Environmental Awareness Challenge for Humanity

Interdependence of Earth’s Living and Non-living Systems Our planet consists of a great variety of living and non-living systems related through the environmental changes. Changing any part of the natural environment can cause dramatic effects on other parts of the environment.

Pollution Pollution is the concentration of any material or energy form that is ultimately harmful to humans. Pollution is classified as either; –Ground pollution –Air pollution –Water pollution

Land Pollution Solid wastesSolid wastes include garbage, refuse, sludge products from agriculture, forestry, and mining that all can pollute the land. sanitary landfillsThese wastes are disposed by burying them in sanitary landfills. Hazardous wastesHazardous wastes are those that are potentially dangerous to humans. Soil erosionSoil erosion from overgrazing, deforestation, irrigation and cultivation can disturb the balance between living things and the soil.

Water Pollution Water pollution is anything that makes the water unfit, harmful or undesirable for use. Types of pollutants: –O–Organic pollution – sewage –I–Inorganic pollution – biodegradable –T–Thermal pollution - heat –R–Radioactive substances – –A–Abnormal concentration of organisms – –A–Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria Eutrophication = increased phosphates and nitrates provide nutrients for increased algae growth. –C–Concentration of pollutants

Water Pollution

Air Pollution Air pollutionAir pollution is the release of harmful materials into the atmosphere. Problems associated with air pollution include: –Health problems –Acid rain –Ozone depletion –Global warming particulates –Pollutants are either gases or particulates (tiny solids suspended in the air)

Acid Rain Acid rainAcid rain (acid precipitation) is rain or snow that is more acidic than normal precipitation. Acid rainAcid rain is largely produced by burning fossil fuels (putting CO2 into the air). Acid rainAcid rain kills plants, fish, and damaged buildings.

Ozone Depletion Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs almost all the ultraviolet radiation, protecting the Earth. 2 “holes” in the ozone layer exist over the poles. CFC’s and destroy the ozone layer.

Global Warming Earth’s average surface temperature is increasing as a result of air pollution. CO2 – Carbon Dioxide sits on surface and traps in heat. Governments around the work must work together to reduce carbon dioxide emmissions.

Population Growth Human population is expanding at an exponential rate Population doubles about every 30 years. Environment is changing also – but in a way that can not keep up with the growing demands of more people.