ASSIGNMENT PUBLIC HEALTH 101

PREPARED BY : MD FAHIM HARA ID SEC : 111 0266 030 : PBH 101.8

PREPARED FOR : DR MALEEHA AZEEM DEPT. OF PUBLIC HEALTH NORTH SOUTH UNIVERSITY

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List of Contents 1. Pictures 2. What is water pollution 3. Sources of water pollution 4. Causes of water pollution 5. Common pollutants 6. Different types of water pollution 7. Health hazards 8. Ways to prevent water pollution 9. What is global warming 10. Causes of global

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warming 11. Consequences of global 23

warming 12. References 29

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WATER POLLUTION
What is Water Pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater). Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Water pollution affects plants and organisms living in these bodies of water. In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual species and populations, but also to the natural biological communities. Water pollution is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at all levels (international down to individual aquifers and wells). It is a prominent cause of many illnesses of various types and many deaths. Water pollution not only affects the aquatic organisms (fishes, frogs, etc) but also the human race. Its effects are hazardously life-threatening. Almost threefourth of the Earth we live in comprises of water, and amongst this fraction, an alarmingly increasing percentage of water is not being considered polluted. Most of the water resources on earth are
polluted. Even if our planet is covered with 70% water, not all of it is suitable for drinking or human use. The facts pertaining to water pollution can be understood in a better manner with the following points.

Rivers in the continent of Asia are considered as most polluted. These rivers contain 20 times as much lead found in water bodies of industrialized nations of other continents. The bacteria (from human waste) found in these rivers are 3 times greater than that of the global average.

In Ireland, fertilizers and sewage are the main pollutants of water. Around 30% rivers in this country have these pollutants. Contamination of groundwater is a major problem in Bangladesh. Arsenic is the major pollutant which affects water quality in this country. Around 85% of the total area of Bangladesh has contaminated groundwater. It means, over 1.2 million citizens of this nation are exposed to hazardous effects of arsenic-contaminated water.

The King river in Australia is amongst the most polluted rivers of the world. Around 1 million sea birds, 100000 marine mammals and several other creatures have been killed due to acidic water present in the river. Here are few more water pollution statistics.

It is necessary to understand that the water we are polluting on a daily basis can harm us in the long run. Once toxic chemicals enter the food chain, people have no option but, to live with and carry them in body systems. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers is one of the best ways to clear water

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pollutants from our environment. These chemicals otherwise, get washed out and enter the river water.

Sources of water pollution

Point Sources of Water Pollution Point sources are those from where the pollutants seep directly into the main water bodies. Since pollution takes place from a particular identifiable source, it's termed as point source. Since the source is discreet, the load of contaminants is also high. Point sources are utterly polluted with industrial wastes, chemicals, garbage and other types of disposable goods that are capable of causing high intensity of pollution. They include:

Pipes containing waste matter and sewage treatment plants are some of the most common sources. Other types of conveyances that cause water pollution include ditches and running canals where wastes are deposited from municipalities or localities. The waste substances from factories and plants are directly thrown into oceans and seas, that pollute water to a large extent. Such wastes are composed of various inorganic and organic substances that increase mineral load of water bodies causing depletion in number of decomposer microorganisms.

Chemical and radioactive elements released as a result of earthquakes and tsunamis is also included under the list of point sources. When the water used for cooling systems in factories is released directly into water bodies, thermal pollution takes place. The heat of water threatens aquatic life as the amount of dissolved oxygen in water substantially reduces. Radioactive materials when accumulated in water, cause serious health hazards to marine biota.

Non-Point Sources of Water Pollution Non point sources are those that do not have a single point of origin. For example, when rainwater runs off land, it carries different types of contaminants along with, which mix with other water bodies. Thus, the contaminants accumulate from different sources, by which they cause water pollution. The most common types of non-point sources of water pollution are explained in the points below.

Natural calamities like storms and floods cause sheet erosion that takes away garbage waste and various other types of pollutants with them. The running water is highly polluted because it flows through roads, fields and waste water canals, that further merges with large water bodies. Thus, you can see that non-point sources have far flung effects. Such a source of water pollution is also known as urban runoff.

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Toxic pollutants like herbicides and pesticides used extensively in farming can build up in lakes, rivers, ponds and streams (this process is known as eutrophication of water bodies) that are highly poisonous to fish and other creatures dwelling in water. It also poses serious health risks to human beings when they unknowingly use the water for cooking purposes. This type of water pollution is more prevalent in villages.

