Unique characteristics of Environmental Problems

1. Genetic Modification Of Crops

Environmental issues caused by man-made chemicals are becoming clearer. For example, there

has been a 90% reduction in the Monarch butterfly population in the United States that can

be linked to weed killers that contain glyphosate.

There is also some speculation that genetically-modified plants may leak chemical

compounds into soil through their roots, possibly affecting communities of microorganisms.

2. Waste Production

The average person produces 4.3 pounds of waste per day, with the United States alone accounting

for 220 million tons per year. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, which generate enormous

amounts of methane.

Not only does this create explosion hazards, but methane also ranks as one of the worst of the

greenhouse gases because of its high global warming potential.

3. Population Growth

Many of the issues listed here result from the massive population growth that Earth has

experienced in the last century. The planet’s population grows by 1.13% per year, which works

out to 80 million people.

This results in a number of issues, such as a lack of fresh water, habitat loss for wild animals,

overuse of natural resources and even species extinction. The latter is particularly damaging, as

the planet is now losing 30,000 species per year.

4. Water Pollution

Fresh water is crucial to life on Earth, yet more sources are being polluted through human activities

each year. On a global scale, 2 million tons of sewage, agricultural and industrial waste enters the
world’s water every day.

Water pollution can have harmful effects outside of contamination of the water we drink. It

also disrupts marin

5. Overfishing

It is estimated that 63% of global fish stocks are now considered overfished. This has led to many

fishing fleets heading to new waters, which will only serve to deplete fish stocks further.

Overfishing leads to a misbalance of ocean life, severely affecting natural ecosystems in the

process. Furthermore, it also has negative effects on coastal communities that rely on fishing to

support their economies.

e life, sometimes altering reproductive cycles and increasing mortality rates.

6. Deforestation

The demands of an increasing population has resulted in increasing levels of deforestation. Current

estimates state that the planet is losing 80,000 acres of tropical forests per day. This results in loss

of habitat for many species, placing many at risk and leading to large-scale extinction.

Furthermore, deforestation is estimated to produce 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

7. Urban Sprawl

The continued expansion of urban areas into traditionally rural regions is not without its problems.

Urban sprawl has been linked to environmental issues like air and water pollution increases, in

addition to the creation of heat-islands.

Satellite images produced by NASA have also shown how urban sprawl contributes to forest

fragmentation, which often leads to larger deforestation

8. Acid Rain

Acid rain comes as a result of air pollution, mostly through chemicals released into the

environment when fuel is burned. Its effects are most clearly seen in aquatic ecosystems,

where increasing acidity in the water can lead to animal deaths.

It also causes various issues for trees. Though it doesn’t kill trees directly, acid rain does weaken
them by damaging leaves, poisoning the trees and limiting their available nutrients.

9. Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone depletion is caused by the release of chemicals, primarily chlorine and bromide, into the

atmosphere. A single atom of either has the potential to destroy thousands of ozone molecules

before leaving the stratosphere.

Ozone depletion results in more UVB radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. UVB has been linked

to skin cancer and eye disease, plus it affects plant life and has been linked to a reduction of

plankton in marine environments.

11. Air Pollution

Air pollution is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem, particularly in heavily-populated

cities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that 80% of people living in urban

areas are exposed to air quality levels deemed unfit by the organization.

It is also directly linked to other environmental issues, such as acid rain and eutrophication.

Animals and humans are also at risk of developing a number of health problems due to air

pollution.

12. Lowered Biodiversity

Continued human activities and expansion has led to lowered biodiversity. A lack of biodiversity

means that future generations will have to deal with increasing vulnerability of plants to pests and

fewer sources of fresh water.

Some studies have found that lowered biodiversity has as pronounced an impact as climate change

and pollution on ecosystems, particularly in areas with higher amounts of species extinction.

15. Transportation

An ever-growing population needs transportation, much of which is fueled by the natural resources

that emit greenhouse gases, such as petroleum. In 2014, transportation accounted for 26% of all

greenhouse gas emissions.

Transportation also contributes to a range of other environmental issues, such as the destruction of

natural habitats and increase in air pollution.

