The environment that we live in and make use of is being stripped off its precious components day by day. There are many angles from which the problem of environmental problem can be studied. Similarly, many different views come in to play if we need to find practical solutions to these problems. There are innumerable factors associated with conservation of environment and also these problems are interrelated. The activities as well as the lifestyle of human beings too play an important role in how the surroundings/environment is affected. Till date, it is one of the major factor that has affected the environment of the Earth as it is in constant conflict with it.
Solutions to Environmental Problems
The list of environmental problems and solutions presented in this write-up should throw some light on how do we go about the conservation of natural resources.
Contamination of Soil
The soil is important natural resources on earth. It is the medium used for growing crops which provide us with the necessary foods. The contamination which alters natural composition of soil affects the food chain and thereby, the entire ecosystem. Use of chemical fertilizers is a major cause of contamination of soil. Making use of organic fertilizers not only protects the soil from getting damaged, but also leads to the production of crops with fewer amounts of toxic chemicals. Using organic fertilizers also provides wholesome nutrition to the plants/crops which in turn benefits the consumers. Contamination of soil is one of the important environmental problems and issues which need to be dealt with a lot of care and responsibility.
Non-Vegetarian Diet
Following a vegetarian lifestyle can solve many of our environmental issues. Human beings have become so habitual to a non-vegetarian diet, they consider it quite natural. Now that the disastrous effects of indulging in meat-eating have been confirmed by United Nations and many different research organizations, we should rethink about what we consume. The greenhouse gases generated in order to produce food for a meat-eater are 7 times greater than those generated for a vegan diet. The above-mentioned stats reveal only the economic losses that result from meat-eating. The extinction of several animal species is the irreparable damage caused by this eating habit. Pollution and other environmental problems caused by automobile and industries seem negligible if compared with that resulting from meat-eating. Animal cruelty is another aspect associated with meat-eating which, no matter how important can’t be dealt in the context of information presented in this article.
Genetic Erosion
The foods that we consume, originate mostly from hybrid varieties of crops. Conservation of the natural/locally found crop varieties is important from the point of conserving biodiversity. It is necessary to take proper steps in this direction i.e. to conserve these local varieties. It has been found that local varieties are far more nutritious than those created by the method of hybridization. The hybrid varieties are created keeping in mind a certain objective i.e. of increasing the yield, making the crop resistant to pests, etc. However, in the process of adding these characteristics, we lose out on the original genetic make up of these crops. Steps should therefore, be taken to conserve their local crop varieties.
Water Pollution
This problem has prevailed for so many years and still we aren’t able to find satisfactory solution to water pollution. The indiscipline or lack of concerns about disposal of industrial waster is an important factor responsible for water pollution. Improvement in the recycling process is the possible solution for this problem. Implementing the strict guidelines set by the local governing bodies pertaining to waste water disposal should solve the problem to a great extent.
Hazardous Waste Disposal.
The disposal of hazardous waste materials have a long-term effect on the environment. Plants, animals and human beings are all affected by this waste disposal. Different types of hazardous waste materials include pesticides, carcinogens, paints, solvents, teratogenic compounds, etc. Proper treatment of these wastes before disposal is the solution to this problem.
Depletion of Ozone Layer
The ozone layer protects living beings on earth from ultraviolet rays of sun. This layer is becoming thinner day-by-day due to pollutants like nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Apart from the depletion of ozone layer, these emissions of gases also cause several health problems. Keeping a check on these emissions is the solution to protect the ozone layer.
The topic of environmental problems and solutions is quite complicated and difficult to understand given the complexity/interrelations of different components of the ecosystem. It is however, the attitude/approach of human beings towards using the natural resources that is going to influence environment to a great extent. The knowledge of environmental ethics should also help in the conservation of natural resources.
