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• Environmental Pollution Essay

Essay on Environmental Pollution

The environment is the surrounding of an organism. The environment in which an organism lives is made up of various components like air, water, land, etc. These components are found in fixed proportions to create a harmonious balance in the environment for the organism to live in. Any kind of undesirable and unwanted change in the proportions of these components can be termed as pollution. This issue is increasing with every passing year. It is an issue that creates economic, physical, and social troubles. The environmental problem that is worsening with each day needs to be addressed so that its harmful effects on humans as well as the planet can be discarded.

Causes of Environmental Pollution 

With the rise of the industries and the migration of people from villages to cities in search of employment, there has been a regular increase in the problem of proper housing and unhygienic living conditions. These reasons have given rise to factors that cause pollution. 

Environmental pollution is of five basic types namely, Air, Water, Soil, and Noise pollution. 

Air Pollution: Air pollution is a major issue in today’s world. The smoke pouring out of factory chimneys and automobiles pollute the air that we breathe in. Gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide are emitted with this smoke which mixes with air and causes great harm to the human body, flora, and fauna. The dry-farm waste, dry grass, leaves, and coal used as domestic fuels in our villages also produce harmful gases. Acid rain occurs due to an excess of sulphur dioxide in the air.

The Main Sources of Air Pollution are as Follows:  

Automobile pollution 

Industrial air pollution 

Burning garbage 

Brick kilns 

Indoor air pollution 

Decomposed animals and plants 

Radioactive elements

Water Pollution: Water pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues. The waste products from the growing industries and sewage water are not treated properly before disposing of the wastewater into the rivers and other water bodies, thus leading to water pollution. Agricultural processes with excess fertilizers and pesticides also pollute the water bodies. 

The Main Sources of Water Pollution as Follows:  

Marine commerce. 

Industrial effluents joining seas and oceans. 

Dumping of radioactive substances into seawater. 

Sewage is disposed of into the sea by rivers. 

Offshore oil rigs. 

Recreational activities. 

Agricultural pollutants are disposed of into the water bodies.

Soil or Land Pollution: Soil pollution or land pollution results from the deposition of solid waste, accumulation of biodegradable material, deposition of chemicals with poisonous chemical compositions, etc on the open land. Waste materials such as plastics, polythene, and bottles, cause land pollution and render the soil infertile. Moreover, the dumping of dead bodies of animals adds to this issue. Soil pollution causes several diseases in man and animals like Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid, etc.

The Main Causes of Soil Pollution are as Follows:  

Industrial waste 

Urban commercial and domestic waste 

Chemical fertilizers 

Biomedical waste 

Noise Pollution: With an increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization, noise pollution is becoming a serious form of pollution affecting human life, health, and comfort in daily life. Horns of vehicles, loudspeakers, music systems, and industrial activities contribute to noise pollution. 

The Main Sources of Noise Pollution as Follows:  

The machines in the factories and industries produce whistling sounds, crushing noise, and thundering sounds. 

Loudspeakers, horns of vehicles. 

Blasting of rocks and earth, drilling tube wells, ventilation fans, and heavy earth-moving machinery at construction sites.

How Pollution Harms Health and Environment

The lives of people and other creatures are affected by environmental pollution, both directly and indirectly. For centuries, these living organisms have coexisted with humans on the planet. 

1. Effect on the Environment

Smog is formed when carbon and dust particles bind together in the air, causing respiratory problems, haze, and smoke. These are created by the combustion of fossil fuels in industrial and manufacturing facilities and vehicle combustion of carbon fumes. 

Furthermore, these factors impact the immune systems of birds, making them carriers of viruses and diseases. It also has an impact on the body's system and organs. 

2.  Land, Soil, and Food Effects 

The degradation of human organic and chemical waste harms the land and soil. It also releases chemicals into the land and water. Pesticides, fertilisers, soil erosion, and crop residues are the main causes of land and soil pollution. 

3. Effects on water 

Water is easily contaminated by any pollutant, whether it be human waste or factory chemical discharge. We also use this water for crop irrigation and drinking. They, too, get polluted as a result of infection. Furthermore, an animal dies as a result of drinking the same tainted water. 

Furthermore, approximately 80% of land-based pollutants such as chemical, industrial, and agricultural waste wind up in water bodies. 

Furthermore, because these water basins eventually link to the sea, they contaminate the sea's biodiversity indirectly. 

4. Food Reaction

Crops and agricultural produce become poisonous as a result of contaminated soil and water. These crops are laced with chemical components from the start of their lives until harvest when they reach a mass level. Due to this, tainted food has an impact on our health and organs. 

5. Climate Change Impact 

Climate change is also a source of pollution in the environment. It also has an impact on the ecosystem's physical and biological components. 

Ozone depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming are all examples of environmental pollution. Because these water basins eventually link to the sea, they contaminate the sea's biodiversity indirectly. Furthermore, their consequences may be fatal for future generations. The unpredictably cold and hot climate impacts the earth’s natural system. 

Furthermore, earthquakes, starvation, smog, carbon particles, shallow rain or snow, thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, and avalanches are all caused by climate change, caused entirely by environmental pollution.

How to Minimise Environmental Pollution? 

To minimise this issue, some preventive measures need to be taken. 

Principle of 3R’s: To save the environment, use the principle of 3 R’s; Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. 

Reuse products again and again. Instead of throwing away things after one use, find a way to use them again.  Reduce the generation of waste products.  

Recycle: Paper, plastics, glass, and electronic items can be processed into new products while using fewer natural resources and lesser energy. 

To prevent and control air pollution, better-designed equipment, and smokeless fuels should be used in homes and industries. More and more trees should be planted to balance the ecosystem and control greenhouse effects. 

Noise pollution can be minimised by better design and proper maintenance of vehicles. Industrial noise can be reduced by soundproofing equipment like generators, etc.  

To control soil pollution, we must stop the usage of plastic. Sewage should be treated properly before using it as fertilizers and as landfills. Encourage organic farming as this process involves the use of biological materials and avoiding synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance. 

Several measures can be adopted to control water pollution. Some of them are water consumption and usage that can be minimized by altering the techniques involved. Water should be reused with treatment. 

The melting icebergs in Antarctica resulted in rising sea levels due to the world's environmental pollution, which had become a serious problem due to global warming, which had become a significant concern. Rising carbon pollution poses a risk for causing natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, and other natural disasters. 

The Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Chernobyl disasters in Russia have irreversibly harmed humanity. Different countries around the world are responding to these calamities in the most effective way possible. 

Different countries around the world are responding to these calamities in the most effective way possible. More public awareness campaigns are being established to educate people about the hazards of pollution and the importance of protecting our environment. Greener lifestyles are becoming more popular; for example, energy-efficient lighting, new climate-friendly autos, and the usage of wind and solar power are just a few examples. 

Governments emphasise the need to plant more trees, minimise the use of plastics, improve natural waste recovery, and reduce pesticide use. This ecological way of living has helped humanity save other creatures from extinction while making the Earth a greener and safer ecology. 

 Conclusion

It is the responsibility of every individual to save our planet from these environmental contamination agents. If preventive measures are not taken then our future generation will have to face major repercussions. The government is also taking steps to create public awareness. Every individual should be involved in helping to reduce and control pollution.

FAQs on Environmental Pollution Essay

1. What do you understand by ‘Environmental Pollution’?  

Environmental pollution is the contamination of the environment and surroundings like air, water, soil by the discharge of harmful substances.

2. What preventive measures should be taken to save our environment?

Some of the preventive measures that should be taken to save our environment are discussed below. 

We can save our environment by adopting the concept of carpooling and promoting public transport to save fuel. Smoking bars are public policies, including criminal laws and occupational safety and health regulations that prohibit tobacco smoking in workplaces and other public places.  

The use of Fossil fuels should be restricted because it causes major environmental issues like global warming.  

Encourage organic farming to maintain the fertility of the soil.

3.  What are the main sources of soil pollution?

The main sources of soil pollution as follows:

Industrial waste

Urban commercial and domestic waste

Chemical fertilizers

Biomedical waste

4. What is organic farming?

 It is a farming method that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

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Essay on Environmental Pollution: 100 Words, 200 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 1, 2024

One of the biggest risks to life as we know it is environmental degradation. The water we drink, the air we breathe, and the ecosystems on which we depend are all impacted by pollution. People, animals, and plants will decline if pollution levels continue to rise since they won’t be able to adapt to a significantly altered environment. Are you struggling to write an essay on environmental pollution? If the answer is yes, then this blog will help you get some ideas to write an effective essay. Keep reading further to know more!

Table of Contents

• 1 What is Environmental Pollution?
• 2 Essay on Environmental Pollution – 100 Words 
• 3 Essay on Environmental Pollution – 250 Words 
• 4 Essay on Environmental Pollution – 500 Words 

What is Environmental Pollution?

The phenomenon of undesirable changes in the surroundings that are harmful to animals and plants, and leads to environmental degradation is known as environmental pollution. These changes can occur because of the solid, liquid or gaseous pollutants. For example, DDT, plastic, and heavy materials take more time to degrade and are known as notable pollutants. For the determination of risk assessment of public health, concentration of pollutants is measured.

Essay on Environmental Pollution – 100 Words 

The presence of contaminants in the environment is referred to as pollution. Gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO), among others; solid pollutants like plastic, sewage, etc.; and chemicals like fertilisers, as well as those produced as byproducts in manufacturing, transportation, etc., are a few examples of polluting substances.

The immediate result of pollution is that it makes the world’s natural resources useless or toxic to use, as well as leads to the extinction of species and ecological imbalance. To stop more harm from occurring to the earth and its inhabitants due to environmental pollution, it is imperative to take proactive precautions.

Also Read: Essay on Pollution in Hindi 

Essay on Environmental Pollution – 250 Words 

When undesired elements, or pollutants, are present in the environment, it is said to be polluted. The environment is severely harmed by pollution, which poses a direct threat to it. Although the world has begun to understand the importance of addressing pollution if the planet and its biodiversity are to be conserved there is still a long way to go.

Everything that makes up the environment, including the air, water bodies, flora, and wildlife, is impacted by pollution in one way or another. There are four main types of pollution – Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Pollution and Soil or Land Pollution . Additionally, pollution contributes to global issues including acid rain, global warming, and greenhouse gas consequences. A rise in the planet’s average surface temperature is referred to as global warming, and it causes starvation, floods, and droughts.

Environmental pollution has a wide-ranging impact. In addition to the current effects of pollution, a lack of effective pollution prevention measures also imperils the future of various species. The pollution is causing harm at a far faster rate than it can be healed. Reversing the environmental harm we have caused could take generations, and even then, it won’t be simple. It will require tight discipline and commitment to stop pollution.

The best ways feasible are being used by various nations to respond to these catastrophes. More efforts are being launched to raise public awareness about the dangers of pollution and the importance of preserving our ecosystem. Greener lifestyles are gaining popularity; examples include using wind and solar energy, new climate-friendly cars, and energy-efficient lighting. 

Also Read: Environmental Conservation

Essay on Environmental Pollution – 500 Words 

Pollution is the term used to describe the entry of pollutants into the environment. Noise, water, and air pollution are only a few of the several types of pollution. There is a direct relationship between the rise of pollution levels and illnesses among people. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be knowledgeable about pollution, its impacts, and effective ways to eliminate it. Our environment needs a balanced combination of all components, just like our body requires a balanced diet. The environment is polluted by any substance that is present above that limit for example rise in the levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes harm to human health due to poor air quality. 

All forms of pollution, whether in the air, water, soil, or noise, have a negative impact on living things. Deadly diseases that are brought on by the contamination of soil, water, air, or sound affect organisms.

Among the most common disorders brought on by air pollution are acute lower respiratory infections in children, ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Air pollution is a major contributor to a number of ailments in India, including strokes, bronchitis, heart attacks, lung diseases, cancer, and early mortality from heart disorders. The most pressing issue in the world now is global warming, which is caused by air pollution.

Around the world, poor drinking water quality is the reason behind 50% of child deaths and 80% of illnesses, including more than 50 different diseases. Water pollution causes diarrhoea, skin diseases, malnutrition, and even cancer, as well as other issues that are related to it.

 Every day, noise pollution has an effect on millions of people. The most frequent result of this is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Loud noises have the potential to cause stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep difficulties. Children in particular are prone to these health issues across the board in terms of age groups. Noise pollution is extremely harmful, and it’s especially deadlier for people with heart issues. 

Use of the 3Rs, or reduce, reuse, and recycle, is the first step in reducing pollution. People should use air conditioners less since they generate noxious gases, such as ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, which will minimise air pollution.

Reducing the number of vehicles on the road will also help to clean up the planet’s air. The more often cars are used, the more dangerous chemicals like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons that contribute to major air pollution are released into the atmosphere.

