Environmental problems in the modern world
Humans have been destroying nature since the earliest days of their existence. As human civilization grew more complex, so did the state of ecology on our planet.
The gene pool is rapidly deteriorating. For several centuries now, the number of plant and animal species has been inexorably declining at a rapid rate. We have already lost about nine hundred thousand species, and this number continues to grow. For our own needs and demands, man continues to destroy the natural habitat of living organisms by cutting down forests, reducing the number of water bodies, changing the natural channels of rivers, and so on.
Deforestation. The destruction of forested areas is taking place all over the planet and even affects parks and protected areas, which are the main supplier of oxygen to the planet. Acid rain also causes considerable damage to the flora, which is caused by various enterprises, mostly metallurgical plants. During their activities, they pollute the atmosphere with sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
No country is spared from atmospheric pollution. Everywhere there are industrial enterprises, harmful air-poisoning emissions, exhaust gases from transport. At the same time, the products of the processing plants that are emitted into the air can spread over long distances.
Soil contamination occurs regularly through the disposal of waste in the ground. And not only by businesses, but also by ordinary people. Waste, which is increasing rapidly in volume, is often used as fertilizer for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the benefits of which are highly questionable. Various fertilizers used in agriculture are no less harmful to the soil, not to mention special pesticides.
Water pollution. Industrial waste also harms rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. In many parts of the world, water is undrinkable. Each year more than 26 million tons of oil products, a huge number of non-biodegradable substances, and products of the chemical and military industries enter the world’s oceans. This in turn affects marine life.
Depletion of minerals. It’s not a secret that quantity of minerals has been reduced almost by half for last decades. This threatens with premature destruction of all resources and extinction of energy sources.
Destruction of the ozone layer. About 30 kilometers from Earth is a thin ozone layer that absorbs ultraviolet rays. It gives us protection against many skin diseases, including cancer. The ozone layer is destroyed by freon-based aerosols, aircraft and spacecraft engines. Further destruction of this atmospheric layer could dramatically alter the planet’s climate.
It is no exaggeration to say that the planet is our mother. It feeds us, feeds us, clothes us, gives us comfort and coziness. But using all these benefits, man not only does not take care of his main treasure, but mercilessly destroys it. Today there are many international organizations advocating the prevention of environmental pollution and aimed at solving many problems. There are many solutions, but it is necessary to understand that these methods do not work in a narrow framework. All businesses across the globe need to address environmental issues. If we do not succeed in stopping deforestation, soon much of the green space will be destroyed. Pollution of the world’s oceans will lead to global cataclysms, mass disease, and increased mortality rates.
Therefore, the environmental maintenance of businesses is of utmost importance to every person and the entire earth.
At present we can already observe the preconditions of this tragedy. Unless the principles of waste disposal are improved and systematized, additional sources of energy are found, and nuclear weapons are eliminated, there can be no talk of a further peaceful and healthy life on planet Earth.