essay on the environment pollution

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Environmental Pollution Essay

Essay on Environmental Pollution

The environment is the surrounding of an organism. The environment in which an organism lives is made up of various components like air, water, land, etc. These components are found in fixed proportions to create a harmonious balance in the environment for the organism to live in. Any kind of undesirable and unwanted change in the proportions of these components can be termed as pollution. This issue is increasing with every passing year. It is an issue that creates economic, physical, and social troubles. The environmental problem that is worsening with each day needs to be addressed so that its harmful effects on humans as well as the planet can be discarded.

Causes of Environmental Pollution 

With the rise of the industries and the migration of people from villages to cities in search of employment, there has been a regular increase in the problem of proper housing and unhygienic living conditions. These reasons have given rise to factors that cause pollution. 

Environmental pollution is of five basic types namely, Air, Water, Soil, and Noise pollution. 

Air Pollution: Air pollution is a major issue in today’s world. The smoke pouring out of factory chimneys and automobiles pollute the air that we breathe in. Gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide are emitted with this smoke which mixes with air and causes great harm to the human body, flora, and fauna. The dry-farm waste, dry grass, leaves, and coal used as domestic fuels in our villages also produce harmful gases. Acid rain occurs due to an excess of sulphur dioxide in the air.

The Main Sources of Air Pollution are as Follows:  

Automobile pollution 

Industrial air pollution 

Burning garbage 

Brick kilns 

Indoor air pollution 

Decomposed animals and plants 

Radioactive elements

Water Pollution: Water pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues. The waste products from the growing industries and sewage water are not treated properly before disposing of the wastewater into the rivers and other water bodies, thus leading to water pollution. Agricultural processes with excess fertilizers and pesticides also pollute the water bodies. 

The Main Sources of Water Pollution as Follows:  

Marine commerce. 

Industrial effluents joining seas and oceans. 

Dumping of radioactive substances into seawater. 

Sewage is disposed of into the sea by rivers. 

Offshore oil rigs. 

Recreational activities. 

Agricultural pollutants are disposed of into the water bodies.

Soil or Land Pollution: Soil pollution or land pollution results from the deposition of solid waste, accumulation of biodegradable material, deposition of chemicals with poisonous chemical compositions, etc on the open land. Waste materials such as plastics, polythene, and bottles, cause land pollution and render the soil infertile. Moreover, the dumping of dead bodies of animals adds to this issue. Soil pollution causes several diseases in man and animals like Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid, etc.

The Main Causes of Soil Pollution are as Follows:  

Industrial waste 

Urban commercial and domestic waste 

Chemical fertilizers 

Biomedical waste 

Noise Pollution: With an increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization, noise pollution is becoming a serious form of pollution affecting human life, health, and comfort in daily life. Horns of vehicles, loudspeakers, music systems, and industrial activities contribute to noise pollution. 

The Main Sources of Noise Pollution as Follows:  

The machines in the factories and industries produce whistling sounds, crushing noise, and thundering sounds. 

Loudspeakers, horns of vehicles. 

Blasting of rocks and earth, drilling tube wells, ventilation fans, and heavy earth-moving machinery at construction sites.

How Pollution Harms Health and Environment

The lives of people and other creatures are affected by environmental pollution, both directly and indirectly. For centuries, these living organisms have coexisted with humans on the planet. 

1. Effect on the Environment

Smog is formed when carbon and dust particles bind together in the air, causing respiratory problems, haze, and smoke. These are created by the combustion of fossil fuels in industrial and manufacturing facilities and vehicle combustion of carbon fumes. 

Furthermore, these factors impact the immune systems of birds, making them carriers of viruses and diseases. It also has an impact on the body's system and organs. 

2.  Land, Soil, and Food Effects 

The degradation of human organic and chemical waste harms the land and soil. It also releases chemicals into the land and water. Pesticides, fertilisers, soil erosion, and crop residues are the main causes of land and soil pollution. 

3. Effects on water 

Water is easily contaminated by any pollutant, whether it be human waste or factory chemical discharge. We also use this water for crop irrigation and drinking. They, too, get polluted as a result of infection. Furthermore, an animal dies as a result of drinking the same tainted water. 

Furthermore, approximately 80% of land-based pollutants such as chemical, industrial, and agricultural waste wind up in water bodies. 

Furthermore, because these water basins eventually link to the sea, they contaminate the sea's biodiversity indirectly. 

4. Food Reaction

Crops and agricultural produce become poisonous as a result of contaminated soil and water. These crops are laced with chemical components from the start of their lives until harvest when they reach a mass level. Due to this, tainted food has an impact on our health and organs. 

5. Climate Change Impact 

Climate change is also a source of pollution in the environment. It also has an impact on the ecosystem's physical and biological components. 

Ozone depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming are all examples of environmental pollution. Because these water basins eventually link to the sea, they contaminate the sea's biodiversity indirectly. Furthermore, their consequences may be fatal for future generations. The unpredictably cold and hot climate impacts the earth’s natural system. 

Furthermore, earthquakes, starvation, smog, carbon particles, shallow rain or snow, thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, and avalanches are all caused by climate change, caused entirely by environmental pollution.

How to Minimise Environmental Pollution? 

To minimise this issue, some preventive measures need to be taken. 

Principle of 3R’s: To save the environment, use the principle of 3 R’s; Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. 

Reuse products again and again. Instead of throwing away things after one use, find a way to use them again.  Reduce the generation of waste products.  

Recycle: Paper, plastics, glass, and electronic items can be processed into new products while using fewer natural resources and lesser energy. 

To prevent and control air pollution, better-designed equipment, and smokeless fuels should be used in homes and industries. More and more trees should be planted to balance the ecosystem and control greenhouse effects. 

Noise pollution can be minimised by better design and proper maintenance of vehicles. Industrial noise can be reduced by soundproofing equipment like generators, etc.  

To control soil pollution, we must stop the usage of plastic. Sewage should be treated properly before using it as fertilizers and as landfills. Encourage organic farming as this process involves the use of biological materials and avoiding synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance. 

Several measures can be adopted to control water pollution. Some of them are water consumption and usage that can be minimized by altering the techniques involved. Water should be reused with treatment. 

The melting icebergs in Antarctica resulted in rising sea levels due to the world's environmental pollution, which had become a serious problem due to global warming, which had become a significant concern. Rising carbon pollution poses a risk for causing natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, and other natural disasters. 

The Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Chernobyl disasters in Russia have irreversibly harmed humanity. Different countries around the world are responding to these calamities in the most effective way possible. 

Different countries around the world are responding to these calamities in the most effective way possible. More public awareness campaigns are being established to educate people about the hazards of pollution and the importance of protecting our environment. Greener lifestyles are becoming more popular; for example, energy-efficient lighting, new climate-friendly autos, and the usage of wind and solar power are just a few examples. 

Governments emphasise the need to plant more trees, minimise the use of plastics, improve natural waste recovery, and reduce pesticide use. This ecological way of living has helped humanity save other creatures from extinction while making the Earth a greener and safer ecology. 

 Conclusion

It is the responsibility of every individual to save our planet from these environmental contamination agents. If preventive measures are not taken then our future generation will have to face major repercussions. The government is also taking steps to create public awareness. Every individual should be involved in helping to reduce and control pollution.

FAQs on Environmental Pollution Essay

1. What do you understand by ‘Environmental Pollution’?  

Environmental pollution is the contamination of the environment and surroundings like air, water, soil by the discharge of harmful substances.

2. What preventive measures should be taken to save our environment?

Some of the preventive measures that should be taken to save our environment are discussed below. 

We can save our environment by adopting the concept of carpooling and promoting public transport to save fuel. Smoking bars are public policies, including criminal laws and occupational safety and health regulations that prohibit tobacco smoking in workplaces and other public places.  

The use of Fossil fuels should be restricted because it causes major environmental issues like global warming.  

Encourage organic farming to maintain the fertility of the soil.

3.  What are the main sources of soil pollution?

The main sources of soil pollution as follows:

Industrial waste

Urban commercial and domestic waste

Chemical fertilizers

Biomedical waste

4. What is organic farming?

 It is a farming method that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Essay On Environmental Pollution

Table of Contents

Short Essay On Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment. It is a major problem in today’s world and has a profound impact on both the natural world and human lives.

The sources of environmental pollution are numerous and varied, including industrial activities, transportation, and household waste. One of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This not only contributes to air pollution, but it also has a significant impact on climate change, causing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting of polar ice caps.

Another major source of environmental pollution is the disposal of hazardous waste. This includes chemicals, batteries, and electronic waste, which contain toxic substances that can contaminate soil and groundwater, leading to serious health problems for both humans and wildlife.

The effects of environmental pollution are far-reaching and often devastating. It can cause serious health problems for humans, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, environmental pollution can have a significant impact on wildlife, causing a decline in biodiversity and threatening species with extinction.

To address environmental pollution, it is essential that we take a multi-faceted approach, addressing both the causes and consequences of pollution. This may involve reducing the use of fossil fuels and implementing clean energy technologies, as well as improving waste management and increasing public awareness about the impact of pollution.

In conclusion, environmental pollution is a serious problem that has a profound impact on both the natural world and human lives. To address this problem, it is essential that we take a comprehensive approach, addressing the causes and consequences of pollution and working to reduce its impact on the environment. By taking action now, we can protect the future of our planet and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.

Long Essay On Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest threats to our planet today. It affects both the environment and human health, and it’s becoming more and more pervasive in our daily lives. In this essay, we’ll explore what environmental pollution is, how it affects us, and what the most effective solutions are to reduce its impact on people and the planet.

Introduction

There are many different types of environmental pollution. Some of the most common include air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination. Each type of pollution has different causes and effects. Air pollution is typically caused by emissions from factories and automobiles. These emissions can contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Water pollution is often caused by sewage or agricultural runoff. This pollution can contaminate drinking water supplies and make people sick. Soil contamination can be caused by hazardous waste disposal or mining operations. This contamination can make crops unsafe to eat and cause health problems in people who come into contact with it.

Causes of Environmental Pollution

There are many causes of environmental pollution. The most common cause is the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. These chemicals can come from factories, power plants, cars, and other sources. They can pollute the air, water, and soil. They can also cause health problems for people and animals.

Other causes of environmental pollution include sewage, agricultural runoff, and mining. Sewage can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can pollute water supplies. Agricultural runoff can contain pesticides and fertilizers that can pollute rivers and lakes. Mining can release harmful metals and minerals into the environment.

Types of Pollutants and Their Impact on the Environment

There are many different types of pollutants that can have an adverse impact on the environment. Some of the most common pollutants include:

• Air pollution – This is one of the most visible forms of pollution and can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses.

• Water pollution – This can lead to contamination of drinking water supplies and also harm marine life.

• Soil pollution – This can contaminate crops and lead to soil erosion.

• Light pollution – This can disrupt the natural circadian rhythms of animals and cause light-sensitive species to suffer.

All of these pollutants can have a serious impact on the environment, both in terms of the immediate damage they cause and also the long-term effects. It is therefore important to be aware of the different types of pollutants and their potential impacts.

Effects Of Environmental Pollution

There are many effects of environmental pollution. Some of the most common include air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination.

Air pollution is one of the most harmful forms of environmental pollution. It is a major contributor to respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution is also a leading cause of climate change.

Water pollution is another major problem caused by environmental pollution. It can contaminate drinking water supplies, damage aquatic ecosystems, and make recreation in waterways unsafe.

Soil contamination can occur when pollutants such as chemicals or oil spills enter the ground. This can make crops difficult to grow and can contaminate food supplies. Soil contamination can also cause health problems if people come into contact with contaminated soil or eat contaminated food.

Prevention and Control Measures

There are a number of things that individuals can do to help prevent and reduce environmental pollution. One of the most important things is to educate yourself and others about the issue and its causes. This can help raise awareness and create a demand for change. Another key prevention measure is to support businesses and industries that are working to reduce their pollution output. This includes voting with your wallet by patronizing companies that have green policies in place, and investing in cleaner energy sources. Finally, you can take action in your own life to reduce your impact on the environment. This includes conserving energy, recycling, driving less, and composting.

In conclusion, environmental pollution has become a major global concern and it is important for us to take proactive steps to reduce the amount of pollutants that are entering our environment. We can start by reducing our consumption of single-use products, switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, and engaging in conscientious recycling habits. By taking these actions we can help protect our planet from further harm caused by environmental pollution.

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

Related Posts

Essay on importance of yoga, essay on cow, climate change essay, essay on slaver, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th

Top Schools

• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Ebooks
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Advanced Cutoff
• JEE Main Cutoff
• MHT CET Result 2024
• JEE Advanced Result
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• AP EAMCET Result 2024
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2024
• CAT 2024 College Predictor
• Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024
• AP ICET Counselling 2024
• GD Topics for MBA
• CAT Exam Date 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• NEET Rank Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Result 2024
• NEET Asnwer Key 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top NLUs Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• NID DAT Syllabus 2025
• NID DAT 2025
• Design Colleges in India
• Top NIFT Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Interior Design Colleges in India
• Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
• NIFT Result 2024
• NIFT Fees Structure
• NIFT Syllabus 2025
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• LPU NEST 2024
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET DU Cut off 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet
• CUET DU CSAS Portal 2024
• CUET Response Sheet 2024
• CUET Result 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET College Predictor 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Cut Off 2024
• CUET Exam Analysis 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• CUET PG Counselling 2024
• CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses

Specializations

• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

Essay on Environmental Pollution for Students - 100, 200 and 500 Words

Pollution is the presence and inclusion of unwanted items in the environment. The state of the environment is altered when it has become contaminated with potentially dangerous compounds as a result of human activity. Water, air, and land are dangerously affected by the pollution. Here are a few sample essays on environmental pollution:

100 Words Essay on Environmental Pollution

200 words essay on environmental pollution, 500 words essay on environmental pollution.

When it comes to protecting the environment, awareness is the key. As more and more people become aware of the causes, types, and impacts of environmental pollution, they are more likely to take steps to prevent it. Air pollution is created as a result of burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Water pollution results from industrial activities, such as the dumping of chemicals into rivers and lakes, as well as from agricultural runoff. Land pollution is caused by the misuse of land and improper disposal of waste. The causes of environmental pollution are numerous and varied. Some of the main culprits are industrial activities, burning of fossil fuels, use of pesticides, and deforestation.

Awareness and taking necessary resolving steps is essential when it comes to protecting the environment from the impacts of environmental pollution. By teaching people the importance of taking steps to prevent environmental pollution, we can ensure a brighter future for our planet. We must understand the causes of environmental pollution, the types of pollution, the impact it has on the environment, and how we can prevent it.