Increasing public awareness is a further means of reducing pollution on Earth. Through programmes like the “Go Green” campaign, which urges people to plant more trees and use recyclable materials in their daily lives, awareness can be raised about the significance of eliminating pollution on Earth. The “Earth Hour” is another globally recognised event that calls for everyone to turn off all lights for one hour in order to raise awareness of the significance of reducing electricity usage in order to minimise pollution on Earth.

The government’s obligation to maintain national laws is one way to reduce pollution on Earth. Offenders should be subject to harsh penalties, such as increased fines and longer prison terms, which will force them to reconsider their influence on the environment and serve as a message to those who are not currently involved but who might be in the future.

Must Read: Essay on Pollution: Elements, Type, Format & Samples

Related Reads

Light Pollution  Radioactive Pollution  Soil Pollution  Water Pollution  Air Pollution  Thermal Pollution  Noise Pollution 

Mentioned below are some of the ways to control environmental pollution:  Walk or ride a bicycle to work instead of driving. While replacing a car go for a fuel-efficient vehicle.  When leaving the room turn off the lights and television to save energy.  Buy energy-efficient appliances. 

There are many things that cause pollution such as by-products of coal-fueled power plants, vehicle emissions, fumes from chemical production, etc.  

We hope you got some ideas to write an effective essay on environmental pollution. To read more informative articles like this one, keep following Leverage Edu . 

Prachi Gupta

Prachi has 1.5 yrs of experience in Content & Copywriting. Her skills entail SEO, researching, brainstorming marketing campaigns, suggesting content ideas, graphic designing, Keyword research, understanding user intent etc. She thrives on a work culture that helps her unlearn redundant ways of thinking. Besides this, she always has her binoculars on looking for good books and music recommendations, cocktails and world history.

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Environmental Protection Essay

When it comes to environmental protection, what comes to mind for you? Do you think about the carbon footprint you leave behind when you travel? The way you recycle and compost at home? How much do you drive, or the kind of energy you use? Here are some sample essays on environmental protection.

• 100 Words Essay On Environmental Protection

The environment refers to everything that is around us, including the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land that we live on. It's important to understand the impact of human activity on the environment, as this can affect both our current and future generations.

Environmental protection is essential for mitigating the effects of global warming on the environment by minimising pollution and preserving habitats that are important for supporting biodiversity. Additionally, governments should provide incentives for businesses to develop effective recycling strategies in order to reduce waste output and promote sustainability practices among their operations.

200 Words Essay On Environmental Protection

500 words essay on environmental protection.

There are a lot of ways to think about environmental protection, and it's important to consider them all.

Human activity can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Coming together, we can make a real difference when it comes to protecting our planet for future generations.

Understanding the Impact of Human Activity on the Environment

For example, when we produce greenhouse gases, this contributes to climate change. Climate change has a number of impacts, including extreme weather conditions and sea level rise. These can have serious consequences for both the environment and human populations.

It's crucial that we take steps to protect the environment, as this is not only good for the planet, but also for us. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, for example, we can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our goal should be to create a sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Solutions to Reduce Human Impact on the Environment

There are a number of things we can all do to reduce our human impact on the environment. Some solutions are simple, like turning off the lights when you leave a room or driving less. Others can be more involved, like installing solar panels or composting. You can also take a more active role in environmental conservation by supporting organisations that work to protect our planet. There are many worthy causes out there, and every little bit helps.

On a larger scale, governments should create regulations that protect the environment in a comprehensive manner. This could involve implementing laws that limit carbon dioxide emissions, mandating energy efficiency standards for buildings and machines, creating protected areas for wildlife conservation efforts, and increasing public investments in environmental protection projects.

Steps Towards Improving Environmental Quality

When it comes to improving environmental protection, there are a few steps that you can take as an individual.

Reduce your use of natural resources and minimise your waste output. Choose products that are labelled ‘green’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ when possible and consider reusing items whenever possible.

Use renewable energy sources rather than non-renewable sources such as coal or oil. There are many countries around the world utilising solar, wind, and hydroelectricity to power their cities.

Conserve water and soil by properly managing wastewater and reducing your water consumption.

Examples of Successful Environmental Protection Initiatives

It's important to remember that environmental protection is not just about creating laws, but also in finding creative solutions to protect the environment.

Here are a few examples of successful initiatives:

The establishment of protected areas | Over the last many years, governments have set aside many protected areas. These vary from national parks to marine sanctuaries, all aimed at reducing human impact on these areas and protecting the wildlife that lives there.

Reducing energy consumption | Governments around the world are investing more money into renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This helps reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.

Importance of Sustainable Development for Environmental Protection

Why is sustainable development important to environmental protection?

It enhances economic development while at the same time protecting natural resources. Sustainable development reduces pollution and energy use, which can reduce environmental degradation.

It helps with the management of natural resources and ensures that they are used in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. Sustainable development strives for a balance between economic growth, social equity and environmental protection – all of which play an important role in effective conservation efforts.

Effects of Global Warming on the Environment

Global warming is not only affecting climate change, but also causing irreversible damage to the environment. Gradual rise in global temperatures, leading to changes in weather patterns, sea levels, and ocean currents which has caused increased floods, droughts, and severe weather events in certain parts of the world.

These drastic changes have caused significant damage to forests and wildlife habitats, resulting in species loss and ecosystem degradation. As food supplies diminish due to changing climatic conditions, plants and animals face increasing challenges in adapting to their new environment.

Melting glaciers have caused sea levels to rise which are threatening coastal communities around the globe, as rising water levels increase flooding risks and create an immediate need for evacuation or relocation of affected populations.

It is essential that we work together to find balance, and that we understand the role of environmental protection in effective conservation.

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Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review

Ioannis manisalidis.

1 Delphis S.A., Kifisia, Greece

2 Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece

Elisavet Stavropoulou

3 Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Service de Médicine Interne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Agathangelos Stavropoulos

4 School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Eugenia Bezirtzoglou

One of our era's greatest scourges is air pollution, on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its impact on public and individual health due to increasing morbidity and mortality. There are many pollutants that are major factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but very small diameter, penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone in the stratosphere plays a protective role against ultraviolet irradiation, it is harmful when in high concentration at ground level, also affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Carbon monoxide can even provoke direct poisoning when breathed in at high levels. Heavy metals such as lead, when absorbed into the human body, can lead to direct poisoning or chronic intoxication, depending on exposure. Diseases occurring from the aforementioned substances include principally respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiolitis, and also lung cancer, cardiovascular events, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases. Last but not least, climate change resulting from environmental pollution affects the geographical distribution of many infectious diseases, as do natural disasters. The only way to tackle this problem is through public awareness coupled with a multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and international organizations must address the emergence of this threat and propose sustainable solutions.

Approach to the Problem

The interactions between humans and their physical surroundings have been extensively studied, as multiple human activities influence the environment. The environment is a coupling of the biotic (living organisms and microorganisms) and the abiotic (hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere).

Pollution is defined as the introduction into the environment of substances harmful to humans and other living organisms. Pollutants are harmful solids, liquids, or gases produced in higher than usual concentrations that reduce the quality of our environment.

Human activities have an adverse effect on the environment by polluting the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the soil in which plants grow. Although the industrial revolution was a great success in terms of technology, society, and the provision of multiple services, it also introduced the production of huge quantities of pollutants emitted into the air that are harmful to human health. Without any doubt, the global environmental pollution is considered an international public health issue with multiple facets. Social, economic, and legislative concerns and lifestyle habits are related to this major problem. Clearly, urbanization and industrialization are reaching unprecedented and upsetting proportions worldwide in our era. Anthropogenic air pollution is one of the biggest public health hazards worldwide, given that it accounts for about 9 million deaths per year ( 1 ).

Without a doubt, all of the aforementioned are closely associated with climate change, and in the event of danger, the consequences can be severe for mankind ( 2 ). Climate changes and the effects of global planetary warming seriously affect multiple ecosystems, causing problems such as food safety issues, ice and iceberg melting, animal extinction, and damage to plants ( 3 , 4 ).

Air pollution has various health effects. The health of susceptible and sensitive individuals can be impacted even on low air pollution days. Short-term exposure to air pollutants is closely related to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, respiratory disease, and high rates of hospitalization (a measurement of morbidity).

The long-term effects associated with air pollution are chronic asthma, pulmonary insufficiency, cardiovascular diseases, and cardiovascular mortality. According to a Swedish cohort study, diabetes seems to be induced after long-term air pollution exposure ( 5 ). Moreover, air pollution seems to have various malign health effects in early human life, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, and perinatal disorders ( 3 ), leading to infant mortality or chronic disease in adult age ( 6 ).

National reports have mentioned the increased risk of morbidity and mortality ( 1 ). These studies were conducted in many places around the world and show a correlation between daily ranges of particulate matter (PM) concentration and daily mortality. Climate shifts and global planetary warming ( 3 ) could aggravate the situation. Besides, increased hospitalization (an index of morbidity) has been registered among the elderly and susceptible individuals for specific reasons. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter seems to be associated with more serious illnesses ( 6 ), as it can invade the deepest parts of the airways and more easily reach the bloodstream.

Air pollution mainly affects those living in large urban areas, where road emissions contribute the most to the degradation of air quality. There is also a danger of industrial accidents, where the spread of a toxic fog can be fatal to the populations of the surrounding areas. The dispersion of pollutants is determined by many parameters, most notably atmospheric stability and wind ( 6 ).

In developing countries ( 7 ), the problem is more serious due to overpopulation and uncontrolled urbanization along with the development of industrialization. This leads to poor air quality, especially in countries with social disparities and a lack of information on sustainable management of the environment. The use of fuels such as wood fuel or solid fuel for domestic needs due to low incomes exposes people to bad-quality, polluted air at home. It is of note that three billion people around the world are using the above sources of energy for their daily heating and cooking needs ( 8 ). In developing countries, the women of the household seem to carry the highest risk for disease development due to their longer duration exposure to the indoor air pollution ( 8 , 9 ). Due to its fast industrial development and overpopulation, China is one of the Asian countries confronting serious air pollution problems ( 10 , 11 ). The lung cancer mortality observed in China is associated with fine particles ( 12 ). As stated already, long-term exposure is associated with deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system ( 3 , 5 ). However, it is interesting to note that cardiovascular diseases have mostly been observed in developed and high-income countries rather than in the developing low-income countries exposed highly to air pollution ( 13 ). Extreme air pollution is recorded in India, where the air quality reaches hazardous levels. New Delhi is one of the more polluted cities in India. Flights in and out of New Delhi International Airport are often canceled due to the reduced visibility associated with air pollution. Pollution is occurring both in urban and rural areas in India due to the fast industrialization, urbanization, and rise in use of motorcycle transportation. Nevertheless, biomass combustion associated with heating and cooking needs and practices is a major source of household air pollution in India and in Nepal ( 14 , 15 ). There is spatial heterogeneity in India, as areas with diverse climatological conditions and population and education levels generate different indoor air qualities, with higher PM 2.5 observed in North Indian states (557–601 μg/m 3 ) compared to the Southern States (183–214 μg/m 3 ) ( 16 , 17 ). The cold climate of the North Indian areas may be the main reason for this, as longer periods at home and more heating are necessary compared to in the tropical climate of Southern India. Household air pollution in India is associated with major health effects, especially in women and young children, who stay indoors for longer periods. Chronic obstructive respiratory disease (CORD) and lung cancer are mostly observed in women, while acute lower respiratory disease is seen in young children under 5 years of age ( 18 ).

Accumulation of air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide and smoke, reaching 1,500 mg/m3, resulted in an increase in the number of deaths (4,000 deaths) in December 1952 in London and in 1963 in New York City (400 deaths) ( 19 ). An association of pollution with mortality was reported on the basis of monitoring of outdoor pollution in six US metropolitan cities ( 20 ). In every case, it seems that mortality was closely related to the levels of fine, inhalable, and sulfate particles more than with the levels of total particulate pollution, aerosol acidity, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen dioxide ( 20 ).

Furthermore, extremely high levels of pollution are reported in Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro, followed by Milan, Ankara, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Moscow ( 19 ).

Based on the magnitude of the public health impact, it is certain that different kinds of interventions should be taken into account. Success and effectiveness in controlling air pollution, specifically at the local level, have been reported. Adequate technological means are applied considering the source and the nature of the emission as well as its impact on health and the environment. The importance of point sources and non-point sources of air pollution control is reported by Schwela and Köth-Jahr ( 21 ). Without a doubt, a detailed emission inventory must record all sources in a given area. Beyond considering the above sources and their nature, topography and meteorology should also be considered, as stated previously. Assessment of the control policies and methods is often extrapolated from the local to the regional and then to the global scale. Air pollution may be dispersed and transported from one region to another area located far away. Air pollution management means the reduction to acceptable levels or possible elimination of air pollutants whose presence in the air affects our health or the environmental ecosystem. Private and governmental entities and authorities implement actions to ensure the air quality ( 22 ). Air quality standards and guidelines were adopted for the different pollutants by the WHO and EPA as a tool for the management of air quality ( 1 , 23 ). These standards have to be compared to the emissions inventory standards by causal analysis and dispersion modeling in order to reveal the problematic areas ( 24 ). Inventories are generally based on a combination of direct measurements and emissions modeling ( 24 ).

