COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING BLOCK 1C

FINAL PERIOD ACTIVITY

ROD JHON E. RODRIGUEZ

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND IT’S SOLUTIONS.

1. AIR POLLUTION
Pollutants that are harmful to both human health and the health of the entire planet are released into
the air, which is referred to as air pollution. Nearly seven million deaths worldwide occur each year as a
result of air pollution, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s recommended
limits for pollutants are currently exceeded by nine out of ten people, with those in low- and middle-
income countries suffering the most. Energy use and production account for the majority of air
pollution. When fossil fuels are burned, gases and chemicals are released into the atmosphere. In a
particularly destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only fuels climate change but also exacerbates it.
The earth’s temperature rises as a result of methane and carbon dioxide air pollution. Smog, which
develops when the weather is warmer and there is more ultraviolet radiation, is another type of air
pollution that is then made worse by that increased heat. Due to the damp conditions brought on by
extreme weather and increased flooding, pollen and mold are two other allergenic air pollutants that
are produced more frequently as a result of climate change. The effects of air pollution on the human
body vary according to the type of pollutant, the length and intensity of exposure, as well as other
factors, such as a person’s personal health risks and the combined effects of numerous pollutants or
stressors.

SOLUTION FOR AIR POLLUTION

Moving away from fossil fuels and substituting them with alternative energies like solar, wind, and
geothermal is the most straightforward strategy to reduce air pollution. a source of energy that is
cleaner. Equally crucial is lowering our energy usage through the use of more energy-efficient
technology and sensible habits. Additionally, taking public transportation is another surefire quick
approach to reduce air pollution because it uses less gas and energy; even carpools contribute to it.
Using public transportation can also help with cost savings in addition to reducing the release of fuels
and gas. Lower emissions will result from fewer vehicles on the road. Additionally, one of the best ways
to reduce air pollution on a personal level is to simply turn off the lights in your homes, cars, and other
places when not in use. Less electricity consumption can help preserve energy because the energy that
lights consume also contributes to air pollution. To protect the environment, use energy-efficient
fluorescent lighting. Plant and grow as many trees as you can, last but not least. Planting trees has a lot
of positive effects on the environment and promotes oxygen release. In which will have a significant
influence on the air’s quality.

2. DEFORESTATION
Deforestation is the ongoing removal of standing forests, and it can happen for a number of different
reasons and have a number of disastrous effects. It is the deliberate, accidental, or natural removal of
trees by clearing, destroying, or other means. It can happen anywhere there are lots of trees and other
plants. A variety of issues for Indigenous people can result from the loss of trees and other vegetation,
including climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, and an increase in
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. There are many causes of deforestation. Agriculture is the main
cause of deforestation, with significant cow ranching, logging for construction materials, and other uses
accounting for 80% of the problem. It may have started when people started transitioning from hunter-
gatherer to agricultural society thousands of years ago, when larger, unobstructed tracts of land were
needed to accommodate cattle, crops, and homes. But once the modern era started, it spread like
wildfire.

SOLUTION FOR DEFORESTATION

By making wise decisions every day, we may contribute to the effort to safeguard the woods. We can all
help the movement to save forests by spending less, eliminating single-use packaging, eating
sustainably, and deciding to buy recycled or ethically sourced wood items. Governments must play a
role in the effort to eliminate deforestation as well. prohibiting clear-cutting in the forest, which will stop
the complete loss of forest cover. This is a highly workable and sensible option. Therefore, in order for
us to survive in a world free from severe climate change, we need global leaders to support ambitious
national and international forest conservation policies based on the most recent scientific research.

3. Ozone Layer Depletion

The lowering of the upper atmosphere's ozone layer is known as ozone layer depletion. Ozone
molecules are destroyed in this process when chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come into
contact with them. One chlorine molecule can obliterate 100,000 ozone molecules. More fast than it is
generated, it is also destroyed. Some substances, when exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation, emit
chlorine and bromine, which then leads to the destruction of the ozone layer. These substances are
referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS). Chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, hydro
chlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform are among the chlorine-containing ozone-depleting
chemicals. Halons, methyl bromide, and hydro bromofluorocarbons are examples of bromine-containing
materials that deplete the ozone layer. Humans will be directly exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet
radiation as a result of the ozone layer being destroyed, which has detrimental impacts on the
environment. Humans may have severe health problems as a result, including skin conditions, cancer,
sunburns, cataracts, rapid aging, and weakened immune systems. Animals who are directly exposed to
UV light develop skin and eye cancer. Planktons are also negatively impacted by exposure to damaging
UV light. Higher on the aquatic food chain are these. The organisms that are part of the food chain are
also impacted by the destruction of planktons.

SOLUTION FOR OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

There are many programs in place by the governments of many nations to stop the destruction of the
ozone layer, which is a severe concern. To stop the ozone layer from being destroyed, however, action
must also be taken on a personal level. Use of ozone-depleting chemicals should be avoided or
minimized. Reduce your usage of vehicles because they produce a lot of greenhouse gases that
contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Use eco-friendly cleaning products instead because
the majority of cleaning solutions release chemicals like chlorine and bromine that harm the ozone layer
when they enter the atmosphere. To conserve the environment, natural alternatives should be used in
their place.