Wastes like plastic, anti-freeze chemicals, vegetable wastes, detergent wastes, etc., are more frequently disposed off from households. Such waste matters are often thrown into nearby canals and ponds. All these activities are common sources of non-point water pollution that must be taken care of. Oil spills from ships is also rampant in oceans , where marine life is severely threatened. Ground water pollution takes place when contaminated rainwater seeps underground.

The causes of water pollution can be due to direct and indirect contaminant sources. The former are effluent outputs from refineries, factories, waste treatment plants. Fluids of differing qualities are emitted to the urban water supplies. In the United States and some other countries, these methods are controlled. However, still pollutants can be found in the water bodies. The latter are the water supply from soils/groundwater systems that have fertilizers, pesticides and industrial wastes. Also those through the atmosphere like bakeries, factories emission and automobile discharge. Contaminants can also be divided into inorganic, organic, acid/base and radioactive.

Causes of water pollution

The major sources of water pollution are as described below. Discharge of contaminated and/or heated water that has been used for industrial purposes. The surface runoff that contains spilled petroleum products. The surface runoff from farms, construction sites or other impervious surfaces. The improper disposal of solid wastes like littering on a localized scale. Addition of excessive nutrients by runoff containing detergents or fertilizers called eutrophication. The geology of aquifers where groundwater is abstracted. Maltreated sewage discharged in a wrong manner. Slash and burn farming practice is a component in shifting cultivation agricultural systems. Radioactive substances from nuclear power plants and industrial, medical and scientific use are also contributive. Uranium and thorium mining and refining are some of the examples. Heat is a leading cause as it results in the death of several aquatic organisms. A discharge of cooling water by factories and power plants lowers the temperature of the water bodies. Oil pollution is very harmful for coastal wildlife. Oil spreads on huge areas to form oil slicks. If there are trials to sink the oil or chemically treat it, the marine and beach ecosystems may be further disrupted.

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Classification of the causes of water pollution Municipal, industrial and agricultural are the different categories of the causes of water pollution. Municipal causes are related to waste water from homes and commercial establishments. The main aim of handling municipal wastewater was to decrease the harmful bacteria, oxygen requiring materials, mixed inorganic compounds and suspended solids. Industrial causes vary as per the biochemical demand, suspended solids, inorganic and organic substances. Agricultural causes include commercial livestock and poultry farming. These lead to organic and inorganic pollutants in surface waters and groundwater. Other agents

The combustion of coal leads to the release of mercury in the atmosphere. This enters the rivers, lakes and groundwater. This is very hazardous for pregnant women and infants. Cattle and pig rearing causes a significant amount of nutrient-filled waste. Virulent pfiesteria toxin collects in the water masses. Fertilizers having a large quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus cause a high biological oxygen demand in the water. As oxygen is depleted, only anaerobic life-forms prosper. Human settlement along the banks of rivers causes human, animal and industrial waste to be discharged into it. In the developed world, sewage treatment plants are used to treat waste. However, in developing nations, the rivers are similar to open sewers.

Common pollutants/contaminants of water

Organic water pollutants are:

Food processing waste, including pathogens Insecticides and herbicides, a huge range of organohalide and other chemicals Tree and brush debris from logging operations Bacteria from sewage or livestock operations Petroleum hydrocarbons like diesel, gasoline, jet fuels, fuel oils, motor oils Volatile organic compounds like industrial solvents

Inorganic water pollutants are:

pre-production industrial raw resin pellets heavy metals including acid mine drainage

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chemical waste as industrial by-products acidity due to industrial discharges like sulfur dioxide silt in surface runoff due to logging, slash and burn practices, construction sites or land clearing sites fertilizers in runoff from agriculture including nitrates and phosphates

