OUR PRECIOUS PLANET

WORKED BY: Gledi Tarko ,Kevin Kullolli,Natalia Merdani,Noel

Melyshi
Class :8c
 OBJECTIVES
:
1.What is an environmentalist ?

2.Problems of planet earth.

3.Air pollution

4.Water pollution

5.Global warming

6.Deforestation

Presentation title 2
 WHAT IS AN
ENVIRONMENTALIST
?
An environmentalist is a person who advocates for the
protection and preservation of the natural environment
and its resources. Environmentalists are concerned
with issues such as pollution, habitat destruction,
climate change, conservation of biodiversity,
sustainable development, and the overall health of
ecosystems. They often engage in activities such as
environmental activism, lobbying for policy changes,
conducting research, educating the public, and
promoting sustainable practices. Environmentalists
come from various backgrounds and professions,
including scientists, educators, activists, policymakers,
and concerned citizens, all working towards the
common goal of ensuring a healthy and sustainable
planet for present and future generations.

Presentation title 3
THE PROBLEMS OF PLANET EARTH

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Climate Change: Rising temperatures, caused primarily by human
activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, lead to a range of
impacts including more frequent and severe weather events, sea level rise,
and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.

Loss of Biodiversity: Human activities such as habitat destruction,

pollution, overexploitation of resources, and invasive species are driving a
rapid decline in species diversity worldwide, leading to ecosystem
destabilization and loss of important ecosystem services.

Pollution: Pollution from various sources including industrial activities,

agriculture, transportation, and waste disposal is contaminating air, water,
and soil, posing risks to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Deforestation: Deforestation, primarily driven by agriculture, logging, and

urbanization, leads to loss of habitat for countless species, contributes to
climate change by releasing stored carbon, and disrupts vital ecosystem
functions.

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AIR POLLUTION

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Air pollution is the presence of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere, which can
negatively affect human health, the environment and the climate. Some main
points about air pollution are:
1. Sources of Air Pollution: Natural sources: Forest fires, volcanic
eruptions, dust storms and pollen. Human activities Burning of fossil fuels
(coal, oil, natural gas), industrial processes, emissions from vehicles and
agricultural activities.

2. Effects on Health: - Short-term exposure can cause respiratory and

cardiovascular problems, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and
worsening of existing conditions such as asthma. - Long-term exposure is
linked to chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease and can
inhibit lung development in children.

3. Impact on the Environment: - Air pollution can cause acid rain, which
damages soil, water bodies and vegetation. - Contributes to climate change
by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane.
- Pollutants such as ozone can damage crops and forests.

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4. Mitigation Strategies: - Reducing emissions from industrial sources and vehicles
through cleaner technologies and fuels. - Implementation of regulations and standards for
air quality. - Promotion of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydropower
plants. - Increasing green spaces in urban areas to absorb pollutants.

5. Global and Local Initiatives: - International agreements such as the Paris Agreement
aim to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. - Local governments can implement air
quality monitoring systems.

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 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
1. Acid Rain: Harmful to soil, water bodies, plants, and buildings.

2. Climate Change:Greenhouse gases trap heat, leading to global

warming and extreme weather.

3. Ozone Depletion: Increased UV radiation harms health and ecosystems.

4. Ecosystem Damage: Pollutants harm soil and water quality, affecting wildlife and plants.

5. Damage to Vegetation:Ground-level ozone impairs plant growth and health.

6. Water Quality Degradation:Pollutants contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic life.

7. Biodiversity Loss: Air pollution leads to habitat loss and species decline.

8. Soil Contamination:Pollutants degrade soil quality, affecting plant growth

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Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans,
groundwater, and aquifers by harmful substances. This degradation of water quality
adversely affects the ecosystem and human health.

Causes of Water Pollution

1.Industrial Waste
Factories discharge pollutants directly into water bodies. These pollutants include heavy
metals, chemicals, toxins, and radioactive materials that can be harmful to aquatic life and
humans.
2.Agricultural Runoff
The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in farming leads to runoff that carries these
chemicals into nearby water sources. Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and
phosphorus, cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm
aquatic life.
3.Sewage and Wastewater
Domestic sewage and untreated or inadequately treated wastewater from households and
industries introduce pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals into water bodies. This can lead to
the spread of waterborne diseases.
4.Oil Spills
Accidental spills from oil tankers and offshore drilling operations release large quantities of
oil into the ocean. Oil spills are catastrophic for marine ecosystems, causing long-term
damage to wildlife and habitats.
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EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION

Health Hazards
Contaminated water can cause a range of health problems in humans,
including gastrointestinal illnesses, neurological disorders, and reproductive
issues. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever are
also prevalent in polluted water conditions.
Ecosystem Damage
Pollutants disrupt aquatic ecosystems by altering the water chemistry,
reducing oxygen levels, and killing or harming aquatic organisms. This can
lead to loss of biodiversity and collapse of local ecosystems.
Economic Impact
Water pollution affects industries dependent on clean water, such as fishing,
tourism, and agriculture. It increases the cost of water treatment and can lead
to economic losses in communities reliant on these sectors.

