Environmental Issues

Environmental issues in the Philippines

The Philippines' evident risk to natural disasters is due to its location. Being a country that lies in the
Pacific Ring of Fire, it is prone to earthquake and volcanic eruptions. In addition, the country is
surrounded by large bodies of water and facing the Pacific Ocean where 60% of the world's typhoons
are made. One of the most devastating typhoons that hit the Philippines in 2013 was Typhoon Haiyan,
or "Yolanda", that killed over 10,000 people and destroyed over a trillion pesos worth of properties and
damage to various sectors. Other environmental problems that the country is facing include pollution,
illegal mining and logging, deforestation, dynamite fishing, landslides, coastal erosion, wildlife
extinction, global warming and climate change.

Water pollution

Further information: Water supply and sanitation in the Philippines

The Pasig River in Manila, one of the world's most polluted rivers.[1]

Although water resources have become scarce in some regions and seasons, the Philippines as a whole
has more than enough surface and groundwater. However, neglecting to have a coherent
environmental policy has led to the contamination of 58% of the groundwater in the Philippines.[2] The
main source of pollution is untreated domestic and industrial wastewater.[1] Only one third of
Philippine river systems are considered suitable for public water supply.[2]

It is estimated that in 2025, water availability will be marginal in most major cities and in 8 of the 19
major river basins.[3] Besides severe health concerns, water pollution also leads to problems in the
fishing and tourism industries.[4] The national government recognized the problem and since 2004 has
sought to introduce sustainable water resources development management (see below).[5]

Only 5% of the total population is connected to a sewer network. The vast majority uses flush toilets
connected to septic tanks. Since sludge treatment and disposal facilities are rare, most effluents are
discharged without treatment.[6] According to the Asian Development Bank, the Pasig River is one of
the world's most polluted rivers.[1] In March 2008, Manila Water announced that a wastewater
treatment plant will be constructed in Taguig.[7] The first Philippine constructed wetland serving about
700 households was completed in 2006 in a peri-urban area of Bayawan City which has been used to
resettle families that lived along the coast in informal settlements and had no access to safe water
supply and sanitation facilities.[8]
Deforestation

Main article: Deforestation in the Philippines

Over the course of the 20th century the forest cover of the Philippines dropped from 70 percent down
to 20 percent.[9] In total, 46 species are endangered, and 4 were already eradicated completely. 3.2
percent of total rainforest has been left. Based on an analysis of land use pattern maps and a road map
an estimated 9.8 million ha of forests were lost in the Philippines from 1934 to 1988.[10] Illegal logging
occurs in the Philippines [11] and intensify flood damage in some areas.[12]

According to scholar Jessica Mathews, short-sighted policies by the Filipino government have
contributed to the high rate of deforestation:

The government regularly granted logging concessions of less than ten years. Since it takes 30–35 years
for a second-growth forest to mature, loggers had no incentive to replant. Compounding the error, flat
royalties encouraged the loggers to remove only the most valuable species. A horrendous 40 percent of
the harvestable lumber never left the forests but, having been damaged in the logging, rotted or was
burned in place. The unsurprising result of these and related policies is that out of 17 million hectares of
closed forests that flourished early in the century only 1.2 million remain today.[13]

Air pollution

Due to industrial waste and automobiles, Manila suffers from air pollution,[14][15] affecting 98% of the
population.[16] Annually, the air pollution causes more than 4,000 deaths. Ermita is Manila's most air
polluted district due to open dump sites and industrial waste.[17] According to a report in 2003, The
Pasig River is one of the most polluted rivers in the world with 150 tons of domestic waste and 75 tons
of industrial waste dumped daily.[18]

Climate change

Two of the most pressing environmental issues impacting the Philippines is climate change. As an island
country located in the Southeast Asia Pacific region, the Philippines is extremely vulnerable to the
impacts of climate change. Some of these impacts include increased frequency and severity of natural
disasters, sea level rise, extreme rainfall, global warming, resource shortages, and environmental
degradation.[19] All of these impacts together have greatly affected the Philippines’ agriculture, sex,
water, infrastructure, human health, and coastal ecosystems and they are projected to continue having
devastating damages to the economy and society of the Philippines.[19]