Causes | Environmental pollution is the contamination of the environment through the emissions of pollutants including harmful gases, chemicals, and particulate matter. It is caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial pollution. These activities have caused global warming, acid rain, and water and air pollution, leading to global environmental degradation.

Types | There are different types of environmental pollution. The most common type is air pollution, which is caused by the burning of fuels and other industrial activities. Water pollution is another common type of pollution that is caused by sewage and industrial waste. Soil pollution is caused by overuse of pesticides and other chemicals. Noise pollution is caused by traffic, construction activities, and industrial noise. Light pollution is caused by the emission of artificial light.

Impact | The impact of environmental pollution is far-reaching and devastating. Air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, while water pollution can contaminate drinking water and cause health issues. Land pollution causes a reduction in soil fertility and even destruction of natural habitats for animals. In addition, it can lead to the destruction of ecosystems, which in turn leads to a decrease in biodiversity.

Environmental pollution has serious impacts on both humans and the environment. It affects air quality, water quality, soil fertility, and public health. Poor air quality affects the respiratory system, leading to respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis. Water pollution can lead to the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Soil pollution can reduce crop yields, leading to food insecurity.

Types of Environmental Pollution

Air | Air pollution is the introduction of dangerous compounds into the atmosphere, which has a negative influence on the environment and humanity. Air pollution simply makes the air impure or contaminated. It happens when noxious gases, scents, dust, or fumes are discharged into the air in concentrations that endanger human and animal comfort or health or even kill plant life.

Water | The act of contaminating water bodies, such as rivers, oceans, lakes, streams, aquifers, and groundwater, is known as water pollution. It happens when foreign, dangerous substances—such as chemicals, garbage, or polluted materials are released into bodies of water, either directly or indirectly.

Land | When the quality of the earth's land surfaces in terms of use, landscape, and capacity to support life forms is compromised or destroyed, this is referred to as land pollution. It is frequently brought on by human activity and the misuse of land resources, both directly and indirectly.

Soil | Chemical pollutants can pollute soil or cause it to degrade through activities like mining, clearing vegetation, or topsoil erosion. Typically, it occurs when human activities bring harmful chemicals, substances, or items into the soil.

Noise | Noise pollution is an unpleasant sound or a sound that causes excruciating ear pain. Noise pollution is described as unpleasant and unwanted sound levels that cause significant distress to all living beings. It is measured in decibels (dB).

Factors Responsible For Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution has a variety of causes. One of the most prominent is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas by power plants, factories and automobiles. This produces large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global climate change. Other sources of environmental pollution include agricultural practices, such as over-fertilization and the use of pesticides, and industrial processes, such as mining, manufacturing and waste disposal.

What Can We Do

To prevent environmental pollution, we must reduce the emissions of various pollutants. We can do this by switching to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. We should reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and use more efficient transportation methods. We should also reduce the emissions of harmful industrial chemicals and practise sustainable agriculture. Additionally, we should increase public awareness of environmental pollution and its impacts, and promote eco-friendly lifestyles.

By understanding the causes and effects of environmental pollution, we can work towards preventing it and ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Awareness and knowledge are essential in this regard, as it helps us to become more conscious and informed citizens. It helps us understand the importance of protecting and preserving the environment and makes us more responsible citizens.

The world is facing an ever-growing threat from pollution, which if left unchecked will have catastrophic consequences. Education and taking a conscious action plan can play a key role in helping to reduce environmental pollution.

Applications for Admissions are open.

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

Get up to 90% scholarship on NEET, JEE & Foundation courses

JEE Main Important Physics formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide

PTE Exam 2024 Registrations

Register now for PTE & Save 5% on English Proficiency Tests with ApplyShop Gift Cards

JEE Main high scoring chapters and topics

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Study 40% syllabus and score upto 100% marks in JEE

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

• Games & Quizzes
• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center
• Introduction & Top Questions

History of pollution

Pollution control.

What is pollution?

Does pollution cause climate change, how can we reduce pollution.

• How does water pollution affect aquatic wildlife?
• Is red tide caused by water pollution?

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• World Wildlife Fund - Pollution
• The Canadian Encyclopedia - Pollution
• CORE - Analysis of Environmental Pollution in Developing Countries
• National Geographic Society - Pollution
• Energy Education - Pollution
• LiveScience - Pollution Facts & Types of Pollution
• pollution - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• environmental pollution - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

Pollution occurs when an amount of any substance or any form of energy is put into the environment at a rate faster than it can be dispersed or safely stored. The term pollution can refer to both artificial and natural materials that are created, consumed, and discarded in an unsustainable manner.

What kinds of pollution are there?

Air pollution , water pollution , and land pollution are three major forms of environmental pollution. Pollution can also refer to excessive human activity, such as light and noise pollution , or to specific pollutants such as plastic or radioactive material. Learn more in this infographic.

Air pollution is the main cause of climate change . Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and mass deforestation lead to the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere , which traps heat inside the atmosphere through a process called the greenhouse effect . This impacts climate patterns and sea levels around the world.

Pollution can be reduced through processes such as recycling and the proper treatment of water and toxic waste . The reduction of corporate fossil fuel extraction is another way to counter air pollution . According to the Carbon Majors Report prepared by the Carbon Disclosure Project in 2017, more than 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions comes from only 100 companies.

How many people die annually from pollution?

Air pollution is estimated to kill 7 million people every year. Radioactive and toxic waste in water can cause many diseases, including fatal conditions such as typhoid fever and cholera . Consumption of contaminated water causes approximately 485,000 deaths every year.

Recent News

pollution , the addition of any substance ( solid , liquid , or gas ) or any form of energy (such as heat , sound, or radioactivity ) to the environment at a rate faster than it can be dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored in some harmless form. The major kinds of pollution, usually classified by environment, are air pollution , water pollution , and land pollution . Modern society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution , light pollution , and plastic pollution . Pollution of all kinds can have negative effects on the environment and wildlife and often impacts human health and well-being.

Although environmental pollution can be caused by natural events such as forest fires and active volcanoes , use of the word pollution generally implies that the contaminants have an anthropogenic source—that is, a source created by human activities. Pollution has accompanied humankind ever since groups of people first congregated and remained for a long time in any one place. Indeed, ancient human settlements are frequently recognized by their wastes— shell mounds and rubble heaps, for instance. Pollution was not a serious problem as long as there was enough space available for each individual or group. However, with the establishment of permanent settlements by great numbers of people, pollution became a problem, and it has remained one ever since.

Cities of ancient times were often noxious places, fouled by human wastes and debris. Beginning about 1000 ce , the use of coal for fuel caused considerable air pollution, and the conversion of coal to coke for iron smelting beginning in the 17th century exacerbated the problem. In Europe, from the Middle Ages well into the early modern era, unsanitary urban conditions favoured the outbreak of population-decimating epidemics of disease, from plague to cholera and typhoid fever . Through the 19th century, water and air pollution and the accumulation of solid wastes were largely problems of congested urban areas. But, with the rapid spread of industrialization and the growth of the human population to unprecedented levels, pollution became a universal problem.

By the middle of the 20th century, an awareness of the need to protect air, water, and land environments from pollution had developed among the general public. In particular, the publication in 1962 of Rachel Carson ’s book Silent Spring focused attention on environmental damage caused by improper use of pesticides such as DDT and other persistent chemicals that accumulate in the food chain and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems on a wide scale. In response, major pieces of environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act (1970) and the Clean Water Act (1972; United States), were passed in many countries to control and mitigate environmental pollution.

Giving voice to the growing conviction of most of the scientific community about the reality of anthropogenic global warming , the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change  (IPCC) was formed in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to help address greenhouse gas emissions. An IPCC special report produced in 2018 noted that human beings and human activities have been responsible for a worldwide average temperature increase between 0.8 and 1.2 °C (1.4 and 2.2 °F) since preindustrial times, and most of the warming over the second half of the 20th century could be attributed to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels .

The presence of environmental pollution raises the issue of pollution control . Great efforts are made to limit the release of harmful substances into the environment through air pollution control , wastewater treatment , solid-waste management , hazardous-waste management , and recycling . Unfortunately, attempts at pollution control are often surpassed by the scale of the problem, especially in less-developed countries . Noxious levels of air pollution are common in many large cities, where particulates and gases from transportation, heating, and manufacturing accumulate and linger. The problem of plastic pollution on land and in the oceans has only grown as the use of single-use plastics has burgeoned worldwide. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide , continue to drive global warming and pose a great threat to biodiversity and public health .

Essay on Environmental Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Environmental Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Environmental Pollution

Introduction.

Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. These pollutants can damage our natural resources, making them unsafe or unsuitable for use.

Types of Pollution

There are several types of pollution including air, water, soil, and noise pollution. Each type poses a unique threat to our environment and health.

Pollution affects every aspect of the environment. It harms wildlife, damages habitats, and can cause health problems in humans.

To protect our environment, we must reduce pollution. This involves conscious efforts from everyone to make sustainable choices.

250 Words Essay on Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution, a global menace, has been escalating at an alarming rate, posing a significant threat to our planet’s biodiversity and human health. The reckless exploitation of natural resources and relentless industrialization have been the primary contributors to this predicament.

Types of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is primarily classified into air, water, and soil pollution. Air pollution, caused by the release of harmful gases and particulates, leads to respiratory diseases and global warming. Water pollution, on the other hand, is the result of dumping untreated waste and chemicals into water bodies, causing harm to aquatic life and contaminating drinking water. Soil pollution, caused by the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, affects plant growth and can lead to food contamination.

Impacts of Environmental Pollution

The impacts of environmental pollution are far-reaching and devastating. It not only disrupts ecosystems but also contributes to biodiversity loss, climate change, and human health issues. The increase in the Earth’s average temperature, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels are all consequences of pollution-induced global warming.

In conclusion, environmental pollution is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is crucial for us, as responsible inhabitants of this planet, to adopt sustainable practices and encourage others to do the same. The future of our planet rests in our hands, and every step taken towards its preservation counts.

500 Words Essay on Environmental Pollution

Introduction to environmental pollution.

Environmental pollution, a global concern, is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment causing adverse changes. These pollutants, usually generated by human activities, upset the balance of ecosystems, affecting their inhabitants and the environment itself.

The Different Types of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution manifests in various forms. Air pollution, caused by industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, leads to global warming and respiratory illnesses. Water pollution, resulting from industrial waste, oil spills, and plastic waste, has devastating effects on aquatic life and water quality. Soil pollution, due to agricultural chemicals and waste disposal, impairs plant growth and can contaminate food sources. Noise pollution, often overlooked, can cause stress and hearing loss in both humans and animals.

The Impact of Environmental Pollution on Biodiversity

Environmental pollution severely affects biodiversity. Pollutants can cause immediate harm to organisms or subtly alter habitats over time, leading to reduced species diversity. For instance, oil spills can kill marine life instantly, while acid rain, a byproduct of air pollution, slowly makes lakes uninhabitable for many species. Such changes can disrupt ecosystems, as species interdependencies are complex and often poorly understood until a key species is lost.

Human Health and Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution also poses significant risks to human health. Air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases and cancer, while contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other diseases. Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can result in hearing impairment and stress-related conditions. Furthermore, pollution-induced changes in the environment can lead to resource scarcity, contributing to conflicts and migration.

The Role of Legislation and Public Awareness

Effective legislation and public awareness are crucial in combating environmental pollution. Strict laws can regulate pollutant emissions, waste disposal, and resource use. However, laws alone are not enough. Public awareness and education about the harmful effects of pollution are necessary to stimulate behavioral changes. When individuals understand the impact of their actions, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices.

Conclusion: The Urgency of Addressing Environmental Pollution

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Essay on Pollution: Samples in 100, 150 and 200 Words

• Updated on  
• Jun 20, 2024

As the world embraced urbanization, mother nature witnessed the greener lands getting transformed into modern cities and metropolises. What followed is a trail of natural disasters signalling that something is wrong with the planet Earth. Pollution is increasingly asked under the writing section in school and college tests as well as competitive exams . This is because it is a relevant environmental issue today. This blog aims to help you with the necessary knowledge as well as tips and tricks to draft a well-written essay on pollution.

This Blog Includes:

What is pollution, types of pollution, causes and health effects of pollution, sample essay on pollution in 100 words, sample essay on pollution in 250-300 words, sample essay on pollution in 300-350 words, short essay on pollution in english.

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These materials are called pollutants. They can be created by human activity like trash and nature like volcanic ash. Pollutants damage the quality of water, air and land. Pollution is a global problem. Air and water carry pollution into the ocean currents and migrating fish. Pollution is among the many things that harm our planet- once greener and healthier than it is now. Pollution is a dangerous phenomenon that is contributing to an array of health issues.

Also Read: Essay on Yoga Day

Also Read: Speech on Yoga Day

In simple terms, pollution is defined as the contamination of the physical and biological constituents in the earth’s atmosphere. It affects human life and the natural environment to a very great extent. It degrades our natural resources, from the water we drink to the air we breathe. While writing an essay on Pollution, you must mention the major four types of pollution which are as follows:

• Air Pollution : Air pollution is the contamination of air in the atmosphere when harmful or excessive quantities of substances such as smoke and harmful gases from industries, CFCs and oxides produced by automobiles, the burning of solid wastes, etc. are introduced into the environment.
• Water Pollution : This refers to the contamination of natural resources of water, due to the addition of harmful chemical, biological or physical materials, which includes industrial wastes, oil spills, domestic and farm wastes, pesticides, as well as mining and agricultural wastes, to water resource which make it unusable.
• Soil Pollution : Land/Soil Pollution occurs due to the degradation of the earth’s surface by different commercial, industrial, agricultural and domestic activities. Causes of soil pollution also include mining, deforestation, dumping of e-waste and other industrial wastes, usage of harmful chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, etc.
• Noise Pollution : Excess noise due to sounds created by machines, loudspeakers, microphones, loud music, noise from industries, construction and civil engineering works etc. lead to noise pollution.

You can include various causes and health effects in your essay on Pollution from the following table:-

Pollution is the addition of unwanted substances which are incorporated into the environment that can damage our Earth. There are mainly four types of pollution, these include water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution. One should note that any form of pollution is the result of careless activity carried out by man. We, humans daily dump waste directly into water bodies which leads to water pollution.

Vehicle emissions of smoke into the atmosphere impede the ability of all living things to breathe, leading to air pollution. Our garbage is dumped into landfills directly, which results in soil pollution. Although it cannot be seen, noise pollution is a severe type of pollution that can harm our ears.

The biggest threat planet Earth is facing is pollution. Unwanted substances leave a negative impact once released into an environment. There are four types of pollution air, water, land, and noise. Pollution affects the quality of life more than any human can imagine.