As an example, we state here the control measures at the source through the use of catalytic converters in cars. These are devices that turn the pollutants and toxic gases produced from combustion engines into less-toxic pollutants by catalysis through redox reactions ( 25 ). In Greece, the use of private cars was restricted by tracking their license plates in order to reduce traffic congestion during rush hour ( 25 ).

Concerning industrial emissions, collectors and closed systems can keep the air pollution to the minimal standards imposed by legislation ( 26 ).

Current strategies to improve air quality require an estimation of the economic value of the benefits gained from proposed programs. These proposed programs by public authorities, and directives are issued with guidelines to be respected.

In Europe, air quality limit values AQLVs (Air Quality Limit Values) are issued for setting off planning claims ( 27 ). In the USA, the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) establish the national air quality limit values ( 27 ). While both standards and directives are based on different mechanisms, significant success has been achieved in the reduction of overall emissions and associated health and environmental effects ( 27 ). The European Directive identifies geographical areas of risk exposure as monitoring/assessment zones to record the emission sources and levels of air pollution ( 27 ), whereas the USA establishes global geographical air quality criteria according to the severity of their air quality problem and records all sources of the pollutants and their precursors ( 27 ).

In this vein, funds have been financing, directly or indirectly, projects related to air quality along with the technical infrastructure to maintain good air quality. These plans focus on an inventory of databases from air quality environmental planning awareness campaigns. Moreover, pollution measures of air emissions may be taken for vehicles, machines, and industries in urban areas.

Technological innovation can only be successful if it is able to meet the needs of society. In this sense, technology must reflect the decision-making practices and procedures of those involved in risk assessment and evaluation and act as a facilitator in providing information and assessments to enable decision makers to make the best decisions possible. Summarizing the aforementioned in order to design an effective air quality control strategy, several aspects must be considered: environmental factors and ambient air quality conditions, engineering factors and air pollutant characteristics, and finally, economic operating costs for technological improvement and administrative and legal costs. Considering the economic factor, competitiveness through neoliberal concepts is offering a solution to environmental problems ( 22 ).

The development of environmental governance, along with technological progress, has initiated the deployment of a dialogue. Environmental politics has created objections and points of opposition between different political parties, scientists, media, and governmental and non-governmental organizations ( 22 ). Radical environmental activism actions and movements have been created ( 22 ). The rise of the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) are many times examined as to whether and in which way they have influenced means of communication and social movements such as activism ( 28 ). Since the 1990s, the term “digital activism” has been used increasingly and in many different disciplines ( 29 ). Nowadays, multiple digital technologies can be used to produce a digital activism outcome on environmental issues. More specifically, devices with online capabilities such as computers or mobile phones are being used as a way to pursue change in political and social affairs ( 30 ).

In the present paper, we focus on the sources of environmental pollution in relation to public health and propose some solutions and interventions that may be of interest to environmental legislators and decision makers.

Sources of Exposure

It is known that the majority of environmental pollutants are emitted through large-scale human activities such as the use of industrial machinery, power-producing stations, combustion engines, and cars. Because these activities are performed at such a large scale, they are by far the major contributors to air pollution, with cars estimated to be responsible for approximately 80% of today's pollution ( 31 ). Some other human activities are also influencing our environment to a lesser extent, such as field cultivation techniques, gas stations, fuel tanks heaters, and cleaning procedures ( 32 ), as well as several natural sources, such as volcanic and soil eruptions and forest fires.

The classification of air pollutants is based mainly on the sources producing pollution. Therefore, it is worth mentioning the four main sources, following the classification system: Major sources, Area sources, Mobile sources, and Natural sources.

Major sources include the emission of pollutants from power stations, refineries, and petrochemicals, the chemical and fertilizer industries, metallurgical and other industrial plants, and, finally, municipal incineration.

Indoor area sources include domestic cleaning activities, dry cleaners, printing shops, and petrol stations.

Mobile sources include automobiles, cars, railways, airways, and other types of vehicles.

Finally, natural sources include, as stated previously, physical disasters ( 33 ) such as forest fire, volcanic erosion, dust storms, and agricultural burning.

However, many classification systems have been proposed. Another type of classification is a grouping according to the recipient of the pollution, as follows:

Air pollution is determined as the presence of pollutants in the air in large quantities for long periods. Air pollutants are dispersed particles, hydrocarbons, CO, CO 2 , NO, NO 2 , SO 3 , etc.

Water pollution is organic and inorganic charge and biological charge ( 10 ) at high levels that affect the water quality ( 34 , 35 ).

Soil pollution occurs through the release of chemicals or the disposal of wastes, such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides.

Air pollution can influence the quality of soil and water bodies by polluting precipitation, falling into water and soil environments ( 34 , 36 ). Notably, the chemistry of the soil can be amended due to acid precipitation by affecting plants, cultures, and water quality ( 37 ). Moreover, movement of heavy metals is favored by soil acidity, and metals are so then moving into the watery environment. It is known that heavy metals such as aluminum are noxious to wildlife and fishes. Soil quality seems to be of importance, as soils with low calcium carbonate levels are at increased jeopardy from acid rain. Over and above rain, snow and particulate matter drip into watery ' bodies ( 36 , 38 ).

Lastly, pollution is classified following type of origin:

Radioactive and nuclear pollution , releasing radioactive and nuclear pollutants into water, air, and soil during nuclear explosions and accidents, from nuclear weapons, and through handling or disposal of radioactive sewage.

Radioactive materials can contaminate surface water bodies and, being noxious to the environment, plants, animals, and humans. It is known that several radioactive substances such as radium and uranium concentrate in the bones and can cause cancers ( 38 , 39 ).

Noise pollution is produced by machines, vehicles, traffic noises, and musical installations that are harmful to our hearing.

The World Health Organization introduced the term DALYs. The DALYs for a disease or health condition is defined as the sum of the Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature mortality in the population and the Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) for people living with the health condition or its consequences ( 39 ). In Europe, air pollution is the main cause of disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs), followed by noise pollution. The potential relationships of noise and air pollution with health have been studied ( 40 ). The study found that DALYs related to noise were more important than those related to air pollution, as the effects of environmental noise on cardiovascular disease were independent of air pollution ( 40 ). Environmental noise should be counted as an independent public health risk ( 40 ).

Environmental pollution occurs when changes in the physical, chemical, or biological constituents of the environment (air masses, temperature, climate, etc.) are produced.

Pollutants harm our environment either by increasing levels above normal or by introducing harmful toxic substances. Primary pollutants are directly produced from the above sources, and secondary pollutants are emitted as by-products of the primary ones. Pollutants can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable and of natural origin or anthropogenic, as stated previously. Moreover, their origin can be a unique source (point-source) or dispersed sources.

Pollutants have differences in physical and chemical properties, explaining the discrepancy in their capacity for producing toxic effects. As an example, we state here that aerosol compounds ( 41 – 43 ) have a greater toxicity than gaseous compounds due to their tiny size (solid or liquid) in the atmosphere; they have a greater penetration capacity. Gaseous compounds are eliminated more easily by our respiratory system ( 41 ). These particles are able to damage lungs and can even enter the bloodstream ( 41 ), leading to the premature deaths of millions of people yearly. Moreover, the aerosol acidity ([H+]) seems to considerably enhance the production of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), but this last aspect is not supported by other scientific teams ( 38 ).

Climate and Pollution

Air pollution and climate change are closely related. Climate is the other side of the same coin that reduces the quality of our Earth ( 44 ). Pollutants such as black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone, and aerosols affect the amount of incoming sunlight. As a result, the temperature of the Earth is increasing, resulting in the melting of ice, icebergs, and glaciers.

In this vein, climatic changes will affect the incidence and prevalence of both residual and imported infections in Europe. Climate and weather affect the duration, timing, and intensity of outbreaks strongly and change the map of infectious diseases in the globe ( 45 ). Mosquito-transmitted parasitic or viral diseases are extremely climate-sensitive, as warming firstly shortens the pathogen incubation period and secondly shifts the geographic map of the vector. Similarly, water-warming following climate changes leads to a high incidence of waterborne infections. Recently, in Europe, eradicated diseases seem to be emerging due to the migration of population, for example, cholera, poliomyelitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and malaria ( 46 ).

The spread of epidemics is associated with natural climate disasters and storms, which seem to occur more frequently nowadays ( 47 ). Malnutrition and disequilibration of the immune system are also associated with the emerging infections affecting public health ( 48 ).

The Chikungunya virus “took the airplane” from the Indian Ocean to Europe, as outbreaks of the disease were registered in Italy ( 49 ) as well as autochthonous cases in France ( 50 ).

An increase in cryptosporidiosis in the United Kingdom and in the Czech Republic seems to have occurred following flooding ( 36 , 51 ).

As stated previously, aerosols compounds are tiny in size and considerably affect the climate. They are able to dissipate sunlight (the albedo phenomenon) by dispersing a quarter of the sun's rays back to space and have cooled the global temperature over the last 30 years ( 52 ).

Air Pollutants

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports on six major air pollutants, namely particle pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. Air pollution can have a disastrous effect on all components of the environment, including groundwater, soil, and air. Additionally, it poses a serious threat to living organisms. In this vein, our interest is mainly to focus on these pollutants, as they are related to more extensive and severe problems in human health and environmental impact. Acid rain, global warming, the greenhouse effect, and climate changes have an important ecological impact on air pollution ( 53 ).

Particulate Matter (PM) and Health

Studies have shown a relationship between particulate matter (PM) and adverse health effects, focusing on either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) PM exposure.

Particulate matter (PM) is usually formed in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions between the different pollutants. The penetration of particles is closely dependent on their size ( 53 ). Particulate Matter (PM) was defined as a term for particles by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( 54 ). Particulate matter (PM) pollution includes particles with diameters of 10 micrometers (μm) or smaller, called PM 10 , and extremely fine particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers (μm) and smaller.

Particulate matter contains tiny liquid or solid droplets that can be inhaled and cause serious health effects ( 55 ). Particles <10 μm in diameter (PM 10 ) after inhalation can invade the lungs and even reach the bloodstream. Fine particles, PM 2.5 , pose a greater risk to health ( 6 , 56 ) ( Table 1 ).

Penetrability according to particle size.

Multiple epidemiological studies have been performed on the health effects of PM. A positive relation was shown between both short-term and long-term exposures of PM 2.5 and acute nasopharyngitis ( 56 ). In addition, long-term exposure to PM for years was found to be related to cardiovascular diseases and infant mortality.

Those studies depend on PM 2.5 monitors and are restricted in terms of study area or city area due to a lack of spatially resolved daily PM 2.5 concentration data and, in this way, are not representative of the entire population. Following a recent epidemiological study by the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health (Boston, MA) ( 57 ), it was reported that, as PM 2.5 concentrations vary spatially, an exposure error (Berkson error) seems to be produced, and the relative magnitudes of the short- and long-term effects are not yet completely elucidated. The team developed a PM 2.5 exposure model based on remote sensing data for assessing short- and long-term human exposures ( 57 ). This model permits spatial resolution in short-term effects plus the assessment of long-term effects in the whole population.

Moreover, respiratory diseases and affection of the immune system are registered as long-term chronic effects ( 58 ). It is worth noting that people with asthma, pneumonia, diabetes, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are especially susceptible and vulnerable to the effects of PM. PM 2.5 , followed by PM 10 , are strongly associated with diverse respiratory system diseases ( 59 ), as their size permits them to pierce interior spaces ( 60 ). The particles produce toxic effects according to their chemical and physical properties. The components of PM 10 and PM 2.5 can be organic (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, benzene, 1-3 butadiene) or inorganic (carbon, chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, metals) in nature ( 55 ).

Particulate Matter (PM) is divided into four main categories according to type and size ( 61 ) ( Table 2 ).

Types and sizes of particulate Matter (PM).

Gas contaminants include PM in aerial masses.

Particulate contaminants include contaminants such as smog, soot, tobacco smoke, oil smoke, fly ash, and cement dust.

Biological Contaminants are microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and bacterial spores), cat allergens, house dust and allergens, and pollen.

Types of Dust include suspended atmospheric dust, settling dust, and heavy dust.

Finally, another fact is that the half-lives of PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles in the atmosphere is extended due to their tiny dimensions; this permits their long-lasting suspension in the atmosphere and even their transfer and spread to distant destinations where people and the environment may be exposed to the same magnitude of pollution ( 53 ). They are able to change the nutrient balance in watery ecosystems, damage forests and crops, and acidify water bodies.

As stated, PM 2.5 , due to their tiny size, are causing more serious health effects. These aforementioned fine particles are the main cause of the “haze” formation in different metropolitan areas ( 12 , 13 , 61 ).