The important sources of water pollution are domestic wastes, industrial effluents, and agricultural wastes. Other sources include oil spills, atmospheric deposition, marine dumping, radioactive waste, global warming, and eutrophication. Among these, domestic waste (domestic sewage) and industrial waste generate maximum pollutants, which make their way to groundwater and surface water bodies. Domestic Sewage: Domestic sewage is wastewater generated from the household activities. It contains organic and inorganic materials such as phosphates and nitrates. Organic materials are food and vegetable waste, whereas inorganic materials come from soaps and detergents. Usually people dump household wastes in the nearby water source, which leads to water pollution. The amount of organic wastes that can be degraded by the water bodies is measured in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is nothing but the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose the organic waste present in the sewage. The higher the amount of BOD, the more water is polluted with organic waste and vice versa. Many people are not aware of the fact that soaps and detergents enrich the water bodies with phosphates. These phosphates often lead to algal bloom and eutrophication, which are common problems in stagnant water bodies such as ponds and lakes. Algal bloom and eutrophication lead to the suffocation of fish and other organism in a water body. Industrial Effluents: Wastewater from the manufacturing and processing industries causes water pollution. The industrial effluents contain organic pollutants and other toxic chemicals. Some of the pollutants from industrial source include lead, mercury, asbestos, nitrates, phosphates, oils, etc. Wastewater from food and chemical processing industries contribute more to water pollution than the other industries such as distillery, leather processing industries, and thermal power plants. Also, dye industries generate wastewater which changes the water quality especially water color. Since the water color is changed, there is alteration in the light penetration, thereby disturbing the aquatic plants and animals. Many of the big industries have come up with wastewater treatment plants. However, it is not the case with small-scale industries. It is very difficult to treat wastewater from the industries. Let's take the example of Minamata disease in which more than 1,784 people died and many more suffered due to consumption of fish, contaminated with methyl mercury. It was caused by release of methyl mercury from Chisso Corporation's chemical factory. The disease continued to affect animals and humans for over 30 years, from 1932 to 1968.

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Agricultural Waste: Agricultural waste include manure, slurry, and sewage runoffs. Most of the agricultural farms use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The runoffs from these agricultural fields cause water pollution to the nearby water sources such as rivers, streams and lakes. The seepage of fertilizers and pesticides causes groundwater pollution, which is commonly known as leaching. Although the quantity of agricultural waste is low, the effects are highly significant. It causes nutrient and organic pollution to both water and soil. Nutrient pollution causes an increase in the nitrates and phosphates in the water bodies, which again leads to eutrophication. Depending upon the origin, sources of water pollution are classified as point source and non-point source. Point source pollution discharges the harmful waste directly into water bodies, for example, disposal through wastewater treatment plants. On the other hand, non-point source pollution delivers indirectly through other ways, for example, water pollution from acid rain.

Different types of water pollution

Surface Water Pollution These are the natural water resources of the Earth. These are found on the exterior of the Earth's crust, oceans, rivers and lakes. Groundwater Pollution Considerable amount of Earth's water is found in soil or under rock structures called aquifers. People use aquifers to obtain drinking water and build wells to access it. In case this water becomes polluted, it is called groundwater pollution. This is caused by pesticide contamination from the soil and this can infect the drinking water and lead to huge problems. Microbiological Pollution This is a natural form of water pollution caused by microorganisms. Most of these microorganims thrive in water and fish, land animals and humans to become ill. Microorganims like bacteria, viruses and protozoa cause serious diseases like cholera. In poor countries, there are no facilities to treat polluted water and hence the health of people are affected. Oxygen depletion Pollution Microorganisms that thrive in water feed on biodegradable substances. When a lot of biodegradable material is mixed with water, the number of microorganims increase and utilize the available oxygen. This is called oxygen depletion. As oxygen levels in water are depleted, harmless aerobic microorganisms die and anaerobic microorganims prosper. Some anaerobic microorganisms are harmful to people, environment and animals and they produce toxins like ammonia and sulfides.

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Nutrients These are necessary for plant growth and development. Most of these are found in wastewater and fertilizers. These can cause excess weed and algae growth if there are large concentrations in water. Drinking water and clog filters can be contaminated. The algae use up the oxygen in the water and leave none for the surrounding marine life and this can damage other aquatic organisms. Suspended Matter As the molecules are very large to mix between the water molecules, some pollutants do not dissolve in water. This material is termed as particulate matter and can lead to water pollution. The suspended particles finally settle and form a thick silt at the bottom. The marine life on the floor of rivers and lakes are harmed. Biodegradable substances are suspended in water and raise the quantity of anaerobic microorganisms present. The toxic chemicals that are suspended in water are harmful to the development and survival of aquatic life. Chemical Agricultural and Industrial work has the use of many chemicals that can run-off into water and pollute it. Metals and solvents from industrial work pollute rivers and lakes. Aquatic life is endangered by these and made infertile. Pesticides are used to control weeds, insects and fungi. Run-off's of these pesticides poisons aquatic life. If birds, humans and other animals eat infected fish they may be poisoned. Petroleum is a different type of chemical pollutant that pollutes water by oil spills in case a ship ruptures. Oil spills have a localized effect on wildlife, but can spread for miles. This oil can cause the death of many fish and stick to the feathers of seabirds. This loses their ability to fly. Pollution happens when silt and other suspended solids like soil, construction, washoff plowed fields enters river banks. Eutrophication occurs under natural conditions, lakes, rivers and other water bodies. This is an aging process that fills in the water body with sediment and organic matter. In case these sediments enter various water bodies, fish respiration is affected, plant productivity and water depth is decreased.