Due to air pollution, even teenage kids have developed various respiratory diseases. Water pollution has led to diseases in children. The waste we humans dump on the land or chemical fertilisers which are put on the land for agricultural purposes causes land/ soil pollution.

If the soil quality deteriorates due to such practices, the soil will become infertile and no crops could be grown in future. The government has launched various schemes over the years to fight pollution but individual efforts can also play a vital role.

Start by replacing plastic bags for shopping with cloth bags, stopping littering on roads and stopping wasting water are some of the basic things to start with that can lead to big changes in the environment.

Also Read: Essay on Green Energy PDF: 150 and 250 Words

One of the most critical threats faced by our planet in the present-day scenario. Environmental pollution is a global issue affecting people around the world. It is occurring in different forms, whether by affecting the air we breathe or the water resources we utilise for several purposes.

Air pollution came into being with an increase in the level of carbon dioxide, with the increase in pollutants which are contaminating the air and causing breathing discomfort as well as skin diseases to human beings. Talking about the other aspect, there is no life without water.

The water bodies are polluting and becoming unsafe for drinking or any other use because of industrial development, rapid urbanisation and various other reasons. Due to air pollution, diseases that can occur in human beings are asthma, various skin diseases, cancer, etc. Therefore, it is the essential need of the hour to take serious steps to reduce pollution to its core.

At a personal level, we can minimise environmental pollution by taking public transport or carpools to reduce vehicular smoke, avoiding firecrackers at festivals and celebrations can also cut down on air and noise pollution, and not using fertilisers and pesticides which can cause both water and soil pollution, and switching over to organic farming. The government can also bring strict rules and regulations to lessen industrial pollution.  

To sum up, any type of pollution is harmful to the environment with serious consequences like global warming, uneven climatic changes, etc. Due to our greediness and illegal human activities, the innocent lives of animals are lost. The time has come to join hands and work towards preserving and protecting the environment for the present as well as future generations.

Also Read: Essay on Environment: Examples and Tips

Find a sample of a short essay on pollution below:

Related Reads

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

pollution is very harmful to the environment. By pollution many diseases and virus like coronavirus. So JOIN THE GREEN REVOLUTION AND STOP POLLUTION

PLANT MORE AND MORE TREES TO REDUCE POLLUTION

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants.

Biology, Ecology, Health, Earth Science, Geography

Loading ...

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment . These harmful materials are called pollutants . Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash . They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land. Many things that are useful to people produce pollution. Cars spew pollutants from their exhaust pipes. Burning coal to create electricity pollutes the air. Industries and homes generate garbage and sewage that can pollute the land and water. Pesticides —chemical poisons used to kill weeds and insects— seep into waterways and harm wildlife . All living things—from one-celled microbes to blue whales—depend on Earth ’s supply of air and water. When these resources are polluted, all forms of life are threatened. Pollution is a global problem. Although urban areas are usually more polluted than the countryside, pollution can spread to remote places where no people live. For example, pesticides and other chemicals have been found in the Antarctic ice sheet . In the middle of the northern Pacific Ocean, a huge collection of microscopic plastic particles forms what is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch . Air and water currents carry pollution. Ocean currents and migrating fish carry marine pollutants far and wide. Winds can pick up radioactive material accidentally released from a nuclear reactor and scatter it around the world. Smoke from a factory in one country drifts into another country. In the past, visitors to Big Bend National Park in the U.S. state of Texas could see 290 kilometers (180 miles) across the vast landscape . Now, coal-burning power plants in Texas and the neighboring state of Chihuahua, Mexico have spewed so much pollution into the air that visitors to Big Bend can sometimes see only 50 kilometers (30 miles). The three major types of pollution are air pollution , water pollution , and land pollution . Air Pollution Sometimes, air pollution is visible . A person can see dark smoke pour from the exhaust pipes of large trucks or factories, for example. More often, however, air pollution is invisible . Polluted air can be dangerous, even if the pollutants are invisible. It can make people’s eyes burn and make them have difficulty breathing. It can also increase the risk of lung cancer . Sometimes, air pollution kills quickly. In 1984, an accident at a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, released a deadly gas into the air. At least 8,000 people died within days. Hundreds of thou sands more were permanently injured. Natural disasters can also cause air pollution to increase quickly. When volcanoes erupt , they eject volcanic ash and gases into the atmosphere . Volcanic ash can discolor the sky for months. After the eruption of the Indonesian volcano of Krakatoa in 1883, ash darkened the sky around the world. The dimmer sky caused fewer crops to be harvested as far away as Europe and North America. For years, meteorologists tracked what was known as the “equatorial smoke stream .” In fact, this smoke stream was a jet stream , a wind high in Earth’s atmosphere that Krakatoa’s air pollution made visible. Volcanic gases , such as sulfur dioxide , can kill nearby residents and make the soil infertile for years. Mount Vesuvius, a volcano in Italy, famously erupted in 79, killing hundreds of residents of the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Most victims of Vesuvius were not killed by lava or landslides caused by the eruption. They were choked, or asphyxiated , by deadly volcanic gases. In 1986, a toxic cloud developed over Lake Nyos, Cameroon. Lake Nyos sits in the crater of a volcano. Though the volcano did not erupt, it did eject volcanic gases into the lake. The heated gases passed through the water of the lake and collected as a cloud that descended the slopes of the volcano and into nearby valleys . As the toxic cloud moved across the landscape, it killed birds and other organisms in their natural habitat . This air pollution also killed thousands of cattle and as many as 1,700 people. Most air pollution is not natural, however. It comes from burning fossil fuels —coal, oil , and natural gas . When gasoline is burned to power cars and trucks, it produces carbon monoxide , a colorless, odorless gas. The gas is harmful in high concentrations , or amounts. City traffic produces highly concentrated carbon monoxide. Cars and factories produce other common pollutants, including nitrogen oxide , sulfur dioxide, and hydrocarbons . These chemicals react with sunlight to produce smog , a thick fog or haze of air pollution. The smog is so thick in Linfen, China, that people can seldom see the sun. Smog can be brown or grayish blue, depending on which pollutants are in it. Smog makes breathing difficult, especially for children and older adults. Some cities that suffer from extreme smog issue air pollution warnings. The government of Hong Kong, for example, will warn people not to go outside or engage in strenuous physical activity (such as running or swimming) when smog is very thick.

When air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide mix with moisture, they change into acids . They then fall back to earth as acid rain . Wind often carries acid rain far from the pollution source. Pollutants produced by factories and power plants in Spain can fall as acid rain in Norway. Acid rain can kill all the trees in a forest . It can also devastate lakes, streams, and other waterways. When lakes become acidic, fish can’t survive . In Sweden, acid rain created thousands of “ dead lakes ,” where fish no longer live. Acid rain also wears away marble and other kinds of stone . It has erased the words on gravestones and damaged many historic buildings and monuments . The Taj Mahal , in Agra, India, was once gleaming white. Years of exposure to acid rain has left it pale. Governments have tried to prevent acid rain by limiting the amount of pollutants released into the air. In Europe and North America, they have had some success, but acid rain remains a major problem in the developing world , especially Asia. Greenhouse gases are another source of air pollution. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane occur naturally in the atmosphere. In fact, they are necessary for life on Earth. They absorb sunlight reflected from Earth, preventing it from escaping into space. By trapping heat in the atmosphere, they keep Earth warm enough for people to live. This is called the greenhouse effect . But human activities such as burning fossil fuels and destroying forests have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has increased the greenhouse effect, and average temperatures across the globe are rising. The decade that began in the year 2000 was the warmest on record. This increase in worldwide average temperatures, caused in part by human activity, is called global warming . Global warming is causing ice sheets and glaciers to melt. The melting ice is causing sea levels to rise at a rate of two millimeters (0.09 inches) per year. The rising seas will eventually flood low-lying coastal regions . Entire nations, such as the islands of Maldives, are threatened by this climate change . Global warming also contributes to the phenomenon of ocean acidification . Ocean acidification is the process of ocean waters absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Fewer organisms can survive in warmer, less salty waters. The ocean food web is threatened as plants and animals such as coral fail to adapt to more acidic oceans. Scientists have predicted that global warming will cause an increase in severe storms . It will also cause more droughts in some regions and more flooding in others. The change in average temperatures is already shrinking some habitats, the regions where plants and animals naturally live. Polar bears hunt seals from sea ice in the Arctic. The melting ice is forcing polar bears to travel farther to find food , and their numbers are shrinking. People and governments can respond quickly and effectively to reduce air pollution. Chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a dangerous form of air pollution that governments worked to reduce in the 1980s and 1990s. CFCs are found in gases that cool refrigerators, in foam products, and in aerosol cans . CFCs damage the ozone layer , a region in Earth’s upper atmosphere. The ozone layer protects Earth by absorbing much of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation . When people are exposed to more ultraviolet radiation, they are more likely to develop skin cancer, eye diseases, and other illnesses. In the 1980s, scientists noticed that the ozone layer over Antarctica was thinning. This is often called the “ ozone hole .” No one lives permanently in Antarctica. But Australia, the home of more than 22 million people, lies at the edge of the hole. In the 1990s, the Australian government began an effort to warn people of the dangers of too much sun. Many countries, including the United States, now severely limit the production of CFCs. Water Pollution Some polluted water looks muddy, smells bad, and has garbage floating in it. Some polluted water looks clean, but is filled with harmful chemicals you can’t see or smell. Polluted water is unsafe for drinking and swimming. Some people who drink polluted water are exposed to hazardous chemicals that may make them sick years later. Others consume bacteria and other tiny aquatic organisms that cause disease. The United Nations estimates that 4,000 children die every day from drinking dirty water. Sometimes, polluted water harms people indirectly. They get sick because the fish that live in polluted water are unsafe to eat. They have too many pollutants in their flesh. There are some natural sources of water pollution. Oil and natural gas, for example, can leak into oceans and lakes from natural underground sources. These sites are called petroleum seeps . The world’s largest petroleum seep is the Coal Oil Point Seep, off the coast of the U.S. state of California. The Coal Oil Point Seep releases so much oil that tar balls wash up on nearby beaches . Tar balls are small, sticky pieces of pollution that eventually decompose in the ocean.

Human activity also contributes to water pollution. Chemicals and oils from factories are sometimes dumped or seep into waterways. These chemicals are called runoff. Chemicals in runoff can create a toxic environment for aquatic life. Runoff can also help create a fertile environment for cyanobacteria , also called blue-green algae . Cyanobacteria reproduce rapidly, creating a harmful algal bloom (HAB) . Harmful algal blooms prevent organisms such as plants and fish from living in the ocean. They are associated with “ dead zones ” in the world’s lakes and rivers, places where little life exists below surface water. Mining and drilling can also contribute to water pollution. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major contributor to pollution of rivers and streams near coal mines . Acid helps miners remove coal from the surrounding rocks . The acid is washed into streams and rivers, where it reacts with rocks and sand. It releases chemical sulfur from the rocks and sand, creating a river rich in sulfuric acid . Sulfuric acid is toxic to plants, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Sulfuric acid is also toxic to people, making rivers polluted by AMD dangerous sources of water for drinking and hygiene . Oil spills are another source of water pollution. In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, causing oil to gush from the ocean floor. In the following months, hundreds of millions of gallons of oil spewed into the gulf waters. The spill produced large plumes of oil under the sea and an oil slick on the surface as large as 24,000 square kilometers (9,100 square miles). The oil slick coated wetlands in the U.S. states of Louisiana and Mississippi, killing marsh plants and aquatic organisms such as crabs and fish. Birds, such as pelicans , became coated in oil and were unable to fly or access food. More than two million animals died as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Buried chemical waste can also pollute water supplies. For many years, people disposed of chemical wastes carelessly, not realizing its dangers. In the 1970s, people living in the Love Canal area in Niagara Falls, New York, suffered from extremely high rates of cancer and birth defects . It was discovered that a chemical waste dump had poisoned the area’s water. In 1978, 800 families living in Love Canal had to a bandon their homes. If not disposed of properly, radioactive waste from nuclear power plants can escape into the environment. Radioactive waste can harm living things and pollute the water. Sewage that has not been properly treated is a common source of water pollution. Many cities around the world have poor sewage systems and sewage treatment plants. Delhi, the capital of India, is home to more than 21 million people. More than half the sewage and other waste produced in the city are dumped into the Yamuna River. This pollution makes the river dangerous to use as a source of water for drinking or hygiene. It also reduces the river’s fishery , resulting in less food for the local community. A major source of water pollution is fertilizer used in agriculture . Fertilizer is material added to soil to make plants grow larger and faster. Fertilizers usually contain large amounts of the elements nitrogen and phosphorus , which help plants grow. Rainwater washes fertilizer into streams and lakes. There, the nitrogen and phosphorus cause cyanobacteria to form harmful algal blooms. Rain washes other pollutants into streams and lakes. It picks up animal waste from cattle ranches. Cars drip oil onto the street, and rain carries it into storm drains , which lead to waterways such as rivers and seas. Rain sometimes washes chemical pesticides off of plants and into streams. Pesticides can also seep into groundwater , the water beneath the surface of the Earth. Heat can pollute water. Power plants, for example, produce a huge amount of heat. Power plants are often located on rivers so they can use the water as a coolant . Cool water circulates through the plant, absorbing heat. The heated water is then returned to the river. Aquatic creatures are sensitive to changes in temperature. Some fish, for example, can only live in cold water. Warmer river temperatures prevent fish eggs from hatching. Warmer river water also contributes to harmful algal blooms. Another type of water pollution is simple garbage. The Citarum River in Indonesia, for example, has so much garbage floating in it that you cannot see the water. Floating trash makes the river difficult to fish in. Aquatic animals such as fish and turtles mistake trash, such as plastic bags, for food. Plastic bags and twine can kill many ocean creatures. Chemical pollutants in trash can also pollute the water, making it toxic for fish and people who use the river as a source of drinking water. The fish that are caught in a polluted river often have high levels of chemical toxins in their flesh. People absorb these toxins as they eat the fish. Garbage also fouls the ocean. Many plastic bottles and other pieces of trash are thrown overboard from boats. The wind blows trash out to sea. Ocean currents carry plastics and other floating trash to certain places on the globe, where it cannot escape. The largest of these areas, called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean. According to some estimates, this garbage patch is the size of Texas. The trash is a threat to fish and seabirds, which mistake the plastic for food. Many of the plastics are covered with chemical pollutants. Land Pollution Many of the same pollutants that foul the water also harm the land. Mining sometimes leaves the soil contaminated with dangerous chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural fields are blown by the wind. They can harm plants, animals, and sometimes people. Some fruits and vegetables absorb the pesticides that help them grow. When people consume the fruits and vegetables, the pesticides enter their bodies. Some pesticides can cause cancer and other diseases. A pesticide called DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) was once commonly used to kill insects, especially mosquitoes. In many parts of the world, mosquitoes carry a disease called malaria , which kills a million people every year. Swiss chemist Paul Hermann Muller was awarded the Nobel Prize for his understanding of how DDT can control insects and other pests. DDT is responsible for reducing malaria in places such as Taiwan and Sri Lanka. In 1962, American biologist Rachel Carson wrote a book called Silent Spring , which discussed the dangers of DDT. She argued that it could contribute to cancer in humans. She also explained how it was destroying bird eggs, which caused the number of bald eagles, brown pelicans, and ospreys to drop. In 1972, the United States banned the use of DDT. Many other countries also banned it. But DDT didn’t disappear entirely. Today, many governments support the use of DDT because it remains the most effective way to combat malaria. Trash is another form of land pollution. Around the world, paper, cans, glass jars, plastic products, and junked cars and appliances mar the landscape. Litter makes it difficult for plants and other producers in the food web to create nutrients . Animals can die if they mistakenly eat plastic. Garbage often contains dangerous pollutants such as oils, chemicals, and ink. These pollutants can leech into the soil and harm plants, animals, and people. Inefficient garbage collection systems contribute to land pollution. Often, the garbage is picked up and brought to a dump, or landfill . Garbage is buried in landfills. Sometimes, communities produce so much garbage that their landfills are filling up. They are running out of places to dump their trash. A massive landfill near Quezon City, Philippines, was the site of a land pollution tragedy in 2000. Hundreds of people lived on the slopes of the Quezon City landfill. These people made their living from recycling and selling items found in the landfill. However, the landfill was not secure. Heavy rains caused a trash landslide, killing 218 people. Sometimes, landfills are not completely sealed off from the land around them. Pollutants from the landfill leak into the earth in which they are buried. Plants that grow in the earth may be contaminated, and the herbivores that eat the plants also become contaminated. So do the predators that consume the herbivores. This process, where a chemical builds up in each level of the food web, is called bioaccumulation . Pollutants leaked from landfills also leak into local groundwater supplies. There, the aquatic food web (from microscopic algae to fish to predators such as sharks or eagles) can suffer from bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals. Some communities do not have adequate garbage collection systems, and trash lines the side of roads. In other places, garbage washes up on beaches. Kamilo Beach, in the U.S. state of Hawai'i, is littered with plastic bags and bottles carried in by the tide . The trash is dangerous to ocean life and reduces economic activity in the area. Tourism is Hawai'i’s largest industry . Polluted beaches discourage tourists from investing in the area’s hotels, restaurants, and recreational activities. Some cities incinerate , or burn, their garbage. Incinerating trash gets rid of it, but it can release dangerous heavy metals and chemicals into the air. So while trash incinerators can help with the problem of land pollution, they sometimes add to the problem of air pollution. Reducing Pollution Around the world, people and governments are making efforts to combat pollution. Recycling, for instance, is becoming more common. In recycling, trash is processed so its useful materials can be used again. Glass, aluminum cans, and many types of plastic can be melted and reused . Paper can be broken down and turned into new paper. Recycling reduces the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills, incinerators, and waterways. Austria and Switzerland have the highest recycling rates. These nations recycle between 50 and 60 percent of their garbage. The United States recycles about 30 percent of its garbage. Governments can combat pollution by passing laws that limit the amount and types of chemicals factories and agribusinesses are allowed to use. The smoke from coal-burning power plants can be filtered. People and businesses that illegally dump pollutants into the land, water, and air can be fined for millions of dollars. Some government programs, such as the Superfund program in the United States, can force polluters to clean up the sites they polluted. International agreements can also reduce pollution. The Kyoto Protocol , a United Nations agreement to limit the emission of greenhouse gases, has been signed by 191 countries. The United States, the world’s second-largest producer of greenhouse gases, did not sign the agreement. Other countries, such as China, the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, have not met their goals. Still, many gains have been made. In 1969, the Cuyahoga River, in the U.S. state of Ohio, was so clogged with oil and trash that it caught on fire. The fire helped spur the Clean Water Act of 1972. This law limited what pollutants could be released into water and set standards for how clean water should be. Today, the Cuyahoga River is much cleaner. Fish have returned to regions of the river where they once could not survive. But even as some rivers are becoming cleaner, others are becoming more polluted. As countries around the world become wealthier, some forms of pollution increase. Countries with growing economies usually need more power plants, which produce more pollutants. Reducing pollution requires environmental, political, and economic leadership. Developed nations must work to reduce and recycle their materials, while developing nations must work to strengthen their economies without destroying the environment. Developed and developing countries must work together toward the common goal of protecting the environment for future use.