Ozone Impact in the Atmosphere

Ozone (O 3 ) is a gas formed from oxygen under high voltage electric discharge ( 62 ). It is a strong oxidant, 52% stronger than chlorine. It arises in the stratosphere, but it could also arise following chain reactions of photochemical smog in the troposphere ( 63 ).

Ozone can travel to distant areas from its initial source, moving with air masses ( 64 ). It is surprising that ozone levels over cities are low in contrast to the increased amounts occuring in urban areas, which could become harmful for cultures, forests, and vegetation ( 65 ) as it is reducing carbon assimilation ( 66 ). Ozone reduces growth and yield ( 47 , 48 ) and affects the plant microflora due to its antimicrobial capacity ( 67 , 68 ). In this regard, ozone acts upon other natural ecosystems, with microflora ( 69 , 70 ) and animal species changing their species composition ( 71 ). Ozone increases DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes and leads to impaired cellular function ( 72 ).

Ground-level ozone (GLO) is generated through a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen and VOCs emitted from natural sources and/or following anthropogenic activities.

Ozone uptake usually occurs by inhalation. Ozone affects the upper layers of the skin and the tear ducts ( 73 ). A study of short-term exposure of mice to high levels of ozone showed malondialdehyde formation in the upper skin (epidermis) but also depletion in vitamins C and E. It is likely that ozone levels are not interfering with the skin barrier function and integrity to predispose to skin disease ( 74 ).

Due to the low water-solubility of ozone, inhaled ozone has the capacity to penetrate deeply into the lungs ( 75 ).

Toxic effects induced by ozone are registered in urban areas all over the world, causing biochemical, morphologic, functional, and immunological disorders ( 76 ).

The European project (APHEA2) focuses on the acute effects of ambient ozone concentrations on mortality ( 77 ). Daily ozone concentrations compared to the daily number of deaths were reported from different European cities for a 3-year period. During the warm period of the year, an observed increase in ozone concentration was associated with an increase in the daily number of deaths (0.33%), in the number of respiratory deaths (1.13%), and in the number of cardiovascular deaths (0.45%). No effect was observed during wintertime.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is produced by fossil fuel when combustion is incomplete. The symptoms of poisoning due to inhaling carbon monoxide include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and, finally, loss of consciousness.

The affinity of carbon monoxide to hemoglobin is much greater than that of oxygen. In this vein, serious poisoning may occur in people exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide for a long period of time. Due to the loss of oxygen as a result of the competitive binding of carbon monoxide, hypoxia, ischemia, and cardiovascular disease are observed.

Carbon monoxide affects the greenhouses gases that are tightly connected to global warming and climate. This should lead to an increase in soil and water temperatures, and extreme weather conditions or storms may occur ( 68 ).

However, in laboratory and field experiments, it has been seen to produce increased plant growth ( 78 ).

Nitrogen Oxide (NO 2 )

Nitrogen oxide is a traffic-related pollutant, as it is emitted from automobile motor engines ( 79 , 80 ). It is an irritant of the respiratory system as it penetrates deep in the lung, inducing respiratory diseases, coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchospasm, and even pulmonary edema when inhaled at high levels. It seems that concentrations over 0.2 ppm produce these adverse effects in humans, while concentrations higher than 2.0 ppm affect T-lymphocytes, particularly the CD8+ cells and NK cells that produce our immune response ( 81 ).It is reported that long-term exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide can be responsible for chronic lung disease. Long-term exposure to NO 2 can impair the sense of smell ( 81 ).

However, systems other than respiratory ones can be involved, as symptoms such as eye, throat, and nose irritation have been registered ( 81 ).

High levels of nitrogen dioxide are deleterious to crops and vegetation, as they have been observed to reduce crop yield and plant growth efficiency. Moreover, NO 2 can reduce visibility and discolor fabrics ( 81 ).

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 )

Sulfur dioxide is a harmful gas that is emitted mainly from fossil fuel consumption or industrial activities. The annual standard for SO 2 is 0.03 ppm ( 82 ). It affects human, animal, and plant life. Susceptible people as those with lung disease, old people, and children, who present a higher risk of damage. The major health problems associated with sulfur dioxide emissions in industrialized areas are respiratory irritation, bronchitis, mucus production, and bronchospasm, as it is a sensory irritant and penetrates deep into the lung converted into bisulfite and interacting with sensory receptors, causing bronchoconstriction. Moreover, skin redness, damage to the eyes (lacrimation and corneal opacity) and mucous membranes, and worsening of pre-existing cardiovascular disease have been observed ( 81 ).

Environmental adverse effects, such as acidification of soil and acid rain, seem to be associated with sulfur dioxide emissions ( 83 ).

Lead is a heavy metal used in different industrial plants and emitted from some petrol motor engines, batteries, radiators, waste incinerators, and waste waters ( 84 ).

Moreover, major sources of lead pollution in the air are metals, ore, and piston-engine aircraft. Lead poisoning is a threat to public health due to its deleterious effects upon humans, animals, and the environment, especially in the developing countries.

Exposure to lead can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Trans- placental transport of lead was also reported, as lead passes through the placenta unencumbered ( 85 ). The younger the fetus is, the more harmful the toxic effects. Lead toxicity affects the fetal nervous system; edema or swelling of the brain is observed ( 86 ). Lead, when inhaled, accumulates in the blood, soft tissue, liver, lung, bones, and cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems. Moreover, loss of concentration and memory, as well as muscle and joint pain, were observed in adults ( 85 , 86 ).

Children and newborns ( 87 ) are extremely susceptible even to minimal doses of lead, as it is a neurotoxicant and causes learning disabilities, impairment of memory, hyperactivity, and even mental retardation.

Elevated amounts of lead in the environment are harmful to plants and crop growth. Neurological effects are observed in vertebrates and animals in association with high lead levels ( 88 ).

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs)

The distribution of PAHs is ubiquitous in the environment, as the atmosphere is the most important means of their dispersal. They are found in coal and in tar sediments. Moreover, they are generated through incomplete combustion of organic matter as in the cases of forest fires, incineration, and engines ( 89 ). PAH compounds, such as benzopyrene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, and fluoranthene are recognized as toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic substances. They are an important risk factor for lung cancer ( 89 ).

Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene ( 90 ), have been found to be associated with cancer in humans ( 91 ). The use of new products and materials has actually resulted in increased concentrations of VOCs. VOCs pollute indoor air ( 90 ) and may have adverse effects on human health ( 91 ). Short-term and long-term adverse effects on human health are observed. VOCs are responsible for indoor air smells. Short-term exposure is found to cause irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and mucosal membranes, while those of long duration exposure include toxic reactions ( 92 ). Predictable assessment of the toxic effects of complex VOC mixtures is difficult to estimate, as these pollutants can have synergic, antagonistic, or indifferent effects ( 91 , 93 ).

Dioxins originate from industrial processes but also come from natural processes, such as forest fires and volcanic eruptions. They accumulate in foods such as meat and dairy products, fish and shellfish, and especially in the fatty tissue of animals ( 94 ).

Short-period exhibition to high dioxin concentrations may result in dark spots and lesions on the skin ( 94 ). Long-term exposure to dioxins can cause developmental problems, impairment of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems, reproductive infertility, and cancer ( 94 ).

Without any doubt, fossil fuel consumption is responsible for a sizeable part of air contamination. This contamination may be anthropogenic, as in agricultural and industrial processes or transportation, while contamination from natural sources is also possible. Interestingly, it is of note that the air quality standards established through the European Air Quality Directive are somewhat looser than the WHO guidelines, which are stricter ( 95 ).

Effect of Air Pollution on Health

The most common air pollutants are ground-level ozone and Particulates Matter (PM). Air pollution is distinguished into two main types:

Outdoor pollution is the ambient air pollution.

Indoor pollution is the pollution generated by household combustion of fuels.

People exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants experience disease symptoms and states of greater and lesser seriousness. These effects are grouped into short- and long-term effects affecting health.

Susceptible populations that need to be aware of health protection measures include old people, children, and people with diabetes and predisposing heart or lung disease, especially asthma.

As extensively stated previously, according to a recent epidemiological study from Harvard School of Public Health, the relative magnitudes of the short- and long-term effects have not been completely clarified ( 57 ) due to the different epidemiological methodologies and to the exposure errors. New models are proposed for assessing short- and long-term human exposure data more successfully ( 57 ). Thus, in the present section, we report the more common short- and long-term health effects but also general concerns for both types of effects, as these effects are often dependent on environmental conditions, dose, and individual susceptibility.

Short-term effects are temporary and range from simple discomfort, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, throat, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness, and breathing difficulties, to more serious states, such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung and heart problems. Short-term exposure to air pollution can also cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

These problems can be aggravated by extended long-term exposure to the pollutants, which is harmful to the neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems and causes cancer and even, rarely, deaths.

The long-term effects are chronic, lasting for years or the whole life and can even lead to death. Furthermore, the toxicity of several air pollutants may also induce a variety of cancers in the long term ( 96 ).

As stated already, respiratory disorders are closely associated with the inhalation of air pollutants. These pollutants will invade through the airways and will accumulate at the cells. Damage to target cells should be related to the pollutant component involved and its source and dose. Health effects are also closely dependent on country, area, season, and time. An extended exposure duration to the pollutant should incline to long-term health effects in relation also to the above factors.

Particulate Matter (PMs), dust, benzene, and O 3 cause serious damage to the respiratory system ( 97 ). Moreover, there is a supplementary risk in case of existing respiratory disease such as asthma ( 98 ). Long-term effects are more frequent in people with a predisposing disease state. When the trachea is contaminated by pollutants, voice alterations may be remarked after acute exposure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be induced following air pollution, increasing morbidity and mortality ( 99 ). Long-term effects from traffic, industrial air pollution, and combustion of fuels are the major factors for COPD risk ( 99 ).

Multiple cardiovascular effects have been observed after exposure to air pollutants ( 100 ). Changes occurred in blood cells after long-term exposure may affect cardiac functionality. Coronary arteriosclerosis was reported following long-term exposure to traffic emissions ( 101 ), while short-term exposure is related to hypertension, stroke, myocardial infracts, and heart insufficiency. Ventricle hypertrophy is reported to occur in humans after long-time exposure to nitrogen oxide (NO 2 ) ( 102 , 103 ).

Neurological effects have been observed in adults and children after extended-term exposure to air pollutants.

Psychological complications, autism, retinopathy, fetal growth, and low birth weight seem to be related to long-term air pollution ( 83 ). The etiologic agent of the neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) is not yet known, although it is believed that extended exposure to air pollution seems to be a factor. Specifically, pesticides and metals are cited as etiological factors, together with diet. The mechanisms in the development of neurodegenerative disease include oxidative stress, protein aggregation, inflammation, and mitochondrial impairment in neurons ( 104 ) ( Figure 1 ).

Impact of air pollutants on the brain.

Brain inflammation was observed in dogs living in a highly polluted area in Mexico for a long period ( 105 ). In human adults, markers of systemic inflammation (IL-6 and fibrinogen) were found to be increased as an immediate response to PNC on the IL-6 level, possibly leading to the production of acute-phase proteins ( 106 ). The progression of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress seem to be the mechanisms involved in the neurological disturbances caused by long-term air pollution. Inflammation comes secondary to the oxidative stress and seems to be involved in the impairment of developmental maturation, affecting multiple organs ( 105 , 107 ). Similarly, other factors seem to be involved in the developmental maturation, which define the vulnerability to long-term air pollution. These include birthweight, maternal smoking, genetic background and socioeconomic environment, as well as education level.

However, diet, starting from breast-feeding, is another determinant factor. Diet is the main source of antioxidants, which play a key role in our protection against air pollutants ( 108 ). Antioxidants are free radical scavengers and limit the interaction of free radicals in the brain ( 108 ). Similarly, genetic background may result in a differential susceptibility toward the oxidative stress pathway ( 60 ). For example, antioxidant supplementation with vitamins C and E appears to modulate the effect of ozone in asthmatic children homozygous for the GSTM1 null allele ( 61 ). Inflammatory cytokines released in the periphery (e.g., respiratory epithelia) upregulate the innate immune Toll-like receptor 2. Such activation and the subsequent events leading to neurodegeneration have recently been observed in lung lavage in mice exposed to ambient Los Angeles (CA, USA) particulate matter ( 61 ). In children, neurodevelopmental morbidities were observed after lead exposure. These children developed aggressive and delinquent behavior, reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and hyperactivity ( 109 ). No level of lead exposure seems to be “safe,” and the scientific community has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the current screening guideline of 10 μg/dl ( 109 ).

It is important to state that impact on the immune system, causing dysfunction and neuroinflammation ( 104 ), is related to poor air quality. Yet, increases in serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM) and the complement component C3 are observed ( 106 ). Another issue is that antigen presentation is affected by air pollutants, as there is an upregulation of costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 on macrophages ( 110 ).

