The natural environment includes land, water, air, plants, animals and other natural resources on which people depend.
Forms of environmental degradation
Environmental degradation includes deforestation, soil erosion, water and air pollution, bush fires, overgrazing, poor waste disposal, destruction of wetlands and uncontrolled extraction of natural resources.
Causes
- population growth and settlement expansion;
- unsustainable farming and grazing;
- logging, mining and industrial activities;
- burning vegetation and careless waste disposal;
- oil, chemical and sewage pollution; and
- lack of environmental education and enforcement.
Effects
Degradation causes loss of biodiversity, declining soil fertility, flooding, drought, disease, unsafe water, climate-related problems and reduced livelihoods. It can also create conflict over scarce resources.
Conservation measures
Citizens and institutions can plant trees, protect forests and wetlands, prevent bush fires, use land sustainably, dispose of waste properly, keep water sources clean and support environmental education. Government agencies can enforce environmental laws, regulate extraction and improve waste-management systems.
Summary
Environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Conservation safeguards health, livelihoods and the rights of future generations.