How Long Does It Last? Different materials decompose at different rates. How long does it take for these common types of trash to break down?

• Paper: 2-4 weeks
• Orange peel: 6 months
• Milk carton: 5 years
• Plastic bag: 15 years
• Tin can: 100 years
• Plastic bottle: 450 years
• Glass bottle: 500 years
• Styrofoam: Never

Indoor Air Pollution The air inside your house can be polluted. Air and carpet cleaners, insect sprays, and cigarettes are all sources of indoor air pollution.

Light Pollution Light pollution is the excess amount of light in the night sky. Light pollution, also called photopollution, is almost always found in urban areas. Light pollution can disrupt ecosystems by confusing the distinction between night and day. Nocturnal animals, those that are active at night, may venture out during the day, while diurnal animals, which are active during daylight hours, may remain active well into the night. Feeding and sleep patterns may be confused. Light pollution also indicates an excess use of energy. The dark-sky movement is a campaign by people to reduce light pollution. This would reduce energy use, allow ecosystems to function more normally, and allow scientists and stargazers to observe the atmosphere.

Noise Pollution Noise pollution is the constant presence of loud, disruptive noises in an area. Usually, noise pollution is caused by construction or nearby transportation facilities, such as airports. Noise pollution is unpleasant, and can be dangerous. Some songbirds, such as robins, are unable to communicate or find food in the presence of heavy noise pollution. The sound waves produced by some noise pollutants can disrupt the sonar used by marine animals to communicate or locate food.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Illustrators

Educator reviewer, last updated.

March 6, 2024

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Pollution — “Let’s Save Our Planet!” Or The Problem Of Environmental Pollution

"Let's Save Our Planet!" Or The Problem of Environmental Pollution

• Categories: Environmental Issues Pollution

About this sample

Words: 644 |

Published: May 19, 2020

Words: 644 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Hook Examples for Pollution Essay

• The Silent Threat Above: As we go about our daily lives, a hidden danger lurks in the air we breathe. This essay unveils the pervasive issue of air pollution, its sources, and the alarming consequences it has on our health and the environment.
• Plastic Planet: Our oceans are drowning in a sea of plastic waste. Join us as we dive into the plastic pollution crisis, exploring its impact on marine life, ecosystems, and our responsibility to curb this environmental catastrophe.
• The Price of Progress: Industrialization and economic growth come at a cost. This essay delves into the trade-offs between development and environmental degradation, shedding light on the challenges of balancing progress with sustainability.
• Water: The Elixir of Life in Peril: Water pollution threatens our most vital resource—freshwater. Explore the sources of water contamination, the far-reaching consequences on ecosystems and communities, and the urgent need for conservation and restoration.
• Hope Amidst the Haze: While pollution poses a grave threat, there is still hope for a cleaner, greener future. In this essay, we’ll explore innovative solutions, grassroots movements, and individual actions that can mitigate pollution and lead us toward a sustainable tomorrow.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Environment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1158 words

5 pages / 2218 words

4 pages / 1810 words

5 pages / 2287 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Pollution

Environmental pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, posing significant threats to ecosystems, public health, and the overall well-being of our planet. The causes of environmental pollution are [...]

The issue of environmental pollution has become increasingly prominent in public discourse. The negative impact of pollution on human health and the environment is well-documented, and there is a growing consensus that urgent [...]

Water pollution is a pressing environmental issue that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by various human activities such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. While [...]

“Do Plastic Bottles or Food Containers Cause Cancer?” Cancer Research UK, 31 July 2018, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-controversies/plastic-bottles-and-food-containers.Foss, Sonja. “Chapter 7 [...]

Hershkowitz, A. (2018). Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability. Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(2), 1-5. [...]

Littering and pollution is a major issue around the world today. It affects all of our lives, and will affect us for years to come. Littering and pollution play a major part in our lives. Everywhere we walk and drive there is [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Environmental Pollution and Human Health Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Understanding where and how individuals are exposed to environmental toxins is essential. The essay compares and contrasts five different articles that relate to the environment. However, the articles differ because Pohanka et al.’s article focuses on the environmental impacts on health. Some people rely on vehicles, increasing air pollution, while others do not (Pohanka, 2004). In contrast, Segedy’s article emphasizes how car dependency impacts people negatively, mainly how some individuals depend on cars when traveling, which later ruins their health, while others do not depend on cars. Nations should establish various laws and strategies to lessen Sprawl impacts and overdependence on cars to prevent several grave health issues and fatalities.

Urban sprawl has been a major problem impacting various nations. The effects of sprawl on health workers are discussed in the article by Pohanka. The problem of urban sprawl, which affects the entire country, will be around for a while. Sprawl can have various adverse effects on one’s health, ranging from minor to severe (Pohanka, 2004). Frumkin’s article explores the connection between sprawl and health (Frumkin, 2002).

Environmental influences include air contamination, heat, corporeal activity patterns, traffic accidents, fatalities and injuries, water amount and quality, mental well-being, and social investment. People are not equally affected by sprawl, and those most impacted need special consideration (Frumkin, 2002). The development of policies must take health into account. It is similarly essential to take social justice and fairness into account because the effects of sprawl on population health are unevenly distributed. Workers cannot be isolated from the potential consequences of pollutants in their surroundings as they travel to and from work. Therefore, occupational health nurses must address these issues at work and in their communities.

Owen praises the incredible density of urban areas like Manhattan for their “greenness” in the article “Green Manhattan.” According to him, New York is the greenest biosphere’s largest metropolises and the greenest neighborhood in the United States. Due to the city’s densely populated, New Yorkers mostly use public transportation, consume fewer fossil fuels, and rely on skyscrapers, which require less energy to heat and cool each square foot of internal space than houses (Owen, 2004). Owen’s use of the word “density” makes it possible to imagine Seoul as a “green” location. Seoul produces fewer greenhouse gasses, is more energy conserved, and has less garbage per capita than suburban areas, resembling numerous qualities of Manhattan that Owen lists.

The overreliance on automobiles is a topic covered in Segedy’s article, “Baby Boomers Aging in a Car-Dependent World.” Humans started reorienting our towns and communities around the car much earlier than that, even though this shift to an engine society is typically seen as occurring after World War II (Segedy, 2018). There was almost one car for every American home, even in 1930, at the start of the Great Depression. Our surroundings will not be the same again because the genie was released from the bottle.

The goal of Zipper’s article, “The Incredibly Obvious Way to Reduce Road Deaths That Goes Ignored,” is to lessen the number of people who die on the roads due to collisions. For various reasons, taking public transportation is generally safer than operating a vehicle. The exclusive right of way given to trains (and occasionally buses) reduces the likelihood of collisions (Zipper, 2022). In comparison to automobiles, buses and trains are pretty hefty; “you are effectively in a steel suit,” as Savage put it; this provides passengers with more safety (Zipper, 2022). Another problem is the comparatively slow speed of city buses; when horrible things happen, they usually are not all that bad.

In conclusion, several people worldwide die yearly due to living or working conditions, such as environmental conditions that eventually cause death and overdependence on cars, which eventually exposes people to accidents and hence death. Heart disease, lymphoma, and respiratory conditions can all be made worse by environmental contaminants. People with lower incomes are more likely to live in polluted areas and have exposure to polluted water. Additionally, children and pregnant individuals are more in danger of pollution-related medical conditions.

Frumkin, H. (2002). Urban sprawl and public health. Public Health Reports , 117 (3), 201. Web.

Owen, D. (2004). Green Manhattan . New Yorker . Web.

Pohanka, M., & Fitzgerald, S. (2004). Urban sprawl and you: How sprawl adversely affects worker health. AAOHN Journal , 52 (6), 242–246. Web.

Segedy, J. (2018). Baby boomers are aging in a car-dependent world . The American Conservative . Web.

Zipper, D. (2022). The incredibly obvious way to reduce road deaths that goes ignored . Slate. Web.

• Technological Solutions to the Effects of Urban Sprawl
• Urban Sprawl and Environmental and Social Problems
• Urban Sprawl and the Need to Make Cities Livable
• The Importance of Physical Exercise in Diabetes II Patients
• Global Health Issue of Malaria
• The Impact of Warning Labels on Cigarette Smoking
• Web Content Accessibility Standards
• Discrimination Against the Elderly Population in the Medical Field
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, December 6). Environmental Pollution and Human Health. https://ivypanda.com/essays/environmental-pollution-and-human-health/

"Environmental Pollution and Human Health." IvyPanda , 6 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/environmental-pollution-and-human-health/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Environmental Pollution and Human Health'. 6 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Environmental Pollution and Human Health." December 6, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/environmental-pollution-and-human-health/.

1. IvyPanda . "Environmental Pollution and Human Health." December 6, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/environmental-pollution-and-human-health/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Environmental Pollution and Human Health." December 6, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/environmental-pollution-and-human-health/.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

A Plus Topper

Improve your Grades

Environmental Pollution Essay for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Environmental Pollution Essay: We should treat our Earth’s surroundings as our mother. It nourishes us, too. How can we survive if the climate becomes polluted? For our health and development, the Earth provides us with so many natural resources. Nevertheless, we become more egoistic and tend to pollute our world over time. If our environment becomes more polluted, we do not know that ultimately too, it will affect our health and the future. We will not be able to survive comfortably on Earth.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Environmental Pollution for Students and Kids in English

A Long Essay on the topic of Environmental Pollution is provided; it is of 450-500 words. A short composition of 100-150 words is also given below. The extended articles are popular among students of classes 7, 8, 9, and 10. On the other hand, students in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 can refer to short essays.

Long Essay on Environmental Pollution 500 Words in English

Environmental Pollution Essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Our environment is made of living things and things not alive. The life of these species includes livestock and other microorganisms; the environment’s unlived components are food, water, dirt, sunshine, etc. Any time a relatively long toxin is introduced to our environment, it contributes to environmental contamination. Air, water, soil, noise, light and nuclear pollution are some of the main types of pollution.

The air pollution is caused by emissions from factories, building chimneys, cars and oils. Wasted industrial solvents, plastics, and other waste, sewage, etc., are polluting the water. The significant causes of soil pollution are the use of pesticides and deforestation. The needless car honking, the use of loudspeakers add to noise pollution.