Impacts of global warming

Climate history

Due to its geographical location, climate, and topography, the Philippines is ranked third on the World
Risk Index for highest disaster risk and exposure to natural disasters.[20] 16 of its provinces, including
Manila, Benguet, and Batanes, are included in the top 50 most vulnerable places in Southeast Asia, with
Manila being ranked 7th.[21] Four cities in the Philippines, Manila, San Jose, Roxas, and Cotaboato, are
included in the top 10 cities most vulnerable to sea level rise in the East Asia and Pacific region.[22] The
country is consistently at risk from severe natural hazards including typhoons, floods, landslides, and
drought.[22] It is located within a region that experiences the highest rate of typhoons in the world,
averaging 20 typhoons annually, with about 7-9 that actually make landfall.[19] In 2009, the Philippines
had the third highest number of casualties from natural disasters with the second most victims.[23]

Climate change has had and will continue to have drastic effects on the climate of the Philippines. From
1951-2010, the Philippines saw its average temperature rise by 0.65 degrees Celsius, with fewer
recorded cold nights and more hot days.[19] Since the 1970s, the number of typhoons during the El
Niño season has increased.[19] The Philippines has not only seen 0.15 meters of sea level rise since
1940, but also seen 0.6 to 1 degree Celsius increase in sea surface temperatures since 1910, and 0.09
degree c increase in ocean temperatures since 1950.[19][22] During the time period from 1990 to 2006,
the Philippines experienced a number of record-breaking weather events, including the strongest
typhoon (wind speeds), the most destructive typhoons (damages), the deadliest storm (casualties), and
the typhoon with the highest 24 hour rainfall on record.[22]

Super typhoon Haiyan

Main Article: Typhoon Haiyan

At 04:40 on November 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan, also known locally as “Yolanda”, made landfall in
the Philippines in the Guiuan municipality.[23] The category 5 typhoon continued to travel west, making
landfall in several municipalities, and ultimately devastated enormous stretches of the Philippines
islands of Samar, Leyte, Cebu, and the Visaya archipelago.[20] Tied for being the strongest landfalling
tropical typhoon on record, Typhoon Haiyan had wind speeds of over 300 km/h (almost 190 mph) which
triggered major storm surges that wreaked havoc on many places in the country.[20] Leaving over 6,300
dead, 28,688 injured, and 1062 missing, Typhoon Haiyan is the deadliest typhoon on record in the
Philippines.[24] More than 16 million people were affected by the storm, suffering from the storm
surge, flash floods, landslides, and extreme winds and rainfall that took lives, destroyed homes, and
devastated many.[23][24] Typhoon Haiyan crucially damaged over 1.1 million houses across the country
and displaced over 4.1 million people.[23][24] According to the NDRRMC, the storm cost the Philippines
about 3.64 billion US dollars.[24]

Future projections

Future projections for the current trajectory of climate change predict that global warming is likely to
exceed 3degrees Celsius, potentially 4degrees, by 2060.[22] Specifically in the Philippines, average
temperatures are “virtually certain” to see an increase of 1.8 to 2.2 degrees Celsius.[22] This
temperature increase will stratify the local climate and cause the wet and dry seasons to be wetter and
drier, respectively.[19] Most areas in the Philippines will see reduced rainfall from March to May, while
Luzon and Visayas will see increased heavy rainfall.[19] There will also be an increase in: the number of
days that exceed 35degree C; that have less than 2.5 mm of rainfall; and that have more than 300mm of
rainfall.[19] Additionally, climate change will continue to increase the intensity of typhoons and tropical
storms.[22] Sea levels around the Philippines are projected to rise 0.48 to 0.65 meters by 2100, which
exceeds the global average for rates of sea level rise.[25] Combined with sea level rise, this stratification
into more extreme seasons and climates increases the frequency and severity of storm surge, floods,
landslides, and droughts. These exacerbate risks to agriculture, energy, water, infrastructure, human
health, and coastal ecosystems.

