General Studies - ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION For UPSC 2020

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION 

Environmental pollution and degradation are some of the largest threats to the world today. Rapid population growth is leading to environmental degradation because of the excessive use of natural resources without taking strict measures for their sustainable use. 

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

The human population is being adversely affected by environmental pollution. Sources of pollution such as greenhouse gas emissions, industrial emissions, poor sanitation, insufficient waste management, and polluted water supplies affect the human population also traffic congestion, and use of modern chemicals at home in the food are some modern pollutants which cause pollution. 

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution is one of the major issues in the world which are affecting both human and animal lives. The natural ecosystem is depleting day by day at an alarming rate.

Air pollution is leading to climate change due to an increased amount of greenhouse effect, acid rain, and depletion of the ozone layer. Air pollution is both indoor and outdoor by human activities and natural mechanisms.

Air pollution occurs when the air is contaminated which any chemical, physical and biological agent it is one of the largest environmental health risks. Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air increases air pollution. 

CONSEQUENCES OF AIR POLLUTION

Many health issues are caused by air pollution. Air pollution can have minor health problems like irritation in the eyes nose and throat or have severe effects like heart and lung diseases or cancer. Global Warming is one of the major effects of air pollution causing the atmosphere to heat up and affecting the environment. Acid rain is also caused by air pollution.

The depletion of the ozone layer is one of the major consequences of air pollution. Major steps need to be taken to decrease the pollution in the air which can be done by conserving energy, The concept of reducing, reuse and recycle should be followed.

A forestation is one of best to reduce air pollution and increased use of energy-efficient devices can be of immense help in the reduction of pollution in the air. 

WATER POLLUTION

Due to human activities, our water is getting polluted day by day as all kinds of garbage are disposed into various sources of water. Industrial waste is also discharged into the water 

leading to water pollution. Sewage and industrial wastewater should be treated before being discharged into the water. CONSEQUENCES OF WATER POLLUTION: 

The consequence of water pollution is that it causes damage to the food chain. Water pollution causes a lot of harm to the aquatic life. Polluted water also causes many health problems in human beings causing diseases like cholera and typhoid.

We can prevent water pollution by disposing of waste properly and treat the pollution water properly through industrial treatment, septic tank, and the well-known wastewater treatment. 

LAND AND SOLID WASTE POLLUTION

Solid waste pollution also causes environmental pollution. Sewage waste, industrial waste, and mining also cause land waste and solid waste pollution. Pesticides are very harmful and cause damage to crops to kill vegetation, animals, and fish.

To avoid land pollution the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides should be reduced, mining should be stopped and trees should be planted everywhere. 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Environmental degradation is being caused by human activities thus; the environment is being compromised due to population growth and having adverse effects on the environment. Environmental degradation can be caused by natural factors such as storms, volcanic eruptions or hurricanes or by human factors such as deforestation, industrialization, and urbanization. 

CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Environmental degradation is caused due in an increase in population growth. Increased use of all the harmful chemicals into the environment is having adverse effects on the environment and human health. Rapid population growth and economic development are leading to environmental degradation. 

Environmental degradation has impacts on human health, the ozone layer, Loss of the tourism industry and biodiversity. It is very necessary to take major steps towards protecting our environment and stop environmental degradation. 

Environmental pollution and degradation is an important topic in the UPSC 2020 Schedule. Many questions can be asked from this topic. UPSC 2020 Notification date as of now is 12 February and the last date for UPSC 2020 Form is 3rd march. Be aware in case of any changes. 

All the Best To All the UPSC 2020 Aspirants !