant trees as a source of wood or
use wood from second-growth forests. Looking for a job? Contact your local tree-
planting organization! Sustainable, locally sourced wood can be used and
charcoal for cooking or heating homes is a great alternative to fossil fuels—if
locally sourced.

 Eat Less Meat. Agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation. This one’s hard
for some people and may actually be dangerous but even having a meatless
Monday or only eating meat for one meal a day will make an extreme impact on
the environment.
 Forest-derived Products. Make sure they’re 100% post-consumer content
materials.
  Reduce Consumption. Palm oil is in absolutely everything but a quick peek at
the ingredients is a simple habit to get into. Soybeans are another deforestation
hotspot but try finding ways to reduce consumption, avoiding it completely, or
opting for organic, local (if possible) soy products.
 Reduce Paper Consumption. Opt for recycled paper products, including
printing paper, notebooks, napkins, toilet paper, etc. Simple habits to try are
printing/writing on both sides of the paper, using less toilet paper, avoiding
paper plates and napkins.
 Forest-Friendly Policies. Purchase from companies who are committed to
reducing deforestation.
 Purchase from Sustainable Companies. Loreal, Asian Pulp and Paper,
Unilever, Hershey, Disney, Wilmar International are deforestation-free.
 Forestry Certification. If buying products from virgin forest fiber, make sure it
bears a seal from a credible forestry certification system. Such as the Forest
Stewardship Council.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Deforestation means the cutting of trees. it is done for various purpose, like urban
development, cultivation, grazing, and combustion s and to get timber and fiber.
Deforestation is one of the ways, though which human beings destroy the natural
habituates for their own purpose.

4. GLOBAL WARMING

Content Focus

Global warming is a phenomenon of climate change characterized by a general

increase in average temperatures of the Earth, which modifies the weather balances
and ecosystems for a long time. It is directly linked to the increase of greenhouse gases
in our atmosphere, worsening the greenhouse effect.

Global Warming Causes

The world's leading climate scientists believe that human activities are very likely
the main cause of global warming since the mid-twentieth century, mostly because of:

• Fossil Fuels. The massive use of fossil fuels is obviously the first source of
global warming, as burning coal, oil and gas produces carbon dioxide - the most
important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere - as well as nitrous oxide.
 • Deforestation. The exploitation of forests has a major role in climate change.
Trees help regulate the climate by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When
they are cut down, this positive effect is lost and the carbon stored in the trees is
released into the atmosphere.

• Intensive Farming. Another cause of global warming is intensive farming, not

only with the ever-increasing livestock, but also with plant protection products
and fertilizers. In fact, cattle and sheep produce large amounts of methane when
digesting their food, while fertilizers produce nitrous oxide emissions.

• Waste Disposal. Waste management methods like landfills and incineration

emit greenhouse and toxic gases - including methane - that are released into the
atmosphere, soil and waterways, contributing to the increase of the greenhouse
effect.

• Mining. Modern life is highly dependent on the mining and metallurgical

industry. Metals and minerals are the raw materials used in the construction,
transportation and manufacturing of goods. From extraction to delivery, this
market accounts for 5% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

• Overconsumption. Finally, overconsumption also plays a major role in climate

change. In fact, it is responsible for the overexploitation of natural resources and
emissions from international freight transport, which both contributes to global
warming.

Global warming effects

Here are some consequences that are documented in the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming:

1. On biodiversity

The increase of temperatures and the climate upheavals disturb the ecosystems,
modify the conditions and cycles of plant reproduction. The scarcity of resources and
climate change are changing life habits and migratory cycles of animals. We are already
witnessing the disappearance of many species - including endemic species - or,
conversely, the intrusion of invasive species that threaten crops and other animals.

2. On oceans

Because of global warming, permafrost and ice are melting massively at the
poles, increasing the sea level at a rate never known before. In a century, the increase
reaches 18 cm (including 6 cm in the last 20 years). The worst case scenario is a rise of
up to 1m by 2100.
 The acidification of the oceans is also of great concern. In fact, the large amount
of CO2 captured by the oceans makes them more acidic, arousing serious questions
about the adaptability of seashells or coral reefs.

3. On humans
Human beings are not spared by these upheavals. Climate change is affecting
the global economy. It is already shaking up social, health and geopolitical balances in
many parts of the world. The scarcity of resources like food and energy gives rise to
new conflicts.

4. On the weather
For decades now, meteorologists and climatologists around the world have been
watching the effects of global warming on the weather phenomena. And the impact is
huge: more droughts and heatwaves, more precipitations, more natural disasters like
floods, hurricanes, storms and wildfires, frost-free season, etc.

Global Warming Prevention

There are ways to reduce global warming. But how can climate change be reversed?
What solutions to consider?

1. Renewable energies

The first way to prevent climate change is to move away from fossil fuels. What are the
alternatives? Renewable energies like solar, wind, biomass and geothermal.

2. Energy & water efficiency

Producing clean energy is essential, but reducing our consumption of energy and
water by using more efficient devices (e.g. LED light bulbs, innovative shower system)
is less costly and equally important.

3. Sustainable transportation
Promoting public transportation, carpooling, but also electric and hydrogen
mobility, can definitely help reduce CO2 emissions and thus fight global warming.

4.Sustainable infrastructure
In order to reduce the CO2 emissions from buildings - caused by heating, air
conditioning, hot water or lighting - it is necessary both to build new low energy
buildings, and to renovate the existing constructions.

5.Sustainable agriculture & forest management

Encouraging better use of natural resources, stopping massive deforestation as
well as making agriculture greener and more efficient should also be a priority.
6.Responsible consumption & recycling
Adopting responsible consumption habits is crucial, be it regarding food
(particularly meat), clothing, cosmetics or cleaning products. Last but not least,
recycling is an absolute necessity for dealing with waste.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Global warming, the gradual heating of Earth's surface, oceans and atmosphere,
is caused by human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels that pump carbon
dioxide (CO2), methane and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

5. WASTE DISPOSAL

Take off

Around the world, waste generation rates are rising. This includes organic, nonorganic
(such as plastic) and human waste. Compared to developed nations, residents in
developing countries, especially the urban poor, are more harshly impacted by
unsustainable waste management. With this issue, what is waste disposal its causes
and effect to the environment and what are the possible solution with this problem?

Content Focus

Waste disposal is the collection, processing, and recycling or deposition of the

waste materials of human society. Waste is classified by source and composition.

generally speaking, waste materials are either liquid or solid in form, and their
components may be either hazardous or inert in their effects on health and the
environment.

‘Waste’ is any unwanted or unuseful material. These are objects that have been
discarded since these materials aren’t functioning anymore. Waste can be in any form
(liquid, solid or gas), although generally, waste is solid. There are various types of
wastes like unwanted food, torn clothes, kitchen waste, etc. Types of Waste
There are various types but primarily there are three kinds of wastes:

a. Municipal Wastes:

Municipal Waste commonly consists of items we use on an everyday basis then

dump it. Cloths, paints, wires, glasses, unwanted food, etc come under municipal
waste. These waste come from schools, factories, but primarily come from our homes.

The composition of municipal waste differs in each municipality and keeps changing
with time. Municipal waste divides further into:
a. Household waste:
Materials like unused food, clothes, unwanted paper, damaged batteries, etc come
under household wastes. Agricultural wastes also come under household waste.

b. Commercial waste:
Wastes coming from any kinds of businesses, trading factories, schools, etc come
under commercial waste.

c. Demolition waste:
As clear from the word ‘demolition’, these wastes come from the destruction of any
structure made of concrete, wood, bricks, etc. Although sometimes demolition wastes
can also be recycled.

b. Hazardous Wastes:

Hazardous waste refers to solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes from industries that have
either of the properties:

*Corrosiveness *Ignitability *Reactivity *Toxicity

Treatment of these wastes is necessary before the industries dump it. Hazardous
wastes are unsafe for human health and the environment at large. Hazardous waste
further divides into:

b.1 Industrial Waste:

Waste produced by industries includes any material that isn’t useful for the
industrial manufacturing process. Wastes such are chemicals, pigments, ashes,
metals, etc come under industrial waste.

b.2 Biomedical Waste:

 Any waste coming from medical facilities such as hospitals, medical colleges,
research centers, etc come under biomedical waste.

Category of Wastes

We just saw types of wastes. Now, these wastes are further divided into various
categories i.e. Solid Waste or Liquid Waste.

Solid Waste:
Any kind of garbage coming households, factories or hospitals come under waste.
Except solid wastes are only solids or semi-solids. These solids/semi-solids can be dry
or wet.

Wet Waste:
Any dissolved liquid based waste or sludge coming from wastewater plants,
households, etc come under wet waste.

Examples such as leftover curries, juices, rotten vegetables will come under wet waste

Dry Waste:
Waste which isn’t dissolved in any form or in liquid form come under dry wastes.
Examples such as plastics, bottles, etc will come under dry waste.

Biodegradable Waste:
Any organic material that can be synthesized into carbon dioxide, water, methane or
organic molecules by organisms in the soil come under biodegradable waste.

Nonbiodegradable Waste:
Any material that cannot be synthesized into CO2, water or CH4 come under
nonbiodegradable waste.

Methods to Dispose Waste

Dustbins aren’t the only method to throw waste away. Here are few alternatives:

a. Burial Pits/Landfills :

Throwing daily wastes in burial pits or what are also known as landfills is an
alternative for dustbins and is the popular waste disposal method.It looks after
burying waste in the ground and eliminating foul smell coming from the wastes.
b. Incineration:

Burning of waste at high temperatures and converting them into residue or gaseous
products is known as ‘Incineration’. It’s a better alternative to dustbins since the
volume of waste here decreases by 20-30%.

c. Recycling:
The process of reusing the discarded materials and converting them into something
new is known as ‘Recycling’. It’s the third main element in the process of ‘Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle’. Recycling reduces the harmful effect of greenhouse gases and
helps in conservation of resources for future.

d. Composting:
When organic wastes are kept in a pit for a long period of time the microbes start
decomposing the waste. If the compost is nutrient rich then it becomes a better
manure for plants.