Vulnerabilities of different sectors

Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the Philippines’ largest sectors and will continue to be adversely impacted by the
effects of climate change. The agriculture sector employs 35% of the working population and generated
13% of the country's GDP in 2009.[26] The two most important crops, rice and corn, account for 67% of
the land under cultivation and stand to see reduced yields from heat and water stress.[26] Rice, wheat,
and corn crops are expected to see a 10% decrease in yield for every 1degree C increase over a 30dC
average annual temperature.[19] Increases in extreme weather events will have devastating affects on
agriculture. Typhoons (high winds) and heavy rainfall contribute to the destruction of crops, reduced soil
fertility, altered agricultural productivity through severe flooding, increased runoff, and soil erosion.[19]
Droughts and reduced rainfall leads to increased pest infestations that damage crops as well as an
increased need for irrigation.[19] Rising sea levels increases salinity which leads to a loss of arable land
and irrigation water.[19] All of these factors contribute to higher prices of food and an increased
demand for imports, which hurts the general economy as well as individual livelihoods.[19] From 2006
to 2013, the Philippines experienced a total of 75 disasters that cost the agricultural sector $3.8 billion in
loss and damages.[19] Typhoon Haiyan alone cost the Philippines' agricultural sector an estimated
US$724 million after causing 1.1 million tonnes of crop loss and destroying 600,000 ha of farmland.[27]
The agricultural sector is expected to see an estimated annual GDP loss of 2.2% by 2100 due to climate
impacts on agriculture.[19]

Agricultural production and civil conflict

In the Philippines, there is a correlation between rainfall and civil conflict, and manifests through
agricultural production.[26] The increased rainfall during the wet season in the Philippines is proven to
be harmful to agriculture as it leads to flooding and/or water logging.[26] This above average rainfall is
associated with “more conflict related incidents and casualties”.[26] The rainfall has a negative effect on
rice which is an important crop that a majority of the country depends on as both a food sources and
employment. A poor rice crop can lead to large impacts on the wellbeing of poor Filipinx and cause
widespread contempt for the government and more support for insurgent groups.[26] Climate change is
expected to amplify the seasonal variation of rainfall in the Philippines and exacerbate ongoing civil
conflict in the country.[26]

Gender disparities among farmers

Smallholder farmers in the Philippines are expected to be among the most vulnerable and impacted by
the effects of climate change in the region. However, there are differences in how men and women
experience these impacts and often lead to differences in farming patterns and coping strategies.[27]
Some of the problems caused by extreme climate events in agrarian areas that are prone to civil conflict
that disproportionately affect women include loss of customary rights to land, forced migration,
increased discrimination, resource poverty and food insecurity.[27] The effect that the combination of
severe climate events and civil conflict has on Filipino women is further exacerbated by discriminatory
policies, belief and practices, and restricted access to resources.[27] For example, climate change is
linked to increase civil conflict in the Mindanao region which increases the number of casualties and
deaths of young men in the area.[27] This effectively widows women married to those men and leaves
them on their own to take care of them and their children, even when the society and government
makes it difficult for single mothers to succeed.[27] Women are often relegated to be the caretakers of
children which increases the burden and stress placed on them as well as inhibiting them from escaping
from conflict ridden areas[27]

Energy

Climate change could simultaneously reduce the Philippines’ supply of energy and increase its demand
for energy.[19] The increased chance of extreme weather events would reduce hydropower production,
which accounts for 20% of the country's energy supply, as well as cause widespread damage to energy
infrastructure and services.[19] There will be more power outages on average in addition to an
increased demand for power, specifically cooling.[19]

Water

Several factors of climate change are impacting the availability of water in the Philippines. The
increasing number of intense droughts are reducing water levels and river flows and thus creating a
shortage in water.[19] The floods and landslides caused by extreme rainfall degrade watershed health
and water quality by increasing runoff and erosion that increases sedimentation in reservoirs.[19] Many
freshwater coastal aquifers have seen saltwater intrusion which reduces the amount of freshwater
available for use. About 25% of coastal municipalities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are affected by
this and the issue is expected to get worse with sea level rise.[19]

Infrastructure

Rising sea levels, heavy rainfall and flooding, and strong typhoons pose an enormous risk to the
Philippines’ infrastructure. 45% of Philippines’ urban population lives in informal settlements with
already weak infrastructure and are extremely vulnerable to flooding and typhoons.[22] A giant storm
would wreak havoc on these informal settlements and cause the deaths and displacement of millions of
people who inhabit 25 different coastline cities.[19] These natural disasters will also cause millions of
dollars in damages to urban infrastructure like bridges and roads. In 2009, Tropical Storm Ketsana cost
the Philippines $33 million to repair damaged roads and bridges.[19]

Risk to "double exposure"

