3. Environment
The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living
things occurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof.
It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all
living species.
Complete ecological units that function as natural systems
without massive human intervention, including all
vegetation, microorganisms, soil, rocks, atmosphere, and
natural phenomena that occur within their boundaries.
Universal natural resources and physical phenomena that lack
clear-cut boundaries, such as air, water, and climate, as well
as energy, radiation, electric charge, and magnetism, not
originating from human activity.
4. Environmental Issues
Environmental issues are harmful aspects of human activity on the
biophysical environment.
Environmentalism, a social and environmental movement that
started in the 1960s, addresses environmental issues through
advocacy, education and activism
For example the carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere has already exceeded 400 parts per million. This
level is considered a tipping point.
The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is already above the
threshold that can potentially cause dangerous climate change. We
are already at risk...It's not next year or next decade, it's
now.
7. Air pollution
introduction of chemicals, particulates,
materials into the atmosphere
or
biological
cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage other
living organisms such as food crops, or damage the natural
environment or built environment.
Atmosphere - complex dynamic natural gaseous system which
is essential to support life on planet Earth.
Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long
been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to
the Earth's ecosystems.
Indoor air pollution and urban air quality are listed as
two of the World’s Worst Toxic Pollution Problems in the
2008 Blacksmith Institute World's Worst Polluted Places
report.
9. Water pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g.
lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater).
Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly
or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to
remove harmful compounds.
Water pollution affects plants and organisms living in these
bodies of water.
In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual
species and populations, but also to the natural biological
communities.
11. Noise pollution
Noise pollution is displeasing or excessive noise that may
disrupt the activity or balance of human or animal life.
The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by
machines and transportation systems, motor
vehicles, aircrafts, and trains.
Indoor noise is caused by machines, building activities, music
performances, and especially in some workplaces.
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in
humans, a rise in blood pressure, and an increase in stress
and vasoconstriction, and an increased incidence of coronary
artery disease.
In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering
predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with
reproduction and navigation, and contribute to permanent
hearing loss.