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Man and his environment
Environment means all that surrounds us. It is a very complex phenomenon consisting of climate, geology, geography and all the natural resources that nature has bestowed. Now, existence on earth presupposes maintenance of biodiversity and preservation of the delicate balance between the various elements that constitute the environment. Patently enough, if this balance is disturbed, life is likely to be affected or destroyed. In other words, any imbalance in the biosphere will be disastrous to mankind.
But man, in his greed to acquire more advantages of power, mobility, leisure, longevity, etc. has caused havoc to our environment. Pollution has disturbed the ecological balance in many ways. Different wastes have entered the air, water and soil. Noise and radiation have caused immense damage to our environment.
Air pollution</B>
Air pollution is one of the major problems created by modern man. It is estimated that 100 million tons of waste are poured into our atmosphere each year. Wastes in the form of smoke from industries, power plants, automobiles and homes and due to the burning of fossil fuels, spread pollution in the atmosphere. Aircraft also release large amounts of burnt or unburnt fuel into the air.
<B>Acid rain and greenhouse effect</B>
A side effect of air pollution is acid rain, which is now a common occurrence. It causes direct damage to leaves of plants. Forests in many parts of the industrialised world are dying because of acid rain. Scientists have reason to believe that air pollution affects weather. A rise in the surface temperature of land and water due to what is called the greenhouse effect is predicted.
Depletion of the ozone layer</B>
In the last decade or so, there has been much concern about the reduction in the ozone layer surrounding the earth. Many factors led to this depletion, the foremost being the widespread usage of Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFCS) found in propellants in aerosol sprays, refrigerants, and coolants, etc. which appeared in 1928. Another cause of the destruction is the group known as halons used in fire-extinguishers. In 1987, British scientists discovered that there was a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. The fear is that it will allow more ultra violet radiation to reach the earth’s surface, causing skin cancer, affecting crops, interfering with the oxygen cycle and even disrupting weather patterns.
Water pollution and eutrophication</B>
Most of the rivers and oceans are polluted. Sewage and industrial effluents are allowed to flow into rivers and oceans, which cause a great threat to aquatic creatures. At the same time this increases the productivity of the water and causes algae to grow in abundance. Eventually, the death of the algae promotes the growth of a large number of decomposers causing decrease amounts of oxygen and loss of life.
Soil pollution</B>
The problem of soil pollution is rapidly increasing in the rural, urban and industrial areas due to the irrational disposal of solid wastes. Heavy metals, plastics and other persistent organic compounds including pesticides are the major causes of soil pollution. The pesticides not only kill the targeted pests, but also kill many harmless and beneficial insects.
<B>Pollution due to radiation</B>
Hazards of nuclear radiation are extremely serious because they upset the genetic make-up of living beings. Environmental pollution from nuclear radiation is increasing rapidly due to the proliferation of nuclear power. Plants producing large quantities of waste remain radioactive for a long period of time.
<B>Noise pollution</B>
Noise is referred to as unwanted sound that is usually unpleasant. It is one of the greatest pollutants. The general noise level in the cities is alarmingly causing mental and physical diseases. Noise erupting from factories, vehicles, T.V sets, aircrafts, etc…contribute the noise pollution.
Deforestation</B>
Forests are one of the priceless boons of Nature. But urbanisation and industrialisation on a vast scale during the past few decades have resulted in mass deforestation and depletion of the green cover. Human consumerism has created great pressure on forests. Thus have almost disappeared in some areas, resulting in soil erosion, floods, barrenness of earth, climatic changes, droughts and deterioration of the ecosystem.
Undesirably, the protection of the environment is the duty of each and every inhabitant on earth. If we fail to do it, a similar fate as that of the dinosaurs awaits us. Let’s conclude with the following words of Mrs Indira Gandhi, former prime minister of India during the inauguration of the 12th World Energy congress in New Delhi in 1983:
“We should be good guests on earth, neither too demanding nor disturbing its delicate balance. We should allow it to renew itself for those who are to follow.”
Vijaye RAMPERGAS</B>
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