Large cities in the Philippines such as Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, and Davao City see an increased risk
from both climate change and globalization.[28] For example, in addition to being one of the world's
most vulnerable cities to climate change due to geographical location, Manila has also been shaped by
globalization and abides by many tenants of neoliberal urbanism, including "a strong focus on private
sector led development, attracting global capital, market oriented policies and decentralization".[28]
These cities experience challenges to their own climate resilience due to this double exposure to climate
change and globalization, where many cities are most at risk to climate events in addition to having a
large percentage of the population live in informal settlements with weak infrastructure.[28] Four
million people, or about a third of Manila's population, lives in informal settlements which puts them at
higher risk and danger from tropical storms and flooding, and they often have fewer resources available
to recover from damages caused by environmental hazards.[28] Several factors and governments in the
history of the Philippines has contributed to a large focus on urban development and its connection to
"globalized systems of material production and consumption.[28] Spanish colonial rule from the 1500s
to 1898, America's annexation from 1898 to 1946, Japanese occupation and bombing during World War
ll, Ferdinand Marcos' authoritarian regime from 1965 till 1986, and more have all contributed to an
urban development focused on globalization, market oriented development, privatization, and
decentralization.[28]

Human health

Climate change, heavy rains, and increased temperatures are linked with the increased transmission of
vector and waterborne diseases like malaria, dengue, and diarrhea (who). The heavy rains and increased
temperatures lead to increased humidity which increases the chance of mosquito breeding and
survival.[19] Increased natural disasters not only directly contribute to the loss of human life, but also
indirectly through food insecurity and the destruction of health services.[19]

Coastal ecosystems and fisheries

Climate change and global warming and the rising amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere has contributed to
ocean warming and ocean acidification. The ocean has acted as a carbon sink for earth for millennia and
is currently slowing the rate of global warming through the sequestration of carbon. This comes at a cost
however as the oceans are becoming more and more acidic as they sequester more carbon dioxide.
Ocean acidification has dire consequences as it causes coral bleaching and ultimately leads to the
collapse of coral reefs (usaid). Rising sea levels cause increased salinity that can have damaging impacts
on the country's extensive system of mangroves.[19] Both coral reefs and mangroves help to reduce
coastal erosion and supports water quality.[19] This erosion from the loss of coral reefs and mangroves
increase the chance of coastal flooding and the loss of land.[19] Coral reefs and mangroves also act as
important feeding and spawning areas for many fish species that many fisher folk depend on for
survival.[22] Over 60% of the coastal population depends on marine resources like coral reefs or
mangroves for their contributions to fisheries, tourism, and storm protection.[19]

Government policy

Sustainable development

Recognizing the need to tackle the environment issues as well as the need to sustain development and
growth, the Philippines came up with the Sustainable Development Strategy.[29] The nation for the
Sustainable Development Strategy includes assimilating environmental considerations in administration,
apposite pricing of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, rehabilitation of ecosystems, control
of population growth and human resources development, inducing growth in rural areas, promotion of
environmental education, strengthening citizens’ participation, and promoting small to medium-sized
enterprises and sustainable agricultural and forestry practices.[30] One of the initiatives signed in part of
the strategy was the 1992 Earth Summit.
Upon signing the 1992 Earth Summit,[31] the government of Philippines has been constantly looking
into many different initiatives to improve the environmental aspects of the country.

Philippine Initiatives to Address

Environmental Issues
One of the earliest notable recognition by the Philippine government of the importance of
sustainable development taking into consideration the environment was set out in the 1987
Constitution which stipulates that “The State shall protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature.”

In 1991, the Philippines began to address the issue of climate change in its thrust to
achieve sustainable development with the formulation of the Philippine Strategy for
Sustainable Development. As a result, the country officially adopted the Philippine Agenda
21 which serves asthe nation's blueprint for sustainable development. During the same
year, government agencies and the Philippine Network on Climate Change were convened to
create the Inter-Agency Committee on Climate Change (IACCC) led by the Environmental
Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The
Committee aimed at harnessing and synergizing the various activities undertaken by the
national government and civil society in response to the crisis posed by growing problem on
climate change.
The Philippine commitment to address global environmental issues was further manifested
by its support to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) ratified on August 2, 1994 and the Kyoto Protocol, which was ratified on
November 20, 2003. As a signatory to the UNFCCC, the Philippines expressed adherence to
the principles of sustainable development and environmental preservation based on the
notion of equity and the unique capabilities of the participating countries. Article 3 of the
Convention states that states who have aligned themselves with the mandates set forth
“should protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of
humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated
responsibilities and respective capabilities.” In 2000, the Philippines forwarded to the
UNFCCC its Initial National Communication which enumerated the accomplishments of the
country in meeting the objectives of the Convention. The report presented the gains made
in the fields of greenhouse gas abatement and inventory. Also noted were significant
achievements in strengthening institutions and processes in relation to the mitigation,
prevention and adaptation initiatives in the country. Further, in adherence to the Kyoto
Protocol, the Philippines adopted the Clean Development Mechanism.
Also, the Philippines passed and implemented national measures that advance the
international community’s agenda pertaining to environmental preservation. Some of the
major legislations enacted were R.A. 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) that moves for an
effective air quality management program that will mitigate the worsening problem of air
pollution in the country, R.A. 8435 (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of
1997) that establishes that the Department of Agriculture together with other appropriate
agencies, should into account climate change, weather disturbances and annual productivity
cycles in order to forecast and formulate appropriate agricultural and fisheries
programs, R.A. 9003 (Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)that aimed at providing a
comprehensive solution to the country’s garbage problem and R.A. 9275 (Philippine Clean
Water Act of 2004) that moves for a comprehensive water quality management scheme.