4. WATER POLLUTION
The term “water pollution” refers to the contaminating of water bodies, typically as a result of human
activity, which has a detrimental impact on the uses of the water. Lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers,
reservoirs, and groundwater are all examples of water bodies. Contaminants are introduced into these
water bodies, which causes water pollution. Agricultural practices, industrial operations, sewage
discharges, and urban runoff, including storm water, are the four main causes of water contamination.
Surface water pollution (either fresh water pollution or marine contamination) and groundwater
pollution are two categories that it falls under. These aquatic ecosystems may deteriorate, for instance,
if effluent that has not been properly cleaned is released into natural waters. When individuals use
contaminated water for irrigation, drinking, bathing, or washing, it increases their risk of contracting
water-borne diseases. The ability of the body of water to offer ecosystem services (such as drinking
water) that it would otherwise give is diminished by water pollution.

SOLUTION FOR WATER POLLUTION

Although there isn’t a single, easy solution to the water pollution dilemma, there are numerous ways to
halt it in both our daily lives and in various businesses. The most effective method of lowering water
pollution is likely to include treating water before it enters the canal system. Equipment needs to be
maintained on a regular basis to ensure proper operation of wastewater treatments. Applications like
water treatment sensors, which are essential for measuring and removing toxins to lower water
pollution, are included in this. Use less plastics, please. When fertilizer spills onto paved surfaces, blow
or sweep it back onto the grass. When it’s about to rain, avoid fertilizing the lawn. Waterways and storm
drains will be contaminated by the pollutants. Put your motor oil in a container and dispose of it
elsewhere. Visit the neighborhood auto parts store with it. A storm drain should never be used to clean
up a spill. The spill should be covered with sand, cat litter, or something absorbent. Sweep the liquid up
once it has solidified and dump it in the trash.

5. OVERFISHING
Overfishing refers to the removal of a species of fish (through fishing) from a body of water at a rate
faster than the species can naturally replenish its population (i.e., the overexploitation of the fishery’s
existing fish stock), which causes the species to become more and more underpopulated in that area.
The effects of overfishing include resource depletion, slowed biological growth rates, and low biomass
levels in water bodies of all sizes, including ponds, marshes, rivers, lakes, and seas. A critical
dispensation, when the fish population is no longer able to sustain itself, might result from ongoing
overfishing. The disruption of entire marine ecosystems has been caused by some types of overfishing,
such as the overfishing of sharks. There are several different types of overfishing, such as ecosystem,
recruitment, and growth overfishing.

SOLUTION FOR OVERFISHING

Ban fishing subsidies for fuel, fishing equipment, and new vessel construction because these incentives
for overfishing are well-known and pose a serious issue. Adopt management of fisheries based on rights.
Boost regulations and expand marine protected areas. Most crucially, having effective regulation
enforcement, current data gathering, and fish stock monitoring.

6. CLIMATE CHANGE
Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns are referred to as climate change. These
changes could be caused by natural processes, such oscillations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s,
human activities—primarily the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas—have been the primary
cause of climate change. Fossil fuel combustion produces greenhouse gas emissions that serve as a
blanket around the planet, trapping heat from the sun and increasing temperatures. Carbon dioxide and
methane are two examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change. These
are produced, for instance, while burning coal or gasoline to heat a building. Carbon dioxide can also be
released during forest and land clearing. Methane emissions are primarily produced by waste landfills.
Among the major emitters are energy, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture, and land use.
Among the major emitters are energy, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture, and land use.

SOLUTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

Stop the loss of forests and make a commitment to restoring harmed ecosystems. Cut back on food
waste and loss. Change to more sustainable eating habits and renewable energy sources in all important
industries.

7. POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

Poor waste management can result in contamination of the air, water, and soil through nonexistent
collection infrastructure and inefficient disposal. Landfills that are open and unclean can spread disease,
infect people, and contaminate drinking water.

SOLUTION FOR POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

The most obvious alternative to disposing of trash in a landfill is recycling. Recycling can at least partially
benefit a variety of materials, and it may even have financial advantages. Recyclable materials include
things like wood products, metals like steel and aluminum, plastics, and especially glasses. This allows
you to salvage some use from the old item. In particular, by educating everyone and teaching them
discipline. Because if we all do what is right and beneficial to the environment, we can all live in
harmony.

8. OVERPOPULATION
When the human population increases above the ecological environment’s bearing capability, it is said
to be overpopulated. In an overpopulated area, there may be more people than there are resources that
are necessary for their existence, such as transportation, water, shelter, food, or social amenities. This
frequently causes the environment to deteriorate, the quality of life to decline, or even the population
to disintegrate.

SOLUTION FOR OVERPOPULATION

People having fewer children is one of the easiest ways to reduce population. It is more typical for
families to have more kids in nations where newborns and young children have a lower chance of living
to adulthood. In areas where those youngsters would be required to assist with work, it is also more
typical for families to have more children. However, having more kids also means having more people to
take care of and feed. People who are more educated often have fewer children. Currently, 130 million
girls and young women worldwide do not have access to school. Many are forced to work at home
where they are vulnerable to exploitation. Girls who can stay in school have lower rates of early
marriage and childbearing. Additionally, they are probably to have fewer kids overall. One of the best
known methods for lowering birth rates and unintended pregnancies is by empowering women and girls
to make decisions about their future. It’s crucial to take into account how society and the government
function in these situations. While some rules make it more difficult for people to get support, others
help give access to services like family planning or education. Additionally, it’s critical that young people
have access to information about pregnancy and contraception so that they can make educated
decisions as they get older. Governments can also provide tax breaks to families with fewer kids and
fund health initiatives to reduce infant mortality, which may eventually encourage people in
underdeveloped nations to have fewer kids. Due to social or cultural influences, some people decide not
to use contraception. Access to contraception for everyone who wants it would significantly reduce
population growth.