Human Activities And Their Impact: Major Pollution Causes

Pollution is a pressing issue that has detrimental effects on human health and the planet. It is the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death, causing about 9 million premature deaths annually, with air pollution being the primary contributor. Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles, known as aerosols, and certain gases suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from various sources, including car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, and wildfires. In addition to air pollution, other types of pollution, such as water and land-based pollution, also contribute to the overall problem. Industrial activities, the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, urbanization, and inadequate waste management have intensified pollution levels, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing pollution is crucial not only for protecting human health but also for mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Industrial activities

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, to power heavy machinery has led to a sharp increase in carbon emissions and harmful environmental pollution. Industrialization has also contributed to environmental degradation, the depletion of natural resources, water pollution, and urban overcrowding. The manufacturing industries, construction, and heavy industry are major sources of CO2 and nitrous oxide emissions, which have detrimental impacts on human health and significantly increase the death rate.

The energy sector, heavy industry, fuel production, and processing are among the most polluting sectors of industry. Power plants, particularly coal-powered plants, cause significant damage to the environment and human health through air pollution. The costs of air pollution caused by large industrial plants are substantial, with just 1% of the most polluting facilities causing half of the total damage.

In addition to air pollution, industrial activities also contribute to water pollution. Water originating from various industries can find its way into agriculture, leading to soil degradation and metal toxicity. The increasing use of drugs in livestock, poultry production, and fish farming has also led to the presence of pharmaceuticals in sewage effluent, which is a major concern for the environment.

To mitigate the impacts of industrial pollution, there is a need for comprehensive waste treatment strategies that eliminate priority pollutants at their source. Additionally, behavioral, social, and economic changes are necessary to reduce plastic consumption and ocean litter, which are expected to increase with industrialization, especially in coastal areas.

Fossil fuels

The extraction and refinement of fossil fuels also contribute to air and water pollution. For example, fracking, a controversial method of extraction, involves injecting huge quantities of water mixed with chemicals and sand into wells, creating environmental and health problems. Drilling, fracking, and mining operations generate large volumes of wastewater, which can be contaminated with heavy metals, radioactive materials, and other pollutants, leading to groundwater and waterway contamination.

Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, contributing to smog and acid rain formation. Fossil fuel emissions from transportation, industry, and electricity generation are major sources of nitrogen oxide pollution. According to a 2017 study, 17.6 million Americans are exposed daily to toxic air pollution from active oil and gas wells and processing facilities. These emissions include benzene and formaldehyde, which have been linked to serious health issues such as childhood leukaemia, blood disorders, and cancer.

The health impacts of air pollution from fossil fuels are significant. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, and other health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly seven million deaths occur annually due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, with 99% of people breathing air that exceeds the WHO's guideline limits for pollutants. Low- and middle-income countries bear the highest burden of disease and premature deaths related to air pollution.

Furthermore, the production and consumption of fossil fuels contribute to economic and social inequalities. Fossil fuel companies engage in greenwashing, misleading the public about their commitment to clean energy while continuing to heavily invest in oil and gas. The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial to reducing pollution, mitigating climate change, and improving public health and environmental outcomes.

Wildfires

Climate change-induced droughts and dry conditions create an environment more susceptible to wildfires. For example, the wildfires that struck Central and Southern Chile in 2023 were fuelled by high temperatures, winds, and a decade-long drought. Similarly, the 2023 wildfire season in Canada saw seven times more hectares burned than the average between 1990 and 2013, due to unusually warm and dry conditions.

The particulate matter and smoke released by wildfires can linger in the air for days, travelling hundreds of miles downwind, and worsening air quality. For example, smoke from the Canadian wildfires in 2022 reached as far as southern Greenland and Western Europe. The Australian wildfires in 2019-2020 produced carbon emissions 1.6 times greater than the country's total emissions for that year.

Poor waste management

Ineffective waste management practices include non-existent collection systems, deficient transportation, uncontrolled dumping, and inadequate disposal methods such as open-air incineration and landfill use. These practices result in the release of harmful pollutants, including greenhouse gases, hazardous chemicals, and toxic waste. For instance, plastic waste incineration produces hydrochloric acid and dioxins, which are detrimental to human health and can cause allergies, hemoglobin deficiency, and cancer. Open and unsanitary landfills contaminate drinking water sources, causing infections and transmitting diseases, particularly in marginalized communities.

The increasing volume of waste generated by industrialization, urbanization, and the modern economy exacerbates the challenges of waste management. Global solid waste generation rates are rising faster than urbanization, overwhelming local governments and leading to unsustainable practices. Mixing hazardous waste with household garbage, using outdated facilities, and dumping waste into water bodies are common issues. As a result, ecosystems are polluted, natural resources are depleted, and public health is compromised.

To address poor waste management, waste minimization should be a priority. When waste cannot be avoided, recovery of materials and energy, remanufacturing, and recycling are crucial. Recycling saves resources and creates jobs, employing 12 million people in Brazil, China, and the United States alone. Proper treatment of special wastes, such as electronics, agricultural biomass, and plastics, is also essential, especially in developing countries.

The impacts of poor waste management extend beyond the environment. Pollution stunts economic growth and contributes to climate change, with greenhouse gas emissions from landfills being significantly higher than previously estimated. As global waste generation continues to increase, projected to reach 3.4 billion tons by 2050, the urgency of improving waste management practices becomes ever more critical.

Vehicle emissions

A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, with variations depending on fuel type, fuel economy, and mileage. Every gallon of gasoline burned releases approximately 8,887 grams of carbon dioxide, which equates to about 20 pounds. This significant amount of carbon dioxide remains in our atmosphere for thousands of years, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

In addition to carbon dioxide, vehicle emissions also produce methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) from leaking air conditioners. While electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity as a more environmentally friendly alternative, they still emit a small amount of greenhouse gases due to HFC leakage. However, they do not produce tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner option than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

To reduce vehicle emissions, individuals can opt for fuel-efficient vehicles, properly maintain their cars, and adopt driving practices that reduce fuel consumption, such as maintaining proper tire inflation, adhering to speed limits, and accelerating gradually. Additionally, choosing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, or public transportation, whenever possible, can significantly decrease vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

By implementing these measures and transitioning to cleaner vehicle alternatives, we can effectively reduce the pollution and health risks associated with vehicle emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and improved public health outcomes.

Frequently asked questions