1. National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006

 Overview: The NEP, 2006 is a comprehensive framework that addresses various

environmental concerns in India. It aims to promote sustainable development by
integrating environmental considerations into all developmental activities.
 Key Objectives:
o Conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
o Prevention and control of pollution.
o Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for major projects.
o Public participation in decision-making processes.
o Strengthening environmental governance and institutions.
  Significance:
o Provides a holistic approach to environmental management.
o Emphasizes the role of local communities in conservation efforts.
o Promotes clean technologies and sustainable practices.
o Recognizes the need for international cooperation on environmental issues.

2. National Forest Policy, 1988

 Overview: The National Forest Policy, 1988 outlines the principles and guidelines for
forest conservation and management in India. It aims to maintain ecological balance
and meet the increasing demand for forest products.
 Key Objectives:
o Maintenance of environmental stability through conservation of forests and
wildlife.
o Meeting the needs of rural and tribal people.
o Increasing the forest cover to 33% of the geographical area.
o Promoting scientific forestry practices.
 Significance:
o Ensures the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
o Provides livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities.
o Contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
o Promotes sustainable forest management practices.

3. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

 Overview: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is a landmark
legislation that aims to prevent and control water pollution in India. It establishes the
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
to regulate water quality standards and enforce pollution control measures.
 Key Provisions:
o Prevention and control of water pollution.
o Establishment of pollution control boards.
o Setting and enforcing water quality standards.
 o Regulation of discharge of effluents and sewage.
o Powers to take legal action against polluters.
 Significance:
o Protects water bodies from pollution.
o Ensures the availability of clean water for various uses.
o Promotes sustainable water resource management.
o Provides a legal framework for addressing water pollution issues
The PDCA Cycle in Environmental Management:

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a fundamental tool used in EMS to drive continuous improvement.

Here's how it applies to environmental management:

1. Plan:

o Identify environmental aspects: Determine the organization's significant environmental

impacts, such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and emissions.

o Set environmental objectives and targets: Establish clear and measurable goals to reduce

environmental impacts and improve performance.

o Develop and implement an EMS: Create a comprehensive EMS that outlines procedures,

responsibilities, and training requirements.

2. Do:

o Implement the EMS: Train employees, communicate the EMS to all levels of the

organization, and ensure compliance with procedures and standards.

 o Monitor and measure environmental performance: Track key performance indicators

(KPIs) to assess progress towards objectives and targets.

3. Check:

o Review and evaluate the EMS: Conduct regular reviews to assess the effectiveness of the

EMS and identify areas for improvement.

o Audit the EMS: Perform internal and external audits to verify compliance with standards and

procedures.

o Analyze data and identify trends: Use data to identify patterns and trends in

environmental performance.

4. Act:

o Take corrective actions: Implement corrective actions to address any non-conformities or

deviations from the EMS.

o Continuously improve the EMS: Identify opportunities for improvement and implement

changes to enhance environmental performance.

Drivers of Sustainable Development

 Environmental Concerns: Growing awareness of climate change, pollution, and

resource depletion has led to increased demand for sustainable practices.

 Economic Opportunities: Sustainable development can create new economic

opportunities, such as green jobs and eco-tourism.

 Social Equity: Sustainable development aims to ensure that everyone benefits from

economic growth, reducing poverty and inequality.

 Technological Advancements: New technologies can help reduce environmental

impact and improve efficiency.

 Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Strong government policies and regulations

can encourage sustainable practices.

 Consumer Demand: Increasing consumer preference for sustainable products and

services can drive businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

 International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts between countries can address

global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

Benefits of Environmental Stewardship:

 Preservation of natural resources: Sustainable use of resources ensures their availability for future

generations.

 Protection of biodiversity: Conserving ecosystems and habitats helps protect biodiversity.

 Improved air and water quality: Reduced pollution leads to healthier environments.

 Climate change mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps combat climate change.

 Economic benefits: Sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, increased efficiency, and new

business opportunities.

 Social benefits: Improved public health, enhanced quality of life, and stronger communities.