Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; and pollution. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable. Environmental concerns can be defined as the negative effects of any human activity on the environment, including both biological and physical features. Environmental degradation comes in many types, and it can be entirely natural in origin, or it can be accelerated or caused by human activities.
Some of the primary environmental challenges that are causing great worry are air pollution, water pollution, natural environment pollution, rubbish pollution, and so on. When natural habitats are destroyed or natural resources are depleted, the environment is degraded. Environmental degradation is one of the ten threats officially cautioned by the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change of the United Nations. Many international organizations recognize environmental degradation as one of the major threats facing the planet, since humans have only been given one Earth to work with, and if the environment becomes irreparably compromised, it could mean the end of human existence.
Environmental degradation is a major contributor to poverty. People living in poverty often experience hunger and food insecurity, which leads to over-exploitation of natural resources. For example, trees are frequently harvested to turn into charcoal, a product that can be sold for quick cash. This can lead to deforestation, air pollution, and other unsustainable practices that have a negative impact on the environment. Environmental degradation damages soil in a variety of ways. It furthers erosion, which removes topsoil and reduces the fertility of the soil. It can also cause an increase in salinity, which affects the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients. Environmental degradation can lead to compaction, which reduces the amount of air and water that can be held in the soil. Environmental degradation is a major contributor to climate change. Deforestation, overfishing, and other unsustainable practices lead to the destruction of habitats, the release of greenhouse gases, and the disruption of natural carbon sinks. As habitats are destroyed, fewer plants are available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to an increase in atmospheric concentrations of the gas.
