Environmental Problems of the World
Today, the effects of environmental problems can be felt by all people in the form of natural disasters and shortages. The effects of flooding, dry seasons or extreme weather conditions like El Niño have left many families around the world without adequate food or proper living conditions. In addition, extreme weather conditions like the heat waves that are currently being experienced in Australia have left many dead. Merely by existing, the human population’s impact on the natural environment has led to the destruction of ecosystems and created ecological problems.
The environment is composed of the external features both living and nonliving that can have an impact on an organism. The nonliving features, also known as abiotic factors include ocean currents, temperature, wind and rainfall. When the nonliving and living factors within the environment interact, an ecosystem is formed. Any small changes within the ecosystem can have untold consequences on the environment as well as the living organisms within it. All living organisms have changed their environment through their interaction; however, the largest changes have been brought about by man (Tellegen & Wolsink, 1998). In an effort to improve his life, man has sought more resources from the environment than any other creature. The desire to have better living conditions, security, and health as well better food and recreational facilities has had man taking from the environment more than what he puts back. The negative aspect of all these development is felt within the environment.
The problems brought about by man’s selfish interaction with the environment are diverse. The most common include pollution, global warming, and destruction of life giving ecosystems as well as reduction of the Ozone Layer. If not checked, scientists believe that these problems will escalate and their effects will directly affect the world’s population size. A look at the studies done by...