Though the light and nuclear pollutions are hard to realize, these are equally harmful. Exceedingly flashing lights consume a significant amount of energy while in several ways endangering the ecological environment. These constituents are interconnected. When nature’s process continues, the toxicity of one product is also passed on to the other components. There are different aspects in which chemical waste tends to circulate. With an explanation below we should appreciate that.

When it rains, the impurities in air in the water-bodies and soil slowly disappear. When cultivated in the fields, these harmful toxicants are absorbed by their roots through contaminated soil and water. Both animals and humans ingest the same food. In this way, when the carnivores consume the herbivores, it reaches the top of the food chain.

The effects of Pollution on the environment can be seen in the form of severe health conditions. Many people have respiratory disorders, weak immunity, cancers of the kidneys and lungs, tumours and chronic diseases. The marine biodiversity is increasingly depleting, including both flora and fauna. Soil quality and crop quality are worsening.

As a result of the environmental pollution that the world needs to cope with, global warming, which had become a significant problem, in Antarctica the melting icebergs culminated in rising sea levels. The hazards caused by rising carbon pollution can contribute to natural disturbance, including regular earthquakes, cyclones, etc. The Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Chernobyl incidents in Russia have caused humanity to irreparable harm.

In response to these disasters, the different countries in the world are taking every possible action. More awareness-raising programs are organized to educate people about the dangers of pollution and the need to protect our planet. Greener lifestyles have become popular; the following are to mention just some: energy-efficient lights, new climate sustainable cars, the use of wind and solar power.

Governments are now highlighting the need to plant more trees, reduce plastic items, enhance natural waste recovery and reduce the use of pesticides. This ecological lifestyle has allowed humanity to shield other animals from extinction and to make Earth an ecosystem that’s greener and safer.

Short Essay on Environmental Pollution 150 Words in English

Environmental Pollution Essay is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The air pollution is caused by emissions from factories, building chimneys, cars and oils. These constituents are interconnected. When nature’s process continues, the toxicity of one product is also passed on to the other components. There are different aspects in which chemical waste tends to circulate. With an explanation below we should appreciate that. When it rains, the impurities in air in the water-bodies and soil slowly disappear. When cultivated in the fields, these harmful toxicants are absorbed by their roots through contaminated soil and water. The marine biodiversity is increasingly depleting, including both flora and fauna. Soil quality and crop quality are worsening.

As a result of the environmental pollution that the world needs to cope with, global warming, which had become a significant problem, in Antarctica, the melting icebergs culminated in rising sea levels. The hazards caused by rising carbon pollution can contribute to natural disturbance, including regular earthquakes, cyclones, etc. The Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Chernobyl incidents in Russia have caused humanity to irreparable harm. In response to these disasters, the different countries in the world are taking every possible action.

10 Lines on Environmental Pollution Essay in English

• A healthy ecosystem for the protection of all living things is utterly necessary.
• Government and public action to reduce environmental pollution should be taken promptly and on time.
• National strategies will be drawn up to mitigate the environmental consequences of industrialization, manufacturing and other operations.
• Digital media are a reliable source of knowledge about environmental risks.
• Stringent legislation against plastics can play a crucial role in saving the environment by designing and enforcing it.
• We should use and encourage others to use products of recyclable materials.
• For any living being, we must consider the use of flora.
• The use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy should be sponsored.
• Instead of personal vehicles, we should depend as much as possible on public transport.
• Organic pesticides and fertilizes, other than synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are helpful to environmental protection.

FAQ’s on Environmental Pollution Essay

Question 1. What is environmental pollution?

Answer: Pollution is a word that even children already know. It has become so routine that virtually everyone acknowledges that pollution is continuously rising. The term ‘pollution’ means any unwanted foreign substance manifested in something. When we talk about Earth’s pollution, we are referring to the contamination that is happening through toxic elements from natural resources.

Question 2. What are the different types of pollution?

Answer: The different types of pollution are Air, Water, Earth, Sound, and Nuclear.

Question 3. What are the effects of pollution?

Answer: The nature of human life is fundamentally affected by pollution. The water we drink to the air we breathe degrades almost everything. The natural resources needed for a healthy life are damaged.

Question 4. How can pollution be reduced?

Answer: In order to reduce emissions, we need to take individual action. People should properly decompose their garbage, plant more plants. Besides, what is needed must always be recycled and the Earth greener.

• Picture Dictionary
• English Speech
• English Slogans
• English Letter Writing
• English Essay Writing
• English Textbook Answers
• Types of Certificates
• ICSE Solutions
• Selina ICSE Solutions
• ML Aggarwal Solutions
• HSSLive Plus One
• HSSLive Plus Two
• Kerala SSLC
• Distance Education

Essay on Environmental Pollution

Updated February 16, 2023

Environmental Pollution

Essay on Environmental Pollution explains that Pollution, also known as environmental pollution, is the addition of any substance, whether it’s solid, liquid, or gas, or a form of energy (such as heat, sound, or radioactivity) to the environment at a rate greater than it disperses, dilutes, decomposes, recycles or stored in an innocuous form. Pollution can adversely affect the environment, flora, and fauna and often impacts human health and well-being.

Watch our Demo Courses and Videos

Valuation, Hadoop, Excel, Mobile Apps, Web Development & many more.

Now that you know what environmental pollution is, let’s look at what causes it:

An imbalance occurs when the environment contains too many physical, chemical, or biological agents.

• Chemical Contaminants: Plastics, acids, solvents, pesticides, and petroleum derivatives.
• Physical Contaminants: Heat, electromagnetic energy, noise, and radioactivity.
• Biological Contaminants: Excrement, factory waste, and sewers decompose and ferment to produce them.

Different types of pollution have their reason their causes. But now the question arises what these different types of environmental pollution are?

1. Air Pollution

Any chemical, physical, or biological agent that alters the atmosphere’s natural characteristics consider air pollution.

• Burning of Fossil Fuel
• Combustion of Fuel (transportation)
• Microbial Activity in Sewage Water
• Burning of Tropical Forest

2. Water Pollution

The release of substances into water bodies that make the water unfit for human consumption and disrupt aquatic ecosystems is well-known as water pollution. Numerous contaminants, including petroleum, harmful microorganisms, and toxic waste, can pollute water.

• Sewage Discharge
• Deforestation
• Phytosanitary Product (Pesticides)

3. Soil Contamination

The accumulation of solid or liquid waste materials on land or underground in a manner that has the potential to contaminate groundwater and soil, pose a threat to public health, and result in unsightly conditions and nuisances.

• Urban Waste
• Industrial Waste
• Underground storage Tank

4. Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution is when industries or factories extract water from natural resources for various purposes and return the high-temperature water to those resources.

• Coal-fired Power Plant
• Soil Erosion

Effect of Pollution

There are so many negative effects of environmental pollution.

1. Effect on Human

People are mostly affected physically by environmental pollution, but it can also cause neuro-affections over time. We are most familiar with respiratory issues like asthma, allergies, irritation of the eyes and nasal passages, and other respiratory infections. It has also shown that environmental pollution significantly contributes to cancer development.

2. Effect on Animals

Animals are primarily affected by environmental pollution because it harms their living conditions and makes them toxic. Acid rains can change the composition of rivers and seas, making them toxic to fish. Eventually, soil pollution will kill microorganisms, which can destroy the first layers of the primary food chain dramatically.

3. Effect on Plant

In terms of animals, acid rain can kill plants, particularly trees (which will also harm animals because it will change their natural environment), ozone in the lower atmosphere prevents plants from breathing, and harmful pollutants can absorb water or soil.

4. Effect on Ecosystem

Pollution of the environment, almost entirely caused by human activity, hurts the ecosystem, destroying essential layers and harming the ecosystem’s upper layers.

How to Resolve Environmental Pollution?

Our lives, planet, climate, and civilization’s future are at risk. Even though the idea of that thought can be overwhelming, you shouldn’t let yourself feel helpless because you don’t know where to start.

Here’s a list of things to do to prevent environmental pollution:

1. Replace Disposable with Reusable

If you use something and throw it away, it could be there for centuries. The following is a list of easy changes you can make to reduce the number of things you need to throw away daily.

• Bring your reusable cups or water bottle.
• Use rechargeable batteries and carry your utensils, napkin, and containers in a reusable lunch bag.

2. Conserve Water and Electricity

The suggestions listed below will appear straightforward; Having said that, it might take some time to become more aware of your unconscious and uncertain habits.

• While brushing your teeth, turn off the water in the sink.
• When possible, unplug devices; even if any appliance at home or other places turns off, it might still consume power.

One of the most effective methods for assisting in preserving natural resources, conserving habitats, reducing pollution, and slowing global warming is to incorporate recycling practices into your daily routine.

• Recycle plastic bottles.
• Separate non-recyclable and recyclable products from each other.

4. Transport Choice

Air pollution can be significantly reduced by choosing a less polluting mode of transportation. Even one can help in controlling noise pollution too. Here are a few ways to do so.

• Using eco-friendly vehicles like bicycles and e-bikes.
• Opting for CNG.

Conclusion – Essay on Environmental Pollution

All in all, Essay on Environmental pollution explains that Environmental pollution is degrading our lifestyle and affecting everything worldwide. The types mentioned above are only a few types of environmental pollution, but to one’s disbelief, there are more than one can count on their fingers. Moving toward a developed technological world, you should remember your values and duty towards the environment for the future or our present.

*Please provide your correct email id. Login details for this Free course will be emailed to you

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Valuation, Hadoop, Excel, Web Development & many more.

Forgot Password?

This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie policy. By closing this banner, scrolling this page, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Explore 1000+ varieties of Mock tests View more

Submit Next Question

🚀 Limited Time Offer! - 🎁 ENROLL NOW

• B2 Pollution Problems

The essay for B2 First Writing Part 1 is always written for the teacher. It should be well organised, with an introduction, your opinions on the ideas given and an appropriate conclusion.

For this essay, you have been talking about the environment in your class. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Every country in the world has problems with pollution and damage to the environment. Do you think these problems can be solved?

Write about:

1. transport 2. rivers and seas 3. energy at home

Write your article in  140-190  words in an appropriate style.

More exercises available:

You are required to produce two pieces of writing. The first piece is compulsory and will be an essay of 140-190 words. For the second, you can choose from an article, email/letter, essay, review or report (B2 First for schools the report is replaced with a story) of 140-190 words.

• B2 Article Video
• B2 Book Review Video
• B2 Descriptive Email Video
• B2 Place Review Video
• B2 Short Story Video
• B2 Cities of the Future
• B2 Fast Food
• B2 Following Fashion
• B2 Live Concert
• B2 Taking a Gap Year
• B2 A Work of Art
• B2 Being a Celebrity
• B2 Life Away
• B2 Preventing Crime
• B2 School Improvement
• B2 Shopping Online
• B2 Tablet or Laptop
• B2 The Countryside
• School Canteen
• B2 A School Trip to Italy
• B2 An Important Day
• B2 Forgetful Girl
• The Hidden Beach
• The Lost Photo
• B2 IMDb Website Review
• B2 Jurassic Park Book Review
• B2 Mountain Bike Park
• B2 Romeo and Juliet Play Review
• B2 Ted Film Review
• Scarlett Animation Review
• B2 Berlin Travel Report
• B2 Shops Report
• B2 Visiting Places Report
• B2 Birthday Party Letter
• B2 Computer Games Email
• B2 Favourite Film Email
• B2 Holiday in Thailand Email
• B2 New Attraction Letter
• B2 Place to Visit Email
• B2 Spending Money Email
• B2 Visiting Relative Email

You need to be able to understand a range of texts, including how they are organised and the opinions and attitudes expressed in them. The texts will be from sources familiar to you such as magazines, articles, fiction and advertisements, but targeted at the interests of students.

Students’ use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well they can control their grammar and vocabulary.

• Use of English Part 1
• Use of English Part 2
• Use of English Part 3
• Use of English Part 4
• Reading Part 5
• Reading Part 6
• Reading Part 7

For this part, you practice vocabulary by using words with similar meanings, collocations, linking phrases, phrasal verbs, etc.

• B2 First Use of English Video
• Becoming Famous
• Cycling Scheme
• Film Stars and Music Celebrities
• Going on a diet
• Single or Mixed Sex Schools
• The History of Football
• The Poor and Less Fortunate
• The Special Bus
• Why do we need to play?

For this part, you practice grammar and vocabulary.

• Better swimming
• Cardboard Bike
• Dealing with waste plastic
• Drinking Water
• Fit for Sports
• Following Your Nose
• Growing Bananas
• Holiday with a Friend
• Making Perfume
• The Farm Trip
• The Jobs Market
• Tree Climbing
• Weather Forecasting
• Young Enterprise

For this part, you practice vocabulary word-building by changing different words using a base word.

• Angel of Mercy
• Fast Food Industry
• Life on Other Planets
• Music in Schools
• Mystery Weekend Break
• Pollution Problems
• Understanding Time
• Workforce on the Move

For this part,  you have to express a message in different ways showing flexibility and resource in the use of language.

• B2 First Use of English Part 4
• B2 Key Word Transformation 1
• B2 Key Word Transformation 10
• B2 Key Word Transformation 2
• B2 Key Word Transformation 3
• B2 Key Word Transformation 4
• B2 Key Word Transformation 5
• B2 Key Word Transformation 6
• B2 Key Word Transformation 7
• B2 Key Word Transformation 8
• B2 Key Word Transformation 9

For this part, you practice how to understand the details of a text, including opinions and attitudes.

• Cycling to India
• Hottest Place on Earth
• Living and Working in Another Country
• The Picture of Dorian Gray
• The Wrestler who Wrote a Book

For this part, you practice how to understand the structure and follow the development of a text.

• Benefits of Getting Fit
• Our Polluted World

For this part, you practice how to find specific information in a text or texts.

• Collecting Things
• English Seaside Resorts
• Teenage Summer Camps

Requires being able to follow and understand a range of familiar spoken materials, such as news programmes, public announcements and other sources, but targeted at the interests of the learners.

• Speaking Part 1
• Speaking Part 2
• Speaking Part 3
• Speaking Part 4
• Listening Part 1
• Listening Part 2
• Listening Part 3
• Listening Part 4

In this part you talk to the examiner about yourself and your life, e.g. your name, school, interests and future plans.

B2 Speaking Part 1 Exercise 1 B2 Speaking Part 1 Exercise 2 B2 Speaking Part 1 Exercise 3

In this part, you talk about two photos on your own which you have to compare for about 1 minute . After you have finished, your partner will be asked a short question about your photo. When your partner has spoken about their photos for about 1 minute , you will be asked a question about their photos.

B2 Speaking Part 2 Exercise 1

In this part you express ideas with your partner by looking at a discussion point that the examiner gives you.

This will be available soon.