As is known, skin is our shield against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other pollutants, as it is the most exterior layer of our body. Traffic-related pollutants, such as PAHs, VOCs, oxides, and PM, may cause pigmented spots on our skin ( 111 ). On the one hand, as already stated, when pollutants penetrate through the skin or are inhaled, damage to the organs is observed, as some of these pollutants are mutagenic and carcinogenic, and, specifically, they affect the liver and lung. On the other hand, air pollutants (and those in the troposphere) reduce the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation UVR in polluted urban areas ( 111 ). Air pollutants absorbed by the human skin may contribute to skin aging, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, eczema, and atopic dermatitis ( 111 ), usually caused by exposure to oxides and photochemical smoke ( 111 ). Exposure to PM and cigarette smoking act as skin-aging agents, causing spots, dyschromia, and wrinkles. Lastly, pollutants have been associated with skin cancer ( 111 ).

Higher morbidity is reported to fetuses and children when exposed to the above dangers. Impairment in fetal growth, low birth weight, and autism have been reported ( 112 ).

Another exterior organ that may be affected is the eye. Contamination usually comes from suspended pollutants and may result in asymptomatic eye outcomes, irritation ( 112 ), retinopathy, or dry eye syndrome ( 113 , 114 ).

Environmental Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution is harming not only human health but also the environment ( 115 ) in which we live. The most important environmental effects are as follows.

Acid rain is wet (rain, fog, snow) or dry (particulates and gas) precipitation containing toxic amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. They are able to acidify the water and soil environments, damage trees and plantations, and even damage buildings and outdoor sculptures, constructions, and statues.

Haze is produced when fine particles are dispersed in the air and reduce the transparency of the atmosphere. It is caused by gas emissions in the air coming from industrial facilities, power plants, automobiles, and trucks.

Ozone , as discussed previously, occurs both at ground level and in the upper level (stratosphere) of the Earth's atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone is protecting us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. In contrast, ground-level ozone is harmful to human health and is a pollutant. Unfortunately, stratospheric ozone is gradually damaged by ozone-depleting substances (i.e., chemicals, pesticides, and aerosols). If this protecting stratospheric ozone layer is thinned, then UV radiation can reach our Earth, with harmful effects for human life (skin cancer) ( 116 ) and crops ( 117 ). In plants, ozone penetrates through the stomata, inducing them to close, which blocks CO 2 transfer and induces a reduction in photosynthesis ( 118 ).

Global climate change is an important issue that concerns mankind. As is known, the “greenhouse effect” keeps the Earth's temperature stable. Unhappily, anthropogenic activities have destroyed this protecting temperature effect by producing large amounts of greenhouse gases, and global warming is mounting, with harmful effects on human health, animals, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and the water environment. A report states that global warming is adding to the health risks of poor people ( 119 ).

People living in poorly constructed buildings in warm-climate countries are at high risk for heat-related health problems as temperatures mount ( 119 ).

Wildlife is burdened by toxic pollutants coming from the air, soil, or the water ecosystem and, in this way, animals can develop health problems when exposed to high levels of pollutants. Reproductive failure and birth effects have been reported.

Eutrophication is occurring when elevated concentrations of nutrients (especially nitrogen) stimulate the blooming of aquatic algae, which can cause a disequilibration in the diversity of fish and their deaths.

Without a doubt, there is a critical concentration of pollution that an ecosystem can tolerate without being destroyed, which is associated with the ecosystem's capacity to neutralize acidity. The Canada Acid Rain Program established this load at 20 kg/ha/yr ( 120 ).

Hence, air pollution has deleterious effects on both soil and water ( 121 ). Concerning PM as an air pollutant, its impact on crop yield and food productivity has been reported. Its impact on watery bodies is associated with the survival of living organisms and fishes and their productivity potential ( 121 ).

An impairment in photosynthetic rhythm and metabolism is observed in plants exposed to the effects of ozone ( 121 ).

Sulfur and nitrogen oxides are involved in the formation of acid rain and are harmful to plants and marine organisms.

Last but not least, as mentioned above, the toxicity associated with lead and other metals is the main threat to our ecosystems (air, water, and soil) and living creatures ( 121 ).

In 2018, during the first WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, the WHO's General Director, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called air pollution a “silent public health emergency” and “the new tobacco” ( 122 ).

Undoubtedly, children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, especially during their development. Air pollution has adverse effects on our lives in many different respects.

Diseases associated with air pollution have not only an important economic impact but also a societal impact due to absences from productive work and school.

Despite the difficulty of eradicating the problem of anthropogenic environmental pollution, a successful solution could be envisaged as a tight collaboration of authorities, bodies, and doctors to regularize the situation. Governments should spread sufficient information and educate people and should involve professionals in these issues so as to control the emergence of the problem successfully.

Technologies to reduce air pollution at the source must be established and should be used in all industries and power plants. The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 set as a major target the reduction of GHG emissions to below 5% by 2012 ( 123 ). This was followed by the Copenhagen summit, 2009 ( 124 ), and then the Durban summit of 2011 ( 125 ), where it was decided to keep to the same line of action. The Kyoto protocol and the subsequent ones were ratified by many countries. Among the pioneers who adopted this important protocol for the world's environmental and climate “health” was China ( 3 ). As is known, China is a fast-developing economy and its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is expected to be very high by 2050, which is defined as the year of dissolution of the protocol for the decrease in gas emissions.

A more recent international agreement of crucial importance for climate change is the Paris Agreement of 2015, issued by the UNFCCC (United Nations Climate Change Committee). This latest agreement was ratified by a plethora of UN (United Nations) countries as well as the countries of the European Union ( 126 ). In this vein, parties should promote actions and measures to enhance numerous aspects around the subject. Boosting education, training, public awareness, and public participation are some of the relevant actions for maximizing the opportunities to achieve the targets and goals on the crucial matter of climate change and environmental pollution ( 126 ). Without any doubt, technological improvements makes our world easier and it seems difficult to reduce the harmful impact caused by gas emissions, we could limit its use by seeking reliable approaches.

Synopsizing, a global prevention policy should be designed in order to combat anthropogenic air pollution as a complement to the correct handling of the adverse health effects associated with air pollution. Sustainable development practices should be applied, together with information coming from research in order to handle the problem effectively.

At this point, international cooperation in terms of research, development, administration policy, monitoring, and politics is vital for effective pollution control. Legislation concerning air pollution must be aligned and updated, and policy makers should propose the design of a powerful tool of environmental and health protection. As a result, the main proposal of this essay is that we should focus on fostering local structures to promote experience and practice and extrapolate these to the international level through developing effective policies for sustainable management of ecosystems.

Author Contributions

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.

Conflict of Interest

IM is employed by the company Delphis S.A. The remaining authors declare that the present review paper was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Essay on Air Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on air pollution.

Essay on Air Pollution – Earlier the air we breathe in use to be pure and fresh. But, due to increasing industrialization and concentration of poisonous gases in the environment the air is getting more and more toxic day by day. Also, these gases are the cause of many respiratory and other diseases . Moreover, the rapidly increasing human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation is the major cause of air pollution.

How Air Gets Polluted?

The fossil fuel , firewood, and other things that we burn produce oxides of carbons which got released into the atmosphere. Earlier there happens to be a large number of trees which can easily filter the air we breathe in. But with the increase in demand for land, the people started cutting down of trees which caused deforestation. That ultimately reduced the filtering capacity of the tree.

Moreover, during the last few decades, the numbers of fossil fuel burning vehicle increased rapidly which increased the number of pollutants in the air .

Causes Of Air Pollution

Its causes include burning of fossil fuel and firewood, smoke released from factories , volcanic eruptions, forest fires, bombardment, asteroids, CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), carbon oxides and many more.

Besides, there are some other air pollutants like industrial waste, agricultural waste, power plants, thermal nuclear plants, etc.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is also the cause of air pollution because air pollution produces the gases that greenhouse involves. Besides, it increases the temperature of earth surface so much that the polar caps are melting and most of the UV rays are easily penetrating the surface of the earth.

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Effects Of Air Pollution On Health

Moreover, it increases the rate of aging of lungs, decreases lungs function, damage cells in the respiratory system.

Ways To Reduce Air Pollution

Although the level of air pollution has reached a critical point. But, there are still ways by which we can reduce the number of air pollutants from the air.

Reforestation- The quality of air can be improved by planting more and more trees as they clean and filter the air.

Policy for industries- Strict policy for industries related to the filter of gases should be introduced in the countries. So, we can minimize the toxins released from factories.

Use of eco-friendly fuel-  We have to adopt the usage of Eco-friendly fuels such as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), bio-gas, and other eco-friendly fuels. So, we can reduce the amount of harmful toxic gases.

To sum it up, we can say that the air we breathe is getting more and more polluted day by day. The biggest contribution to the increase in air pollution is of fossil fuels which produce nitric and sulphuric oxides. But, humans have taken this problem seriously and are devotedly working to eradicate the problem that they have created.

Above all, many initiatives like plant trees, use of eco-friendly fuel are promoted worldwide.

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• What is P2?
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What is Pollution Prevention (P2)?

Pollution prevention (P2) is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source before it is created.  As shown by the EPA Waste Management Hierarchy, P2, also known as "source reduction," is fundamentally different and, where feasible, more desirable than recycling, treatment or disposal.  It is often more cost effective to prevent pollution from being created at its source than to pay for control, treatment and disposal of waste products.  When less pollution is created, there are fewer impacts to human health and the environment.

Specific Pollution Prevention Approaches

Pollution prevention approaches can be applied to all potential and actual pollution-generating activities, including those found in the energy, agriculture, federal, consumer and industrial sectors. Prevention practices are essential for preserving wetlands, groundwater sources and other critical ecosystems - areas in which we especially want to stop pollution before it begins.

In the energy sector, pollution prevention can reduce environmental damages from extraction, processing, transport and combustion of fuels. Pollution prevention approaches include:

• increasing efficiency in energy use;
• use of environmentally benign fuel sources.

In the agricultural sector, pollution prevention approaches include:

• Reducing the use of water and chemical inputs;
• Adoption of less environmentally harmful pesticides or cultivation of crop strains with natural resistance to pests; and
• Protection of sensitive areas.

In the industrial sector, examples of P2 practices include:

• Modifying a production process to produce less waste
• Using non-toxic or less toxic chemicals as cleaners, degreasers and other maintenance chemicals
• Implementing water and energy conservation practices
• Reusing materials such as drums and pallets rather than disposing of them as waste

In homes and schools examples of P2 practices include:

• Using reusable water bottles instead of throw-aways
• Automatically turning off lights when not in use
• Repairing leaky faucets and hoses
• Switching to "green" cleaners

Why is Pollution Prevention Important?

Pollution prevention reduces both financial costs (waste management and cleanup) and environmental costs (health problems and environmental damage). Pollution prevention protects the environment by conserving and protecting natural resources while strengthening economic growth through more efficient production in industry and less need for households, businesses and communities to handle waste.

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Air pollution refers to the unwanted and harmful substances in the air we breathe. These substances are known as pollutants. Air pollution can be caused by natural sources or human activities and can have serious health, environmental, and economic impacts. In recent years, air pollution has become a popular debate topic due to the decreasing quality of air. The atmosphere of Earth comprises 78% of Nitrogen, 21% of Oxygen, and 0.93% of Argon.

The causes of air pollution are both natural and man-made. Natural sources of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms. However, human activities like transportation, industrial activities, agricultural practices, waste management, etc. have more serious and long-term impacts on the air we breathe. An essay on air pollution is a popular academic writing topic assigned to students. To help students with their essays on air pollution, we have listed some samples in 100, 200, and 300 words. These samples will discuss the causes, consequences, and steps to reduce air pollution.

Table of Content

Essays on Air Pollution in 150 Words

Essays on air pollution in 200 words, essays on air pollution in 500 words, 10 lines on air pollution.

Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks. It is caused by the release of harmful particles and gases in the air. This deteriorates the quality of air we breathe and poses a serious threat to the existence of all living beings on Earth. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air.

Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature death. Not only this, air pollution also poses a serious threat to the environment, leading to climate change. Environmentalists, international organizations, governments, and even private organizations are collectively working to reduce air pollution. They have implemented strict, cleaner technologies, and public awareness campaigns. These concerted efforts can help improve the air quality and create a healthy environment.

With rising environmental and health concerns, air pollution has become a popular debate topic. Air pollution is caused by natural and human activities, which release harmful substances, chemicals, and gases into the air we breathe. Our once-healthy environment has become a gas chamber, causing an existential threat to every species on Earth.

Since the advent of 18th-century Industrialisation, the emission of harmful gases like hydrogen chloride, benzene, and toluene has significantly increased. According to a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a total of 188 pollutants have been classified as hazardous.

Human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy production, vehicular emission, construction and industrial releases are the major causes of air pollution. There are natural sources also which are responsible for air pollution but their impact is limited to their respective regions. For example, during a volcanic eruption, harmful gases like water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), are released into the atmosphere. However, such natural activities do not pose a global threat.

