République du Cameroun republic of Cameroon

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Paix-travail-patrie peace-work-fatherland
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Ministre de l’éducation supérieure Ministry of higher education

English group work

Title: ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE
ENVIRONMENT

Written by:
 NZEDOM Daniel Franc
 MBIAKOP Johann
 FONKOU Juanita

Promotion: IE 2025

Under the supervision of: Mrs. Rose NJINANG

Academic year
2023-2024
 SUMMARY

SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 1
LIST OF FIGURE ...................................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 3
I-ENVIRONMENTAL PROBEMS ........................................................................................... 4
1- AIR POLLUTION ....................................................................................................... 4
a. Causes .......................................................................................................................... 4
b. Consequences ........................................................................................................... 5
2- WATER POLLUTION................................................................................................ 5
a. Causes .......................................................................................................................... 6
b. Consequences ........................................................................................................... 6
3- DEFORESTATION..................................................................................................... 7
a. Causes .......................................................................................................................... 7
b. Consequences ........................................................................................................... 8
4- GLOBAL WARMING ................................................................................................ 8
a. Causes .......................................................................................................................... 9
b. Consequences ........................................................................................................... 9
II-SOLUTIONS OF ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS ............................................................. 10
1- SOLUTIONS TO AIR POLLUTION ....................................................................... 10
2- SOLUTIONS TO WATER POLLUTION ................................................................ 10
3- SOLUTIONS OF DEFORESTATION ..................................................................... 11
4- SOLUTIONS OF GLOBAL WARNING ................................................................. 11
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 13
 LIST OF FIGURE

Figure 1: image of industries polluting the atmosphere ............................................................. 4

Figure 2: water polluted by industrial and household waste ...................................................... 6
Figure 3: deforestation ............................................................................................................... 7
Figure 4: global warning ............................................................................................................ 8
 INTRODUCTION

According Wikipedia, environment means what surrounds us. It may be living or non-
living things. It includes physical, chemical and other natural forces. Living things live in their
environment. They constantly interact with it and adapt themselves to conditions in their
environment. In the environment there are different interactions
between animals, plants, soil, water, and other living and non-living things. In his drive to
develop society, man consciously or unconsciously destroys his environment by the
establishment of new industries, technological development in transport, IT, and many other
areas. Throughout our work, we will focus on the main problems caused by humans initially
and some solutions that we can provide to reduce the environmental impact of our activities on
earth secondly.
 I-ENVIRONMENTAL PROBEMS

Environmental issues or problems are disruptions in the usual function of ecosystems.

Further, these issues can be caused by humans (human impact on the environment) or they can
be natural. These issues are considered serious when the ecosystem cannot recover in the
present situation, and catastrophic if the ecosystem is projected to certainly collapse. The
principal environmental issues are caused by human by their different activities.

1- AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere
that are harmful to the health of humans, animals or plants.

Figure 1: image of industries polluting the atmosphere

a. Causes
Air pollution is caused by several reasons.
 Industrial emissions: factories and power plants release pollutants into the air, such as
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
 Vehicles emissions: cars, trucks, and motorcycles emit pollutants like carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.
 Burning of fossil fuels: the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production
releases pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and
mercury
 Agricultural activities: Farming practices such as livestock production and the use of
fertilizers and pesticides can contribute to air pollution through the release of ammonia,
methane, and other chemicals.
 Residential heating and cooking: The burning of wood, coal, and biomass fuels for
heating and cooking in households can release pollutions like carbon monoxide and
particulate matter.
 Waste burning: Open burning of waste, such as trash and agricultural residues, can
release harmful pollutants into the air.
 Industrial processes: Certain industrial processes, such as chemical manufacturing
and mining, can produce pollutants that contribute to air pollution.
 Natural sources: Natural events like volcanic eruptions and dust storms can release
large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. It is important to address these sources
of pollution through regulations, technological advancements, and sustainable practices
to protect air quality and human health.