The health hazards caused by water pollution

Effects of Run-off Pollution Rain picks up dirt and silt and carries it into the water. If the dirt and silt settle in the water body, then these sediments prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants. If the Sun can't reach the plants, these perish. These sediments also clog fish gills and smother organisms that live on the bottom of the water body. Effects of Oil Pollution and Antifreeze If oil is spilled on the water, the effects on the ecosystem and the components are harmful. Many animals can be annihilated in case they ingest oil. Oil contaminated prey may be a reason of death for

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many. If the oil coats the feathers of birds, these may die. Oil and antifreeze makes the water have a foul odor and there is a sticky film on the surface of water that kills animals. Oil is the most harmful pollutant in the water. Contaminated Ground Water Effects If contaminated water enters the ground, there may be serious effects. People may become very sick and there is a probability of developing liver or kidney problems and cancer or other illnesses. Fertilizers and Other Chemicals Nitrates in drinking water lead to diseases of infants that may result in their death. Cadmium is a metal in sludge-derived fertilizer. This can be absorbed by crops. When people ingest this, they may cause diarrheal disorders, liver and kidney damage. The inorganic substances like mercury, arsenic and lead are the causes of pollution. Other chemicals can also lead to problems concerning the taste, smell and color of water. Pesticides, PCBs and PCPs are all poisonous to all sorts of life. Pesticides are used in farming, homes and forestry. PCBs are found as insulators in old electrical transformers. PCPs are found in products like wood preservatives. Effects of Agricultural Water Pollution Rain and irrigation water drains off cultivated land that has been fertilized and treated with pesticides, the excess nitrogen and poisons are mixed with it into the water supply. These pesticides are toxic and pollute the water in a different mode. Aquatic plants' growth cause de-oxygenation of water and annihilate flora and fauna in a stream, lake and river. Fertilizers enhance the growth of bacteria that are in water and increase the concentration of bacteria to hazardous levels. Effects of Thermal Water Pollution Machinery in the industries are cooled with water from lakes and rivers. This water reaches the river in a heated state. The water decreases the ability of the aquatic system to hold oxygen and raises the growth of warm water species. Effects of Heavy Metal Water Pollution Heavy metals like lead, mercury, iron, cadmium, aluminum and magnesium are present in water sources. If these metals are present in the sediment, these reach the food chain through plants and aquatic animals. This causes heavy metal poisoning in case their level in the water is very high. Some Other Effects of Water Pollution In rivers, oceans and seas, water pollution affects flora and fauna in them. Further, the birds and animals that consume this contaminated food supply can perish. Blood diseases, nervous system disorders and heart diseases are some of the effects of water pollution. Many toxins in polluted water

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lead to cancer. Rarely, the body's chromosomal makeup can be altered. Some of the less potent effects are skin lesions, vomiting and diarrhea. Many water-borne diseases are caused by infections which result from the intake of polluted water. Amongst the different water-borne diseases, typhoid, hepatitis, diarrhea gastroenteritis, encephalitis, ascariasis, giardiasis and amoebiasis are the important ones. Respiratory problems, skin rashes are some of the other health problems caused by water pollution.

Ways to Prevent Water Pollution

While we need to see to it that the government is stringent about seeing to it that there are adequate treatment plants to treat sewage, and seeing to it that industries have treatment plants and nuclear plants have proper waste storage systems for radioactive material, and so on, there are many things that we can do individually to prevent water pollution. Given below are a few ways to prevent water pollution:

Toxic products like paints, automobile oil, polishes, and cleaning products should be stored and disposed off properly. As a matter of fact, it is better to use non-toxic, products for the house as far as possible. Also, never dispose off such products by throwing them into your toilet or sink.

Dispose off your trash in a proper manner and try and incorporate the recycling habit as far as possible. Non-degradable products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers should not be flushed down the toilet, for these can end up damaging the process of sewage treatment, and usually end up as litter on beaches.

Refrain from throwing litter into streams, lakes, rivers, or seas. If you do spot litter on beaches or in water systems, after ascertaining that it is safe, collect them and dispose off them in any nearby waste disposal system.