In 2007, Administrative Order 171 was issued to create a Presidential Task Force on Climate
Change (PTFCC). The task force is mandated to address and mitigate the impact of climate
change in the Philippines, paying special attention to adaptation, mitigation and
technological solutions. In particular, the task force focuses on improving compliance to air
emission standards and acts to combat deforestation and environmental degradation.

More recently, R.A. 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009) which aims to systematically
integrate the concept of climate change in the policy formulation and development plans of
all government agencies and units, to the end that the government will be prepared for the
impact of climate change was enacted also creating the Philippine Climate Change
Commission (PCCC).

The PCCC, an independent and autonomous body attached to the Office of the President,
shall be the sole policy making body of the government to coordinate, monitor and evaluate
the programs and action plans relating to climate change. The PCCC has drafted
the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change 2010-2022 which is committed
towards ensuring and strengthening the adaptation of our natural ecosystems and human
communities to climate change.

The Republic of the Philippines is one of most exposed countries in the world to
many “natural” hazards: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, lahar flows,
typhoons, flooding, landslides, and sea level rise. Earthquake risks make Metro
Manila especially vulnerable, due to the high population density and the poor
quality of buildings, partly linked to corruption. This chapter examines the
current policies to reduce risk in the metropolis and the scales of vulnerability,
both at the national, regional, community and individual levels, focusing on the
resilience of people and society when confronted with danger. Their
vulnerability is heightened with several forms of environmental degradation,
such as deforestation, soil impoverishments, mining impacts, all favoring
landslides and floods, as well as the loss in biodiversity, both in maritime and
land areas. Despite the establishment of protected areas and natural parks,
adaptation to climate change and mitigation of damage remains difficult and
requires building up a better institutional resilience.
1.Over Population

width=331
Without a doubt, the biggest issue facing the environment is over population of humans. All other major
environmental issues flow from the very fact that we are over populating the planet. The world’s
population has tripled in the last 60 years, placing stress on every aspect of the environment. More land
is developed every day to accommodate the urban spread. In 1950 the population stood at
2,555,982,611 compared to over 7,382,200,400 this 2015. The actual math is that the world’s
population has increased by almost 3 times. That is staggering when you think about it. That figure is
increasing even as we speak!

2. Climate Change

width=339

The most controversial and political of the top 10 environmental issues is climate change. Recently, an
overwhelming majority of climate scientists believe that human activities are currently affecting the
climate and that the tipping point has already been passed. In other words, it is too late to undo the
damage that climate change has done to the environment. At this stage the best we can do is regulate
the further impact upon the environment by developing more environmentally friendly methods of
energy production by reducing the mining and burning of fossil fuels.

3. Loss of Biodiversity

width=348

The loss of biodiversity on the planet can be directly related to the behaviors of human beings. Humans
have destroyed and continue to destroy the habitats of species on a daily basis. When we exterminate
one species, it has a knock on effect in the food chain which in turn upsets the ecosystems
interdependent on one another. The catastrophic impact of loss of biodiversity is likely to affect the
planet for millions of years to come. The current loss of biodiversity is also being named “The Sixth
Extinction”.
4. Phosphorous and Nitrogen Cycles

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Although the effect of human activities on the carbon cycle is better known, the lesser known effect on
the cycle of Nitrogen actually has a greater impact on the environment. The human race’s use and abuse
of nitrogen has been one of the most beneficial technologies for our own species for decades. Every
year, humans convert an estimated 120 million tons of nitrogen from the atmosphere into reactive
forms such as nitrates, mainly in the production of nitrogen-based fertilizer for crops and in the use of
food additives. The run off from crops into our oceans has a negative effect upon phytoplankton which
is responsible for the production of most of the oxygen in our air.