b. Consequences
 Human health effects: It can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis,
and lung cancer. It can also lead to cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and premature
death.
 Environmental impact: It can harm plants, animals, and ecosystems. It can damage
crops, reduce biodiversity, and contribute to global warning. Pollutants in the air can
also lead to acid rain, which damages forests, lakes, and aquatic habitats.
 Economic implications: It can have economic costs such as healthcare expenses,
decreased worker productivity, and damage to infrastructure. It can also impact tourism
and reduce the attractiveness of cities and regions affected by pollution.
 Global warning: Certain air pollutions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contribute
to global warning. This can lead to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and
changes in rainfall patterns.
 Indoor air pollution: Poor indoor air quality, often caused by cooking, heating, and
using certain household products, can lead to respiratory problems, particularly in
developing countries where ventilation is limited.

2- WATER POLLUTION
 Figure 2: water polluted by industrial and household waste

a. Causes
 Industrial waste: Release of untreated or inadequately treated inadequately treated
industrial wastewater, chemicals, and pollutants from factories and industries into
water bodies.
 Agricultural runoff: Discharge of fertilizers, pesticides, and animals waste form
agricultural fields and livestock operations into rivers and lakes.
 Sewage and wastewater: Dumping untreated or poorly treated sewage and wastewater
from households and municipalities directly into water bodies.
 Oil spills: accidental or deliberate release of crude oil or petroleum products into water
bodies, leading to contamination and harm to aquatic life.
 Mining activities: Discharge of toxic chemicals and heavy metals from mining
operations into nearby water sources, polluting the water and affecting aquatic
ecosystems.
 Improper waste disposal: Improper disposal of solid waste, such as plastics,
packaging materials, and oceans, causing water pollution.
 Urbanization: Construction and urban development, which can contribute to increased
runoff of pollutants like sediment, chemicals, and debris into water bodies.
 Leakage and spills: Leakage and spills from storage tanks, pipelines, and
transportation of hazardous substances, leading to contamination of water sources.
 Atmospheric deposition: Contaminants from air pollution can be deposited into water
bodies through rainfall or direct deposition, leading to water pollution.
 Natural events: Natural disasters like floods, storms, and earthquakes can cause
erosion, sedimentation, and release of pollutants into water bodies.

b. Consequences
 Contamination of drinking water: Water pollution can contaminate sources of
drinking water, making it unsafe for consumption. This can lead to waterborne diseases
and health issues in humans.
 Destruction of aquatic ecosystems: Pollution in water bodies can disrupt the balance
of aquatic ecosystems. It can kill fish and other aquatic organisms, destroy habitats, and
disrupt the food chain, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
 Harm to marine life: Pollution in oceans and seas can have severe impacts on marine
life. It can cause illness, deformities, and death in marine organisms. It can also lead to
the destruction of corals reefs, which are crucial habitats for many species.
 Impacts of agriculture: It can affect agricultural practices. Contaminated water used
for irrigation can harm crops yield, and affect soil quality, threatening food security.
 Economic losses: It can result in economic losses in various industries dependent on
clean water, such as fishing, tourism, and recreational activities. It can lead to job losses
and a decline in income for communities reliant on these industries.
 Water scarcity: Pollution can decrease the availability of clean water, exacerbating
water scarcity issues. As polluted water sources become unusable, the demand for clean
water increases, putting pressure on limited freshwater resources.
 Long-term effects on human health: Exposure to polluted water can have long-term
health effects on humans. It can cause chronic diseases, respiratory problems, skin
disorders, and even certain types of cancers.

3- DEFORESTATION

Figure 3: deforestation

a. Causes
 Agriculture: Clearing land for agriculture is one of the main causes of deforestation.
Farmers often clear large areas of forest to make way for crops or livestock.
 Logging: Commercial logging, both legal and illegal, contributes to deforestation. Trees
are cut down for timber, paper, and other wood products.
 Mining: Mining activities, such as oil, gas, and mineral extraction, often involve
clearing large areas of forest. This leads to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
 Infrastructure development: Building roads, highways, and infrastructure projects
like dams and power plants requires clearing land, leading to deforestation.
 Urbanization: As cities expand, forests are cleared to make way for housing,
commercial areas, and infrastructure development.
 Forest fires: Both natural and human caused forest fires can contribute to deforestation.
These fires destroy large areas of forest and reduce the ability of forests to regenerate.
 Illegal activities: Such as logging, hunting, and land grabbing also contribute to
deforestation. These activities often occur in protected areas or indigenous territories.