In this part, you focus on general aspects of a topic with the examiner or you may involve your partner.

In this part, you will hear people talking in eight different situations.

Entertainment Short Conversations Talking about Sports

In this part, you will hear someone being interviewed.

Extreme Snowboarding Future Options Newly Published Book The Talent Show

In this part, you will hear five people talking about different things.

Demonstration Travel Worries

In this part, you will hear an interview.

Protecting the Environment Staying Healthy

• Customs and Traditions
• Entertainment and Leisure
• Environmental and Nature
• Future Jobs and Education
• Identity and Well-being
• Travel and Adventure

Customs and Traditions explores how we celebrate our cultural identity across the globe.

• Christmas Hard Exercises
• Story of Halloween
• Valentine Message

Entertainment and Leisure explores how we spent our free time.

Environment and Nature explores the way humans and animals live, adapt and change on our planet.

• Global Changes

Exploring how different societies create roles for people to develop their skills and knowledge.

• Future Schools
• Sport at School
• School Rules
• Fashion Design

Exploring how we learn and adjust to the world around us. .

• Taking Risks
• Natural Disasters

Exploring how we experience the world through our life journeys

• Travelling around the World

Cambridge English exams are designed for learners at all levels from the pre-intermediate level Cambridge English: Key (KET) to the very advanced level Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). These exams give candidates proof of their ability to use English in a wide variety of contexts, relevant to work, study and leisure activities.

A2 Key | B1 Preliminary | B2 First

How useful were these activities?

Click on a trophy to rate them!

Average rating 3.5 / 5. Vote count: 15

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Essay on Environment for Students and Children

500+ words essay on environment.

Essay on Environment – All living things that live on this earth comes under the environment. Whether they live on land or water they are part of the environment. The environment also includes air, water, sunlight, plants, animals, etc.

Moreover, the earth is considered the only planet in the universe that supports life. The environment can be understood as a blanket that keeps life on the planet sage and sound.

Importance of Environment

We truly cannot understand the real worth of the environment. But we can estimate some of its importance that can help us understand its importance. It plays a vital role in keeping living things healthy in the environment.

Likewise, it maintains the ecological balance that will keep check of life on earth. It provides food, shelter, air, and fulfills all the human needs whether big or small.

Moreover, the entire life support of humans depends wholly on the environmental factors. In addition, it also helps in maintaining various life cycles on earth.

Most importantly, our environment is the source of natural beauty and is necessary for maintaining physical and mental health.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Benefits of the Environment

The environment gives us countless benefits that we can’t repay our entire life. As they are connected with the forest, trees, animals, water, and air. The forest and trees filter the air and absorb harmful gases. Plants purify water, reduce the chances of flood maintain natural balance and many others.

Moreover, the environment keeps a close check on the environment and its functioning, It regulates the vital systems that are essential for the ecosystem. Besides, it maintains the culture and quality of life on earth.

The environment regulates various natural cycles that happen daily. These cycles help in maintaining the natural balance between living things and the environment. Disturbance of these things can ultimately affect the life cycle of humans and other living beings.

The environment has helped us and other living beings to flourish and grow from thousands of years. The environment provides us fertile land, water, air, livestock and many essential things for survival.

Cause of Environmental Degradation

Human activities are the major cause of environmental degradation because most of the activities humans do harm the environment in some way. The activities of humans that causes environmental degradation is pollution, defective environmental policies, chemicals, greenhouse gases, global warming, ozone depletion, etc.

All these affect the environment badly. Besides, these the overuse of natural resources will create a situation in the future there will be no resources for consumption. And the most basic necessity of living air will get so polluted that humans have to use bottled oxygen for breathing.

Above all, increasing human activity is exerting more pressure on the surface of the earth which is causing many disasters in an unnatural form. Also, we are using the natural resources at a pace that within a few years they will vanish from the earth. To conclude, we can say that it is the environment that is keeping us alive. Without the blanket of environment, we won’t be able to survive.

Moreover, the environment’s contribution to life cannot be repaid. Besides, still what the environment has done for us, in return we only have damaged and degraded it.

FAQs about Essay on Environment

Q.1 What is the true meaning of the environment?

A.1 The ecosystem that includes all the plants, animals, birds, reptiles, insects, water bodies, fishes, human beings, trees, microorganisms and many more are part of the environment. Besides, all these constitute the environment.

Q.2 What is the three types of the environment?

A.2 The three types of environment includes the physical, social, and cultural environment. Besides, various scientists have defined different types and numbers of environment.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Essay on Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects and Solution

Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful pollutants into the environment. The major types of environmental pollution are air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution, soil pollution and light pollution. Deforestation and hazardous gaseous emissions also leads to environmental pollution. During the last 10 years, the world has witnessed severe rise in environmental pollution. We all live on planet earth, which is the only planet known to have an environment, where air and water are two basic things that sustain life. Without air and water the earth would be like the other planets – no man, no animals, no plants. The biosphere in which living beings have their sustenance has oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and water vapor. All these are well balanced to ensure and help a healthy growth of life in the animal world. This balance does not only help the life-cycles of animals and plants, but it also creates the perennial sources of minerals and energies without which the human civilization of today could not be built. It is for this balance that the human life and other forms of existence have flourished on earth for so many thousands of years. But man, as the most intelligent animal, never stopped being inquisitive, nor was he content with the bounties of nature. His quest for knowledge and search for security succeeded in exploring newer and wider avenues of mysteries that remained baffling so long. Man's excursions into the darkest regions of mysteries laid foundations for the stupendous civilization, for the conquests of men had ensured their domination in their world and gave them a key to control all the forces in nature. With the dawn of the age of science and technology, there has been huge growth and development of human potentials. And, it is here that man first began losing control and became prisoner of his own creations. Sources and Causes The sources and causes of environmental pollution includes the following: • Industrial activities: The industries all over the world that brought prosperity and affluence, made inroads in the biosphere and disturbed the ecological

Related Papers

CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND NATURAL SCIENCE

Central Asian Studies

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Although environmental pollution can be caused by natural events, the word pollution generally implies that the contaminants have an anthropogenic source – that is, a source created by human activities. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution. In 2015, pollution killed nine million people worldwide (one in six deaths). This remained unchanged in 2019, with little real progress against pollution being identifiable. Air pollution accounted for ¾ of these earlier deaths.Major forms of pollution include air pollution, light pollution, litter, noise pollution, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal pollution, visual pollution, and water pollution.

Md. Hasib Uddin

Md. H A S I B Uddin

Introduction:-Now a days, environmental pollution is a major cause for concern, not only for us, but also for the whole mankind. In the last century, the rise of this menace assumed so gigantic that it has cast its melancholic shadow on nature itself. The diminishing ozone ionosphere leading to global warming and the unpredictable seasonal variations are some of the adverse effects of worldwide environmental pollution that are threatening to the existence of human beings on this planet.

International Journal of Natural Disasters & Health Security (IJNHS) SciDoc Publishers

Pollution induces harmful effects on environment and health security. Main deep causes will be analyzed including natural disasters like volcanoes eruption, climate change as well as and men-caused disasters which are nuclear explosions and dioxin sprays.

Prof.Dr.Suaad AL-Taai

The importance of the environmental pollution lies in its great impact on human life and the surrounding environment. In addition to its disastrous results that extend for many years, it contributes to crystallize the life of man, animal, and plant. The research discusses the concept of environmental pollution, and all the undesirable changes that occur in the environment. It sheds light on the causes of pollution, especially radiation and chemical types result from cars, fumes, gases, smoke and industrial wastes, which included liquid, solid wastes and others. It emphasizes air pollution, its causes, sources, and effects on humans, animals, plants, and the weather. It has a major role in making a foremost change in temperatures degree. Conceivably, the waste is extremely dangerous, and the smoke, fumes, toxins and unpleasant odors of factories and cars cause a fuel combustion with all its preventive measures and procedures. There is no doubt that the expansion of transportation means will negatively affect the percentage of environmental pollution. The research debates the most important factors and causes of water pollution due to throwing liquid and solid wastes into rivers and lakes. The causes of soil and plant pollution can be linked to the use of large quantities of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which affect the quality of agricultural crops and reduces their fertility. They contribute to the loss of their beneficial organic materials, which harmfully disturbs the life of both humans and animals.

IJERA Journal

Environment Pollution is one of the greatest problems today which is increasing with every passing year and causing crucial and severe damage to the earth. It has become a real problem since the beginning of the industrial revolution. It is the contamination of physical and biological components of the Earth / atmosphere system to such an extent that normal environmental processes are harmed. Pollution of the environment consists of five main types of pollution, namely air, water, soil, noise and light. Development activities such as construction, transport and manufacturing not only deplete natural resources, but also produce large quantities of waste which leads to air pollution, water, soil and the oceans; global warming and acid rain. This paper provides the insight view about the affects of environment pollution in the perspective of air pollution, water and land/ soil waste pollution on human and also provide the ways to save the environment with all these pollution.

Earth is the only known planet which supports life. The environment of earth has made the existence, growth and development of all living beings possible. The word "environment" means surroundings. The environment is polluted in various ways. The dictionary explains pollutions as "The presence dictionary explains pollutions as "The presence in or introduction into the environment of substance which has harmful or poisonous effect." Pollution is the effect of undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful effects on plants, animals and human beings. This occurs when only short-term economic gains are made at the cost of the long-term ecological benefits for humanity. No natural phenomenon has led to greater ecological changes than have been made by mankind. During the last few decades we have contaminated our air, water and land on which life itself depends with a variety of waste products. Pollutants: include solid, liquid or gaseous substances present in greater than natural abundance produced due to human activity, which have a detrimental effect on our environment. The nature and concentration of a pollutant determines the severity of detrimental effects on human health. An average human requires about 12 kg of air each day, which is nearly 12 to15 times greater than the amount of food we eat. Thus even a small concentration of pollutants in the air becomes more significant in comparison to the similar levels present in food. Pollutants that enter water have the ability to spread to distant places especially in the marine ecosystem.

Siniša Franjić

The environment is everything that surrounds us. The environment is subject to constant changes that can be caused by natural factors such as soil erosion, earthquakes, floods, fires, and anthropogenic factors such as urbanization, industry, traffic, population growth, the accumulation of waste, and others. Due to the ubiquitous interaction of man in the environment, most often without respecting the natural rhythm in nature, man changes the environment with a harmful effect on biological and landscape diversity and often with negative consequences for human health and quality of life. By neglecting the environment in favor of economic growth and development, man has changed the environment more than any other biological species in a relatively short time with such irresponsible behavior. The consequences of such actions are unsustainable and call into question the future of that same environment. Therefore, protecting and preserving the environment in all spheres of life and work on the basis of sustainability becomes the biggest challenge for modern man and society as a whole.

QUEST JOURNALS

Developmental activities such as construction, transportation and manufacturing not only deplete the natural resources but also produce large amount of wastes that leads to pollution of air, water, soil, and oceans, global warming and acid rains. Untreated or improperly treated waste is a major cause of pollution of rivers and environmental degradation causing ill health and loss of crop productivity. In this research paper a study is undertaken about the major causes of pollution, their effects on our environment and the various measures that can be taken to control such pollutions

Pureheart Irikefe

MATTHIAS OKORO

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

GORDON ONGUS

Mogaji Olanrewaju

Adeyemi Azeem

International Journal of Chemical Engineering and Applications

Ravindra Gaikwad

B Suresh Lal, PhD

Central Asian Journal of Theoretical and Applied Science

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology IJSRST

Laljee Verma

Smriti Batoye

Sameh Abdelghany

Publisher ijmra.us UGC Approved

riskmanagement recruitment

muhammad hassan

Jimmy E Ngwuta

Air Quality

Ioana Ionel

isara solutions

Interal Res journa Managt Sci Tech

Şafak Kaypak

Kaizar Hossain

Interdisciplinary Research in Education

Pitambar Acharya

International Journal of Environmental Science and Development

sumitha bharathi

Jeevan Paul Chintapalli

melissa mccrink

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Essay on Environmental Pollution for Children, Students and Others

Table of Contents

Essay on Environmental Pollution: Environment pollution is a global concern since it affects the environment and people’s health. Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful pollutants into the environment. These pollutants contaminates the environment. It has a hazardous effect on the natural world and on the activities of living beings. Environmental pollution is one of the most important global problems. It means adding impurity to environment. The environment consists of earth , water , air , plants and animals . If we pollute them, then the existence of man and nature will be hampered.

Short and Long Essays on Environmental Pollution

We have provided below short and long essay on environmental pollution in English for your information and knowledge. All the essays have been written in simple yet effective English language so that it would be easy for you to remember it and present it when required. After going through these environmental pollution essay, you will know the definition of environmental pollution; facts of pollution for kids; types of environmental pollution and their causes; ways to prevent environmental pollution etc. These environmental pollution essays will prove extremely helpful in your school/college assignments and competitions like debate, essay writing and speech giving. Types of Polluiton

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Environmental Pollution Essay 100 words – Sample 1

Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of undesirable polluting substances into the environment. These substances are produced mainly due to human activities like transportation, industrialization and urbanization among others. There are even some natural factors that cause environmental pollution like volcanic eruption, storms etc., but their impact on the environment is temporary as well as negligible as compared to the human induced pollution.

Pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and also to the life and heath of humans, plants and animals. Any living species could only survive if the environment remains clean and pure, otherwise life on the planet would be really difficult and impossible to imagine.

Environmental Pollution Essay 150 words – Sample 2

Very often we hear the term environmental pollution while talking about harm human’s quest for progress is doing to the environment and what impacts it has on the health of humans and other species as well.

Pollution of the environment happens when our natural environment is disturbed by the introduction of unwanted and harmful substances known as pollutants. Many human activities like use of fossil fuels in the vehicles, dumping of industrial waste, cutting down trees and forests for urban settlements and large use of plastic are some of the main human induced causes of environmental pollution.

Causes of Polluiton

Environmental pollution leads to a series of undesirable outcomes like global warming, acid rain, species depletion, flood and famines among several other severe consequences. If we want the planet to be green and inhabited for millions of more years then it is very necessary that we should take all the necessary steps to prevent environmental pollution.

Environmental Pollution Essay 200 words – Sample 3

Environmental pollution is described as the introduction of external pollutants into the environment. Our natural environment consists of the air, forests, rivers, streams, land, soil, vegetation etc. If anything unwanted generated due to human activities enter this otherwise pristine environment, this phenomenon is termed as environmental pollution.

Some of the major human activities causing environmental pollution are industrialization, deforestation, urbanization, nuclear spills etc. Often the production industries are set up near the natural water sources as water is a major resource for several kinds of industrial works.

Water used as coolant and also used for purposes like cleaning, washing etc. But also the waste produced by industries dumped into the water bodies resulting in their pollution.