Try using environmentally friendly household products like toiletries, soap-based household cleaning material, and washing powder as far as possible. Try using natural fertilizers and pesticides as far as possible, or if not, do not overuse them or over-water gardens and lawns. This will help in reducing the pollutants that get into water systems due to runoffs.

Automobile oil should be re-used as far as possible. Also, it is important to keep your automobile well maintained in order to prevent leakages of toxic fluids like antifreeze and oil. Also, actively conserve water by turning the tap off when you do not need running water, such as while brushing teeth. Apart from preventing water shortages, it lessens the amount of water that needs to be treated.

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GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming refers to the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans and its projected continuation. In the last 100 years, Earth's average surface temperature increased by about 0.8 C (1.4 F) with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades. Technically,
global warming is the significant rise in overall average temperature of near-surface air on the Earth. This is generally caused as a result of sunlight being trapped by various greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are either released by human activities or through natural components of the planet. According to the studies conducted by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average global temperature of the planet has increased by 1 degree Fahrenheit over the last century.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is a phenomenon caused by increase in the atmospheric temperature of the earth's surface, due to increase in concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), etc. These greenhouse gases trap the solar rays and cause temperature rise in the earth's atmosphere. This process of trapping solar energy is called greenhouse effect. Increase in population causes demand in energy sources by burning of fossil fuels and cutting down trees (deforestation) which is major cause for global warming. It is clear that, burning of fossil fuels directly contributes to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases, but how does deforestation contribute to global warming? Trees and plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. If these plants and trees are cut down, the carbon dioxide will remain unused in the atmosphere, and increase the temperature of the earth's surface, which is called global warming!

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Three days after 9/11 attacks, scientists found that the sky was abnormally so clear. They found that the reason behind this kind of climatic change is due to grounding hundreds of fleets at the same time. The contrails (artificial vapor cloud created by the air crafts) from the jets and air crafts that landed in the US after the attack, were the causes for such a climatic change. It was later revealed by Travis, D.J., Carleton, a scientist who studied this phenomenon, that the temperature during the three days after 9/11, was reduced to 1 degree from the average range before 9/11 and few days after the incident. The 1 degree Celsius reduction in temperature is nothing much for a common man, but scientific records reveal that this kind of abrupt reduction in temperature can have adverse effects in future. Difference Between Global Warming and Global Dimming

The basic difference between the two phenomenon is that, global warming causes heating effect in the earth's atmosphere, whereas global dimming causes cooling effect. Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases and global dimming is caused by aerosols. Global warming traps sunlight and global dimming blocks sunlight.

The common thing between global warming and global dimming is that, they both are destructive to our earth. They both cause environmental and ecological problems to earth. Government and people in developed and developing countries should be more cautious and take the necessary steps to mitigate the effects of global warming and global dimming, because in most cases, countries like Africa which is not a developed country is always the most affected and falls prey to these phenomenon, due to industrialization and other acts of the people in the developed countries like the US. To avoid such a disparity, we all should join hands irrespective of the countries we belong to, and protect our earth from the adverse effects of global warming and global dimming.

Causes of Global Warming

Global Warming is a major issue due to the industrialization and progress by humankind since the past few years. There has been a hue and cry about Global Warming ever since the idea was first put forward. There are many articles on Global Warming on the internet as well print media which give further details about the causes of Global Warming. Here is some further information on global warming. Global warming has been and is being caused due to a various number of factors. Global warming is basically a change in the climatic conditions of the earth. These climatic conditions vary due to various reason, external and internal. Changes to climatic conditions and therefore Global Warming can be caused to natural or man-made circumstances also. Some of the factors causing global warming are volcanic emissions and solar activity.