5. Water Supply

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Many experts believe that in the near future water will become a commodity just like gold and oil. Some
experts’ say that wars will be fought over who owns the water supply. Currently, one third of humans
have inadequate access to clean, fresh water. The number is expected to increase by to up to two thirds
by 2050. That is, that two thirds of the world’s population will not have access to clean water! Over
population, demand and pollution from industry is to blame.

6. Ocean Acidification

width=368

This is a direct effect of excessive CO2 production. The oceans absorb as much as 25% of all human
carbon dioxide emissions. The gas then combines with other elements to form compounds such as
carbolic acid. Over the last 250 years, surface acidity of the ocean has increased by an estimated 30%.
The acidity is expected to increase by 150% by year 2100. The effect of over acidification of the oceans
on sea creatures such as shellfish and plankton is similar to osteoporosis in humans. The acid is
effectively dissolving the skeletons of the creatures. The effect of ocean acidification may soon challenge
marine life on a scale that the planet has not seen for millions of years.

7. Pollution

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Pollution of air, water and soil by chemical compounds take many years to break down. Most of these
chemicals are the bi-products of our modern lifestyle, and are created by industry and motor vehicle
exhaust. Pollution isn’t just limited to the air. Soil is another place where pollution is starting to take
hold. Common toxic substances include heavy metals, nitrates and plastic. A lot of the plastics that are
discarded by humans end up in the ocean. These plastics tend to go unseen by humans, as the pollution
is usually blown out to sea by prevailing winds.

8. Ozone Layer Depletion

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Depletion of our ozone layer has been mainly attributed to the release of chemical pollution containing
the chemicals Chlorine and Bromide. Once the chemicals reach the upper atmosphere, they cause ozone
molecules to break apart causing a hole to form, the largest of which is over the Antarctic. The
atmosphere blocks many of the harmful UV rays from the sun that can damage living tissue. In an effort
to reduce this process, CFCs have been banned in many manufacturing processes and products.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one atom of chlorine can break down more than
100, 000 ozone molecules.

9. Overfishing

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It is estimated that by 2050 there will be no fish left in the sea. The extinction of many fish species is due
to humans over fishing the oceans to supply an ever increasing population’s demand for seafood. The
collapse of the Atlantic Cod Fishery is one such example of how humans have exploited the planet’s
natural resources to the brink of extinction.
10. Deforestation

Since 1990, half of the world’s rain forests have been destroyed. The clearing of forests continue at an
alarming rate. To add to the worry, a recent phenomenon has been added to the list. Trees are now
dying globally at a rate never before seen.

The planet faces a variety of troubling issues that stem from man-made
contamination. Many of these lead to environmental problems that are causing long-
term damage to the earth’s ecosystem. The Global Issues website explains that the
only way to control current environmental issues is to create sustainable development
strategies and continue to instill conservation methods.

Environmental Accidents
Some man-made accidents threaten wildlife and the ecosystem. Although these
accidents are relatively rare because of increased safety procedures, accidents still
occur, sometimes with devastating effects. Examples include oil spills, radioactive
leaks, tanker spills, pipeline bursts and drilling accidents. The best solution for
accidental spills and leaks is to create additional safety protocol using both
computerized and human detection systems.

Water Pollution
Water pollution is a growing problem globally. According to the Thinkquest website,
large industries including those that make chemicals and plastics dump a large
amount of waste into the water. Human waste and rubbish also ends up in the oceans
and lakes. The Clean Water Act of 1972 allows the U.S. government to enforce
restrictions on those who dump trash and waste. To address the problem, individuals
can improve recycling and waste disposal, and they can volunteer to clean up
shorelines and nearby public locations. Businesses should develop ongoing protocols
to reduce the amount of chemicals and other waste they put into the water supply.

Hazardous Waste
According to the Learner website, the mishandling of hazardous waste materials
poses immediate and long-term risks to plants, animals, humans and the environment.
Hazardous waste is any liquid or solid that contains carcinogenic or teratogenic
compounds, including pesticides, paint strippers, solvents, paint, gasoline, bleach,
ammonia, industrial cleaning agents and drain cleaners. Individuals and businesses
should make sure that hazardous-waste disposal experts handle all hazardous waste,
and should never dump hazardous waste with regular trash or into rivers or ditches.

