List of Environmental Problems

From LoveToKnow GreenLiving

Here is a list of environmental problems. Many of these problems are due to human behaviors. Many environmentalists and scientists believe these problems can be addressed. The challenge is whether or not the human race can act quickly enough to make a positive impact in our lifetimes.

List of Environmental Problems

Climate change/Global warming: Many people use the terms climate change and global warming interchangeably. While the Earth's climate has changed many times during its history, there appears to be a rapid global warming occurring based on many human factors. The Ice Age is an example of past climate change. Global warming is an increase in the atmosphere's average temperature. This can contribute to changes in global weather patterns.
Greenhouse gases: Greenhouse gases are a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases also occur naturally and they help keep the planet warm by trapping heat on the planet but in recent years the number of greenhouse gases has increased. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States emitted more than 7.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2005. NASA reports that 2005 was the warmest year on record.
Sea level rise: Sea levels are rising as much as 5 to 6 inches causing flooding, and land erosion. Higher temperatures from global warming cause ice and glaciers to melt and water to expand which results in the rise in water levels.
Fossil fuels: The three main types of fossil fuels are petroleum, natural gas and coal. The burning of fossil fuels results in carbon dioxide and other particulates which are released into the air. This burning can be a cause for lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases. The earth's supply of fossil fuels is running out causing scientists to look for cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
Nature conservation: Environmentalists are concerned with nature conservation. Wildlife and plant life are in danger as humans continue to industrialize the planet. Fisheries, wildlife habitats, certain animals and plants are all in danger of disappearing or becoming extinct as humans mine the planet and build new developments. Conservationists hope to strike a balance between progress and our natural resources.
Habitat destruction: Mining, agriculture, logging and urban sprawling are casing the destruction of plant and animal habitats. Habitat destruction is a leading cause of animal distinction. Rain forests, which have been reduced by almost fifty percent, are an example of habitat destruction.
Species extinction: A large number of animals are in danger of extinction due to human and environmental causes. The list of endangered animals includes giant pandas, tigers, polar bears, certain whales and dolphins, rhinos, elephants, marine turtles, black spider monkey, monarch butterflies, brown bears and great apes.
Soil contamination: The Earth's soil is becoming contaminated by pollutants in underground storage tanks, the application of pesticides and the leaching of waste from landfills into the ground. Contaminated soil can harm plants growing in the soil, expose humans to contaminants and harm humans who eat plants and animals that have been exposed. It is unknown exactly how much of the Earth's land has been contaminated, however the United States is considered to have a large percentage of contaminated soil.
Overpopulation: According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the world's population has grown from 3 billion in 1959 to 6 billion in 1999. The world population is projected to grow from 6 billion in 1999 to 9 billion by 2040. The population creates a burden on the world's natural resources, food supply, clean water supply. More people mean more energy and more emissions in the Earth's atmosphere.

This is only a partial list of environmental challenges the human race faces. Our planet faces many other challenges not included on this list of environmental problems. For more information on environmental problems, visit these websites:

Environmental Protection Agency

Science Daily

U.S. Green Build Council

State Department

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