POLLUTION & OVERPOPULATION ALYSSA JOY G. ENDENCIO POLLUTION PRIOR LEARNING QUIZ
NUMBER STATEMENT TRUE/ FALSE
1. Factories producing goods leads to pollution.
2. Littering has no meaningful impact on the environment.
3. Waste products can safely be buried underground forever with no issues.
4. Pollutants discharged into waterways cause no harm.
INTRODUCTION
• Pollution is the introduction of harmful
materials into the environment. • These harmful materials are called pollutants. • .Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land. LAND POLLUTION
It occurs when waste is not disposed of
properly, or when chemicals are not used responsibly, leading to soil contamination and the destruction of natural landscapes.
We will look at land pollution caused
by • hazardous waste • plastics and metal HAZARDOUS WASTE
• When hazardous waste like batteries, paint and
chemicals are thrown into landfills, toxic materials can leak into the soil.
• These materials do not break down and remain in
the soil for a very long time.
• This makes the soil unsafe for growing food or
even being around. PLASTICS AND METALS
• Plastics and metals tossed in landfills also cause
soil contamination.
• They do not decompose for hundreds of years.
As they slowly break down they release toxic chemicals.
• These make their way into soil and groundwater,
spreading the contamination. BIOACCUMULATION
• Contaminated soil and water from landfills can
spread far and wide if not contained.
• Growing food in or near these areas absorbs the
toxins. Toxins enter food chains and build up in larger organisms over time. This is called bioaccumulation. What\to do?....
1. Plant more trees.
2. Reuse materials. 3. Use manure for agriculture. 4. Cut down on the use of pesticide. 5. Creating awareness. 6. Waste treatment WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution happens when hazardous substances
from human activities contaminate rivers, oceans, lakes, and other water bodies. This causes harm to water ecosystems and animals and plants living in them.
We will look at water pollution caused by
• factories • oil spills FACTORIES
• Factories and industries sometimes illegally
dump waste into rivers and oceans.
• This releases toxins like heavy metals and
chemicals that are very harmful to aquatic life like fish and plankton.
• It poisons whole ecosystems.
OIL SPILLS
• Oil spills from ships are another source of water
pollution. Crude oil spreads across the ocean surface, covering animals and plants in a thick toxic layer.
• It kills many fish, birds, and sea animals that get
coated by the oil slicks. BIOACCUMULATION
• The pollutants industries release into the water
also enter our food chain when seafood gets exposed.
• Fish and shellfish absorb the toxins, which
accumulate up the food chain.
• This is why eating too much larger fish such as
tuna can potentially cause humans harm. What to do?....
How to reduce water pollution
Don't drain certain products down your sink or toilet. When cleaning chemicals, medicines, or oils reach a water supply, they can be difficult to remove. Use less plastic. Conserve water. Prevent runoff. Cut down on pesticides and herbicides. Pick up pet waste . AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants like
chemicals, particulates and biological molecules into the Earth's atmosphere. It causes harm to humans, animals and the environment.
We will look at air pollution caused by
• Power plants • Transportation POWER PLANTS
Power plants that burn coal
and gas release chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air. TRANSPORTATION
• Automobiles, planes, trucks
etc. which burn gasoline and diesel release many air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
• Unlike water or soil pollution, air pollutants
generally do not accumulate in food chains.
• Air pollutants can cause health issues like
respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems.
• They also lead to environmental issues like
smog, damage to crops, acid rain and climate change. PREVENTION
What you can do about air pollution
Drive your car less. Keep your car in good repair. Turn off your engine. Don't burn your garbage. Limit backyards fire in the city. Plant and care for trees. Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment. Use less energy. PREVENTIONS
How do we control environmental
pollution? Environmental pollution controls often include the management of land development and the design of transportation systems so as to reduce pollution. Environmental planning, the management of land development, and the design of transportation systems are key components of environmental pollution control. OVERPOPULATION Overpopulation is the state whereby the human population rises to an extent exceeding the carrying capacity of the ecological setting. In an overpopulated environment, the numbers of people might be more than the available essential materials for survival such as transport, water, shelter, food or social amenities. Why is overpopulation a problem? Overpopulated areas struggle to produce enough food to feed their populations, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition. Causes of Overpopulation One primary cause of overpopulation in the Philippines is the lack of family planning and education. The country has been struggling to provide comprehensive reproductive health services and access to contraception. As stated by Singh et al. (2011) Second, poverty is another major root cause of overpopulation. The Philippines faces significant economic disparities, with a considerable portion of the population living below the poverty line. Third, limited employment opportunities play a crucial role in overpopulation. (De Silva and Ray, 2021). Lastly, cultural and religious factors can also contribute to overpopulation by shaping societal attitudes towards family size. (De Silva and Ray, 2021). Effects of Overpopulation The effects of overpopulation can be significant and wide-ranging. Some of the key effects include: 1. Strain on Resources: Overpopulation can lead to increased demand for resources such as food, water, energy, and housing. This can result in resource scarcity, competition, and unequal distribution of resources. Effects of Overpopulation 2. Environmental Impact: The growing population puts pressure on natural ecosystems and contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It can also lead to increased carbon emissions and climate change. Effects of Overpopulation 3. Social and Economic Challenges: Overpopulation can strain social systems, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. It can lead to overcrowding, unemployment, poverty, and social inequality. Effects of Overpopulation 4. Loss of Biodiversity: The expansion of human populations can lead to the loss of biodiversity as natural habitats are destroyed to make way for human settlements and agriculture. This can result in the extinction or decline of plant and animal species. SOLUTIONS OR PREVENTIONS
Addressing overpopulation requires a
multi-faceted approach and a combination of strategies. Some potential solutions include: SOLUTIONS OR PREVENTIONS 1. Access to Education and Family Planning: Providing education, particularly for girls, and improving access to family planning methods can help empower individuals to make informed choices about family size and reduce birth rates. SOLUTIONS OR PREVENTIONS 2. Sustainable Development: Promoting sustainable development practices that prioritize the efficient use of resources, renewable energy, and environmentally friendly technologies can help mitigate the negative impacts of overpopulation. SOLUTIONS OR PREVENTIONS 3. Conservation and Preservation: Protecting and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity through the establishment of protected areas, sustainable land use practices, and conservation initiatives can help maintain ecological balance. SOLUTIONS OR PREVENTIONS 4. Economic Opportunities: Creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and income generation can help alleviate poverty and reduce population growth rates. It's important to note that discussions around overpopulation are complex and can vary depending on regional and cultural contexts. Efforts to address overpopulation should consider the unique circumstances and needs of different communities.