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According to the solar variation theory, the sun has been gaining strength and is at its strongest since a sixty years. Therefore, it may now be acting as a cause of global warming. Sunspots are also said to be a cause or catalyst for Global Warming. Recent reports suggest that the number of sunspots in an area directly affects the amount of time the nearby earth takes to cool. The sun is the main source of energy to the earth. The earth absorbs about seventy percent of the earth's solar flux. This solar flux increases the temperature of the earth's atmosphere, land and oceans. Orbital forcing is also said to be one of the natural causes of Global Warming. The reports show the effect of the slow tilting of the earth's axis on the climate of the earth.The greenhouse effect is said to be the most important factor regarding global warming. When infrared radiation from the atmosphere increases the temperature of the earth's surface, it is termed as the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect has increased the earth's temperature by about twenty four percent. Carbon dioxide contributes about twelve percent of the greenhouse effect, while water vapor contributes thirty six percent of the greenhouse effect. Methane causes five to ten percent of Global Warming, while Ozone makes around three to seven percent of the greenhouse effect possible. Solar variation is said to be another reason of Global Warming. The changes in the amount of radiant energy emitted by the Sun are known as solar variation. This solar variation has been correlated with the changes in the Earth's climate and temperature. Along with the natural causes of Global Warming, scientists have also contributed rapid industrialization to the increase of Global Warming today.Humans had first affected global warming some eight thousand years ago, with the start of agriculture. Due to the clearing of the forests for agriculture, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased drastically. Scientists are of the opinion that industrialization releases various gases like carbon-dioxide and methane which are known to contribute to Global Warming. Deforestation is also said to increase global warming. Trees contain a high level of carbon, and therefore their cutting creates an increase of carbon in the atmosphere. Humankind also contributes to the increase of carbon dioxide by the burning of fossil fuels. The contribution of humankind to global warming due to the burning of fossil fuels has increased by about eighty percent in the past twenty years. If the greenhouse effect didn't exist, the temperature of the earth would be around twenty seven Celsius less. Some scientists are of the opinion that human life would be impossible on planet earth if the temperature would be so less. Anthropogenic Causes of Global Warming The list of anthropogenic causes of global warming is extensively long, and hence difficult to compile. Discussed below are some of the major human activities which contribute to global warming.

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Pollution: Undoubtedly the major cause of global warming, pollution is depleting the environment to a great extent. Although there are various types of pollution which harm the environment, the two major types which are directly associated with global warming are industrial pollution and vehicle pollution. Burning of fossil fuels to generate power leads to release of various harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, in the atmosphere. These gases in turn trap the sunlight and cause the global temperatures to rise.

Mining: Large stores of methane exist beneath the surface of the Earth. When the Earth is dug for mining activities, this methane gas is released in the atmosphere. With a lifetime of 72 years, methane can cause some serious damage to the atmosphere.

Cattle Rearing: Although large stores of methane do exist beneath the Earth surface, significant amount of methane is also released by cattle in form of manure. Cattle rearing is an important component of agriculture, which proves that agricultural activities do contribute to global warming.

Deforestation: As we all know, trees are designed to absorb carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere and give out oxygen. Excessive deforestation by humans is depleting the number of trees. As a result of this, the amount of carbon dioxide in atmosphere remains static and contributes to global warming.

Population: One of the major anthropogenic causes of global warming is increasing population. The amount of carbon dioxide we release while breathing is by no means negligible. And with rising population, this amount of CO2 is bound to continue to soar.

Natural Causes of Global Warming As far as the natural global warming causes are concerned, the prominent ones include volcanic eruptions, methane release by wetlands and solar variations.

Methane Release: One of the most prominent natural factors affecting the global temperatures is release of methane gas in copious amounts from Arctic tundra and wetlands. Methane being a greenhouse gas has the propensity to trap the sunlight, thus making the planet warmer.

Solar Variations: While orbiting the Sun, the Earth changes the angle at which it tilts over a period of time. As a result of this the amount of sunlight received by the planet varies. At times, it is high enough to cause a significant temperature rise in the atmosphere of the Earth.

Volcanic Eruptions: A single large volcanic eruption can increase or decrease the temperature of the Earth to a great extent. In case of global warming, volcanic eruptions contribute by releasing enormous amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Although, these natural causes of global warming do exist, they are not as abundant as the anthropogenic causes. For instance, the amount of carbon dioxide released by a single volcanic eruption may be enormous, but these eruptions are not so frequent. On the other hand, the amount of

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carbon dioxide released by industries and vehicles daily, may seem to be less, but it easily exceeds the amount released by volcanic eruptions. More importantly, natural causes of global warming are important, owing to the fact that their absence would have meant that the average temperature of the planet would have been much more colder. Perhaps then, the climate would have been unsuitable for human inhabitation or any other life forms. These were some of the most prominent causes of global warming, which are slowly causing the temperature to rise. A look at global warming facts is bound to make anybody realize what a grave situation we are heading for. We are losing time, and the differences between the developed and developing nations are nowhere close to be resolved. In such circumstances, the need of the hour is to put in efforts at an individual level. Global warming solutions at individual levels may not solve the entire problem, but they can at least help in slowing down the rate at which we are heading for the disaster.

