 Name; Furqan Ahmed (L1F21BSIR0064)

 Course: international politics of environment

 Semester: 6th international relations department
 Assignment: three major problems of environment
1. Climate Change:
Climate change is arguably the most pressing environmental challenge facing humanity today. It
refers to long-term shifts in temperature and typical weather patterns across a region or the globe.
While Earth's climate naturally fluctuates over long periods, the current rate of change is
unprecedented and attributed primarily to human activities.

Greenhouse Effect:

Our planet receives energy from the sun, some of which is reflected back into space. However,
certain gases in the atmosphere, called greenhouse gases (GHGs), trap some of this heat,
warming the planet. This natural phenomenon, the greenhouse effect, is essential for life on
Earth, keeping it warm enough to sustain liquid water and diverse ecosystems.The problem
arises when human activities significantly increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. Here are the main culprits:

 Fossil Fuel Burning: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon
dioxide (CO2), the most abundant GHG, into the atmosphere. This disrupts the natural
balance of the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
 Deforestation: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When
forests are cleared for agriculture, development, or logging, the stored carbon is released
back into the air, further accelerating warming.

Consequences

The Earth's average temperature has already risen by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees
Fahrenheit) since the late 19th century, and the effects are becoming increasingly evident:

 Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers and polar ice caps contribute to rising sea levels,
threatening coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
 Extreme Weather Events: Climate change disrupts weather patterns, leading to more
frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme
weather events.
 Ocean Acidification: As oceans absorb more CO2, they become more acidic, harming
marine life like coral reefs, which are crucial for marine ecosystems.
 Shifts in Plant and Animal Distribution: Species struggle to adapt to changing
temperatures and weather patterns, leading to habitat loss and potential extinction events.
 Disruptions to Agriculture: Changes in precipitation patterns and extreme weather
events can devastate agricultural yields, impacting food security worldwide.

Climate change is a global challenge. International cooperation, innovation, and a shift

towards sustainable practices are essential to combat this threat and ensure a healthy
planet for future generations.
2. Biodiversity Loss:
Biodiversity loss, the gradual decline in the variety of life on Earth, is a major environmental
problem with far-reaching consequences. It disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems,
jeopardizing the health of our planet and our own well-being. Biodiversity short for biological
diversity, refers to the amazing variety of life on Earth at all its levels. It encompasses the
immense richness . But Human activities are disrupting the delicate balance of biodiversity at an
alarming rate. Here are some of the biggest culprits

 Root Causes: Several factors contribute to biodiversity loss:

o Habitat Destruction: Conversion of natural habitats for agriculture, urbanization,
and infrastructure development destroys ecosystems and displaces wildlife.
o Overexploitation: Overfishing, hunting, and unsustainable resource extraction
put immense pressure on species populations.
o Climate Change: As mentioned earlier, disruptions to ecosystems due to climate
change further threaten biodiversity.
o Pollution: Pollutants like pesticides, industrial waste, and plastics harm wildlife
directly and disrupt food chains.
o Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species into new environments can
outcompete native species for resources, leading to their decline.
 Effects: Loss of biodiversity has significant consequences:
o Disruption of Ecosystems: Healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in climate
regulation, water purification, and soil health. Biodiversity loss weakens their
ability to perform these vital functions.
o Reduced Food Security: Loss of pollinators and disruptions to marine
ecosystems threaten food production and security.
o Loss of Medicinal Resources: Many plants and animals have medicinal
properties. Biodiversity loss can mean losing potential cures and treatments.
o Diminished Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Biodiversity is a source of beauty,
inspiration, and cultural significance for many societies.

3. Pollution:
Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment at a rate
faster than it can be naturally dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored harmlessly.
These pollutants disrupt the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, posing a significant threat to
human health and well-being. Here's a closer look at the different types of pollution, their root
causes, and their cascading effects.

Types of Pollution:

1. Air pollution

Air pollution is basically the contamination of air by harmful substances. These substances can
be solid particles, liquids, or even gases
  Outdoor air pollution: This is the kind we hear about most often. It comes from sources
like factories, cars, trucks, and power plants.
 Indoor air pollution: This can happen inside homes and buildings from things like
smoking, cooking, and cleaning products.

Both types of air pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory illnesses,
heart disease, and even cancer. Air pollution can also damage the environment, leading to acid
rain and climate change.

 Effects of air pollution: Air pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including:
o Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis
o Heart disease
o Stroke
o Lung cancer
o Asthma
o Allergies
 Causes of air pollution: Air pollution can be caused by both human activities and
natural phenomena. Some of the biggest human sources of air pollution include:
o Transportation: Cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, and ships all release pollutants into
the air.
o Industry: Factories and power plants release pollutants into the air when they burn
fossil fuels.
o Agriculture: The burning of agricultural waste and the use of pesticides and
fertilizers can all contribute to air pollution.
o Indoor sources: Smoking, cooking, and cleaning products can all pollute the air
indoors.

Water Pollution:

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies - lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, even
groundwater - by harmful substances that degrade water quality and make it unsuitable for its
intended use. These contaminants can be broadly classified into three categories:

 Physical: This includes objects like plastic debris, sediment from erosion, or even
excessive heat from industrial processes.
 Chemical: Fertilizers, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial waste, and heavy metals all
fall under this category.
 Biological: Disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites from sewage or agricultural
runoff are biological pollutants.

Causes

 Industry: Factories discharge industrial waste products like chemicals, dyes, and heavy
metals directly into waterways.
  Agriculture: Excess fertilizers, pesticides, and manure used in farming practices can
seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, or run off into rivers and streams during
rain.
 Sewage: Improperly treated sewage or overflowing septic tanks release harmful
pathogens and untreated wastewater into water bodies.
 Urban Runoff: Stormwater carries pollutants like oil, grease, debris, and pet waste from
streets and sidewalks into storm drains, which eventually empty into rivers, lakes, or
oceans.
 Oil Spills: Accidents involving oil tankers or offshore drilling rigs can release massive
amounts of oil into oceans, causing devastating ecological damage.

Effects

 Human Health: Contaminated water can cause waterborne diseases like cholera,
typhoid, and dysentery. Chemical pollutants can also lead to long-term health problems
like cancer and endocrine disruption.
 Aquatic Ecosystems: Pollution disrupts the delicate balance of aquatic life. Fish kills,
habitat destruction, and bioaccumulation of toxins up the food chain are all consequences
of water pollution.
 Economic Impacts: Polluted water becomes unusable for drinking, recreation, or
irrigation, impacting agriculture, tourism, and fisheries.

Consequences of Pollution

Pollution doesn't exist in isolation. The various types of pollution are interconnected, and their
effects cascade throughout the environment, impacting human health, ecosystems, and the
overall health of the planet. Here are some of the broader consequences:

 Climate Change: Air pollution, deforestation, and certain agricultural practices

contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change.
 Loss of Biodiversity: Pollution disrupts habitats, harms wildlife populations, and
disrupts food chains, leading to biodiversity loss.
 Human Health Impacts: Exposure to pollutants can cause respiratory problems,
cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and developmental problems.
 Economic Costs: Pollution cleanup, healthcare costs associated with pollution-related
illnesses, and the loss of ecosystem services all have significant economic consequences.