Tackling air pollution requires global cooperation and environmentally friendly approaches. One such method is relying on renewable energy sources, rather than exhausting limited natural resources, fossil fuels. World Health Organisation, along with global governments is taking steps to switch to affordable clean household energy solutions for cooking, heating and lighting.

Air pollution is a global concern. Therefore, it requires a collective approach from all countries and their respective governments. Careful implementation of environmentally friendly and sustained approaches will surely help create an air pollution-free environment.

World Health Organisation in its 2019 report stated that 99% of the world’s population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met. Air pollution is known as the releaseof unwanted harmful substances and chemicals in the air. This damages the qualities of air we breath, affecting health and detoriates the environment quality. Air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths every year.

Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is caused by both natural and man-made activities. Nature causes of air pollution are volcanic erruptions, dust storms, and wildfires. During a volcanic eruption, harm gases and chemicals like water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are released. Also, a small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride are also released. However, natural causes of air pollution are limited to there regions and do not poses long term environmental threats.

Human activities causes are the major factors causing air pollution. Human activities like industrialisation, vehicular emission, combustion, energy production, construction, agricultural activities and waste management are major factors of air pollution. Human activities releases pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and methane causes air pollution.

In metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, Tokyo, etc. vehicular emission and construction are major causes of air pollution. Construction sites generate dust and emissions from equipment, contributing to local air pollution.

Consequences of Air Pollution

• Air pollution has harmful consequences on human health, the environment, and the economy.
• Air pollution contributes to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. Some of these diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravation of existing health conditions, and premature death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
• Our ecosystem is the first victim of air pollution. Pollutants deposited onto soil and water bodies harm plants, animals, and aquatic life.
• Acid rain, caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water vapor in the atmosphere, damages forests, soils, and freshwater ecosystem
• Pollutants like carbon dioxide, methane, and black carbon are all also greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
• The rate at which these pollutants are released in the atmosphere can lead to global warming, rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
• Air pollution also affects our economy. Investments in air pollution control measures and environmental cleanup efforts entail financial expenditures for governments, businesses, and individuals.

Steps to Reduce Air Pollution

• Policies and investments in air pollution control measures are necessary to reduce the content of pollutants.
• Switching to environmental friendly activities can significantly help reduce air pollution. Excessive use of natural resources not only depletes them but puts a stain on the environment.
• Relying on solar energy, hydro energy and wind energy can reduce them burden on coal for electricity and power generation.
• On individual level, we can practice carpooling, use public transportation, cycling, walking, or electric vehicles whenever possible.
• we can avoid unnecessary idling to maintain proper tire pressure, and combine errands to minimize trips.
• Build a habit of turning lights and electronics off when not in use. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and adjust thermostats for optimal temperature control.
• Minimize waste generation and opt for reusable products whenever possible.
• Recycling reduces the need for raw materials and lowers energy consumption during production of new goods.

Here are 10 lines on air pollution. Feel free to add themto your essay on air pollution or similar writing topics.

1. Air pollution refers to the release of harmful gases and chemicals in the air we breathe.

2. Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks.

3. It is caused by the release of harmful particles and gases in the air.

4. The causes of air pollution are both natural and man-made.

5. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air.

6. Air pollution is a global concern and it requires a collective approach.

7. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravation of existing health conditions, and premature death.

8. According to a WHO report, 99% of the global population is breathing harmful air.

9. Human activities release pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and methane causes air pollution.

10. Switching to environmentally friendly activities can significantly help reduce air pollution.

This was all about an essay on air pollution. We hope the essay samples listed above will help you with your essay writing practice. For more information on such informative articles, visit GeekforGeeks.

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Essay on Air Pollution- FAQs

How to write an essay on air pollution.

Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks. It is caused by the release of harmful particles and gases in the air. This deteriorates the quality of the air we breathe and poses a serious threat to the existence of all living beings on Earth. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air.

What are the major causes of air pollution?

Air pollution has both natural and man-made causes. The natural causes of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, wildfires and dust storms. The man-made causes of air pollution are industrial wastes, domestic wastes, agricultural activities, vehicular emissions, construction dust, etc. The man-made causes have a greater impact on the air quality.

What is the government doing to reduce air pollution?

The Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to fight the air pollution problem all over India in a sustainable manner. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 lists all the central and state rules to manage air quality and monitor pollutants released by industries, constructions, and agricultural and vehicular activities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board manage these activities in their respective jurisdiction.

Is air pollution causes by natural sources?

Natural sources of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and dust storms. However, these natural sources of air pollution do not pose a serious threat to the global air quality.

What are some lines on air pollution?

Air pollution refers to the release of harmful gases and chemicals in the air we breathe. Air pollution poses serious environmental and health risks. The causes of air pollution are both natural and man-made. Human activities, for a long, have been the majority responsible for air pollution. These include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices that release harmful pollutants into the air. Air pollution is a global concern and it requires a collective and systematic approach. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravation of existing health conditions, and premature death. Human activities release pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and methane causing air pollution.

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Essay on Environmental Protection: 100 to 500 Words Long

Here we have written for you essays of various lengths. Check them out and pick the best one that suits your requirement.

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Essay on Environmental Protection (50 Words)

(Environmental Protection Essay)

The act of protecting the environment from being polluted is called environmental protection. The main objective of environmental protection is to protect the environment or natural resources for the future. in this century we, the people are continuously harming the environment in the name of development.

Now we have reached such a situation that we can’t survive for long on this planet without environmental protection. So, we all should concentrate on environmental protection.

Essay on Environmental Protection (100 Words)

Environmental protection refers to the act of protecting the environment from being destroyed. The health of our mother earth is deteriorating day by day. Human being is mostly responsible for environmental degradation on this blue planet.

Environmental pollution has reached to an extent that we can’t recover from it. But we can definitely stop the environment from being polluted more. Thus the term environmental protection arises.

The environmental protection agency, a US-based organization is putting continuous effort to conserve the environment. In India, we have an environmental protection law. But still, the growth of manmade environmental pollution has not been seen as controlled.

Essay on Environmental Protection (150 Words)

We all know the importance of environmental protection. In other words, we can also say that we can’t deny the importance of protecting the environment. In the name of up-gradation of lifestyle, the human being is causing harm to the environment.

In this era of development, our environment is facing a lot of destruction. It has become very much necessary to stop the condition from getting worse than what it is now. Thus there arises awareness of environmental protection in the world.

Some factors like the growth of population, illiteracy, and deforestation are responsible for environmental pollution on this earth. The human being is the only animal on this earth who plays an active role in the destruction of the environment.

So it is none but the only human beings who can play a vital role in the conservation of the environment. A US-based organization the Environmental Protection Agency is doing a lot to spread awareness among people to conserve the environment.

In the Indian constitution, we have environmental protection laws that try to protect the environment from the cruel clutch of human.

Very short Essay on Environmental Protection

(Very Short Environmental Protection Essay)

The environment has been providing free service to all the living organisms on this earth from the very first day of this earth. But now the health of this environment is seen deteriorating on a daily basis due to the negligence of men.

The gradual deterioration of the environment is leading us towards doomsday. So there is an urgent need for environmental protection.

A number of environmental protection agencies are formed across the globe to protect the environment from being destroyed. In India, the environment protection act 1986 is forced in an attempt to protect the environment.

This environmental protection law is implemented after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984. All these efforts are only to protect the environment from more degradation. But still, the health of the environment has not been improved as expected. A united effort is required for environmental protection.

Environmental Protection Laws in India

There are six different environmental protection laws in India. These laws not only protect the environment but also the wildlife of India. After all, wildlife is also a part of the environment. The environment protection law in India are as follows: –

• The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986
• The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980
• The Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Water ( prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974
• Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981
• The Indian Forest Act,1927

( N.B.- We have only mentioned the environmental protection laws for your reference. The laws will be discussed separately in the essay on Environmental protection laws in India)

Conclusion: – It is our responsibility to protect the environment from being polluted or destroyed. Life on this earth can never be imagined without the environmental balance. Environmental protection is required to survive on this earth.

Essay on Importance of Health

Long Essay on Environmental Protection

To write an essay on environmental protection with a limited word count is a difficult task as there are various types of environmental protection like protecting air and controlling water pollution, ecosystem management, maintenance of biodiversity, etc. Nevertheless,  Team GuideToExam is trying to give you a basic idea of Environmental Protection in this Essay on Environmental Protection.

What is environmental protection?

Environmental protection is the way to protect our environment by increasing awareness among in our society. It is the duty of every individual to protect the environment from pollution and other activities which may lead to environmental degradation.

How to protect Environment in daily life (Ways to protect Environment)

Though there is an independent agency of the United States federal government for environmental protection called as US EPA, as a responsible citizens, we can follow some simple steps in our day-to-day life to protect the environment such as

We should minimize the use of Disposable paper plates: – Disposable Paper plates are mainly made from wood, and the manufacturing of these plates contributes to Deforestation. In addition to that, a huge amount of water is wasted in the production of these plates.

Maximize the use of reusable products: – One-time usable products of Plastic and paper have a very bad impact on the Environment. To replace these products, we must use reusable products in our homes more and more.

Use Rainwater harvesting: – Rainwater Harvesting is a simple method of collecting rainfall for future uses. The collected water by using this method can be utilized in different works like gardening, rainwater irrigation, etc.

Use eco–friendly cleaning products: – We must maximize the use of eco-friendly cleaning products rather than traditional products that rely on synthetic chemicals. Traditional cleaning products are mostly made from synthetic chemicals which are very dangerous to our health as well as our environment.

Environmental Protection Agency:-

The Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal government which sets and enforces national pollution control standards. It was established on 2nd Dec/1970. The main motto of this agency is to protect human and environmental health along with creating standards and laws that promote a healthy environment.

Conclusion :-

Environmental protection is the only way to protect mankind. Here, we Team GuideToExam try to give our readers an idea of what environmental protection is and how can we protect our environment by applying easy to made changes. If anything remained to uncover, don’t hesitate to give us feedback. Our team will try to add new value to our readers.

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92 Environmental Protection Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best environmental protection topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 simple & easy environmental protection essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on environmental protection, ❓ questions about environmental protection.