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 We take the 3R's very seriously, they are reduce, reuse and recycle. Included in
that is composting as well. Waste disposal should always be a last resort final option,
if the material simply has no other form of disposal.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

There are many types of waste: municipal (household, commercial and

demolition waste), hazardous (industrial), biomedical, electronic (e-waste),
radioactive, etc. Waste management includes the collection, transport, valorization
and disposal of this waste.

Waste management is our responsibility for we benefit and suffer from it in

radical ways. Education and awareness across all communities, irrespective of their
social, economic condition, must be ever-present for as long as life inhabits this
planet.

The main principles of waste management are: 1. Waste hierarchy, referring to

the “3Rs rule” Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, waste prevention and minimization being
the most desirable goal. 2. Extended producer responsibility, adding all the
environmental costs to the market price of a product, including end-of-life disposal. 3.
The polluter pays principle, requiring that a waste generator pays for the appropriate
disposal of the waste.

6. GENETIC ENGINEERING

Take off

Man has been manipulating DNA in plants and animals for millennia. What is the
difference between genetically modified organisms and genetically engineered
organisms?

Content Focus

Genetic engineering is when the genetic makeup of an organism is altered

by inserting, deleting or changing specific pieces of DNA.

When conducting genetic engineering, the organisms that have their genetic
makeup altered are referred to as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs for
short. During the process of genetic engineering, a piece or several pieces of DNA are
altered to change a characteristic about the organism. If DNA is inserted, it can come
from another individual with the desired characteristic, it can come from a different
species or it could be artificially produced.

History of GMO Development

 1973: created first genetically modified bacteria

 1974: created GM mice
 1982: first commercial development of GMOs (insulin-producing bacteria)
 1994: began to sell genetically modified food
 2003: began to sell GMOs as pets (Glofish)

The GMO process

• All genetic changes affect the protein synthesis of the organism.

• By changing which proteins are produced, genetic engineers can affect the overall
traits of the organism
• Genetic modification can be completed by a number of different methods:

 Inserting new genetic material randomly or in targeted locations

 Direct replacement of genes (recombination)
 Removal of genes
 Mutation of existing genes
Concerns regarding genetically modified foods and animals

 Risk to human health; unsafe to eat

 Harm to the environment and wildlife
 Increased pesticide and herbicide use
 Creation of herbicide-resistant super weeds
 Seed and pollen drift
 Farmers’ health

Genetic engineering in humans

Nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan and all of the
countries in the European Union, have enacted significant restrictions or full bans on
the production and sale of genetically modified organism food products, and 64
countries now have GMO labeling requirements.

Benefits of Genetic Engineering

The use of genetic engineering and the creation of genetically modified crops has
resulted in many benefits for the agricultural world. The most noticeable benefit is
that genetic engineering has made it possible to produce more crops in a shorter time
period. Due to the modifications that make crops resistant to diseases, it has been
possible to increase overall yields. Many genetically modified crops are also designed
to grow at a faster rate, which also helps increase overall yield.

In addition to increasing productivity, genetic engineering has had several other

benefits to agriculture. By modifying crops so that they are resistant to diseases and
insects, less chemical pesticides have to be used to combat diseases and pests. Also,
if crops are genetically modified to include components of fertilizers, less chemical
fertilizers have to be placed on the fields. Conclusion

The act of medical professionals or scientists who attempt genetic experiments can
never be portrayed as ‘playing God The idea of transplant organs is a really good
idea but it also affects the pig species and it decreases its numbers in population.

Human, Social, and Environmental Impacts of Human Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering employs viral vector that carries functional gene inside the
human body; the repercussion are still unknown. There are no clues as to
where functional genes are being placed. They may even replace the important
genes, instead of mutated genes. Thus, this may lead to another health
condition or disease to human.
• Concerns range from ethical issues to lack of knowledge on the effects genetic
engineering may have. One major concern is that once an altered gene is
placed in an organism, the process cannot be reversed.
• New organisms created by genetic engineering could present an ecological
problem. One cannot predict the changes that a genetically engineered species
would make on the environment. The release of a new genetically engineered
species would also have the possibility of causing an imbalance in the ecology
of a region just exotic species would do.
Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

• genetic engineering, sometimes called genetic modification, is the process of

altering the DNA? in an organism’s genome?.
• It may also mean extracting DNA from another organism’s genome and
combining it with the DNA of that individual.
• Genetic engineering is used by scientists to enhance or modify the
characteristics of an individual organism.
• Genetic engineering can be applied to any organism, from a virus? to a sheep.
• For example, genetic engineering can be used to produce plants that have a
higher nutritional value or can tolerate exposure to herbicides.
7. OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

Take off

The earth’s atmosphere is composed of many layers, each playing a significant role.
The first layer stretching approximately 10 kilometers upwards from the earth’s
surface is known as the troposphere. A lot of human activities such as gas balloons,
mountain climbing, and small aircraft flights take place within this region. Ozone layer
is a deep layer in earth’s atmosphere that contains ozone which is a naturally
occurring molecule containing three oxygen atoms. These ozone molecules form a
gaseous layer in the Earth’s upper atmosphere called stratosphere. This lower region
of stratosphere containing relatively higher concentration of ozone is called
Ozonosphere. Were its depletion is the focus of the discussion, what makes this a
problem?

Content Focus

Ozone (O3) depletion does not cause global warming, but both of these
environmental problems have a common cause: human activities that release
pollutants into the atmosphere altering it.

An essential property of ozone molecule is its ability to block solar radiations of

wavelengths less than 290 nanometers from reaching Earth’s surface. In this process,
it also absorbs ultraviolet radiations that are dangerous for most living beings. UV
radiation could injure or kill life on Earth. Though the absorption of UV radiations
warms the stratosphere but it is important for life to flourish on planet Earth.

Dr. M. Molina and Dr. S. Rowland first thought of the idea of ozone loss in
1974, but it was not taken seriously. In the spring of 1985, a hole in the ozone layer
above Antarctica was discovered. This hole has reappeared every spring since this
date.

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

Credible scientific studies have substantiated that the cause of ozone layer
depletion is human activity, specifically, human-made chemicals that contain chlorine
or bromine. These chemicals are widely known as ODS, an acronym for
OzoneDepleting Substances. The scientists have observed reduction in stratospheric
ozone since early 1970’s. It is found to be more prominent in Polar Regions. ODS are
comfortably broken down by the strong UV light and the resultant chemical is chlorine
and bromine. Chlorine and bromine are known to deplete the ozone layer at
supersonic speeds. The chief ozone-depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl
chloroform. Halons, sometimes known as brominated fluorocarbons, also contribute
mightily to ozone depletion. However, their application is greatly restricted since they
are utilized in specific fire extinguishers. The downside to halons is they are so potent
that they are able to deplete the ozone layer 10 times more than ozone-depleting
substances.

Main Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs)

It’s billed as the most extensively utilized ozone-depleting substance because it

attributes to more than 80% of overall ozone depletion. It was utilized as a coolant in
home appliances like freezers, refrigerators and air conditioners in both buildings and
cars that were manufactured prior to 1995. This substance is usually contained in dry
cleaning agents, hospital sterilants, and industrial solvents. The substance is also
utilized in foam products like mattresses and cushions and home insulation.

Hydrofluorocarbons(HCFCs)

Hydrofluorocarbons have over the years served in place of Chlorofluorocarbons. They

are not as harmful as CFCs to ozone layer.

Halons

It’s especially used in selected fire extinguishers in scenarios where the equipment or
material could be devastated by water or extinguisher chemicals.

CarbonTetrachloride

Also used in selected fire extinguishers and solvents.

MethylChloroform

Commonly utilized in industries for cold cleaning, vapor degreasing, chemical

processing, adhesives and some aerosols.
Serious Effects of Ozone Depletion

1. Damage to human health

If the ozone layer is depleted, it means humans will be overly exposed to strong UV
light. Overexposure to strong UV light causes skin cancer, cataracts, sunburns,
weakening of immune system and quick aging.

2. Devastation to environment

Many crops species are vulnerable to strong UV light and overexposure may well lead
to minimal growth, photosynthesis and flowering. Some of the crop species vulnerable
to UV light include barley, wheat, corn, oats, rice, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower just
to name a few. Forests equally bear the brunt of ozone depletion.

3. Threat to marine life

Certain marine life, especially planktons, is greatly impacted by exposure to strong

ultraviolet rays. In the aquatic food chain, planktons appear high up. If planktons
decrease in number due to ozone layer destruction, the marine food chain would be
disrupted in many ways. Also, overexposure of sun rays could reduce the fortunes of
fishers. On top of that, certain species of marine life have been greatly affected by
overexposure to ultraviolet radiation at their early stage.

4. Effect on animals

In domesticated animals, too much Ultraviolet radiation could also lead to skin and
eye cancer.

5. Impacts certain materials

Materials like plastics, wood, fabrics, rubber are massively degraded by too much
ultraviolet radiation

Solutions to Ozone Depletion

1. Desist from using pesticides

Pesticides are great chemicals to rid your farm of pests and weeds, but they
contribute enormously to ozone layer depletion. The surefire solution to get rid of
pests and weeds is to apply natural methods. Just weed your farm manually and use
alternative eco-friendly chemicals to alleviate pests.
 2. Discourage driving of private vehicles

The easiest technique to minimize ozone depletion is to limit the number of vehicles
on the road. These vehicles emit a lot of greenhouse gases that eventually form
smog, a catalyst in the depletion of ozone layer.