Water a precious natural resource and though, almost 70% of earth’s surface is covered with water, only 1% of it is actually fresh water and suitable for consumption. Industrial waste pollutes that 1% of extremely rare reserve of fresh water, which has actually taken hundreds of years to be build.

It is very necessary therefore to prevent any damage to the environment and natural resources caused by the human activities. Environmental pollution is a global threat and it must be prevented by making new laws and implementing them with full diligence.

Environmental Pollution Essay 250 words- Sample 3

The term environmental pollution used to describe the contamination of environment by external substances called pollutants. These pollutants generated due to human activities and could be in gaseous, solid or liquid state, depending on their respective process of generation.

Gaseous pollutants include gases like Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ) generated due to the combustion of fossil fuels. These gases are toxic in nature and harmful to breathe in, when present in the atmosphere in large quantities.

Solid pollutants include industrial waste and waste from human settlements. They consists of all types of solid compounds like plastic, metal, wood, leaves, etc. Solid pollutants not only cause land and soil pollution but also reach our water bodies and pollute them.

Liquid pollutants on the other hand consist of oil and other petroleum products, chemicals, acids etc. The main source of liquid pollutants is petroleum and fuel production industries.

Environmental pollution has an adverse effect on the vital resources like air, water and plants as well as on the health and life of humans. Air pollutions causes respiratory ailments while the pollution of water bodies leads to water borne diseases. Soil pollution also causes contamination of soil affecting the crop production in that particular area.

There is an urgent need to control the environmental pollution by effectively controlling the production of pollutants by adopting more environment friendly policies. Use of more eco friendly fuel sources and proper collection and disposal of waste are some of the methods that could adopted to control environmental pollution.

Environmental Pollution Essay 300 words- Sample 4

Introduction

When an unwanted toxic substance enters our otherwise pure environment, it is termed as pollution. Environmental pollution is serious threat to the environment and its resources. Ironically, almost all of the causes of environment pollution human induced. Below we have presented some important pollution facts for kids, to improve their knowledge.

Pollution Facts for Kids

Below we have provided bulleted point wise narration of environmental pollution facts for kids.

• Pollution is a serious health concern for people around the world, including the children and adults. Nearly 10 million people worldwide are suffering due to pollution related issues and it is also responsible for the death of more than 2 million children under the age of 5.
• Water pollution in developed countries is chiefly due to industrial waste. Around 70% of industrial waste in developed countries dumped into water, making the lakes and rivers too polluted for any activity.
• Pollution of fresh drinking water is one of the main causes of loss of life throughout the world. Every year at least 250 million cases of water borne diseases reported, which subsequently causes 2 to 10 million deaths.
• A normal human being breathes in around 11,000 liters of air per day. Therefore, breathing polluted air causes severe lung diseases and people living in places with poor air quality are more susceptible to it.
• Motor vehicles are the main source of air pollution than anything else. An average car produces at least half a ton of carbon dioxide.

Though, the pollution affects the environment and the health of flora and fauna; it is the children who are more susceptible to it health hazards. We must take necessary steps to curb pollution in order to safeguard the health and future of our children.

Environmental Pollution Essay 350 words- Sample 5

Environmental Pollution refers to the introduction of external pollutants into the environment. These pollutants primarily generated from several human activities like transportation, industrialization etc. Environmental pollution has many effects on the environment. Some of the major effects of environmental pollution described below.

Major Effects of Pollution

• Global Warming

Global warming refers to the rise in average surface temperature of earth. The main reason of global warming is the greenhouse effect which in turn caused due to a large concentration of green house gases into the atmosphere. Gases like Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), Water vapor (H 2 O), Methane (CH 4 ) and Nitrous Oxide (N 2 O) are green house gases and emitted mainly due to the fossil fuel combustion. Greenhouse gases help retain the sun’s heat into the atmosphere, consequently resulting in a rise in earth’s surface temperature.

Acid rain is another environmental degrading effect of pollution. It refers to a rain or a kind of precipitation that is acidic in nature with more concentration of Hydrogen ions, in other words the pH level of Acid Rain is low. It is very harmful to the plants, aquatic species and buildings also. The main human induced causes of acid rain are nitrogen and sulfur compounds generated due to activities like generation of electricity, meat production industries and transportation.

• Species Depletion

One of the most serious effects of environmental pollution is species depletion both on land and in water. Water pollution severely impacts the quality of water, making it toxic and harmful to live in for the aquatic animals like fishes and tortoise etc. They are highly sensitive to the pollution and often succumb to it. Land pollution and air pollution also causes the depletion of the species of flora and fauna respectively. Air pollution causes some serious respiratory ailments in humans as well as animals.

Pollution not only effects the environment, but it also threatens the very existence of life on earth. It has a large degrading effect on the environment and we must take necessary remedial measures for its prevention if we want our planet to stay healthy and green.

Environmental Pollution Essay 400 words Sample 6

Environmental pollution refers to the inclusion of unwanted toxic pollutants into the environment. These pollutants mainly generated due to several human activities and causes environment degradation. Different types of pollutants lead to different types of environmental pollution which we will discuss below.

Types of Environmental Pollution

Water Pollution

Water Pollution occurs when toxic substances like chemicals, plastic and other waste enters our water resources. The pollutants could include chemicals from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, urban sewage, oil spills by boats etc. Fresh water is very precious natural resource and must kept clean at any cost. As per an estimate provided by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), 64% of lakes are not suitably clean for activities like fishing and swimming.

• Air Pollution

Air Pollution occurs when particles and other harmful gases generated due to human activities get mixed with the environmental air and causes its degradation. A main cause of the air pollution is the production and use of fossil fuels. The fossil fuel production industry produces harmful gases like SO 2 (Sulphur dioxide), CO 2 (Carbon dioxide) etc. These gases are toxic in nature and cause other serious complications like greenhouse effects and acid rain.

• Land/Soil Pollution

The main cause of land/soil pollution is urban waste and agricultural runoff. Urban waste consists of all type of degradable, and non degradable waste likes vegetables, waste food, plastic, hospital waste etc. In the absence of a proper waste collection and disposal mechanism, these wastes get disposed on land resulting in land pollution. Moreover, the use of chemical fertilizers in the agricultural industry causes the chemical pollutants to get absorbed in the soil, causing soil pollution.

• Noise Pollution

Noise pollution also known as sound pollution and caused when the noise level into the environment reaches up to dangerously high level so as to interfere with normal activities of humans and animals. Transportation vehicles, heavy machineries, aircrafts are the main sources of noise pollution. Noise level is measured in Decibel (dB) and the permissible limit of noise as described by the World Health Organization (WHO) is 50 dB. Though, in the areas of dense population, urban settlement and traffic it often reaches up to 98 dB, which is very harmful to the humans and animals.

There many types of pollution depending on the activities they generated from; nevertheless, the ability to deal with all of them lies only with humans. It required that we take immediate responsibility of our environment and also take necessary steps towards preventing its pollution.

Environmental Pollution Essay 500 words – Sample 7

Everything that surrounds us constitutes the environment. It is the condition in which humans, plants, animals and other creatures live and operate. Environmental Pollution on the other hand is the introduction of unwanted and often toxic substances in to the environment. These substances termed as pollutants and mainly produced due to human activities. In the following essay we will go through causes, effects and control of environmental pollution.

Causes of Environmental Pollution

Many causes of environmental pollution including oil spills, burning of fossil fuels, industrial waste, use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, use of plastic etc. for instance, transportation industry relies on fuel like petrol and diesel that has derived formed due to anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms. The main pollutant gas emitted when fossil fuel burned in a transport vehicle are CO 2 (Carbon dioxide) and CO (Carbon Monoxide). Former is a potent greenhouse gas while the latter is toxic in nature.

Industrial waste generated in industries throughout world carelessly dumped in to environment due to lack of proper planning. It pollutes our water bodies, land and is also harmful to the health of human and other living species.

Effects of Environmental Pollution

Effects of Environmental Pollution are on number of factors including human health as well as survival and health of other living organisms, animals and plants.

Air pollution causes severe respiratory ailments in humans and animals alike. Water pollution renders water toxic and natural water resource unusable. It also causes depletion of aquatic species and flora and fauna that depends on it.

Above mentioned effects of environmental pollution, some more severe effects like global warming, floods and acid rain. Global warming caused due excess environmental concentration of gases like CO 2 (Carbon dioxide), CH 4 (Methane), N 2 O (Nitrous Oxide) and O 3 (Ozone). These gases primarily released due to human activities like transportation, industrialization etc.

Environmental Pollution Control

Pollution control refers to the controlling of emissions from human activities, into the environment. The waste products that generated by transportation, industrialization, and several other similar activities; leads to the degradation of the environment.

Pollution caused by these waste products could controlled by adapting to new environmental friendly norms for industries. And by allowing recycling or proper disposal of waste.

Methods like dust collection system and electrostatic precipitation can used to control air pollution; sewage treatment like sedimentation can used for treating industrial and urban waste.

Environmental pollution is one of the greatest threats to health of the planet. Ever growing human needs and man’s quest for progress is consistently degrading the atmosphere and its elements. An urgent need to take necessary action for controlling environment pollution caused due to human activities by taking remedial measures.

Frequently Asked Questions on Environmental Pollution

What are the environmental issues faced today.

Today, critical environmental issues include global warming, deforestation, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. These problems affect our health, resources, and entire ecosystems.

What is the government action on pollution?

Governments tackle pollution by enforcing regulations to limit emissions, implementing green initiatives, and promoting renewable energy sources. These actions aim to improve air and water quality and protect citizen health.

What causes environmental problems?

Environmental problems stem from human activities such as industrialization, deforestation, and irresponsible waste disposal, leading to climate change, resource depletion, and habitat destruction among others.

Who is responsible for environmental pollution?

Everyone contributes to environmental pollution, but industrial entities, transportation, and agricultural sectors majorly impact through emissions and chemical runoffs. However, collective human activities across the globe are the overarching contributors.

Why is it important to prevent environmental pollution?

Preventing environmental pollution is crucial to maintain healthy living spaces, protect wildlife, conserve natural resources, and ensure the well-being of future generations. It helps sustain our life-support systems on the planet.

Why is environmental protection important?

Environmental protection is vital to preserve the Earth's ecological balance. It safeguards biodiversity, prevents resource depletion, and helps in mitigating natural disasters, ensuring a healthier and sustainable planet.

What is the importance of the environment?

The environment is essential as it provides us with air, water, food, and shelter - the fundamental aspects of our survival. It supports biodiversity, drives climate patterns, and allows the continuation of life on Earth.

What is environmental pollution?

Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of our surroundings, including the air, water, and land, caused by harmful substances. It adversely affects the natural world and human health, leading to a compromised ecosystem.

Related content

Talk to our academic expert!

Language --- English Hindi Marathi Tamil Telugu Malayalam

Get access to free Mock Test and Master Class

Register to Get Free Mock Test and Study Material

Offer Ends in 5:00

Please select class

• How We're Funded
• Staff Directory
• Board of Directors

How Education Systems Respond to Extreme Climate and Environmental Events

Recommended.

South Asia has experienced unprecedented heatwaves this year, with temperatures soaring well above the usual seasonal highs, prompting school closures across the region . These incidents are emblematic of a growing global trend : educational institutions are having to adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate and environmental crises. 

Nearly a billion children live in countries highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Environmental shocks and long-term climate shifts impact children's wellbeing, yet our understanding of how education systems interact with these events is limited. South Asia in particular is susceptible to such shocks, and governments frequently mandate school closures in response to extreme heat and inclement weather. In this blog we examine past trends of educational responses to such events in the region.

1. Education systems often don’t respond to shocks, but when they do, they usually close schools

We recorded 532 shocks (including floods, heat and cold waves, periods of droughts, high pollution events, cyclones, earthquakes, avalanches, and tornadoes) and corresponding responses from education systems in the region from 2000 to 2022. Often schools don’t react to these events at all. When they do take action—it is to shut down. Other response categories we documented included adaptation measures (such as setting up temporary learning centres, providing remote or hybrid learning, and installing disaster-resilient infrastructure), and in-kind or cash support.  

Figure 1: Number of events that resulted in an education system response, by response type over time, for South Asian countries

Note: The analysis uses publicly available online reports on climate change events and resulting actions, which means there is a high possibility that some instances are missed. Coverage is also thus lower for earlier years than for more recent periods.

The literature on school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that they have severe and persistent effects on learning levels and human capital accumulation. Learning losses are higher for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds , which increases educational inequality . Especially for students in South Asia—where the most common remote learning support provided during COVID-19 closures was via low-tech, asynchronous modalities with limited reach and access for students—it is important for systems to consider how best to deliver education more effectively when schools must close to keep children safe. 

Responses besides school closures are usually implemented by NGO or donor organisations. Within countries, Indian national and sub-national governments were more likely than NGOs or donors to be the ones pursuing policies that are not school closures, while in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, over 70 percent of these policies are pursued by NGOs or donors (more details in the background note ). 

2. There is wide variation in responses by different jurisdictions to the same shock

1. air pollution.

Air quality is internationally recognized as being hazardous when air quality index (AQI) reaches levels above 100. We find that when schools closed in the region because of pollution, air quality index almost always had to reach levels considered very unhealthy (201-300). 

However, across regions there were different frequencies of responses to these high pollution events – Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Peshawar (Pakistan), even when reaching this threshold, didn’t order school closures due to pollution. New Delhi (India) and Lahore (Pakistan) responded to about a third and a half of these events with school closures, respectively (see Figure 2). Given these differences in response rates both across and within countries, it does not appear that governments have nationally or internationally coordinated response systems triggered by extreme events.

Figure 2: Number of periods with AQI levels between 201-300 per city and resulting policies

2. Extreme temperatures

Thresholds, when defined, tend to be localised: heatwaves, for instance, are usually defined by different temperature levels for each country, and often within countries. Further, not all events have clearly defined indicators of health risk (e.g. floods do not). Even for the same event, we find that different areas were affected but they did not all respond similarly.

For example, a heatwave in June 2019 caused schools to close (or delayed reopening after summer vacations) in Delhi, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, but also affected Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, where schools did not close in response to the high temperatures. All three states reported deaths due to the heatwave and temperatures above 47 degrees Celsius, the threshold above which heatwaves are considered extreme by the India Meteorological Department. Similarly, a cold wave and snowfall in Pakistan in January 2020 led to extended winter vacations in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but no education system response was recorded in three other provinces, where a total of over 100 deaths due to cold weather were reported.

3. Extreme events often affect the same regions repeatedly

Another concern for policymakers designing education system responses is the fact that extreme events often affect the same places over and over again (although these patterns are also becoming less predictable). Students and schools that are repeatedly affected by shocks are less able to develop resilience and implement adaptation plans. Climate shocks can not only be frequent, but also overlapping , deepening child deprivation and increasing inequality, and raising chances that education is stopped for good. Our analysis finds that specific provinces tend to be affected more often than others, based on data from the last ten years (see the example from India in Figure 3 below). 