• Environmental Protection Agency On the 2nd of December 1970, the USA Congress passed and established rules and regulations that were proposed by President Richard Nixon to ensure the nationals and the environment was safe from harm and health […]
• Technology’s Role in Environmental Protection: The Ocean Cleanup Proponents of The Ocean Cleanup technology emphasize the fact that the devices have the capacity to effectively address oceanic plastic pollution.
• Carbon Taxes in Environmental Protection In addition, application of the strategy extends to the use of fuels and the amount of carbon emitted in the process of production.
• The Roles of Environmental Protection Agencies As a personal response to the argument; the individual’s involvement in environmental conservation is not enough as there is need for policy and regulation enforcement where he can only give advice to the federal government […]
• Animal Testing and Environmental Protection While the proponents of animal use in research argued that the sacrifice of animals’ lives is crucial for advancing the sphere of medicine, the argument this essay will defend relates to the availability of modern […]
• The Formation of the Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the U.S.federal government that was established as a response to the debate in American society over environmental protection.
• Environmental Protection: Pollution and Fossil Fuels The term used to describe a combination of oil and petroleum-related businesses, fossil fuel has been continuously cited as being dangerous for the planet.
• UAE Laws and Regulations for Environmental Protection In the meantime, specialists point out that the activity of UAE’s focused on the environment preservation has become more consistent and efficient within the past decades. The principal governmental structure responsible for the problems of […]
• Environmental Protection: Law and Policy The authors of this paper have covered how the global law on environment emerged, the reasons why the laws emerged, and finally what impacts the laws have had on development in their bid to supporting […]
• Purchasing Trees Online for Environmental Protection Overall, meditating on the situation I came to a conclusion that buying trees would become my contribution to improving the environment and helping to overcome some of the difficulties connected with the problem of global […]
• Environmental Protection With Energy Saving Tools The primary used source of energy is the fossil energy which describes gases and fuel that are applicable in almost all sectors in our life.
• West Carolina Environmental Protection Agency The case under analysis is an important source of data on the topic of the use of marketing in operating governmental agencies and public service providers.
• Leveraging Federal Budget Deficits: Stabilizing Economies During Recessions As a result, the effects of the recession on the economy are lessened. During the short-run period, the prices and wages do not react to changes in the economic situation.
• Environmental Protection Agency’s Ethical Dilemma It is trying to find ways of meeting the demands of the new administration but in a way that will not compromise the need to protect the environment.
• Ethics of Economics and Environmental Protection In this article, Markets, the Profit Motive and the Environment, Rodney Peffer identifies conflicting viewpoints on the impact of the market economy on the environment.
• The US Foreign Policy and Environmental Protection At present, the U.S.foreign policy in the context of environmental protection and climate change is far from being effective, mostly due to the presence of numerous players and stakeholders, poor motivation to improve the environment, […]
• Environmental Protection: Liquid Waste To understand the role of the EPA in protecting the human health and environment in the United States from liquid waste pollution, it is necessary to discuss the EPA’s activities and importance and to focus […]
• Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Standards Additionally, the study will examine the impacts of the policies on the organization of the supply chains transport. The members will be informed of the importance of the study and the implications of partaking in […]
• Natural and the Environmental Protection As a result, this paper attempts to answer the question “Should a corporation care about and protect the natural environment?” Apparently, environmental protection can be an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between a corporation and […]
• Sustainability in Canada and the Impact of Coca-Cola Company on Environmental Protection This paper is an in-depth analysis of sustainability in Canada and the impact of the Coca-Cola Company on environmental protection. In addition to this, the Canadian government has established the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, which […]
• Environmental Protection of the American Forests Two approaches to the issue of environmental protection of forests will be examined in the following paper, the approach described in the article “The American Forests” by John Muir and in the article “Save the […]
• Cleaning the Air at the West Carolina Environmental Protection Agency It is therefore important to note that an organization is just as good as the principles of public administration and the degree to which it stringently obeys these principles.
• Concepts of Environmental Protection Legislation Over the recent past, globally many nations have felt the impacts of global pollution through disasters, hence the need to ensure all individuals and nations combine forces and curb the vice.
• Role of Chemistry in Environmental Protection and Economic Development
• The Negative Effects of the Shift of Regulatory Power in the Environmental Protection Agency
• The Use of Statistics in Environmental Protection and Conservation
• Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and the Self-Auditing Policy of the Environmental Protection Agency
• The Importance of Environmental Protection & Practical Steps to Support It
• The Pros and Cons of Keeping the Environmental Protection
• Spatial Strategic Interaction In Environmental Protection: An Empirical Study of The Chinese Provinces
• The Purpose of the Clean Air/Water Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Vertical Roller Mill Helped the Cement Industry, Energy, and Environmental Protection
• Now or Never: Environmental Protection Under Hyperbolic Discounting
• Targeting Environmental Protection in Agriculture: IPM and BMPs as Environmental Performance Indicators
• What Do Economists Have to Say about the Clean Air Act 50 Years after the Establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency
• Productivity Measures Miss the Value of Environmental Protection
• The Mutual Relationship Between the Fields of Human Rights and Environmental Protection
• The Willingness to Pay for Environmental Protection: Are Developing Economies Different?
• Voluntary Environmental Agreements: Good or Bad News for Environmental Protection
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• Voluntary Approaches to Environmental Protection and Resource Management
• The Strong Effects of Animal Release on the Development of Economic and Environmental Protection
• The World Trade Organization and Environmental Protection
• The Problem of Air Pollution According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
• The Repeated Failures of International Negotiations for Environmental Protection
• Toxics Release Information: A Policy Tool for Environmental Protection
• Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection
• Property Rights, Regulatory Taking, And Compensation: Implications For Environmental Protection
• Ship Inspection Strategies: Effects on Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection
• On the Dynamics and Effects of Corruption on Environmental Protection
• The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Environmental Protection in India
• The Controversial Issue of the Environmental Protection Act Stepping Into Matters of Private Property
• What Does the Department of Environmental Protection Do
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Valuation of Surface Water Quality Improvements
• Reconceiving Food Security and Environmental Protection
• The Question of the Free Trade and Environmental Protection Coexist
• The Relationship Between Energy Taxation and Business Environmental Protection Expenditures in the European Union
• The Switch to Sustainable Methods for Environmental Protection: A Cost-Benefit Analysis for the State of California
• The Issue of Environmental Protection in Today’s Society
• The Challenges and Counter-Measures in the Process of China’s Water Environmental Protection
• Sub-Topic: Problems of Environmental Protection
• The Losing Battle of the Clean Water Act and Environmental Protection Agency
• Proposed Rulemaking by the Environmental Protection Agency
• The Laws Behind Environmental Protection Are Basic in Nature
• The Theme of Lineage and Environmental Protection in Noah, a Film by Darren Aronofsky
• Can Environmental Protection and Free Trade Coexist?
• Does Environmental Protection Hurt Low-Income Families?
• Does ISO14001 Raise Firms’ Awareness of Environmental Protection?
• What Does the Department of Environmental Protection Do?
• Should Environmental Protection Take Precedence Over Economic Development?
• Environmental Protection: The Market or the State?
• What Are Examples of Environmental Protection?
• Why Is Environmental Protection Important?
• What Are the Seven Simple Ways to Protect the Environment?
• What Are the Roles in Environmental Protection?
• How to Keep Balancing Environmental Protection and Energy Production?
• How to Keep Balancing Human Rights, Environmental Protection, and International Trade?
• What Are New Strategies for Poverty Reduction and Environmental Protection?
• How Changing Preferences for Environmental Protection?
• What Are Community-Based Incentives for Environmental Protection?
• Competitiveness and Environmental Protection: A Dirty Dilemma?
• What Is the Current Outlook on the Application of Microalgae in Environmental Protection?
• How Accelerating Vehicle Replacement for Environmental Protection?
• How Connect Economic Development and Environmental Protection?
• What’s the Connection Between Environmental Protection and the Social Responsibility of Firms?
• Environmental Protection and Free Trade: Are They Mutually Exclusive?
• How Does the Government Balance Environmental Protection and Economic Well-Being?
• Which Was Environmental Protection During Ancient and Medieval Periods Law General?
• What Are the Effects of Environmental Governance on Sustainable Development in Manufacture Enterprise?
• Should the Government Focus Its Budgets More on Environmental Protection Than on Economic Development?
• How Do World Bank Energy Projects in China Influence Environmental Protection?
• Climate Change Titles
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EU continues its engagement in global water cooperation at the 10th World Water Forum

From 18-25 May, EU representatives will be attending the 10th edition of the World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia which has the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”.

It is a priority for the EU to accelerate global action to address the water crisis, driven by overdemand, mismanagement and the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Water resilience is also key to prevent and address the current and future health, food and energy crises. At EU Green Week , the European Commission will launch an awareness-raising campaign on the need to transform the way water is managed, used and valued. This #WaterWiseEU campaign will encourage people to “See Water Differently” and explore solutions to the various water challenges we are facing today. 

At the World Water Forum, the EU will announce joining the Freshwater Challenge , launched at last year’s UN Water Conference. It aims to accelerate the restoration of 300,000 km of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands by 2030. By joining this challenge, the EU is showing its commitment to nature-based solutions for ensuring a sustainable water supply. 

The EU will also support water cooperation at global level, by launching a new initiative with the International Network of Basin Organisations supporting peer-learning between Lake and River Basin Organisations. Based on EU experience, this action will strengthen institutional frameworks, human capacities, means for planning and implementation among basin organisations all over the globe. 

EU research and innovation will also be showcased at the Forum, through the co-funded EU partnership Water4All in a dedicated pavilion , and through the Horizon Europe Restore our Ocean & Waters Mission . The EU pavilion will host a one-day event to present EU Research and Innovation on water, the partnerships, the Mission and promoting their various actions. Different international actions with external partners like UNESCO, the International Network of Basin Organisations (INBO) or UNEP will also be presented.  

The EU's participation in the Forum emphasizes its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 6 - ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The EU aims to keep water high on the global political agenda and to maintain the momentum from the UN 2023 Water Conference, where world leaders committed to accelerate actions for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. The EU will join high-level discussions on the Water Action Agenda (WAA), Hydro-diplomacy and Peace, Water Governance, One Health approach and Water Information Systems. It will advocate for full implementation of the commitments made to the WAA and for enhancing water cooperation as a tool for security, stability, prosperity and peace. The EU will also showcase its support for the development of water information systems as fundamental tools for providing more comprehensive and valuable information for water resource management and decision-making.  

EU Ambassador to Indonesia Denis Chaibi said: 

The EU commends Indonesia for hosting the 10 th World Water Forum, an important international event to discuss global water issues. The EU sees water cooperation as a vector for peace, security and regional stability. Integrated Water Resources Management enables us to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation with our partners. The EU has a wealth of experience and tools at its disposal, which it wishes to put to good use with the International Network of Basin Organizations, to a network of technical and institutional exchanges between basin organizations. This initiative is part of a broader approach to implementing the Global Gateway. 

On the Forum   

The World Water Forum is held every three years, and brings the international water sector together, including Heads of State, multilateral institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector. At the Forum, as part of the thematic process, the European Commission will coordinate the topic “Sound water supply and demand” under the sub-theme “Water Security and Prosperity”. A Ministerial Declaration will be adopted on 20 May. 

On the global water crisis  

It is estimated that almost half of the world’s population will suffer acute water stress by 2030. Worldwide, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water and more than half of the global population does not have access to safe sanitation. This threatens the health of millions of individuals, especially the most vulnerable groups. Increasing water stress impacts food and energy security and ecosystem health and hampers socio-economic and human development. Increased competition for dwindling freshwater resources threatens stability among and within nations through conflicts, displacement or migration. 

On EU-funded Research and Innovation on water   

Water4All is a joint initiative from the European Commission, the EU Member States and non-EU partnering countries which aims to bring partners together to work towards the sustainable use of water resources in Europe and beyond.Water4All is a co-funded partnership under Cluster 6 of Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme. The partnership’s overall budget is estimated to €400-450 million including an estimated European Union contribution of €126 million over the 10 years duration. It addresses the wider global water emergency crisis, related to water scarcity, water pollution, especially emerging contaminants, like micro-pollutants and micro-plastics, extreme hydro-meteorological events, ecosystems and biodiversity decline. Its vision is to boost the systemic transformation and changes across the entire research – water innovation pipeline, fostering the matchmaking between problem owners and solution providers to ensure water security for all in the long term. 

Five EU Missions have been launched under Horizon Europe programme. They aim to deliver concrete solutions to big societal challenges by putting research and innovation into a new role, combined with new forms of governance and collaboration, as well as by engaging citizens.  

The Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters“ is restoring the health of one of our most precious shared resources: our ocean and waters. This means protecting and restoring marine and freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems, eliminating pollution, and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. The Mission will look at the whole water system from rivers to the seas and ocean. To support the Mission objectives and its related lighthouses, two cross-cutting enablers will be enhanced: the digital ocean and water knowledge system and broad public mobilisation and engagement. 

For More Information  

Register for EU Green Week 2024 on water resilience   

European Commission’s #WaterWiseEU campaign  

Joint Statement by High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Sinkevičius on World Water Day  

EU efforts on the global water agenda  

EU Environment newsletter

EU Environment newsletters deliver the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox.

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The Lives of Sea Turtles and Why They Matter

Marine biologist christine figgener on the oldest living creatures on earth..

Posted May 23, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

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• Figgener highlights the biology and ecology of sea turtles and showcases the complexity of threats.
• Her book could motivate people to do more and entirely fall in love with these prehistoric creatures.

I love sea turtles but don't know much about them. Christine Figgener's new book My Life with Sea Turtles: A Marine Biologist’s Quest to Protect One of the Most Ancient Animals on Earth answers many questions. I couldn't be happier after I read it and agree with part of the book's description: "Filled with reverence and wonder for the natural world, this captivating book reveals the secret life of sea turtles, one of the oldest living creatures on Earth, alongside one female scientist’s fight to save their future." Her video of the painful removal of a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose went viral and catalyzed the global debate about single-use plastics that led to them being banned in many countries. Here's what she had to say about her passionate and important book.

Marc Bekoff: Why did you write My Life with Sea Turtles ?

Christine Figgener: I wrote My Life with Sea Turtles, first and foremost, to express my love and enthusiasm for sea turtles and their oceanic habitat, including the biology and ecology that have ensured their survival for millions of years. But this book was also born out of my concerns for the future of our sea turtles and oceans, which I want to share with more people.

We are currently experiencing a sixth mass extinction of species due solely to our human existence and lifestyle. Because of us, many species face unprecedented threats and only have a chance of survival if we drastically change how we live and actively do something to prevent their extinction. Despite the sad topics I address, it is still a plea for hope, optimism , and community.

By sharing my personal life journey with sea turtles, which took me from a small inland town in Germany to studying marine biology and working with sea turtles in Central America, I want to encourage and empower particularly young people to dedicate their lives to nature conservation. If there is a next generation of conservationists and sea turtle enthusiasts we will continue to have sea turtles and other animals on our planet.

I hope to motivate many people to do more and, if they haven't, entirely fall in love with these prehistoric creatures.

MB: How does your book relate to your background and general areas of interest?

CF: I have been an avid reader ever since I started reading. As a child, books let me travel into the densest jungles and deepest marine trenches without leaving the confinement of my room. I have always been a storyteller by heart, loving to write essays and short stories in school, but as I became a scientist, my storytelling had to change somewhat to comply with the rigor of the scientific method. However, I have always dreamed about writing a book about things I deeply care about and hopefully inspire others to care. With this book, I combined my love of storytelling, including photography, with my passion for science and sea turtles.

