Essay on Environmental Pollution: The contamination of our surrounding environment due to hazardous pollutants and unchecked exploitation of natural resources has led to an alarming situation. The degradation of our environment has led to a severe decline in the quality of life. They are damaging the respiratory system and affecting the immunity of living species. Agricultural and industrial wastes have contaminated drinking water and land. There is an overall rise in greenhouse gases, global warming and ozone layer depletion.
Essay on Environmental Pollution in 500 Words
Below we have provided Environmental Pollution Essay in English, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Environmental pollution occurs when artificial substances are introduced into the environment, which over an extended period of exposure, accumulates in the environment and cause adverse effects. Such harmful substances and products are identified as pollutants. As reported by The Guardian in 2017, pollution had already been responsible for about 9 million deaths worldwide. Other than the loss of human lives, it has also severely affected other plant and animal species.
Types of Environmental Pollution
Based on the type and target of the pollutants, pollution is classified in the following types-
Air Pollution: This type of pollution has existed since prehistoric times, ever since man discovered fire. Greenhouse gases are the leading cause of air pollution according to a report by National Geographic published in 2016. Other than them, volatile free radicals, particulate matter (dust), ammonia and chlorofluorocarbons also play a vital role in spreading air pollution.
Water Pollution: When anthropogenic contaminants and natural phenomena (like algal blooms, eutrophication, etc.) impair the natural bodies of water, the process is called water pollution. It has been the reason for the death of 1.8 million people till 2015. Water pollution can be further divided into surface water, marine and groundwater pollution.
Soil Pollution: Contamination of soil through xenobiotic agents (man-made compounds) leads to soil pollution. Most common of these chemicals include petroleum, heavy metals, lead, synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and industrial wastes. Toxic material also sometimes seeps through the soil and contaminate groundwater, which leads to water pollution too.
Noise Pollution: Noise pollution is defined as the propagation of sound, which has a harmful impact on human and animal lives. Most common noise pollutants are vehicles, machines, construction sites, loud music, etc. This leads to loss of hearing, hypertension and increased risk of CVDs in humans and anxiety and disorientation in animals.
Radioactive and Thermal Pollution: Nuclear energy is one of the most efficient non-conventional sources of energy. Various nuclear power plants have been set up around the world, but the technology and ideas for effective management of power plant wastes have not developed at the same rate. Radioactive waste disposal is a priority waste management issue as it directly affects humans and flora and fauna of the regions. Inefficient disposal techniques cause radioactive pollution.
Measures to Counter Environmental Pollution
Various nations and governments have recognised that exploitation and brazen use of natural resources has been causing serious damage to the environment and have come together to fight pollution and degradation on national and international levels. The impact of human activity on the environment is calculated by using a mathematical formula- I=P×A×T, where I stands for the human impact on the environment, P denotes population, A signifies affluence and T represents technology. Hence, the three key factors that affect the environmental health are human population, economic growth and application of resource depleting and/or polluting technologies.
Environmental scientists have set the following goals which will be beneficial for the people and the natural systems-
- Controlling pollution by eliminating pollutants and toxicant from the environment
- Protecting and preserving the biodiversity and ecological habitats
- Sustainable use and development of natural resources
- Putting a check on anthropogenic global warming
- Finding renewable sources of energy and limiting the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy
- Establishing a higher number of nature reserves, sanctuaries and protected regions to preserve the ecosystem
- Find a more efficient, sustainable waste management model to reduce littering.
- Stabilising and gradually decelerating human population growth.
Based upon these goals, world leaders have organised themselves to ascertain that they initiate and maintain pro-environmental policies to undo the mishaps of our ignorance.