Understanding which regions are most affected by climate or environment shocks is essential for effective governance, risk reduction, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children at school. It enables policymakers to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and minimize the negative impacts of natural disasters, and to develop targeted strategies to boost resilience of systems and students to respond to these shocks.

Figure 3: Number of times students were affected by extreme events (2013-2023)

4. estimations of number of students affected by these shocks are important but difficult to get right.

It is remarkably hard to estimate the scale of impact from a natural disaster.  Not all disasters are equal, and not all those affected are impacted equally. Children are particularly affected when exposed to shocks that disrupt their normal way of life, and those in more impoverished households or communities are worse off than their peers. 

Although useful from a policy and political perspective to ascribe a number to the impact on children from a particular shock or event, it is equally important that this number not be generic or overstated. Unsurprisingly, the precision and reliability of publicly available information (such as from national statistics, NGO or government reports, and news articles) varies widely. 

To achieve a credible estimate, we categorise the estimation of students affected by each shock by confidence level 1, 2 and 3, from least to most conservative. We then add weights smaller or equal to 1 for each and construct three estimates of the total number of students affected per year from least to most conservative. In the case of Bangladesh (depicted in Figure 4 below), applying these reliability weights results in a difference of nearly 700,000 children affected by extreme events in 2022. 

Figure 4: Estimates of number of children affected by climate and environment shocks in Bangladesh, based on 3 scenarios. 

Note: Check the background note for more details on the methodology.

Reliable estimates of the number of students affected by climate shocks are essential for immediate response, long-term planning, and ensuring the well-being and continuity of education for those affected. These estimates guide resource allocation, inform policies, and promote resilience in the face of a changing climate. Overstating the impact may contribute to public skepticism about the severity of the situation, making it harder to garner support and resources in an already constrained space. 

What the trends tell us

Responses to shocks vary greatly within countries and regions, and there is no clear international standard prescribed or followed. With ever increasing events of high heat and pollution across the region, prompting school closures more frequently than before, education stakeholders must reconsider the suite of available policies, look for ways to standardize responses across regions, and consider questions of policy scalability and cost-effectiveness across affected regions and in response to multiple events. Further analysis of the scope of shocks and responses can help researchers, policymakers and donors better support the education systems most affected by climate and environment events, and design climate-smart education and social protection systems that can foster schools’ and students’ resilience and adaptability.

Are you getting the development research & analysis that matters most to you?

CGD blog posts reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions.

View the discussion thread.

More Reading

POLICY PAPERS

Ideas to action: independent research for global prosperity

© 2024 Center for Global Development | Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy

Sign up to get weekly development updates:

Impact of pollution prevention practices and green environmental practices on sustainable performance: Empirical evidence from Chinese SMEs

• Luo, Zhongqing
• Liu, Kunxin

Adequate protection of the environment is one of the hot spots of concern for all sectors of society due to severe environmental pollution. The solution to this issue is friendly management of the environment. With the rapid growth of Chinese Manufacturing SMEs for economic development, environmental pollution and abuse of resources are arising. To resolve these issues, Chinese manufacturing SMEs are accelerating the implementation of green innovation in their industries. However, it is a complex task that involves enterprise, government, and social considerations. Therefore, it is essential to identify the green drivers for this implementation. With a focus on China's current situation from previous research and views from experts, this study aims to investigate how Chinese Manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are responding to resource misuse and environmental pollution by implementing green innovation, emphasising the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving environmental performance. This study primarily looks into the factors that influence the adoption of green innovations by analysing the growth paths of Chinese SMEs operating in highly polluting industries over a longer time frame than five years. Artificial Intelligence is a valuable tool for solving the issues of ecological degradation. A quantitative method has been implemented for the Chinese companies' samples from the deeply polluting industries for more than five years. The findings of this paper advise that the average board size, the governing board meetings, and organizational performance are positively connected with the Chinese firms' environmental process. Board independence and diversity of gender have irrelevant associations with ecological performance. A convenient threshold regression model has been used to accumulate the respondents' data. It also reveals that larger board sizes and more frequent governing board meetings are positively associated with improved environmental performance among these firms. The findings state the critical implications for the firm executives, policymakers, environmental activists, and regulators. This result supports the insight drained from the resource dependence, stakeholder, firm agency, and legitimacy theories.

• Environmental practices;
• Green environment;
• Environmental pollution;
• Governance;
• China SMEs;
• Artificial intelligence

Advertisement

Supported by

Study Finds Small Streams, Recently Stripped of Protections, Are a Big Deal

Half of the water flowing through regional river basins starts in so-called ephemeral streams. Last year, the Supreme Court curtailed federal protections for these waterways.

• Share full article

By Brad Plumer

Last year, the Supreme Court sharply restricted the federal government’s ability to limit pollution in small streams that sit dry for much of the year and fill up only after rainfall or snowmelt.

Now, a new study finds that those bodies, so-called ephemeral streams, are significantly more important to the nation’s waterways than often appreciated.

The research, published Thursday in the journal Science , estimates that 55 percent of the water flowing out of America’s river basins can be traced back to millions of ephemeral streams that flow only periodically. The findings suggest that the Supreme Court ruling, which rolled back protections for those streams, could leave large bodies of water vulnerable to pollution.

“Right now, we regulate larger waterways like the Hudson River, but a significant portion of that water is coming upstream from places that can no longer be regulated,” said Craig Brinkerhoff, who is a doctoral candidate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and led the study.

For years, politicians, industry groups and environmentalists have argued over which bodies of water in the United States should fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, a sweeping law, passed in 1972, that allows the Environmental Protection Agency to limit water pollution. While there’s consensus that the law applies to major rivers and lakes, there’s debate over whether federal protections should apply elsewhere, such as to nearby wetlands or streams that go dry for part of the year.

Environmentalists favor broad protections, arguing that these other bodies of water are important; homebuilders, some industry groups and conservatives oppose what they see as regulatory overreach.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

• DOI: 10.1080/17538963.2024.2371742
• Corpus ID: 270814183

The disappearance of pollution havens under unified environmental regulation: evidence from China’s pig industry

• Lijun Liu , Yingkai Yin , +3 authors Chang Su
• Published in China Economic Journal 27 June 2024
• Environmental Science, Economics

19 References

How do livestock environmental regulations promote the vertical integration of the livestock industry chain evidence from chinese-listed livestock enterprises, environmental regulation and location dynamics of the livestock industry: evidence from 279 chinese prefecture-level cities, energy consumption, pollution haven hypothesis, and environmental kuznets curve: examining the environment–economy link in belt and road initiative countries, eu air pollution regulation: a breath of fresh air for eastern european polluting industries, multiple environmental policies and pollution haven hypothesis: evidence from china's polluting industries, drivers in co2 emissions variation: a decomposition analysis for 33 world countries, environmental regulation and location of industrialized agricultural production in europe, investigating the validity of pollution haven hypothesis in the gulf cooperation council (gcc) countries, positive and negative agglomeration externalities: arbitration in the pig sector, forecasting potential global environmental costs of livestock production 2000–2050, related papers.

Showing 1 through 3 of 0 Related Papers

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Environmental Factor

Your online source for niehs news, papers of the month.

Extramural By Julie Leibach

Increased wildfire activity could contribute to more infectious marine bacteria

Exposure to ash from wildfires that occur where nature meets development may enhance the growth of more infectious marine bacteria, NIEHS-funded researchers reported. Their findings provide insight into how extreme weather associated with climate change may contribute to disease spread.

Climate change is fueling wildfires that are encroaching into urban areas, producing ash containing metals that could eventually infiltrate aquatic ecosystems. However, little research exists on how wildfire ash might affect the growth and toxicity of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium responsible for most seafood-related deaths in the U.S.

The researchers collected ash from a burned vegetated area and a burned residential structure. Next, they treated batches of V. vulnificus with increasing concentrations of either vegetation ash, characterized by its iron levels, or structural ash, containing chromium, copper, and arsenic. In a separate experiment, they exposed the microorganisms to structural ash or vegetation ash for 24 hours and analyzed gene expression, or activity.

For vegetation and structural ash, higher metal content corresponded to slower V. vulnificus growth rates, suggesting that certain compositions of wildfire ash are toxic to the bacteria. However, V. vulnificus growth initially spiked after several hours of exposure to vegetation ash with low iron levels, indicating the bacteria could proliferate under the right conditions. Additionally, both types of ash increased expression of genes related to antibiotic and metal resistance, with more prominent effects tied to structural ash exposure.

The findings suggest that ash from fires occurring where wildlands mingle with buildings could contribute to the spread of more infectious strains of V. vulnificus, according to the authors. A better understanding of the effects of mixed ash on bacterial adaptation could inform models for predicting potential V. vulnificus outbreaks, they added.

Citation : Correa Velez KE, Alam M, Baalousha MA, Norman RS. 2024. Wildfire ashes from the wildland-urban interface alter Vibrio vulnificus growth and gene expression . Environ Sci Technol 58(19):8169-8181.

Health intervention shows reduced arsenic exposures among tribes

Exposure to arsenic from private wells declined among American Indian communities that received free kitchen faucet filters and periodic health check-ins through phone calls and home visits, according to NIEHS-funded researchers. Participants also reported greater use of filtered water for cooking and drinking, and an increased understanding of vulnerability to arsenic in drinking water.

Studies have found connections between chronic arsenic exposure and health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers among American Indians, who often live in rural communities that rely on private wells. However, little research has focused on developing and evaluating effective interventions to reduce those exposures among private well users.

The team recruited participants from a Northern Great Plains American Indian Nation whose private wells contained high arsenic levels. After receiving community input on study design and implementation, the researchers randomly divided 50 households into two groups. Both received free filter installation at the kitchen faucet, as well as three check-in phone calls from a mobile health program. One group also received three home visits from a local health promoter.

The team measured urinary arsenic levels in participants before filter installation and during a two-year follow-up period. By the end of the study, urinary arsenic levels had decreased by 47% across groups, with no significant difference between interventions. Self-reported exclusive use of filtered water for cooking and drinking tripled over that time.

The results show that point-of-use filter installation, combined with mobile health check-ins, can reduce arsenic exposure among American Indian communities, according to the authors. Given that public health interventions involving in-person visits can be costly and difficult to implement in rural areas, the findings could inform feasible arsenic mitigation programs among other private well users.

Citation : George CM, Zacher T, Endres K, Richards F, Bear Robe L, Harvey D, Best LG, Red Cloud R, Black Bear A, Skinner L, Cuny C, Rule A, Schwab KJ, Gittelsohn J, Glabonjat RA, Schilling K, O'Leary M, Thomas ED, Umans J, Zhu J, Moulton LH, Navas-Acien A. 2024. Effect of an arsenic mitigation program on arsenic exposure in American Indian communities: a cluster randomized controlled trial of the community-led Strong Heart Water Study program . Environ Health Perspect 132(3):37007.

New cell-based approach identifies genetic sensitivity to toxic exposures

NIEHS-funded researchers developed a new cell-based approach for studying how environmental contaminants, like arsenic, interact with our genes to affect health. The results could help identify molecular pathways underlying genetic sensitivity and resistance to environmental toxicants.

Arsenic is a widespread groundwater contaminant that can damage DNA and cells through a process called oxidative stress. However, the likelihood and severity of health outcomes associated with exposure depend on a person’s genetic makeup. Because studying genetic susceptibility in humans is difficult, research with genetically diverse rodent cells can shed light on gene-environment interactions.

The researchers used a minimally invasive method to collect mouse cells representing 226 genetically distinct lines. Next, they exposed the cells to a metabolic byproduct of arsenic at eight increasing concentrations for 24 hours. After exposure, the team stained the cells with fluorescent dyes so they could easily track morphological changes, which signified sensitivity to the exposure. Using a genetic mapping technique, they linked genetic variation in the cell lines to variation in the morphological responses to arsenic.

In parallel, the team evaluated gene expression in the cells and examined previously published findings to identify variation in genes and molecular pathways that regulate sensitivity to arsenic. Those variations related to arsenic transport, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Although some of the identified genes had known ties to arsenic exposure, other genes — such as Xrcc2, involved in DNA damage repair — were new associations.

The findings provide a novel approach for studying interactions between environmental exposures and genes within a genetically diverse population, according to the authors. The technique could minimize the reliance on animal testing in chemical risk assessments, they added.

Citation : O’Connor C, Keele GR, Martin W, Stodola T, Gatti D, Hoffman BR, Korstanje R, Churchill GA, Reinholdt LG. 2024. Unraveling the genetics of arsenic toxicity with cellular morphology QTL . PLoS Genet 20(4):e1011248.

Cancer-preventive mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids uncovered

Researchers funded by NIEHS identified mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) may protect against lung cancer caused by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mice. The findings could inform lung cancer prevention strategies.

Extensive research has shown that lung cancer stems from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in the environment, including PAHs found in air pollution and cigarette smoke. Studies suggest that omega-3s have anticancer effects, partially by inhibiting certain proteins called cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP). Those proteins can convert PAHs to harmful derivatives that can damage DNA, potentially resulting in genetic mutations, or changes, that cause cancer. However, the mechanisms of omega-3 protection are not well understood.

Building on earlier work, the researchers explored how omega-3s might prevent cancer in mice exposed to PAHs. First, they fed omega-3 diets to regular mice and to groups of mice missing one of three CYP genes, then exposed them to PAHs. Next, the team used regular mice to examine how omega-3s might stop DNA damage. Finally, they investigated whether omega-3s interact with other cancer-related genes.

Following PAH exposure, levels of DNA damage declined in all mice fed omega-3s, including in those missing the cytochrome gene Cyp1b1. In mice with intact CYP genes, molecular analysis showed that omega-3s inhibited expression of CYP1B1, which reportedly plays a key role in converting PAHs to DNA-damaging derivatives, according to the authors. Additional experiments showed that omega-3s increased expression of a tumor-suppressing gene called RUNX3.

Taken together, the results suggest that omega-3s inhibit DNA damage via a CYP pathway and also promote tumor suppression. Future studies should explore the possibility of incorporating supplemental omega-3s into cancer prevention efforts, according to the authors.

Citation : Xia G, Zhou G, Jiang W, Chu C, Wang L, Moorthy B. 2024. Attenuation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis by omega-3 fatty acids in mice in vivo . Int J Mol Sci 25(7):3781.

(Julie Leibach is a senior science writer at MDB, Inc., a contractor for the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training.)

Read the current Superfund Research Program Research Brief . New issues are published on the first Wednesday of every month.