3. Utilize environmentally friendly cleaning products

Most household cleaning products are loaded with harsh chemicals that find way to
the atmosphere, eventually contributing to degradation of the ozone layer. Use natural
and environmentally friendly cleaning products to arrest this situation.

4. Prohibit the use of harmful nitrous oxide

The Montreal Protocol formed in 1989 helped a lot in the limitation of

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). However, the protocol never covered nitrous oxide, which
is a known harmful chemical that can destroy the ozone layer. Nitrous oxide is still in
use today. Governments must take action now and outlaw nitrous oxide use to reduce
the rate of ozone depletion.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

The ozone hole is basically a human-caused hole in the ozone layer above the
South Pole during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring. The ozone layer, which lies high
up in the atmosphere, shields us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from
the Sun. Unfortunately we punched a hole in it, through the use of gases like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in spray cans and refrigerants, which break down ozone
molecules in the upper atmosphere.

8. OVERPOPULATION

Take off

Human overpopulation is among the most pressing environmental issues, silently

aggravating the forces behind global warming, environmental pollution, habitat loss,
the sixth mass extinction, intensive farming practices and the consumption of finite
natural resources, such as fresh water, arable land and fossil fuels, at speeds faster
than their rate of regeneration. However, ecological issues are just the beginning.
Content Focus

Overpopulation is an undesirable condition where the number of the existing human

population exceeds the actual carrying capacity of Earth. Overpopulation is caused by
a number of factors. Reduced mortality rate, better medical facilities, depletion of
precious resources are few of the causes which result in overpopulation. It is possible
for a sparsely populated area to become densely populated if it is not able to sustain
life.

Growing advances in technology with each coming year has affected humanity in
many ways. One of these has been the ability to save lives and create a better
medical treatment for all. A direct result of this has been the increased lifespan and
the growth of the population.

According to Wikipedia,

“Overpopulation occurs when a species’ population exceeds the carrying capacity of its
ecological niche. It can result from an increase in births (fertility rate), a decline in the
mortality rate, an increase in immigration, or an unsustainable biome and depletion of
resources.”

Various Causes of Overpopulation

1. The Decline in the Death Rate

At the root of overpopulation is the difference between the overall birth rate and
death rate in populations. If the number of children born each year equals the number
of adults that die, then the population will stabilize.

Talking about overpopulation shows that while there are many factors that can
increase the death rate for short periods of time, the ones that increase the birth rate
do so over a long period of time.

2. Agricultural Advancements

Agricultural advancements in the 20th century have allowed humans to increase food
production using fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides and yields further. This allowed
humans with more access to food that leads to subsequent population explosions.
3. Better Medical Facilities

Science was able to produce better means of producing food, which allowed families
to feed more mouths. Besides, medical science made many discoveries, thanks to
which they were able to defeat a whole range of diseases.

Illnesses that had claimed thousands of lives until now were cured because of the
invention of vaccines. Combining the increase in food supply with fewer means of
mortality tipped the balance and became the starting point of overpopulation.

4. More Hands to Overcome Poverty

Poverty is considered as the leading cause of overpopulation. In the absence of

educational resources, coupled with high death rates, which resulted in higher birth
rates, that is why impoverished areas are seeing large booms in population.

For thousands of years, a very small part of the population had enough money to live
in comfort. The rest faced poverty and would give birth to large families to make up
for the high infant mortality rate.

According to the UN, the forty-eight poorest countries in the world are also likely to be
the biggest contributors to population growth. Their estimates say that the combined
population of these countries is likely to increase to 1.7 billion in 2050, from 850
million in 2010.

5. Child Labor

It is no less than a tragedy that child labor is still in practice extensively in many parts
of the world. The children being seen as a source of income by impoverished families
begin work too young and also lose the educational opportunities reflected,
particularly when it comes to birth control.

6. Technological Advancement in Fertility Treatment

With the latest technological advancement and more discoveries in medical science, it
has become possible for couples who are unable to conceive to undergo fertility
treatment methods and have their own babies.

Today there are effective medicines that can increase the chance of conception and
lead to a rise in the birth rate. Moreover, due to modern techniques, pregnancies
today are far safer.
7. Immigration

Many people prefer to move to developed countries like the US, UK, Canada, and
Australia, where the best facilities are available in terms of medical, education,
security, and employment. The result is that those people settle over there, eventually
making those places overcrowded.

If the number of people who are leaving the country is less than the number of people
who enter, it usually leads to more demand for food, clothes, energy, and homes. This
gives rise to a shortage of resources. Though the overall population remains the
same, it just affects the density of the population, making that place simply
overcrowded.

8. Lack of Family Planning

Most developing nations have a large number of people who are illiterate, live below
the poverty line, and have little or no knowledge about family planning. Besides,
getting their children married at an early age increases the chances of producing more
kids.

Those people are unable to understand the harmful effects of overpopulation, and
lack of quality education prompts them to avoid family planning measures.

9. Poor Contraceptives Use

Poor family planning on the part of partners can lead to unexpected pregnancies
though contraceptives are easily available in developed countries.

Fatal Effects of Overpopulation

1. Depletion of Natural Resources

The effects of overpopulation are quite severe. The first of these is the depletion of
resources. The Earth can only produce a limited amount of water and food, which is
falling short of the current needs.

2. Degradation of Environment

With the overuse of coal, oil, and natural gas, it has started producing some serious
effects on our environment. Besides, the exponential rise in the number of vehicles
and industries has badly affected the quality of air.
The rise in the amount of CO2 emissions leads to global warming. Melting of polar ice
caps, changing climate patterns, rise in sea levels are a few of the consequences that
we might have to face due to environmental pollution.

3. Conflicts and Wars

Overpopulation in developing countries puts a major strain on the resources it should

be utilizing for development. Conflicts over water are becoming a source of tension
between countries, which could result in wars. It causes more diseases to spread and
makes them harder to control.

Starvation is a huge issue that the world is facing, and the mortality rate for children is
being fuelled by it. Poverty is the biggest hallmark we see when talking about
overpopulation.

4. Rise in Unemployment

When a country becomes overpopulated, it gives rise to unemployment as there are

fewer jobs to support a large number of people. The rise in unemployment gives rise
to crime, such as theft, as people want to feed their families and provide them basic
amenities of life.

5. High Cost of Living

As the difference between demand and supply continues to expand due to

overpopulation, it raises the prices of various essential commodities, including food,
shelter, and healthcare. This means that people have to pay more to survive and feed
their families.

6. Pandemics and Epidemics

Poverty is linked to many environmental and social reasons, including overcrowded

and unhygienic living conditions, malnutrition and inaccessible, inadequate, or
nonexistent health care, for which the poor are more likely to be exposed to infectious
diseases. Further, high densities of population increase the chance of the emergence
of new pandemics and epidemics.

7. Malnutrition, Starvation and Famine

When the availability of resources is scarce, starvation, malnutrition, along with ill
health and diseases caused by diet-deficiency such as rickets become more likely.
Famine is typically associated with less-developed regions, and there is a high
correlation with poverty levels.

8. Water Shortage

Roughly 1% of the world’s water is fresh and accessible. Overpopulation is a major

issue that creates immense pressure on the world’s freshwater supplies.

As per the study, the human demand for freshwater would stand at approximately
70% of freshwater available on the planet by 2025. Therefore, people living in
impoverished areas that already have limited access to such water will be at great
risk.

9. Lower Life Expectancy

A large proportion of the world’s population growth occurs in less developed countries.
Therefore, lower life expectancy caused by the booms in population is experienced by
less-developed nations.

This causes a shortage of resources in these countries resulting in less access to

medical care, freshwater, food and jobs, and ultimately in a sharp fall in life
expectancy.

10. Extinction

The impact of overpopulation on the world’s wildlife is severe. As demand for land
grows, the destruction of natural habitats, such as forests, becomes common.

Data has also been collected to show a direct link between increases in human
population and decreases in the number of species on the planet. If present trends
continue, as many as 50% of the world’s wildlife species will be at risk of extinction,
some scientists warn.

11. Increased Intensive Farming

With the growth of population over the years, farming practices have evolved to
produce enough food required to feed a larger number of people. However, this
intensive farming methods cause damage to local ecosystems and the land that may
pose problems in the future.

Furthermore, intensive farming is also contributed to climate change due to the

machinery required. If the population continues to grow at its current rate, this effect
will likely intensify.
12. Faster Climate Change

Overpopulation forces larger nations, like China and India, to continue to develop their
industrial capacities. They now rank as two of the three largest contributors to
emissions in the world, other than the United States.

According to 97% of the scientific community, human activities are changing global
temperatures. If more is not done to reduce individual carbon footprints on a wide
scale, larger populations may speed these changes up.

Incredible Solutions To Overpopulation

1. Better Education

One of the first measures is to implement policies reflecting social change. Educating
the masses helps them understand the need to have one or two children at the most.

Similarly, education plays a vital role in understanding the latest technologies that are
making huge waves in the world of computing. Families that are facing a hard life and
choose to have four or five children should be discouraged.

Family planning and efficient birth control can help in women making their own
reproductive choices. Open dialogue on abortion and voluntary sterilization should be
seen when talking about overpopulation.

2. Education for Girl Child

Currently, over 130 million young women and girls around the globe are not enrolled
in school. The majority of these live in male-dominated societies, particularly in sub -
Saharan Africa and South and West Asia, that does not give women equal right to
education as men.

Entrenched gender norms and child marriage further disrupt their access to education.
The girl who receives less education is more likely to have children early and
vulnerable to exploitation. Moreover, impoverished families are less likely to enroll
their female children in school.

