The Effects of Environmental Problems

The environment is a delicate thing, and environmental problems, such as global warming and water pollution, are causing negative impacts around the world. Many of the environmental problems being experienced are a result of human contributions, such as excessive waste, industry pollution and overpopulation. Meanwhile, the Earth's resources become more scarce, creating an impending problem for the planet's inhabitants.
  1. Global Warming

    • Global warming is a common environmental buzzword used in reference to environmental problems. The phenomenon of global warming relates to gradual climate changes in the form of increased temperatures, longer heat waves and shorter cold spells. Global warming, which is linked to the emission of greenhouse gases, affects the planet in a variety of ways, including a reduction in water resources, the diminishing of certain ecosystems, glacial melting and the potential of plant and animal extinction.

    Polluted Water

    • Water pollution is a serious epidemic that directly affects the health of humans, animals and plants. Consuming water that is saturated with waste can be toxic, but more and more bodies of water are in danger of becoming polluted due to things like oil spills, industrial plants and general sewage. Combine this with the fact that global warming and its rising temperatures reduce water availability because of the heat's impact on evaporation.

    Air Quality

    • Think about how many cars are on the road, how many people use hairspray or how many factories there are around the planet, and you will start to understand how the environment is experiencing a problem with air quality. Poor air quality -- think smog -- can impact human health, since humans breathe the air to survive. Asthma and respiratory problems may become more common as a result. The ozone layer cannot be repaired once the damage is done, so air quality continues to be an environmental problem.

    Animals

    • Many animals die because of environmental problems. Oil spills, droughts, floods and deforestation are some environmental problems that lead to the dying off of animals or ecosystems. Polar bears, for instance, are predicted to become nearly extinct due to global warming and the melting of glaciers. Birds are also feeling the effects of environmental problems. Many migratory birds are unable to find food in warmer climates and are dying, according to a November 2006 article on ABC News Online.

    Agriculture

    • Your food is in jeopardy because of environmental problems. The changes in the climate impact a crop's ability to produce. Severe heat spells can cause crops to burn and die, or floods can wash them away altogether. This means you may no longer be able to purchase certain types of foods. That, or farmers will have to move so that their crops can grow more successfully in other climate regions.

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