Consequences of GLOBAL WARMING

As it is obvious by its name, Global Warming is a global phenomenon with a number of effects on the global level. Global warming has various effects, ranging from the effects to the atmosphere to the economical, environmental as well as the health life of human beings. There are also a number of effects to the nature and atmosphere.One of the most serious effects of Global Warming that humans have to think about are the effects on the health of individuals, nations and therefore civilizations. The rise in temperature due to Global Warming is known to be supportive to various viral diseases like the west nile virus and malaria. This will result in economic as well as health effects on human beings. For example, Global Warming will increase the incidence of such diseases in poorer countries where these diseases exist. Global Warming will also cause countries who have eradicated these diseases to spend more on vaccinations and other ways of eradication like pesticides, etc. Other than these effects, Global Warming has other effects on the health of human beings. Global Warming results in a drastic rise in temperature. This rise in temperature will finally result in an increase in the mortality rate of people. A higher temperature causes problems to people with cardiovascular problems. In extreme cases, people are known to have died of heatstroke. People may also have heat exhaustion problems. Respiratory problems are also known to arise out of a high temperature.

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High temperature also causes the concentration of ozone in the lower atmosphere.Ozone is a harmful pollutant and causes respiratory problems Ozone is also known to damage lung tissues and therefore cause more complications for people with asthma. These are some of the health effects of Global Warming. Global Warming has many other effects other than the health of individuals. Global Warming may also cause a decline in agriculture due to the rise in temperature. The agriculture will also decline due to the role of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Carbon Dioxide prevents photorespiration and therefore is the cause of the damage of many crops. Global Warming also results in increased number and longer droughts. This will result in a increase in the ozone gas at the ground level. The increase of the ozone at the ground level will result in a substantial depletion of crops. The increase in temperature will also cause various transport infrastructure like roads, bridges, ships to face greater temperature changes. Due to this, the maintainable costs of the transport infrastructure will increase. This may cause broken runways, malformed roads and sunken foundations. Global Warming also results in a rise in the sea levels. Therefore, this will result in an increase of the costs of the coastal defense. This is also dangerous, because the most important trade ports are always at the coast of any area for trade reasons. Global Warming will also have an effect on the daily weather. One of the most important effects is the increase in extreme temperatures. The levels of evaporation will also increase due to Global Warming. Global Warming also effects the ecosystems. The effects of Global Warming have already been seen in birds. Other effects of global warming, like a decreased snow level, increased temperature and other weather changes will have an effect not only on humans but also entire ecosystems. These ecosystems will change and cause many traditional inhabitants to leave their inhabitants. This may cause extinction of species. Another Global Warming consequence is the decline of the ecosystem's productivity. Decline of glaciers, known as glacier retreat is another Global Warming consequence. Decline of glaciers directly results in flash floods, landslides and glacial lake overflow. So what will happen if global warming continues unabated? As the temperature continues to soar, it will trigger numerous changes on the planet - quite of few of which will affect us directly, while others will affect us indirectly. In order to make it simple, we have divided the environmental impacts of global warming into three categories - on the basis of who will be at the suffering end.

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Global Warming Impact on Plants Global warming will trigger numerous changes in climatic conditions, and this climate change will in turn trigger the extinction of various plant species. These plants have taken years together to adapt to the conditions in which they thrive today, any changes in these climatic conditions now will result in adverse effects on these species. Climate change, i.e. change in pattern of seasons to be precise, will also alter the growing season of these plants, which will in turn affect their reproduction cycle. It will be difficult for these species to undergo the entire adaptation process all over, and in this process many of these species will become extinct. Irregularities in precipitation, irrespective of whether it is drought or flood, will affect various plant species including agricultural crops. Global Warming Impact on Animals If you thought the impact of global warming on plants was severe, the same will be even more harsh on numerous animal species. In fact, the global warming effects on animals have already begun, and a look at the list of extinct animals is full of evidence of the same. The Monteverde golden toad endemic to the rainforests of Cost Rica was one of the first casualties of global warming. It became extinct as a result of habitat loss, when extremely hot summers dried up the lake which this species inhabited. The list of endangered animals also includes a number of animal species which have lost their natural habitat as a result of global warming. The relationship between polar bears and global warming best explains the effects and consequences of global warming on animals. Melting of polar ice as a result of global warming has resulted in loss of habitat for this species, and this has forced the species to move further north. The same trend has been witnessed in almost all the biomes of the world, including the ocean biome wherein coral reefs are fighting for their basic existence in warm ocean water. Global Warming Impact on Humans Without plants and animals, it will be impossible for us to survive on this planet. We are dependent on these plant and animal species for everything - including the basics such as oxygen and food. Only plants have the ability to prepare their own food by resorting to the process of photosynthesis - the same energy is eventually transferred to us when we eat plants or eat animals which feed on these plants. We are just a part of the food chain, if any link of this chain is broken everybody, including us, will have to bear the brunt of the same. That was about our dependence on plants and animals, but our woes are not just restricted to global warming effects on plants and animals. When this hazardous phenomenon will reach its peak, we will have to face a number of problems. Global warming and melting glaciers are closely associated, and so are their impacts on humans. Glaciers act as freshwater reservoirs on the planet, and if they melt we will be left devoid of water to drinking. Similarly, glacial melting at high altitude will also trigger flash floods in the surrounding. All this water will be drained into the oceans, and that in turn will result in sea level rise. As sea level continues to rise all the low lying area and tiny islands will get submerged. Maldives islands sinking is one of the