Ozone Depletion
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, there are several airborne
materials that can lead to ozone pollution. Ground-level ozone, particulate matter,
lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide are all dangerous when
released into the air. These pollutants can cause human health problems and damage
to plants and animals. The EPA enforces laws controlling the release of these
substances into the atmosphere. Controlled air quality leads to less stress on the outer
ozone layer of the planet that helps protect us from the sun.

Soil Contamination
According to the Science Daily website, man-made chemicals released into the dirt
either by accident or through poor disposal techniques cause soil contamination.
Rupture of underground storage tanks, acid rain, leaching of hazardous waste from a
landfill, pesticides and herbicides, and discharge from industrial chemical wastes all
can contaminate the soil in which farmers grow crops or graze livestock that people
eventually eat. Laws against such contamination need to be stringent, and the
appropriate agencies have to be tough in the enforcement of those laws to help keep
soil safer for humans and animals.

There are many potential causes of soil pollution. Industrial chemicals, lead
contamination, radioactive metals, leaking underground fuel tanks, improper disposal
of hazardous materials, agricultural chemicals, salts, sewage, all are among the
causes of modern soil pollution. It can even be caused by natural sources. Ground
pollution effects vary based on the specific type of soil pollution as each one causes a
wide variety of harmful environmental effects. If you are considering buying a home,
get your soil tested to make sure there are no problems in the land itself.

Dangers of Fertilizers
Nutrients added to the soil by agricultural interests to increase crop yields pose one of
the largest sources of soil pollution. Rain can wash these nutrients out of the soil into
lakes and ponds. There they promote the growth of algae and other harmful plants.
They increase microbe levels, and reduce the oxygen content of the whole body of
water. On land, fertilizer-based soil pollution causes a wide variety of problems due to
poisoning, such as burned roots, stunted growth, and mineral deficiencies.

Salt Contamination in Soil

Salinization of the soil is a common pollution problem caused by irrigation in arid and
semi-arid climates. This irrigation causes salts to build up in the soil. This eventually
makes the soil unable to grow most crops. Salts are very difficult to remove from soil,
so this is a pernicious problem.

Groundwater Pollution Effects

Soil pollutants eventually leach their way through the soil and into groundwater. This
pollutes local water sources, including wells and springs, making the water dangerous
to drink and for local wildlife and plants.

Heavy Metal Pollution

Radioactive heavy metals such as uranium, radium and plutonium pollute the soil in
some places, either naturally or because of human activity. Other heavy metals, such
as lead, mercury, arsenic, and chromium rise to dangerous concentrations in the soil
as a result of mining activities, industrial activity, and automobile use. These metals in
the soil can cause plant fertility problems, and many of them, such as lead and
arsenic, are poisonous to animals and people. The radioactive metals also cause
damage to the chromosomes of animals and people, leading to mutations, cancer, and
a variety of other problems.

Pesticides and Soil Pollution

Pesticides also cause soil pollution. They can poison plants. Soil contamination
caused by pesticides can also decrease the fertility of the soil, making it less able to
support plant life. They also can cause toxic reactions in people and animals.

Effect of improper garbage disposal

Tossing everyday items into the trash can seem like second nature to many people. If
you are implementing recycling techniques into your lifestyle, you are taking a positive
step toward helping the environment. Learner.org notes that in the U.S. alone, over
230 million tons of trash is produced each year. Less than 25 percent of that waste is
recycled and the rest ends up in landfills, incinerated or in ditches and roadsides.
Improper garbage disposal isn’t just an eyesore; it poses a serious threat to nature.

Soil Contamination
It is important to learn the basics of recycling so that the waste that does end up in
landfills can be disposed of properly. Plastics, metals, papers and certain types of
glass can all be recycled at your local recycling center. If you take the time to send
these items to recyclable locations, the items can be reused and returned to
consumers. They won’t end up as trash or hurting the environment. If recyclables are
placed into the ground they can potentially contaminate the surrounding soil. The
Western Courier shares with readers that as plastic water bottles break down they can
release DEHA, a type of carcinogen that can cause reproductive problems, liver
issues and weight loss. This type of chemical can leach into the soil and cause
contamination that can reach plant and animal life as well as water sources.
Newspapers or paper that contains ink can be toxic to the soil as well. If the garbage
is dumped or not contained properly in a landfill it will contaminate the surrounding
ground.