3. Making People Aware of Family Planning

As the population of this world is growing at a rapid pace, raising awareness among
people regarding family planning and letting them know about serious after-effects of
overpopulation can help curb population growth. One of the best ways is to let them
know about various safe sex techniques and contraceptive methods available to avoid
any unwanted pregnancy.

4. Tax Benefits or Concessions

The government of various countries might have to come up with various policies
related to tax exemptions to curb overpopulation.

One of them might be to waive a certain part of income tax or lowering rates of
income tax for those married couples who have single or two children. As we humans
are more inclined towards money, this may produce some positive results.

5. Knowledge of Sex Education

Imparting sex education to young kids at the elementary level should be a must. Most
parents feel shy in discussing such things with their kids that results in their children
going out and look out for such information on the internet or discuss it with their
peers.

Mostly, the information is incomplete, which results in sexually active teenagers

unaware of contraceptives and embarrassed to seek information about the same. It is,
therefore, important for parents and teachers to shed their old inhibitions and make
their kids or students aware of solid sex education.

6. Social Marketing

Social marketing has already been started by some societies to educate the public on
overpopulation effects. The intervention can be made widespread at a low cost. A
variety of print materials (flyers, brochures, fact sheets, stickers) can be distributed in
places such as at local places of worship, sporting events, local food markets, schools
and at car parks.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Overpopulation is a serious threat to our whole environmental system. It is likely to
cause severe conflicts and wars as people will fight for resources in order to meet
their daily energy demand. It is therefore crucial that we solve this issue through
suitable and sustainable measures. Only then, it will be possible for humanity to live in
peace in the future.
9. CLIMATE CHANGE

Take off
One of the crucial issues of the present time is Climate Change and we are at critical
stage. With changing weather patterns that alarm the food production, to rising of sea
levels that may bring risk to the environment, the impacts of climate change are
global and exceptional that alarm every corner of the world. Without a strong action
today, adapting to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and
unmanageable.

Content Focus

What is climate change?

Climate change usually refers to the shifts in things like precipitation, wind patterns,

and temperatures over a given period. Measured changes in climate could last a few
years, decades, or even millions of years.

Climate change has occurred for as long as the earth has existed. It happens anytime
earth’s climate patterns change and remain in place for a measurable amount of time.
This has notably manifested itself in natural cycles of cooling and warming. Before
human causes started to shift the global climate, five main factors interacted with one
another as climate changes occurred. These five factors include:

1. Atmosphere (air)
2. Biosphere (living things)
3. Cryosphere (ice and permafrost)
4. Hydrosphere (water)
5. Lithosphere (earth’s crust and upper mantle)

Causes of climate change

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has stated, “The scientific
evidence is clear: global climate change caused by human activities is occurring now,
and it is a growing threat to society.”
Below are a few of the ways humans are accelerating climate change.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases play a vital role in the earth’s climate cycles. As the planet gets hit
with the sun’s rays, some of the energy is absorbed, and the rest of that energy and
heat gets reflected into space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the reflected
energy, redirecting it back down to the earth and eventually contributing to global
warming. Various gases play this role, including:

• Water vapor
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Methane
• Nitrous oxide
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

While some of these greenhouse gases, such as water vapor, are naturally occurring,
others, such as CFCs, are synthetic. CO2 is released into the atmosphere from both
natural and human-made causes and is one of the leading contributors to climate
change. CO2 has been increasing at an alarming rate and has the potential to stay in
the earth’s atmosphere for thousands of years unless it gets absorbed by the ocean,
land, trees, and other sources. However, as CO2 production has steadily risen, the
earth’s natural resources to absorb it has also been diminished. This is already
occurring in many ways as eath’s resources are disappearing from things like
deforestation. Some studies even predict that plants and soil will be able to absorb less
CO2 as the eath continues to warm—possibly accelerating climate change even further.

Solar Activity

Solar activity, as mentioned above, does play a role in the earth’s climate. While the
sun does go through natural cycles, increasing and decreasing the amount of energy
that it emits to the earth, it is unlikely that solar activity is a major contributor to
global warming or climate change. Since scientists began to measure the sun’s energy
hitting our atmosphere, there has not been a measurable upward trend.

Agriculture

There are many significant ways in which agriculture impacts climate change. From
deforestation in places like the Amazon to the transportation and livestock that it takes
to support agricultural efforts around the world, agriculture is responsible for a
significant portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, agriculture is
also an area that is making tremendous strides to become more sustainable. As
productivity increases, less carbon is being emitted to produce more food. Agriculture
also has the potential to act as a carbon sink, and could eventually absorb nearly the
same amount of CO2 it emits.

Deforestation

Deforestation and climate change often go hand in hand. Not only does climate
change increase deforestation by way of wildfires and other extreme weather, but
deforestation is also a major contributor to global warming. According to the Earth
Day Network, deforestation is the second leading contributor to global greenhouse
gasses. Many people and organizations fighting against climate change point to
reducing deforestation as one of, if not the most, important issues that must be
addressed to slow or prevent climate change.

Human Activity

The most significant contributor to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for
electricity, heat, and transportation. Of these factors, transportation in the form of
cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes emits the largest percentage of CO2–speeding
up global warming and remaining a significant cause of climate change.

Livestock

While interconnected to many of the agricultural and deforestation issues we have

already touched on, livestock in the form of cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry play a
significant role in climate change. According to one study, “Livestock and Climate
Change,” livestock around the world is responsible for 51% of annual global
greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the effects of climate change?

• ImmediateEffectsofClimateChange

From melting glaciers to more extreme weather patterns, people everywhere

are beginning to take notice of the real impacts of climate change. While some nations
around the world are taking action with initiatives such as the Paris Climate
Agreement, others are continuing business as usual–pumping millions of tons of
carbon into the atmosphere year after year. While the long-term consequences are
still to be seen, for now, climate change continues to cause extreme weather as well
as safety and economic challenges on a global scale.
 • Extreme Weather

Changes to weather are perhaps the most noticeable effect of climate change for the
average person. One reason for this is the financial impact severe weather events can
have. According to the National Climate Assessment in the United State , extreme
weather events will continue to increase in frequency and intensity as climate change
continues to happen. Extreme weather influenced by climate change includes:

– Stronger storms & hurricanes

– Heatwaves
– Wildfires
– More flooding
– Heavier droughts

• Safety & Economic Challenges

In 2014 the U.S. Department of Defense released a report that stated climate change
posed a severe and immediate threat to national security. According to former
Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, “Rising global temperatures, changing
precipitation patterns, climbing sea levels, and more extreme weather events will
intensify the challenges of global instability, hunger, poverty, and conflict.”

Long Term Impact of Climate Change

The long term impact of climate change could be absolutely devastating to the
planet and everyone and everything living on it. If the world continues on its current
trajectory, then we will likely continue to see increasing effects on everyday life.

• Health

There are many ways in which climate change could impact people’s health.
Depending on age, location, and economic status, climate change is already affecting
the health of many and has the potential to impact millions more. According to the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United State, climate change-related
health risks may include:

• Heat-related illness
• Injuries and fatalities from severe weather
• Asthma & cardiovascular disease from air pollution
• Respiratory problems from increased allergens
• Diseases from poor water quality
 • Water & food supply insecurities
• Negative Impact in Ecosystems

Ecosystems are interconnected webs of living organisms that help support all kinds of
plant and biological life. Climate change is already changing seasonal weather patterns
and disrupting food distribution for plants and animals throughout the world, potentially
causing mass extinction events. Some studies estimate that nearly 30% of plant and
animal species are at risk of extinction if global temperatures continue to rise.

Water & Food Resources

Climate change could have a significant impact on food and water supplies. Severe
weather and increased temperatures will continue to limit crop productivity and
increase the demand for water. With food demand expected to increase by nearly
70% by 2050, the problem will likely only get worse.

Sea Levels Rising

Rising sea levels could have far-reaching effects on coastal cities and habitats.
Increasing ocean temperatures and melting ice sheets have steadily contributed to the
rise of sea levels on a global scale. At current rates the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration estimate sea levels to rise by at least 8 inches by 2100,
potentially causing increased flooding and decrease in ocean and wetland habitats.

Shrinking Ice Sheets

While contributing to rising sea levels, shrinking ice sheets present their own set of
unique problems, including increased global temperatures and greenhouse gas
emissions. Climate change has driven summer melt of the ice sheets covering
Greenland and Antarctica to increase by nearly 30% since 1979.

Ocean Acidification

The ocean is one of the main ways in which CO2 gets absorbed. While at first glance
that may sound like a net positive, the increasingly human-caused CO 2 is pushing the
world’s oceans to their limits and causing increased acidity. As pH levels in the ocean
decrease, shellfish have difficulty reproducing, and much of the oceans’ food cycle
becomes disrupted.
Solutions for Climate Change

While the effects of climate change can seem bleak, there is still hope. By taking
immediate action to curb climate change, we may never see the worst consequences.
Likewise, as the world adopts cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, there may be
millions of new jobs created and billions of dollars of economic benefits. Below are
some practical ways you can battle climate change, including:

• Purchase Renewable Energy Certificate for your home power needs

• Make your home energy efficient
• Buy carbon offsets
• Adopt a plant-based diet
• Reduce food waste
• Recycle
• Stop using fossil fuels
• Stop deforestation

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Climate change is real, and the evidence is all around us. While the changes to
the earth’s climate are nothing new, it is apparent recent effects are having a
devastating impact on countless people, places, and wildlife. Climate change is a
problem that is facing our planet and it has progressed a lot after the industrial
revolution. The emission of greenhouse gases has accelerated the progress of climate
change and made our weather more intense. However, the world’s dependence on
fossil fuel for energy, transportation, and manufacturing have created a major
obstacle for us to switch to renewable energy. Also, one of the things we must do is to
adapt to the changes that occurred and will occur. We need to prevent any future
changes from happening, but adaptation is a major thing we need to do” .
10. ACID RAIN

Take off
Depending on where you live, maybe you've heard of acid rain. Now, acid rain is not
pure acid falling from the sky, but rather it is rainfall or atmospheric moisture that has
been mixed with elements and gases that have caused the moisture to become more
acidic than normal. Pure water has a pH of 7, and, generally, rainfall is somewhat on
the acidic side (a bit less than 6). But, acid rain can have a pH of about 5.0-5.5, or
less.

