Environmental Issues and Their Consequences
Classified in Geology
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The Greenhouse Effect
The increasing of the greenhouse effect. It's is a natural phenomenon based on the fact that the Earth's atmosphere acts somehow like the glass of a greenhouse, intensified by air pollution. As a result, the amount of heat remaining in the Earth is increasing year after year provoking a rise in the average world temperature.
Acid Rain
Due to the emission of gases into the atmosphere, rain becomes acidic. This rain is produced by emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide when fossil fuels are burned. These dioxides react with water in the atmosphere and become nitric and sulphuric acid. These acids seep into the Earth and poison plants and trees.
The Holes in the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is a region located in the stratosphere that encircles the planet. Industries activities produced some chemicals, chlorofluorocarbons. As a result, there are two different holes around the polar areas. The main effects of these holes on human health are that they can elicit skin cancer, eye damage, and problems to the immune system. They are also harmful for many terrestrial plants and animals.
Consequences of Deforestation
- Erosion of the Soil: When there is rainfall, it washes away the nutrients.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Due to massive deforestation, about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day in the world.
- Climate Change: When forests are cut down, they absorb and store great amounts of water. When forests are disrupted, it leads to alternating periods of flood and drought.
- Forests are the Lungs of the Planet: If we eliminate them, the quality of the air will lower.
Factors Affecting Population Distribution
- Physical Factors: People often live in areas with low altitude and temperate climates, near water.
- Historical Factors: Areas inhabited since ancient times continue to be lived in.
- Socioeconomic Factors: People concentrate in areas with fertile soils, energy sources, industry, and services, such as cities.
Environmental Pollution
Acoustic Pollution: Defined as the excessive environmental noise that disrupts the balance of the natural ecosystems. This affects humans and elicits hearing and cardiovascular problems, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mental disorders.
Light Pollution: Consisting of emitting artificial light into the environment, it has very high energy consumption and causes sleep disorders. It also affects both flora and fauna.
Electromagnetic Pollution: Produced by electronic devices and high voltage power lines, it generates electromagnetic fields that can disrupt the normal functioning of living beings.