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Prevention and Control Measures
 Wastewater Treatment
Implementing effective wastewater treatment processes to remove
contaminants before releasing water back into the environment.
 Regulation and Legislation
Enforcing environmental regulations and laws to control the discharge of
pollutants from industries, agriculture, and urban areas.
 Sustainable Agriculture
Promoting practices such as integrated pest management, organic farming,
and the use of buffer strips to reduce agricultural runoff.
 Public Awareness and Education
Educating the public about the impacts of water pollution and encouraging
behaviors that reduce pollution, such as proper disposal of chemicals and
reduced use of plastics.
 Water pollution is a critical environmental issue that requires
comprehensive strategies involving government policies, community
actions, and individual responsibility to protect and preserve water quality
for future generations.

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GLOBAL HEATING
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Global warming, often referred to as global warming or climate change, is the long-term
increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the
emission of greenhouse gases. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the issue:

Causes of Global Warming

1.Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) for energy
and transportation, as well as deforestation and various industrial processes.
Methane (CH4): Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas.
Methane is also released by livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of
organic waste in landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during
combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
Fluorinated Gases: A group of synthetic gases used in a range of industrial applications,
often released through leaks and improper disposal.
2.Deforestation: Reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, exacerbating the
concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

3.Industrial Processes: Certain industrial processes release large amounts of CO2 and other
greenhouse gases.

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Effects of Global Warming
 Rising Temperatures: Average global temperatures have increased significantly, leading to heatwaves
and extreme weather conditions.

 Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers: Increased temperatures are causing polar ice caps and glaciers to melt,
contributing to rising sea levels.

 Sea Level Rise: As ice melts and ocean temperatures increase (causing water to expand), sea levels rise,
threatening coastal communities with flooding and erosion.

 Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and severe hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and heavy
precipitation events are linked to climate change.

 Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 levels are absorbed by the oceans, leading to acidification, which
harms marine life, especially coral reefs and shellfish.

 Impact on Ecosystems: Shifts in climate zones and temperatures affect biodiversity, with some species
facing extinction if they cannot adapt quickly enough.

 Human Health Risks: Increased temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, while changing weather
patterns can affect food and water supplies, leading to malnutrition and waterborne diseases.

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Mitigation and Adaptation

Reducing Emissions: Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro),

improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

Carbon Sequestration: Enhancing natural processes that capture and store CO2, such as
reforestation and soil management practices.

Climate Policies: Implementing regulations and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, such as carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, and international agreements
like the Paris Agreement.

Technological Innovations: Developing new technologies for cleaner energy production,

carbon capture and storage, and more efficient energy use.

Adaptation Strategies: Building resilient infrastructure, developing early warning systems

for extreme weather events, and creating policies to protect vulnerable communities.

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International Efforts
• The Paris Agreement: A global pact within the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCCC) where countries commit to limit global warming to well
below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to
1.5 degrees.

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Provides scientific

assessments on climate change, its impacts, and potential future risks, as well as putting
forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Conclusion
Global heating poses a significant threat to the environment, economies, and societies
worldwide. Addressing it requires coordinated global efforts to reduce emissions, innovate
sustainable technologies, and adapt to the inevitable changes already set in motion.
Immediate and sustained action is crucial to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

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DEFORESTATION

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Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing forests or
trees from a particular area, typically for purposes such as
agriculture, urbanization, or mining. It involves the permanent
destruction of forested lands, leading to the loss of biodiversity,
disruption of ecosystems. Deforestation contributes
significantly to climate change, habitat loss for wildlife, and
other environmental problems.The consequences of
deforestation include:

1. Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation destroys

habitats, leading to the extinction or endangerment of plant and animal
species. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems and reduce the
resilience of natural systems.
2. Climate Change: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation releases stored carbon back
into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change.

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3. Disruption of Water Cycle: Trees play a crucial role in regulating
the water cycle by absorbing and releasing water through
transpiration. Deforestation can disrupt this cycle, leading to changes
in local and regional rainfall patterns, as well as alterations in river
flow.4. Increased Risk of Natural Disasters: Deforestation can
heighten the risk of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and
wildfires. Trees help stabilize slopes, regulate water flow, and reduce
the impact of extreme weather events, so their removal can
exacerbate these risks.5. Decline in Air Quality: Trees play a crucial
role in filtering air pollutants and producing oxygen. Deforestation
can lead to a decline in air quality, with implications for human
health, particularly in urban areas where trees provide important
respiratory benefits.

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Presentation title 22
THANK YOU!

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