b. Consequences
 Loss of biodiversity: Deforestation leads to the destruction of habitats, resulting in the
loss of plant and animal species. This can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the extinction
of certain species.
 Global warning: trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through
photosynthesis, helping to regulate the Earth’s climate. Deforestation reduces the
number of trees, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels and contributing to global
warning.
 Soil erosion: Trees play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion by holding the soil in
place with their roots. When forests are cleared, the exposed soil is more susceptible to
erosion, which can lead to loss of fertility and increased sedimentation in rivers.
 Water cycle disruption: Trees play a vital role in the water cycle by capturing
rainwater and releasing it into the atmosphere through transpiration. Deforestation can
disrupt tis cycle, affecting rainfall patterns and leading to droughts or floods in certain
regions.
 Socio-economic impacts: Deforestation can have significant socio-economic impacts,
particularly in forest-dependent communities. It can disrupt traditional livelihoods,
such as farming and hunting, and also contribute to the displacement of indigenous
people.
 Loss of medicinal resources: Many plant species found in forests have medicinal
properties and are used in traditional medicine. Deforestation leads to the loss of these
valuable resources and can impact healthcare in local communities.

4- GLOBAL WARMING

Figure 4: global warning

 a. Causes
 Greenhouse gas emissions: The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural
gas releases carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases trap heat and
contribute to global warning.
 Deforestation: When forests are cleared for agriculture, logging, or urbanization, the
carbon stored in trees is released into the atmosphere as CO2. Additionally, trees play
a crucial role in absorbing CO2 through photosynthesis, so their loss reduces the Earth’s
ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
 Industrial processes: Industrial activities, such as manufacturing, mining, and cement
production, emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. These emissions come from the
combustion of fossil fuels, as well as chemical reactions that release gases like nitrous
oxide and fluorinated gases.
 Agriculture: Agricultural practices, including livestock production and rice
cultivation, produce methane and N2O emissions. Livestock farming, in particular,
generates significant methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure
management.
 Land use changes: Converting natural lands, such as forests and grasslands, into
agricultural or urban areas alters the Earth’s surface and affects the climate. Changes
in land use can contribute to the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, as well as
disrupt local weather patterns.
 Waste management: The decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces
methane. Poor waste management practices, such as open burning of waste, can also
release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

b. Consequences

 Rising temperatures: As greenhouse gas emissions increase, the Earth’s temperature

rises, leading to heat waves, wildfires, and reduced water supplies.
 Extreme weather events: Global warning can cause more frequent and intense storms,
hurricanes, droughts, and floods, leading to property damage, loss of life, and
displacement of communities.
 Sea-level rise: Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels, which can
lead to coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and the loss of habitats and
biodiversity.
 Changes in ecosystems: Global warning affects ecosystems, leading to shifts in species
ranges, disruptions in food webs, and the loss of vulnerable habitats like coral reefs and
forests.
 Health impacts: Global warning can increase the spread of diseases, worsen air quality,
and contribute to heat-related illnesses, impacting human health and well-being.
 Economic losses: The costs of global warning, such as infrastructure damage,
agricultural disruptions, and increased healthcare expenses, can burden economies and
impede development.
 II-SOLUTIONS OF ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS

1- SOLUTIONS TO AIR POLLUTION

 Reduce emissions from vehicles and industries: This can be done by implementing
stricter emission standards, promoting the use of cleaner fuels, and adopting cleaner
technologies in industries.
 Increase the use of renewable energy: By transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable
energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, we can reduce the air pollution
caused by burning fossil fuels.
 Improve public transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation and
improving its efficiency can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and consequently
lower air pollution levels.
 Promote sustainable agriculture practices: Implementing agricultural practices that
minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can reduce air pollution from
agricultural activities.
 Plant more trees and create green spaces: Trees absorb pollutants and release oxygen,
helping to improve air quality. Creating more green spaces in urban areas can also help
reduce air pollution.
 Raise awareness and educate the public: Educating the public about the causes and
effects of air pollution can help promote individual actions such as reducing car use,
conserving energy, and adopting eco-friendly habits.
 Strengthen environmental regulations: Governments should enforce strict
regulations and penalties for activities that contribute to air pollution, ensuring
compliance with emission standards.