Air Contamination
When disposing of garbage that contains harmful chemicals such as bleach, acid or oil
it is important that it is disposed of in approved containers and labeled correctly.
Paper, plastics and other materials that are burned can contaminate the air when they
are burned. Over time the chemicals can build up in the ozone layer. If they contain
toxic chemicals like dioxin they can reach the air that people breathe and cause a
public health risk. Garbage that is disposed of improperly can also begin to release
methane gases. According to the Energy Information Administration, these gases are
greenhouse gasses that can destroy the earth’s ozone layer and contribute to
significant climate changes or global warming.

Animals and Marine Life

Humans are not the only ones affected by improper garbage disposal—animals are
too. Conservation International notes that garbage dumping and discharging raw or
untreated sewage can threaten marine life and animals who come in contact with the
water. When waste forms a cluster or algal bloom, the area can suffocate and
contaminate sea bottom habitats such as coral and fish reducing their numbers. This
contamination not only destroys their habitat it can also affect human consumption as
fish and shellfish that were feasting off of contaminated areas reach fishermen and are
caught for human consumption. Old fishing lures, plastic bottles, rope, Styrofoam,
cigarette butts and fishing lines can be consumed by marine animals leading to the
death of millions each year according to Conservation International.

How to Control Land Pollution

Land pollution is a great concern for many parts of the world. The Earth's surface is
contaminated by industrial waste, soil pollution caused by pesticides, and
decomposable waste such as glass, cloth, plastic, paper, and metal. The control of
land pollution is necessary in order to save the Earth from degradation. There are
many things each individual can do to prevent this form happening.

Recycle to help control land pollution. Items such as aluminum cans,

paper, glass bottles, and objects made of plastic can be recycled and
reused to make new products. When you purchase products, look for the
recycling label on them.

Follow instructions carefully when using pesticides and chemicals to

prevent air, soil, or water pollution. When disposing of pesticides or
chemicals, do not put them down household drains.

Dispose of litter in the appropriate way. Use trash containers that have
tightly fitted lids. Call your local disposal department for details about how
to dispose of hazardous materials such as medical waste.

Prevent livestock from coming in contact with drainage ditches, streams,

and creeks. Collect and dispose of wastes for your livestock to prevent
water supply contamination.

Environmental pollution enters air, soil and water and is spread across the land and
oceans by natural forces including wind and water flow. Some pollutants degrade in
the environment and others may persist for thousands of years. As pollution spreads
and accumulates in the environment, the cost and difficulty of cleanup increases. Over
time, the effects of pollution on the environment can be slowed and potentially
reversed through a combination of removing the sources of pollution and cleanup.

Sources of Pollution
Cities contribute pollution from many sources, including factory smokestacks and
wastewater; car exhaust; liquid leaking out of landfills; sewage treatment plant
leakages and released gases; and residences. Pollution from rural and forest lands
includes crop fertilizers in stormwater runoff; smoke from field burning and forest fires;
blowing dust; soil erosion from logging; and acid and chemicals in stormwater runoff
from mining areas. Pollution that enters air, soil and water can continue to spread
even long after the sources are stopped.

Persistence of Environmental Pollution

Soluble or volatile pollutants may degrade when exposed to air or microbes in soil or
groundwater. Other pollutants move with groundwater in the subsurface as particles or
in a solution. "Hydrophobic" pollutants repel water and are held in the ground because
they are attracted to soil or sediment particles, making them difficult and costly to
clean up. They can "persist" in the environment and move through the food chain from
soil to food to people, or from sediment to fish to people.

Cleaning Up Pollution
Removing the biggest sources of pollution could include, for example, more complete
treatment of industrial wastewater or stormwater that carries fertilizers and road
pollutants to reduce the amount of pollution entering streams and the ocean. Many
technologies can be used to remove pollutants from soil and water. For example,
charcoal filters can remove contaminants; certain chemicals can neutralize or bond
with pollutants; microorganisms can be used to break down chemicals; and certain
plants can be used to extract or break down pollutants. These technologies can be
combined to make cleanup more effective.

Curbing Sources of Pollution

Part of reversing the effects of pollution requires the government and individuals to
embrace efforts to reduce waste and ensure resource sustainability. Recycling and
changes in product packaging can reduce how much waste is generated and placed in
landfills. Alternative chemicals can be used by industries as well as homeowners to
reduce the toxicity of chemicals that wind up in wastewater. Using alternative energy
sources can reduce the amount of fossil fuels that are burned and the toxicity of air
emissions.