Content Focus

Acid rain can be defined as rain or any other kind of precipitation that is
unusually acidic, which means that it has higher levels of hydrogen and thus a lower
pH-score. It is caused by emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, which react
with water molecules in the atmosphere and produce acid rain.

Acid rain has harmful effects on the environment, especially on aquatic animals
and plants. It has also shown damaging effects on freshwaters, soils and insects.

Moreover, also humans are adversely affected since acid rain causes corrosion
of steel structures (e.g. bridges) and the weathering of statues and stone buildings.

Acid rain can also have a negative impact on human health.

Scientific Definition

“Acid rain” is defined as a mixture of wet and dry acidic components. Distilled
water has a neutral pH of 7 (once carbon dioxide is removed). Liquids with pH greater
than 7 are alkaline, and those with a pH of less than 7 are acidic.

Unpolluted rain has an acidic pH between 5 and 5.5, the pH of acid rain is
usually around 4.0. The difference seems not to be that great. However, a drop from
5 to 4 on the pH-scale means that acid rain is 10-times more acid than normal rain.

Forms of Acid Rain

Acid rain can manifest in two forms, wet and dry deposition. Wet deposition
occurs when any form of precipitation like snow, rain, etc. removes acids from the
atmosphere and delivers them to the surface of the earth.

This can be the result of the precipitation removing acids either in or below
clouds or from the deposition of acids formed in raindrops. Wet removal of both
aerosols and gases both plays an important role in wet deposition. Dry deposition
occurs when gases and particles stick to the ground, plants or other surfaces.

Causes for Acid Rain

1. Natural Causes
2. Electricity generation
3. Vehicles
4. Agriculture
5. Industrial processes and consumption levels

Natural Causes

The main source that naturally contributes to acid rain is emissions from
volcanoes. The emission of gases from volcanoes leads to an increase in the acidity
level of rain, impacting the surrounding vegetation, wildlife and also humans in an
adverse manner.

However, there are several other causes of acid rain, including gases produced
by biological processes that occur in wetlands, oceans and on land. This includes
wildfires, lightning strikes and decaying vegetation.

Human activity

Apart from natural causes, human behavior plays a major role in the
contribution to acid rain. Sulfur and nitrogen are produced in big amounts in the
process of generating electricity, for motor vehicles, for (animal) agriculture and in
factories.

Acid rain does not only affect local areas, but also affects large surrounding
regions. Through winds and other weather conditions, acid rain is spread across whole
countries and even across borders. When the acid rain hits the ground, it reaches
lakes, rivers and the groundwater.

Electricity generation

The generation of electricity through the use of coal and the resulting gaseous
contamination is one of the biggest contributing factors for the emergence of acid
rain. Coal still is the most important substance when it comes to electricity production
worldwide.
 Especially since the industrial revolution period has happened, the demand for
energy increased dramatically. Another trend in our current century is the
development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which will lead to even
more electricity demand in the future since in many jobs, machines will replace
humans. However, in the coal combustion process related to the production of
electricity, large amounts of sulfur oxides enter the air, which reacts with water
molecules in the atmosphere, eventually resulting in acid rain.

Vehicles

Especially high amounts of gases that lead to acid rain are also caused by the
automotive industry and the resulting extensive number of cars and the corresponding
traffic. In our daily life, almost everyone owns one or even more cars.

The use of cars is considered the standard means of transportation of our

society right now. Even for small distances, people often use cars instead of just
walking or using a bicycle. This behavior leads to excessive traffic and therefore to an
excessive amount of harmful gases that are emitted into the atmosphere.

These gases eventually return to the earth in the form of acid rain. The
phenomenon of acid rain is especially severe in areas that have a high population
density compared to rural areas since the number of inhabitants usually positively
correlates with the number of cars and therefore leads to more emissions and
eventually to more acid rain.

Agriculture

Agriculture also plays an important role as a factor for acid rain. On the one
hand, farmers often use excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides in order to
maximize their crop yields. However, these substances can contain substances like
nitrogen compounds which can eventually result in acid rain.

On the other hand, for the purpose of meat production, there is a vast number
of farm animals worldwide which emit large quantities of harmful gases like methane,
resulting in both in acid rain and also contributing to the global warming problem.

Industrial processes and consumption levels

In many industrial processes, harmful substances like nitrogen oxides or sulfur

dioxides are released into the air. Since our society always wants to have the newest
clothes, technological items, cars and so on, our consumption levels exploded
compared to 100 years ago.

Although we are able to afford many material things that our ancestors could not
even have dreamed of, this consumption behavior also has a serious downside. Higher
levels of consumption also imply a higher level of air pollution, including the pollution
with substances that cause acid rain. Thus, industrial processes as a consequence of
our high consumption levels play a major role in the acid rain debate.

Effects of Acid Rain

1. Effects on aquatic environments

2. Effects on animals and plants
3. Effects on forests
4. Effects on global warming
5. Effects on soil
6. Effects on vegetation cover
7. Effects on buildings
8. Effects on health

Effects on aquatic environments

When acid rain comes to the ground, it impacts all forms of water systems,
including lakes, rivers and oceans. Also, the groundwater system is eventually affected
by acid rain. This leads to an overall drop in pH-levels in the entire water system.

If the pH level is below a certain threshold, it can harm or even kill a significant
amount of water animals and plants. Moreover, a low pH-score also diminishes the
reproduction rate of water animals, since it can destroy fish eggs. In the long run, acid
rain can even lead to the extinction of certain water animals.

Effects on animals and plants

There is also an adverse effect of acid rain on many animals and plants.
Animals and plants need certain living conditions in order to survive. If these living
conditions are altered, they may be forced to move to other areas. Acid rain leads to a
change in these living conditions since it makes the soil more acid.

A higher level of acidity in the soil leads to a change in the growth behavior of
plants. Many plants need a stable pH-level in order to grow. If the pH-level changes
due to acid rain, the plants may no longer be able to grow. Animals that eat these
plants lose some of their natural food sources which may lead to a decrease in animal
populations.

Effects on forests

Acid rain can also have harmful effects on forests and the associated
vegetation. Forests, like many plants, need a certain pH-level to grow in an optimal
way. If acidity levels are altered due to acid rain, trees may no longer be able to grow.

Moreover, the trees and the corresponding ecosystem are more vulnerable to
insect destruction, diseases, and damages caused by extreme weather. Thus, acid rain
can have severe impacts on our forests and on the corresponding environmental
system.

Effects on global warming

Since acid rain can lead to a degradation of forests, it can also indirectly
contribute to the global warming problem. Since trees are a natural storage space for
CO2, dying forests are no longer able to store this harmful greenhouse gas.

If forests are dying off, they release the stored CO2 into the atmosphere and
therefore contribute to the global warming issue.

Effects on soil

Due to the change in pH-levels of soil through acid rain, several processes of
the soil are adversely affected. This includes chemical composition, microorganisms
and biological activities.

Microorganisms that are not able to adapt to the acidic conditions will simply
die off which in turn has negative consequences for other processes building on
microorganism activities. Moreover, nutrients and minerals in the soil may be
withdrawn from the soil.

Effects on vegetation cover

The negative effects of acid rain on vegetation cover are not at all surprising.
The vegetation cover is the first layer when the rain hits the ground.
 Thus, the acidity can directly affect and harm this surface. Especially affected
are forests in high altitudes since they, in addition to rain, are also affected by clouds
and fogs.

The effects on vegetation cover and thus on the related vegetation can be
dramatic since the vegetation usually reacts quite sensitive to changes in pH-levels.
Forest and other plants may eventually die off because of the increased acidity levels.

Effects on buildings

Acid rain can be quite damaging to buildings. In fact, especially for limestone
buildings, acid rain is quite a problem since it can react with minerals and could lead
to corrosion of the buildings. Eventually, these building types will even decay from
acid rain if no measures are taken against this process.

Effects on health

Acid rain can have adverse effects both on human as well as on environmental
health.

Although there is no direct impact from acid rain on human health since it is too
dilute to cause serious problems, one of the indirect causes of acid rain is that gases
like nitrogen oxide or sulfur dioxide and certain derivatives can impact the visual
visibility and thus cause traffic accidents.

Moreover, not acid rain but gaseous particles like nitrogen or sulfur can cause
heart and lung problems.

Solutions to the Acid Rain Problem

1. Optimize fossil energy processes

2. Transition to renewable energies
3. Confine the use of fertilizers and pesticides
4. Restoring environments
5. Save energy
6. Reduce consumption levels
7. Convince others
8. Education
9. Government regulations
Optimize fossil energy processes

Since a large fraction of our electricity supply comes from fossil fuels like gas,
coal and oil, great amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are produced which
heavily contributes to acid rain. While burning fuel mainly accounts for nitrogen
emissions, burning coal is the main contributor to the emission of sulfur dioxide.

However, modern technology can mitigate this problem dramatically. There are
processes that can reduce gas emission by up to 95%. Thus, there should be a great
focus on research, including the use of artificial intelligence, in order to further reduce
sulfur and nitrogen emissions in the future.