2- SOLUTIONS TO WATER POLLUTION

 Improve wastewater treatment: Implementing better wastewater treatment systems

and technologies can remove harmful pollutants before they are released into water
bodies.
 Reduce pollution from industries: Industries should adopt better practices to minimize
the release of pollutants into water sources. This includes implementing stricter
regulations, using cleaner production techniques, and properly disposing of waste.
 Promote agricultural best practices: Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable
agricultural practices can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which
can contaminate water sources.
 Enhance monitoring and enforcement: Government should strengthen their
monitoring systems and enforcement of water pollution regulations to ensure that
industries and individuals are complying with the rules.
 Raise public awareness: Educating the public about the importance of clean water and
the impact of pollution can encourage individuals to adopt water conservation practice
and reduce pollution in their daily lives.
 Implement strict regulations: Governments should establish and enforce strict
regulations on water pollution, setting limits on pollutant discharge and imposing
penalties for non-compliance
 Invest in research and development: Funding research into new technologies and
methods for water pollution prevention and treatment can lead to more effective
solutions.

3- SOLUTIONS OF DEFORESTATION

 Reforestation: Planting new trees in areas that have been cleared or degraded can help
restore forests and their ecosystems. This can be done by individuals, communities, or
government organizations.
 Sustainable logging practices: Implementing sustainable forestry techniques, such as
selective logging, can minimize the impact on forests. This involves carefully selecting
which trees to cut and leaving the remaining trees to regenerate.
 Agroforestry: Combining agricultural practices with tree planting can help provide
economic benefits while preserving forests. Agroforestry systems can improve soil
fertility, increase biodiversity, and provide livelihood opportunities.
 Payment for ecosystem services: Governments and organisations can provide
financial incentives to landowners for preserving forests. This can help promote
sustainable forest management and discourage deforestation.
 Strengthening land rights: Ensuring secure land tenure for local communities and
indigenous peoples can help deter deforestation. When people have legal rights to the
land they inhabit, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices.
 Awareness and education: Raising awareness about the importance of deforestation
is crucial. Educational campaigns can help change behavior and encourage responsible
forest management.
 Policy and regulation: Enacting and enforcing laws that protect forests and regulate
logging activities is essential. Governments can establish protected areas, implement
sustainable forest management plans, and impose penalties for illegal logging.

4- SOLUTIONS OF GLOBAL WARNING

 Renewable energy: Transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources like solar, wind,
and hydro can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on fossil
fuels.
 Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and
industrial processes can reduce energy consumption and lower emissions.
 Forest conservation: Protecting and restoring forests can help absorb carbon dioxide
and preserve biodiversity.
 Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices, such as organic
farming and agroforestry, can reduce emissions from agriculture and preserve
ecosystems.
 Transport alternatives: Encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling, and
walking, as well as promoting electric vehicles, can reduce emissions from
transportation.
 Carbon pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or
cap-and-trade systems, can create economic incentives to reduce emissions.
 International cooperation: Collaborating on a global scale to address global warning,
thought agreements like the Paris Agreement, can help coordinate efforts and share
resources.
 Education and awareness: Raising awareness about global warming and its impacts
can encourage individuals and communities to take action and make sustainable
choices.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the environment is facing several challenges that require urgent action. It
is crucial to take measures to protect the environment and insure its sustainability. Some of the
keys measures include reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy sources,
conserving water resources, preserving biodiversity, and adopting sustainable practices in
industries and agriculture. Additionally, individuals can contribute by promoting recycling,
reducing waste, and making environmentally-friendly choices in daily lives. It is essential for
governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to address the environmental
issues and create a more sustainable future for the planet.