The Evils of Pollution: Why We Can’t Ignore the Problem Any Longer

Every day, our planet becomes more and more polluted – how much can we take? If you’re like most people, you may think this isn’t your problem – as long as you can breathe air and drink water, you’re all set, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case at all – pollution affects everyone and if it isn’t stopped soon, it will change everything about the way we live. Let’s examine some of the reasons why pollution must be stopped now – so we can stop discussing it later.

A brief overview of current environmental issues

It’s no secret that pollution is a huge problem. Every day, we see the effects of water pollution, air pollution, global warming, poor governance, food waste, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, deforestation, melting ice caps and subsequent sea level rise, ocean acidification, agriculture, food and water insecurity, overfishing, fast fashion, and textile waste. It’s time to face the facts: pollution is not a necessary evil. What can we do? If we want to make the world a better place for our children, we must start now. As a matter of fact, let’s work together to stop climate change, so future generations can live in a healthy environment.

The health risks facing developing countries

Developing countries are grappling with an ever-growing pollution problem. From water pollution caused by factory runoff to air pollution from vehicle exhaust, the causes of pollution are many. Consequently, the health risks posed by pollution are significant: exposure to contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, while exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory problems. In some cases, pollution can even lead to death. It’s time for developed countries to take action for themselves and help reduce pollution in developing countries. We can start by investing in cleaner technologies and supporting businesses working to reduce their environmental impact.

Climate change is real. So, what can we do about it?

The first step is to learn about the causes of pollution and what we can do to mitigate them. One major cause of pollution is water pollution, which occurs when harmful chemicals or sewage contaminate our water supply. Air pollution is another big problem, caused by things like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. These pollutants can cause several health problems, including respiratory illness, heart disease, and cancer.  There are other categories I can think of that are contributing to mass pollution; for example, global warming caused by burning fossil fuels, permafrost melt, and deforestation will lead to rising temperatures and Increased emissions of greenhouse gases, which will cause catastrophic events all over the world.  For instance:  Australia and the US experienced some of the most devastating bushfire seasons ever recorded, locusts swarming across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, decimating crops, and a heatwave in Antarctica that saw temperatures rise above 20 degrees for the first time.

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What impact does your lifestyle have on the environment?

It’s no secret that our lifestyle choices hugely impact the environment. From the food we waste to the resources we use that can’t be replenished at the same rates of use naturally. It’s evident that something needs to change. But is pollution really a necessary evil? One might argue that all these effects are worth it for the convenience and comfort we gain from using more natural resources than what can be renewed by Mother Nature herself. The truth is, people want to feel like they’re doing their part in saving the world – but when people don’t think about what their actions mean for the planet, they miss out on the chance to do more good and make more meaningful changes in their lives (in turn, lessening the impacts).

How to be environmentally conscious without sacrificing convenience

It’s easier than ever to be environmentally conscious without sacrificing convenience. You can recycle plastics, support reforestation projects, and invest in green innovations. All of these things help reduce pollution and protect our planet. But we can’t ignore the problem any longer. The time to act is now. The Earth has reached a point where it needs our help. With so many environmental issues facing us today, it’s challenging to decide which one to tackle first. But if you start with just one thing – recycling plastic, for example – then make sure you do it right!

In the United States alone, more than 30 million tons of plastic are thrown away yearly – that’s about 20 pounds per person every month! Worldwide plastic consumption doubled from 20 million tons in 1980 to 40 million tons in 2013. And even though recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35%, only about 10% of plastics are recycled worldwide (and only 9% in the U.S.). That means up to 90% of all plastic products will never decompose.

What about living a greener lifestyle?

Recycling clothes is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Above all, you can also limit your use of chemical fertilizers by composting household food waste. Additionally, driving less, using energy-efficient appliances, and eating organic foods are all great ways to live a greener lifestyle.

WE CAN DO IT!

We can no longer afford to ignore the problem of pollution. It’s time to act and demand change. Write to your representatives, support businesses that are working to reduce their environmental impact, and make an effort to reduce your own pollution footprint. Together, we can make a difference.-MM

Thank you for reading!