Transition to renewable energies

Another supplementary solution is the transition from fossil to renewable

energies for the generation of electricity. Some examples are geothermal, wind, solar
or hydropower energy sources. By abandoning the usage of coal, oil and gas, the
nitrogen and sulfur emissions could be greatly reduced.

In order to accomplish a full transition to renewable energies, much effort

should be put into research and development for renewable energy sources. There
should also be subsidies for companies that really make an impact on the transition
process to renewable energies.

Confine the use of fertilizers and pesticides

Since the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers lead to pollution with
nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides which in turn lead to acid rain, a reduction in the
use of these substances may also mitigate the acid rain problem to a certain extent.

We have to make sure that farmers understand the problem of excessive

fertilizer use and that they are also willing to change their practices to a more
environmental-friendly and sustainable farming behavior.

Restoring environments

Damages caused by acid rain can often be fixed. For example, there is a
process called limed where lime is put in large amounts in rivers or lakes, thus
increasing pH-levels. However, this is associated with high costs and has to be
executed repeatedly in order to sustain the pH-level at a moderate level.
 Moreover, this is just a try to fight the symptoms. Fighting the sources of
nitrate and sulfur gases should be the primary effort in order to mitigate the acid rain
problem.

Save Energy

Everyone who is consuming energy should be aware that he contributes to the

acid rain problem. Thus, in order to mitigate this problem, we should save energy
whenever possible. There are so many possibilities to save energy in our daily lives.

This could include turning off lights when not needed or using public transport
or even bicycles instead of cars. Another measure would be not to use an elevator and
walk instead if possible in your physical condition. Thus, people can make their
contribution in their daily lives to mitigate the acid rain problem.

Reduce consumption levels

Since the industrial revolution has taken place, our consumption levels
skyrocketed. Due to the use of machines and the resulting mass production, material
goods became quite cheap and affordable for many people. This may sound great at a
first glance. However, our excessive consumption behavior also causes severe issues,
also contributing to the acid rain problem.

Moreover, also in our food production processes, elements that contribute to

acid rain are produced. Especially in the production process of meat, the livestock
emits many harmful gases which contribute to global warming and also to acid rain.
Since our meat consumption levels are quite high at the moment, we also contribute
to the acid rain issue through our meat consumption. A reduction in meat
consumption as well as a reduction in the consumption of material goods would
therefore mitigate the acid rain issue to a certain extent.

Government regulations

As an additional step, governments and municipalities should support

renewable energies and punish fossil energy use. Thus, firms have a bigger financial
incentive to enhance the process for the transition from fossil to renewable energies.
This will eventually lead to a reduction in the acid rain problem. Moreover, not only
industries but also private people should be rewarded if they behave in an ecologically
senseful manner.
Education

Another point related to the “convince others” solution is the education of

people. This education has to start at an early stage in elementary school. People
have to grow up with a sense of what they are doing and how they are harming and
also saving the environment. When people learn this at an early stage, the likelihood
that they also pay attention to their environmental behavior when they are adults
increases drastically.

Convince others

Individual actions are a first part of solving the acid rain problem, but through
convincing others to overthink their actions and raise their awareness regarding their
energy consumption, an impact can be made in a much bigger way.

Convincing others to reduce energy consumption can lead to a state in which

these convinced people convince other people and so on.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Acid rain can be a significant contributor to environmental decay. Since it is

spread broadly all over the globe through winds, clouds and fog, it impacts the whole
ecological system in an adverse manner.

Water animals and plants can die if the pH-level is getting too low and the
acidity therefore too high. Forests can suffer since they are also quite sensitives to
changes in the pH-level. Also, the vegetation cover and the soil can be harmed in a
dramatic way. In order to mitigate the issue of acid rain, on the one hand, we have to
optimize the current production processes of oil, gas and coal.

On the other hand, we have to transit to renewable resources for the

production of electricity in order to further reduce the emission of sulfur and nitrogen
gases which cause acid rain. From acid rain-affected areas can be partly restored by
using lime to increase pH-levels. However, this process is costly and has to be
repeated.

To fight the cause, not only the symptoms of acid rain, we have to also make
changes in our daily life behavior. Our consumption of electricity is a major cause of
the emergence of acid rain.We have to decrease our energy demands in order to fight
this issue on an individual level. Moreover, convincing others to save energy is a
powerful weapon against acid rain. We have to make sure that people understand the
problem and that they can pay their share by consuming less energy. Through all
these measures, the acid rain issue can be mitigated in an effective way and thus the
environment can be protected against this acid enemy.

11. OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

Take off

The oceans are growing more acidic, and scientists think the change is happening
faster than at any time in geologic history. This fast change is stressing out the
things that live in the sea. It softens the shells of scallops. It slows the molting of
crabs, lobsters, and more. It weakens corals. The future holds even more
challenges. By 2050, scientists predict that 86 percent of the world’s ocean will be
warmer and more acidic than anything in modern history. To further understand
Ocean acidification will be the focus of this module.

Content Focus

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is the process whereby ocean waters increase in acid

concentration, and the pH level falls beyond normal. There are many things that
contribute to this occurrence. Salinity can be simply explained and understood as the
amount of salt concentration. Also, the ocean water has some level of pH and is
mostly rated on the higher side of the neutral pH on the pH scale.

There are certain times that the ocean experiences changes in its nature. This
can encompass the increase in the ocean or seawater acidity. Again, the ocean
acidification process can also be explained as a situation where the level of carbon IV
oxide in the water increases drastically. This may be influenced by some human
activities such as the burning of fossil fuels that cause harm to the atmosphere.

According to NOAA,

“Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended

periodoftime, caused primarily by uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2)from the
atmosphere.”
Causes of Ocean Acidification

1. Raised Carbon IV oxide Concentration in the Ocean

When the level of carbon dioxide gas gets higher in the ocean, it obviously affects the
whole water. When sea organisms die on the sea beds, their remains pile up and form
corals, which is consisting of carbons. Also, these organisms release calcium into the
water. These compounds have a far-reaching detrimental impact on the composition
of the water as they add acidity.

2. Raised Carbon IV oxide Concentration in the Atmosphere

Sometimes, the harm induced in the atmosphere can spread into the waters. This is
when carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through various human
activities. This, in turn, contaminates the water because the carbon gases get to be
dissolved in the sea waters, and this lowers the pH of the water, contributing to
acidification.

3. Higher Concentration of Hydrogen ions in the Water

At the sea beds, there are some chemical reactions that may take place, and they can
have negative impacts on the quality of the ocean water. Such reactions may include
the increase in hydrogen ions which, when combined with other compounds such as
nitrogen, water, among other gases, and their reactions lead to ocean water acidity.

4. Burning Fossil Fuels

This may not be directly linked to the contamination of the water, but it plays a crucial
role in the changing of the environment. Fuels such as petroleum, diesel, and coal
produce lots of carbon dioxide when burnt.

This increases the concentration of carbon gas in the atmosphere, which in turn finds
a way into the water. Carbon and other atmospheric gases find entry into the sea
through acidic rainfalls or even direct dissolving into the water.

5. Waste Disposal

Disposal of wastes has been a challenge to many countries. As for those that border
seawater masses, they have been too quick on using the oceans as the possible
dumping grounds of domestic and industrial wastes. Nonetheless, as the atmosphere
shoulders the brunt of poisonous gases, sea waters are on the receiving end of
dangerous liquid wastes.
Alongside direct sewage waste disposal, there are other wastes that increase the level
of acidity in the water. As an example, industrial and agricultural wastes that have
acidic compounds are very dangerous as they lower the PH of the ocean water.

6. Improper Land Management

Agriculture may also contribute to the problem of ocean acidity. It may happen
especially when the methods that are employed by the farmers are not suitable.

These are methods that may be prone to soil erosion, and in the process, the
chemicals are washed downstream into the ocean. In short, if the land is poorly
managed, the water masses can be hit by the impact of acidifying soil mineral content
and water pollution.

7. Industrialization

Countries or cities that have embraced industrialization pose dangerous implications

for the environment. Their existence can only mean that there is increased carbon
dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, which, when absorbed into the water, the
level of acidity increases.

Industries contribute to the emission of dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide,

sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and many others, which later form acid rain or dissolve
in the oceans to create acidic conditions.

Effects of Ocean Acidification

1. Increase in the Carbon dioxide Concentration in the Ocean

Ocean acidification does not only change the PH of the ocean water. As a matter of
fact, it also changes the gaseous concentration in the ocean and to be particular, it
increases the concentration of carbon dioxide.

This is because of the reactions between carbon dioxide and water molecules to form
more carbonic acid. And when it rains on the water masses, the level of carbon
concentration rises further and further instead of subsiding as more carbon dioxide is
absorbed to form more carbonic acid. This may lead to suffocation and even death of
marine creatures.
2. Loss of Aquatic Life

The seawater supports life at its normal conditions. Nevertheless, when the PH level
is lowered or raised, some organisms are affected. Some of the aquatic include
various types of fish, mammals such as whales, sharks and many more.

An increase in acidity makes living cumbersome and almost impossible for some living
things. This leads to the disappearance or death of some organisms in the aquatic
ecological environment.

3. Food Shortage

Ocean acidification contributes to the problem of food shortage in many ways. When
fish die, humans who depend on them or food and livelihood are hit by the socio-
economic problems.

This process also contributes to acidic waters, which have a more devastating effect
on agricultural production. Acidic water results in an increase in soil acidity. Such a
thing makes it impossible for the cultivation and production of certain crops. This
leads to low production and starvation.

4. Food Web Interference

Ocean acidification leads to the death and disappearance of some plants and animals
in the sea. When some organisms become extinct, their dependents are also
threatened because they have nothing to feed on.