MB: Who do you hope to reach?

CF: People who wouldn't generally read a popular science book. I don't want to preach to the choir. We have an incredible global conservation community. While I appreciate my friends and colleagues reading my book, I would like people outside our usual bubble to pick it up. It is not my friends and colleagues I need to educate about the plight of sea turtles and our oceans, but people who have never before thought about it. Sea turtles are charismatic animals; some might even say magical. I hope their unique charm will help me convince people that they and their oceanic habitat are worthy of our protection and that we need all hands on deck for it.

MB: What are some of the major topics you consider?

CF: Besides highlighting extraordinary sea turtle biology and ecology, I primarily want to showcase the complexity of threats they and their oceanic habitat face. We won't save sea turtles just by banishing plastic straws or eating fish. There is so much going on, from direct exploitation to climate change , pollution, and invasive species, and all of this needs to be addressed and hopefully solved if sea turtles are meant to have a future on this planet.

Other topics near and dear to me are general issues in the conservation sector (and academia), ranging from low pay and little available funding to low diversity and neocolonial structures that many people might not be aware of. I am also talking about the importance of data-driven conservation measures to maximize their impact and outcome while being limited by funding and what it is like to have two hearts beating in my chest, that of a cool-headed scientist and a hot-blooded activist. I write from my perspective as a female scientist and conservationist, which might provide some insights into the unique challenges women face and how we navigate this world.

MB: How does your book differ from others that are concerned with some of the same general topics?

CF: When I set out to write this book, I didn't want to write another popular science book about sea turtles with fact after fact after fact. I want to reach audiences beyond those who usually pick up these books. I want people of all ages, who like the ocean and perhaps even sea turtles, those who like a good read about an interesting topic, to be drawn into the world of sea turtles, my work with them, and learning a good amount on the side. Having written this book as part memoir, part adventure-travel book, and part popular science book, it hopefully provides the right mix to keep people engaged.

MB: Are you hopeful that as people learn more about turtles, they will treat them with more compassion and respect?

CF: You only protect what you love, and you only love what you know. After reading my book, people will know more about sea turtles and their state in our world. Time will tell if this will also lead to a love for them and more compassion and respect.

In conversation with Dr. Christine Figgener . Christine has lived and worked in Costa Rica since 2007, researching sea turtles and fighting for their protection. She is a Time magazine Next Generation Leader and her research and advocacy efforts have been featured in the BBC and National Geographic . Currently, she leads research projects in Costa Rica dedicated to empowering local conservation initiatives. Her video of the painful removal of a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose went viral and catalyzed the global debate about single-use plastics that led to them being banned in many countries.

Endangered Turtles Offer Hope In an Era of Despair .

Marc Bekoff, Ph.D. , is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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Environmental Protection Essay

The environmental protection essay is a great way to assist the little ones in understanding how to protect the environment. Environmental protection has emerged as one of the major challenges in the world for centuries and has always been important to humans. As of late, it has seen a dramatic change in environmental policy, primarily through the use of the law. One way that law is used to protect the environment is by enacting government regulations on pollution and preventing environmental degradation.

Environmental protection is an integral part of today’s society, but many people lack even basic knowledge on what they can do to help protect our environment. The destruction of the environment and the depletion of natural resources are significant issues that are ever-present. In this essay, there will be a list of ideas for participating in the fight against these problems. This essay on environmental protection describes the meaning and importance of environmental protection and also teaches the right method to preserve the environment.

How to Protect the Environment Essay

Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment against various human activities that degrade, destroy, or otherwise reduce its quality for future generations. Environmental protection has become a widespread issue in recent decades as human pressures on the environment have increased exponentially.

There are many ways to protect the environment. One way to protect the environment is by recycling – a way to reduce the carbon footprint and conserve natural resources. It also decreases the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which causes less pollution to water bodies. Another way is to use eco-friendly products in your life. This can contribute to a healthier environment by reducing the number of harmful chemicals and toxins in the air, ground, and water.

To protect the environment, we should be conscious of what we consume and how we consume it. Many factors affect the quality of our air, water, and land, but it is best to start small by always considering its impact on the environment.

Afforestation and tree plantation help protect our environment by reducing global warming, soil erosion, etc. We can reduce our carbon footprint through carpooling instead of driving, which is cheaper and reduces our energy usage and emissions.

For more essays similar to the environmental protection essay, visit BYJU’S website. You can also find more exciting kids’ learning resources, such as poems, stories, worksheets, etc., on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is environmental protection.

Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by maintaining the quality of air, water, land or ecosystem. The effects that humans have on their environment create issues for the natural environment. This can include air pollution, water pollution, and degradation of land. Governments and people are involved with environmental protection through policies and regulations.

How to protect the environment?

Environmental protection has seen a dramatic change, especially through environmental laws. These laws call for reducing pollution and environmental degradation.

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U.S. Department of the Treasury

Anchoring clean energy manufacturing investments in coal country and beyond.

by Luke Bassett, Director of Policy and Program Impact, IRA Implementation

There has long been a need to reinvest in coal country and communities that have been at the forefront of manufacturing and fossil fuel production in America. Now, President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is fueling demand for investment in clean energy manufacturing facilities in those communities. Initial allocations for the § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit point to this strong and growing appetite: the Biden-Harris administration announced $4 billion in tax credits for over 100 projects across 35 states to accelerate domestic clean energy manufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at industrial facilities, with $1.5 billion supporting projects in historic energy communities. Initial interest in concept papers submitted earlier in this first round indicated approximately  10 times more funding requested than the anticipated allocation. On May 22, 2024, the Department of Energy will open the  48C portal for Round 2 concept paper submissions, with the thirty-day concept paper submission period ending on June 21, 2024 at 5pm eastern time.

As a crucial component of President Biden’s economic engine, the § 48C credit is incentivizing and anchoring investments in clean energy manufacturing facilities – and the good-paying jobs that go along with them – to strengthen the economies of coal communities and other areas that have experienced underinvestment in past decades.   This is a key part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy security and manufacturing agenda and is a proven way to help bring success to communities that need reinvestment. Through these efforts, the Biden-Harris Administration and the private sector are writing a new chapter in the history of investing in the nation’s clean energy manufacturing.

A History of Investing in American Clean Energy Manufacturing

After decades of underinvestment and jobs being shipped overseas, American manufacturing faced tremendous headwinds even before the 2008 Great Recession. 

Responding to the 2008 crisis, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act) into law. As part of an overall  $90 billion investment in clean energy, the Recovery Act included the Advanced Energy Project Credit (§ 48C), a first-of-its-kind 30% investment tax credit, which allocated  $2.3 billion to provide incentives to build, re-equip, or expand the facilities necessary to produce a new generation of clean energy technologies. When signed into law, the program criteria prioritized investments that would also enable domestic job creation, avoid or reduce pollution, and harness technological innovation.

As established in the Recovery Act, DOE reviews § 48C applications and makes recommendations to inform the IRS’s determinations of which applicants receive an allocation. Over the course of the initial § 48C program, DOE received applications requesting a total of more than $8 billion, or a nearly 3-to-1 ratio to available funding. The awarded funding catalyzed up to $5.4 billion in private investment across facilities designed to manufacture technologies from solar panels to carbon capture equipment to high-efficiency heat pumps and light bulbs.

Through the allocation of that initial $2.3 billion in the 2010s, the § 48C credit provided incentives to  at least 38 states across clean energy product manufacturing, including:   [1]

• Batteries – $29.4 million;
• Biomass – $29.3 million;
• Building technologies – $146.6 million;
• Carbon capture and sequestration technologies – $4.8 million;
• Fuel cells – $5.5 million;
• Geothermal – $8.9 million;
• Industrial emissions technologies – $166.5 million;
• Nuclear – $73.8 million;
• Smart grid – $35.7 million;
• Solar (photovoltaic and concentrated) – $840.9 million;
• Vehicles – $46.8 million; and
• Wind – $258.5 million.

Through these investments, the Recovery Act’s § 48C credit established a model for other provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by providing incentives to clean energy manufacturing facilities as a method of economic relief for domestic supply chains.

Updating the § 48C Credit for a New Era 

Over a longer period of time, the coal industry--and the workers and communities centered around it--had undergone a period of economic decline. Although total mine production had outpaced mine employment rates due to mechanization since the 1980s, recent trends pointed both to continuing decline in employment as well as declining production rates overall. [2]

Lower exports of metallurgical coal combined with a competitive disadvantage between coal sources in the Appalachian basin and the Powder River basin had further depressed the industry central to coal communities in the eastern United States. And incentives in clean energy technologies – and their manufacturing supply chains – were not targeted at communities or workers losing jobs, instead following wind- or solar-rich areas elsewhere. 

In 2021, as the United States faced the combined challenges of post-pandemic recovery, inflation, and an energy security crisis abroad, President Biden and the Congress turned again to the § 48C Credit as a mechanism to focus investment on clean energy manufacturing and the facilities that shore up – and onshore –supply chains and good-paying jobs. Beginning to address these intertwined economic and energy issues, Senator Joe Manchin III, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Senator Steve Daines cosponsored a bipartisan update to § 48C – the  American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act of 2021 . This bill reflected updates in technological trends, new demands in manufacturing, competitive investments in critical minerals processing, and the challenge posed by industrial emissions of greenhouse gases in incumbent facilities, from cement-making to chemical production and more. It subsequently became part of the tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as influencing other aspects of economic reinvestment provisions across President Biden’s agenda.

Seeking ways to invest directly in workers and communities where jobs had been lost over time, Senator Manchin led the legislative efforts to guarantee a sizable portion of the § 48C funding focus on communities in census tracts where coal mines have closed or coal-fired power plants have retired. Through President Biden’s leadership, the § 48C credit is a pivotal program in the Inflation Reduction Act and its reinvestment in manufacturing, the creation of good-paying jobs – including through new prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, and the high-skilled workers who live in coal communities. 

With the additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, Treasury, the IRS, and the Department of Energy (DOE) reestablished the § 48C  program and launched the first allocation round to spur project development and initial investment.

Timeline and Key Statistics of § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Program 

February 17, 2009:  Enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

January 8, 2010:     Certification  announcement for Recovery Act era program.

March 4, 2013:        Reallocation  announcement for Recovery Act era program.

Nearly one decade later…

August 16, 2022:     Enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

February 13, 2023:  Publication of  initial guidance for the § 48C program and announcement of an anticipated first round allocation of $4 billion, with up to $1.6 billion anticipated for coal community census tracts.

May 31, 2023:         Release of  additional guidance describing submission requirements and other details relevant to the first allocation.

August 3, 2023:       Deadline for first allocation  project proposals (or concept papers). The § 48C program  received concept papers seeking a total of nearly $42 billion in funding for the $4 billion available in its initial allocation round, or approximately 10 times more funding requested than the anticipated allocation. The received concept papers sought approximately $11 billion in funding for the designated coal communities set aside, or approximately 10 times greater than the $1.6 billion anticipated allocation. DOE provided applicants feedback related to their concept papers before applicants decide whether to submit a full application. Altogether, the submitted concept papers included requests for:

• Approximately $27 billion in credits for Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling projects, that would leverage private investment for a total proposed project investment of approximately $92 billion. 
• Approximately $8 billion in credits for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction projects, that would leverage private investment for a total proposed project investment of approximately $28 billion. 
• Approximately $6 billion in credits for Critical Materials projects, that would leverage private investment for a total proposed project investment of approximately $21 billion. 

December 26, 2023: Deadline for applications for first allocation. DOE  received approximately 250 full applications from projects requesting a total of approximately $13.5 billion in tax credits.

March 29, 2024: Treasury, IRS, and DOE  announced $4 billion in Round 1 tax credit allocations to over 100 projects across 35 states, including approximately $1.5 billion supporting projects in historic energy communities – communities with closed coal mines or coal plants under § 48C guidance Of the $4 billion allocated in Round 1:

• Approximately $2.7 billion in tax credits for Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling projects.
• Approximately $800 million in tax credits for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction projects.
• Approximately $500 million in tax credits Critical Materials projects.

April 29, 2024:    Release of  guidance for round 2 tax credit allocations. 

May 22, 2024:    Opening of  the 48C portal for round 2 concept paper submissions.

The § 48C credit program draws on a proven method of economic investment and sharpens that approach so that incentives draw private investment to unite the longstanding skills found in coal communities with the economic and energy security needs facing the nation today. 

Additional Information on § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit

Treasury and the IRS issued  guidance on Round 2 of the § 48C tax credit on April 29, 2024 and have provided guidance previously on the §48C credit program here .

You can find more information about the IRA’s tax incentives here and broader manufacturing-related incentives   here .

[1] This analysis includes data reported and categorized by DOE but excludes the additional, uncategorized funding amounts allocated (and reported) under the §48C credit program at the time.

[2] Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration,  Monthly Energy Review , Table 6.1, November 2023. U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration,  Mine Data Retrieval System , December 12, 2023.