The Common Environmental Issues Today


The world we live in today is vastly different from the one our grandfathers and great grandfathers lived in. More than ever, we are being bombarded with toxic fumes and contaminants from everything around us. These toxins cause (and worsen) disease and make us prone to other health concerns. Our skin is our largest organ and is affected by nearly everything we put on it and ingest.

The environmental impact of the industry has drastically increased over the years. There have been so many environmental issues that have occurred around the world that it’s hard to keep track of. Although this issue may be global, it’s affecting us on a micro-environmental level. We’ve compiled a list of 4 common environmental issues we see that are affecting our planet today.

The automotive sector is facing increasing pressure on environmental performance. With rising fuel prices and growing environmental legislation, automakers are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and fuel consumption.

The automotive industry is divided into four broad categories. The first is passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, which accounted for 38% of production globally in 2012 and are estimated to account for 43% by 2017. The second is commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, which account for 10% of global sales. The third is motorcycles, which account for 8% of global sales. And the fourth is motorsports vehicles, such as motor racing and rally vehicles, which account for 7% of global sales.

The earth is fragile, and humans are only adding to the problems in ways more than one. For instance, industries across the world are known to add to produce a high amount of waste, especially the healthcare industry. Tonnes of hazardous and radioactive waste, which are produced by medical facilities (learn more about different types of medical waste by going through online resources), pose a threat to human or environmental health.

However, this is not just it. We have other issues at hand as well. One of the most pressing ones currently is pollution. But what does pollution look like, and where does it come from? To give you an idea of how widespread pollution is, here are common environmental issues in the world today.

Ozone layer depletion

We all know what’s bad for the environment-plastic bags, greenhouse gases, and more. But did you know that ozone layer depletion is part of the problem?

Most people don’t know that the ozone layer is also slowly disappearing along with the melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels. The ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UV radiation, is considered “healthy” when the ozone level is at least 2.5 miles thick. Unfortunately, in the last few years, the ozone layer has been declining and is, today, at only 1.5 miles thick, which puts humans and other species at risk.

In September of 2015, researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that global ozone depletion had worsened dramatically since the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was the first international treaty designed to protect the planet from dangerous levels of ultraviolet rays.

Global warming

Global warming is real. Every time a cold front passes or a snowstorm hits, people rush to blame global warming. While it’s true that humans are contributing to climate change, the weather has always been changing. Just yesterday, we had a tornado watch and a tornado. Should we stop blaming hurricanes, floods, and droughts on global warming?

The planet has been warming for centuries, and people have always blamed everything from volcanic eruptions to sunspot activity for the weather. However, it’s increasingly clear that humans mostly cause climate change in modern times. In February 2016, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a landmark report showing that humans are causing global warming and that if we don’t act soon, climate change could lead to the extinction of thousands of species and the displacement of billions of people.

Did you know that individual efforts to combat global warming can make a significant impact? Wondering how? Start by minimizing energy use through efficient appliances and mindful practices. Reduce plastic waste and choose eco-friendly options, embracing public transportation where possible. Consider opting for cleaner fuel like propane (from gibsonoilandgas.com and similar portals) for HVAC systems; contribute by planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide. Educate others on the significance of lowering carbon footprints. Together, these small actions create a positive shift, playing a pivotal role in the battle against global warming and safeguarding our planet for generations to come.

Landscape and Structural Damage

Climate change, primarily driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leads to environmental damage through a range of interconnected processes. Rising global temperatures contribute to more frequent and severe weather events, including hurricanes, storms, and heatwaves. These extreme weather events can result in flooding, wind damage, and structural stress on buildings, making them more prone to damage. Additionally, climate change can disrupt precipitation patterns, leading to droughts in some areas and excessive rainfall in others. This can result in soil erosion, landslides, and desertification, altering landscapes and negatively impacting the stability of structures. Moreover, rising sea levels, driven by the melting of polar ice and the thermal expansion of seawater, can inundate coastal areas, causing saltwater intrusion and corrosion of buildings and infrastructure, which can weaken their structural integrity over time.

Climate change-induced environmental damage also affects building materials and construction practices. Increased temperatures can lead to thermal expansion and contraction of materials, potentially causing cracks and structural weaknesses in buildings. Additionally, changes in moisture levels can lead to the deterioration of wood, concrete, and other construction materials, making them more susceptible to decay and damage. Furthermore, the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events can stress building envelopes, roofing systems, and foundations, making them more vulnerable to leaks, erosion, and structural damage. For this reason, buildings might need to call an emergency board up service in case of a natural disaster. All of these factors collectively contribute to buildings becoming more prone to damage as a result of climate change-induced environmental damage, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies and resilient building practices to mitigate these risks.

Pollution

Pollution is a word that, for most of us, is something that only affects distant places, something that happens somewhere else and in other places. But the reality is that pollution is everywhere and it affects everyone. Even local residents are impacted by pollution, but, like everything else, people don’t always realize that.

Government agencies, along with private companies, have continued to make an effort to clean up the air and water. Pollution continues to cost the economy billions of dollars each year, but we can clean our air and water through innovation, technology, and education.

Overpopulation

Overpopulation is one of the most serious threats to the environment. The more people increase, the more waste and garbage they produce. This is already a concern, as there is rampant mismanagement regarding garbage disposal across the globe. Professional Just Rubbish Removal services are trying their best to clean out the garbage, but it is not a service available to everyone in all parts of the world. Furthermore, population growth has made it difficult to sustain natural resources, such as clean air and drinkable water. Being overpopulated is a major problem because it can cause environmental damage as well as increase the possibility of an increase in human conflict.

The human population will surpass 11 billion by 2050. According to the United Nations, the population of the world is expected to reach 11 billion by 2050. Currently, there are 7.4 billion people on the planet, with around 70 percent of the world’s population living in developing countries. The United Nations also predicts that by 2055, there will be 9.7 billion people on the planet.