5. Impact on Human Health

Humans depend on water for various purposes. When the ocean water acidity gets
higher, the consumers or the users of such water are living in a perilous situation.
Diseases such as cancers can easily be transmitted to humans when they consume
fish intoxicated with higher sulfur concentrations.

6. Impact on the Reefs

As more carbon dioxide is absorbed into the oceans, it bonds to form carbonic acid.
The acid then produces hydrogen ion and bicarbonate ion and the hydrogen ion bonds
with free carbonate ions in the ocean to form other bicarbonate products.

The problem with this reaction is that marine organisms possessing shells (corals,
crustaceans, mollusks, foraminifera’s, and coralline algae) need the carbonate ions to
make calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. Thus, the more dissolved carbon
dioxide in the ocean, the less free carbonate ions accessible for forming calcium
carbonate shells/skeletons.

7. Impact on the Open Ocean Planktonic Ecosystems

It must be remembered that the planktonic ecosystems in the oceans are open. That
is, they are not definite. It varies from place to place and also from ocean to ocean.

In fact, it is the phytoplankton that forms the basis of the marine ecosystems.

The phytoplankton carries out photosynthesis and thus begins the chain of the marine
ecosystems. So, if somehow, their photosynthesis faces a problem, the entire marine
ecosystem suffers.

8. Coastal Ecosystems are Affected

Not just the marine ecosystems, the coastal ecosystems are affected too by the
acidification of the oceans. The coastal ecosystem contains a variety of plants that
form a unique habitat. With the acidification of the ocean, it is natural that the coastal
areas too develop acidity in their soil. While a little bit of acidity might help in the
better growth of the plants, too much acidity could really be detrimental for their
health.

Once the habitat is affected, it is natural that the entire ecosystem would be affected
too. This entire chain causes a major misbalance in the ecological systems. This
acidification also decreases the productiveness of the organisms found in the coastal
areas. Their death rates might increase too. This might then lead to the extinction of a
particular species.

9. High Latitude Oceans are at a Risk

The oceans located in the higher latitudes are the ones that are highly productive. The
Southern and the Arctic oceans are, in fact, the most productive of all the oceans.
Teeming with life, these are some of the most exploited oceans as well. Already this
hampers the ecosystem of these oceans. Adding on to that is the problem of
acidification.

As the problem of acidification increases, life in these oceans is affected as well.

Their productivity, as well as their lifespan, decreases. It is an enormous problem.

Solutions to Ocean Acidification

1. Strict and Relevant Regulations

Human actions are best guarded by the policies of the land. The first step towards the
fight against ocean acidification can be commenced through the ratification of
legislation that can ensure that the waste handling, among other pollution-risk
activities, is controlled. Such regulations would spread to the fisheries department to
ensure that safety is maintained in food consumption.

2. Civil Education

Governments and international organizations can come up with some platforms where
they educate or sensitize the common citizens on the risks posed by climate change
and ocean acidification. Such initiatives can instill some self-triggered discipline that
acts as guidance for the quest for environmental conservation.

Education would also be necessary because the tips given in the theoretical context
will not only be pertinent in real context but also in the understanding of the policies.

3. Consuming Only the “Right fish”

In any case, an increase in acidity would make fish consumption a risky affair. This is
why the authorities would be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that only the
less harmless fish find their way into the market. This can be very helpful in reducing
the chances of having food poisoning and carbon gas circulation in the environment.

4. Reducing the Consumption of Carbon-oriented Energy Sources

The presence of a high concentration of carbon in the atmosphere can be attributed

to various human activities, which can be controlled to some extent. Carbon emitted
from fossil fuels can be reduced through the minimization of the use of such fuels.

Adopting the use of alternative/renewable energy sources can be the best available
option. When there is reduced carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, there
will be a resultant change in the ocean.

5. Use of Alternative Water Sources

Because of the need to ensure that there is safety, scepticism may pay off. Such can
be through the use of alternative water sources such as the use of boreholes, wells or
tapped rainwater instead of ocean water domestically. This can help in minimizing
possible ocean water pollution.
6. Eating Less Meat

This is not surprising at all. Raising livestock is a major source of greenhouse gases. It
is these greenhouse gases that cause all the problems. By reducing our meat
consumption, we would reduce the demand for meat. This, in turn, would result in
lesser rearing and raising of livestock. As a result of the same, we would be effectively
reducing the amount of greenhouse gases being released in the atmosphere.

Take Action (Analysis/Synthesis)

Ocean acidification has worsened greatly over the past generations and is on track to
become an incredibly large problem over the next millions of years. Ocean
acidification is mainly caused by carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere dissolving into
the ocean. This leads to a lowering of the water's pH, making the ocean more acidic.
Many factors contribute to rising carbon dioxide levels. Currently, the burning of fossil
fuels such as coal, oil and gas for human industry is one of the major causes. Unless
action is taken soon to stop the carbon dioxide levels from continuously increasing to
dangerous levels, oceans will continue to become toxic and poison the marine life
within. With many hands comes light work. When all individuals take part in reduce
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the task of reducing acidification is not as large and
unobtainable.

12. NATURAL RESOURCES DEPLETION

Humans are depleting the earth’s resources at an ever-increasing rate. This is

the product of an increasing global population multiplied by an ever-increasing level of
consumption per person. More people on the planet lead to more:

 Sewerage and stock effluent

 Fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides
 Fossil fuels extracted and burned
 Oil leaked and spilled
 Land deforested and developed
 Soil eroded and degraded
 Minerals mined
 Waste and toxic by-products of manufacturing

 Resource depletion is the consumption of a resource faster than it can be

replenished. 
Most Depleted Resources

1. Water
Water is life. Too little clean water can have enormous negative impacts. Water
quality and conservation are acute issues that must be addressed.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is caused by a change in its composition due to human activity.
Much of the pollution discharged – deliberately or accidentally – onto the land or
directly into waterways will ultimately finds its way to the sea where it will affect
marine ecosystems. All discharges if they can’t be stopped must be treated or
otherwise managed properly.

2. Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are by far the largest source of energy in modern economies – coal
and gas for electricity generation; and petrol, diesel and kerosene-type fuels for
land, sea and air transport. Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel in terms of gas
emissions. Unfortunately, we are not reducing our dependence on coal. Burning
petrol and diesel for transport also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into
the atmosphere. Unfortunately, from a climate change point of view, there are
enough reserves of coal to last for hundreds of years. However it is believed we
have reached, or are near, peak oil production at which point the amount of oil
produced will decline as reserves become depleted. 

3. Land Use and Soil

Two of the biggest issues relating to land-use are:
1. contamination- the human-induced deposition of harmful substances
which are not a product of natural accumulation or soil formation (mining,
agricultural and industrial production)
2. erosion- the removal of soil by wind and water. -intensified by human
activities, such as deforestation for agricultural purposes which leads to soil
degradation and eventually complete destruction.

4. Mining and Mining Resources

Mining by definition is an extractive industry, often with huge environmental and
social impacts that persist long after the mine has closed. For example acid
drainage (where sulphuric acid is created from rain falling on exposed tailings) is
an especially long-lived problem. The fact is that modern society is totally
dependent on the products of mining–from cellphones, to ipods, to plows, cars
and even roads. The challenge is further complicated given that many mining
areas overlap with ancestral domains, forests and biodiversity-rich habitats.
13. TECHNOLOGY

Technology can be defined as the product, tools, and processes used to

accomplish tasks in daily life. It is the application of science to solve a problem. It
involves the application of engineering and applied sciences to solve the practical
problems of human lives.

Negative Effects of Technology in the Environment

1. Air pollution
Technology such as the invention of vehicles, air conditioning and other
advanced gadgets has caused air pollution. Advancement of the things that
require fossil fuels reduces the amount we have and if burned emits carbon
dioxide into the air.

2. Global warming
Industrialization as a result of new technology mostly releases many gases
to the environment as a result of pollution that is release of the harmful gases
caused eroding of the ozone layer resulting to global warming.

3. Solid wastes
The production of the non-degradable and non-recyclable solid wastes by
the factories has also caused a big threat to the environment. As they are
deposited to the land where people leave causing even bad smells and big risks
to the health of the people around there.

4. Water pollution
Western technology such as the invention of hydroelectricity and
industrialization has negative impacts on the water. Because the poor
management of hydroelectricity and poor handling of waste products of
industries which are released to the water bodies has cause pollution to lakes
and rivers.

Actions being taken by humans to reduce or repair damage to the

environment include:

1. Recycling wastes
2.  Conserving available resources
3.  Using cleaner resources (ex: solar over fossil fuels)
 4. Protection of habitats and endangered species
5. Use of biological controls instead of pesticides and herbicides
6. Farming native plants (ex: cocoa in the rainforest)
7. Planting trees to replace those cut down.
8. Rotating crops or planting cover crops to reduce soil loss. 
9. Passing laws to control pollution, land management, hunting and fishing

14. COVID -1 9 PANDEMIC

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2

virus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses causing a range of illnesses, from the
common cold to more serious infections such as those caused by Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus can also cause a variety of
diseases in farm animals and domesticated pets.

The novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously
identified in humans. The novel coronavirus has caused severe pneumonia in several
cases in China and has been exported to a range of countries and cities.

Last February 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the
novel disease is officially called Coronavirus Disease 19 or COVID-19, and the virus
infecting it is referred to as COVID-19 virus.

Last 31 December 2019, a clustering of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology  in

Wuhan, China was reported to the WHO Country Office. The outbreak was later
determined to be caused by a new coronavirus strain that has not been previously
identified in humans.

COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person via droplets, contact, and fomites. It is
transmitted when one individual talks, sneezes, or coughs producing ‘droplets’ of saliva
containing the COVID-19 virus. These droplets are then inhaled by another person.
COVID-19 transmission usually occurs among close contacts -- including family
members and healthcare workers. It is therefore important to maintain a distance of
more than 1 meter away from any person who has respiratory symptoms.

According to WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and
dry cough. Few patients experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose,
sore throat or diarrhea. Patients usually have mild symptoms that start gradually. Most
patients recover without needing any special treatment. Only around 1 of 6 patients
manifest with difficulty breathing and become seriously ill. Some people become
infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.

The risk of getting COVID-19 from a person without any signs and symptoms is very
low. Remember, COVID-19 is only spread through respiratory droplets coughed by an
infected person. Therefore, if an infected person does not cough, he/she most likely will
not infect others. However, many infected persons only experience mild symptoms. This
is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to get
COVID-19 from an infected person with mild cough but is not feeling ill.

DOH advises the public to practice protective measures. It is still the best way to
protect oneself against COVID-19.

a. Practice frequent and proper handwashing - wash hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not
available.

b. Practice proper cough etiquette.

i. Cover mouth and nose using tissue or sleeves/bend of the elbow when coughing or
sneezing.
ii. Move away from people when coughing.
iii. Do not spit.
iv. Throw away used tissues properly.
v. Always wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
vi. Use alcohol/sanitizer.

c. Maintain distance of at least one meter away from individual/s experiencing

respiratory symptoms.
d. Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals (alive or dead), animal markets,
and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
e. Ensure that food is well-cooked.

This is how to use and dispose a medical mask:

1. Before picking an unused mask, clean hands with an alcohol based hand
sanitizer or with soap and water;
2. Pick up the mask and inspect for tears or holes;
3. Orient yourself with the top side, where the metal strip is;
4. Identify the proper side of mask facing outside, the colored side;
5. Place the mask to you face, pinch the metal strip and mould it to your nose and
face;
6. Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin;
 7. After use, take off the mask, remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while
keeping the mask away from your face and clothes;
8. Do not allow the mask to touch or contaminate surfaces or clothes;
9. Avoid touching potentially contaminated parts of the mask;
10.Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use; and
11.Clean your hands after discarding your mask.

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) has generated an unprecedented impact in most

countries of the world. The virus has affected almost every country on the planet (213
in total), spread to more than 2 million people, and caused around 130,000 deaths
(WHO, 2020a).
Currently, most countries have tried to fight the spread of the virus with massive
COVID-19 screening tests and establishing public policies of social distancing. It is clear
that the priority revolves around people's health.

For this reason, the indirect impact of the virus on the environment has been little
analyzed. The first studies estimated a positive indirect impact on the environment. On
the one hand, climate experts predict that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could drop
to proportions never before seen since World War II (Global Carbon Project, 2020). This
outcome is mainly due to the social distancing policies adopted by the governments
following the appearance of the pandemic.

Positive and negative indirect effects of COVID-19 on the environment

2.1. Decreased concentrations of NO2 and PM 2.5

Air quality is essential for people's health; however, 91% of the world population lives
in places where poor air quality exceeds the permissible limits (WHO, 2016). The
consequences of air quality degradation are manifested in a significant percentage of
global mortality each year (Zhang et al., 2017). In this regard, the 2016 World Health
Organization (WHO) report indicates that air pollution contributes to almost 8% of total
deaths in the world; the most affected countries being those found in Africa, Asia and
part of Europe (WHO, 2016).
China implemented strict traffic restrictions and self-quarantine measures to control the
expansion of SARS-CoV2. These actions generated changes in air pollution. Due to
quarantine, NO2 was reduced by 22.8 μg/m3 and 12.9 μg/m3 in Wuhan and China,
respectively. PM 2.5 fell by 1.4 μg/m3 in Wuhan but decreased by 18.9 μg/m3 in 367
cities.
On the other hand, the readings from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite show a
significant decrease in NO2 concentrations over Rome, Madrid, and Paris, the first cities
in Europe to implement strict quarantine measures. Fig. 2 shows average
NO2 concentrations from 14 to 25 March 2020 (panel b), compared to the monthly
average of concentrations from 2019 (panel a).
Additionally, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) of the European
Union observed a drop of PM 2.5 last February in relation to the previous three years.
According to CAMS (2020), a drop of approximately 20–30% of PM 2.5 is observed in
large parts of China, when comparing the difference between the monthly average for
February 2020 and the mean of the monthly averages for February 2017, 2018, and
2019.
In China alone, all of these air quality improvements generated human health benefits
that have outnumbered confirmed SARS-CoV2 deaths thus far (Chen et al., 2020).
2.2. Clean beaches
Beaches are one of the most important natural capital assets found in coastal areas
(Zambrano-Monserrate et al., 2018). They provide services (land, sand, recreation, and
tourism) that are critical to the survival of coastal communities and possess intrinsic
values that must be protected from overexploitation (Lucrezi et al., 2016). However,
non-responsible use by people has caused many beaches in the world to present
pollution problems (Partelow et al., 2015).

The lack of tourists, as a result of the social distancing measures due to the new
coronavirus pandemic, has caused a notable change in the appearance of many
beaches in the world. For example, beaches like those of Acapulco (Mexico), Barcelona
(Spain), or Salinas (Ecuador) now look cleaner and with crystal clear waters.

2.3. Reduction of environmental noise level

Environmental noise is defined as an unwanted sound that could be generated by
anthropogenic activities (for instance, industrial or commercial activities), the transit of
engine vehicles, and melodies at high volume. Environmental noise is one of the main
sources of discomfort for the population and the environment, causing health problems
and altering the natural conditions of the ecosystems (Zambrano-Monserrate and
Ruano, 2019).
The imposition of quarantine measures by most governments has caused people to stay
at home. With this, the use of private and public transportation has decreased
significantly. Also, commercial activities have stopped almost entirely. All these changes
have caused the noise level to drop considerably in most cities in the world.

2.4. Increased waste
The generation of organic and inorganic waste is indirectly accompanied by a wide
range of environmental issues, such as soil erosion, deforestation, air, and water
pollution (Mourad, 2016; Schanes et al., 2018).
The quarantine policies, established in most countries, have led consumers to increase
their demand for online shopping for home delivery. Consequently, organic waste
generated by households has increased. Also, food purchased online is shipped packed,
so inorganic waste has also increased.

Medical waste is also on the rise. Hospitals in Wuhan produced an average of 240
metric tons of medical waste per day during the outbreak, compared to their previous
average of fewer than 50 tons. In other countries such as the USA, there has been an
increase in garbage from personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves
(Calma, 2020).
2.5. Reduction in waste recycling
Waste recycling has always been a major environmental problem of interest to all
countries (Liu et al., 2020). Recycling is a common and effective way to prevent
pollution, save energy, and conserve natural resources (Varotto and Spagnolli,
2017; Ma et al., 2019). As a result of the pandemic, countries such as the USA have
stopped recycling programs in some of their cities, as authorities have been concerned
about the risk of COVID-19 spreading in recycling centers. In particularly affected
European countries, waste management has been restricted. For example, Italy has
prohibited infected residents from sorting their waste.
Also, the industry has seized the opportunity to repeal disposable bag bans, even
though single-use plastic can still harbor viruses and bacteria (Bir, 2020).
2.6. Other indirect effects on the environment
China has asked wastewater treatment plants to strengthen their disinfection routines
(mainly through increased use of chlorine) to prevent the new coronavirus from
spreading through the wastewater. However, there is no evidence on the survival of the
SARS-CoV2 virus in drinking water or wastewater (WHO, 2020b). On the contrary, the
excess of chlorine in the water could generate harmful effects on people's health
(Koivusalo and Vartiainen, 1997).

SELF – REFLECT

In not less than 15 sentences and not more than 20 sentences, write down your
realizations after the discussing this module.

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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 ASSESSMENT

TEST I. MULTIPLE CHOICE. CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER/S FROM THE

GIVEN SELECTION. Write your answers on the space before each number.

1. It is believed that the thinning of the ozone layer is the result of chlorofluorocarbons.
These gases have been used in:
A. Electric heaters and clothes driers
B. Spray cans and refrigerators
C. Cigarette lighters and air - conditioners

2. The main gases that produce acid rain are:

A. Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides
B. Ozone and Oxygen Gas
C. Chlorofluorocarbons

3. The release of excessive amounts of harmful substances such as car and factory
fumes and tyre rubber into the atmosphere is called:
A. Noise Pollution
B. Mutagenic Pollution
C. Air Pollution

4. Substances that are easily broken down into harmless substances by decomposers
are termed:
A. Environmentally Unfriendly
B. Biodegradable
C. Non – Biodegradable

5 – 7. Today, concentration of greenhouse gases is high because of:

A. Use of refrigerator
B. Increased combustion of oil and coal
C. Deforestation
D. Planting of more trees.

8. Photochemical smog is related to the pollution of

A. Soil
B. Water
C. Noise
D. Air
9. Most important causative pollutant of soil maybe
A. Plastics
B. Iron Junks
C. Detergents
D. Dried Leaves

10.Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?

A. Carbon Dioxide
B. Carbon monoxide
C. Ozone
D. Oxygen

TEST II. IDENTIFICATION. Write in CAPITAL LETTERS the correct answer/s.

11-12. Two forms of acid rain

13. pH of acid rain

14. It is defined as is an undesirable condition where the number of the existing human
population exceeds the actual carrying capacity of Earth

15. It is the alteration of an organism’s genetic makeup by inserting, deleting or

changing specific pieces of DNA.

16 – 19. Methods to dispose Waste

20. Covid – 19 has a positive and negative indirect effects on the environment.