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best evidence of this global warming problems. When water from melting glaciers enters the sea, the warm and cold water currents will result in conditions ideal for formation of hurricanes. As a result of this, the frequency of hurricanes will increase. Warm climate will also come as a blessing for various disease spreading insects, and thus some diseases which are restricted to tropical areas as of today will spread to various other regions. Extreme weather - drought, floods and lengthy or short growing seasons, will destroy the agricultural sector, and that will leave us devoid of food. What are the Positive Impacts of Global Warming? While the whole has been divided between those think global warming is really occurring or not, there does exist a group of people who are optimist about this phenomenon. These people are of the opinion that only the negative impacts of global warming are highlighted every now and then, but the fact is that there do exist some positive impacts of the same as well. These people argue that longer summer will mean longer growing seasons, and this will result in more crop produce. Similarly, melting of ice in certain areas around Antarctica will make these waterways navigable and help marine transport. Warmer winters will also mean that we would have face less number of devastating snow storms. While rise in sea level will turn out to be a boon when it comes to the development of tidal energy, formation of estuaries will add to the biodiversity of the planet. A large section of the scientists who are working on global warming impacts refute these claims as mere optimism. More importantly, all these positive effects are easily overshadowed by numerous negative global warming effects, and therefore we should stop being so optimist and start putting in efforts to curb the hazards associated with global warming. That must have given you a rough idea as to what are the impacts of global warming on the environment, with special emphasis on its impact on plants, animals and humans. It's high time we take the seriousness of this issue into consideration, and start working to save our planet. While the concerned authorities continue to ponder upon various global warming solutions at the international level, we can do our bit by resorting to some simple yet effective tips to fight stop global warming in order to save our planet. Over the period of time, the problem of global warming has become so intense that it will take mammoth efforts on our behalf to reduce the intensity of various global warming effects on Earth, if not get rid of them totally. Global Warming Effects on Economy The repercussions of various effects of global warming on earth will also be felt on the economy of various countries. The most affected would be the countries with agriculture-led economy. Global warming will trigger a series of changes in weather conditions which will take a toll on agriculture and allied activities. Owing to unnatural precipitation pattern, crop failure will become a very common phenomenon. Economies dependent on tourism, such as Maldives, will also bear the brunt of global warming. As the water levels rise all the coastal area will get submerged leaving the world devoid of all the beautiful beaches. Considering that the world has become a global village, the domino effect of

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global warming will also be seen on other countries and more importantly on the world economy. These were some of the damaging global warming effects on earth. Not everything about global warming would be bad though. Global warming will mean a longer growing season and hence an increase in production. In the United States, it will melt the polar caps along the Northwest Passage way which will lower the shipping costs. The problem is that the negative effects of global warming on earth far exceed the positive effects and thus the whole world is concerned about the future and trying to find out some convincing global warming solutions. Global warming has man-made as well as natural causes. The natural causes of global warmingwhich includes water vapor and volcanoes are beyond our reach, but we can make sure that man-made causes of global warming are reduced. If we don't initiate the necessary steps soon we will have to face the wrath of global warming sometime in near future.

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WE CAN ALL JOIN HANDS TOGETHER, HELP EACH OTHER REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING AND WATER POLLUTION AND HELP CREATE A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY CLEAN AND STABLE EARTH. WE CAN RESTORE THE BALANCE IN NATURE IF WE WISH TO. SO LET US ALL JOIN TOGETHER IN OUR WORLDWIDE MISSION OF STOPPING WATER POLLUTION AND MAKING OUR WORLD A BETTER AND HEALTHIER PLACE TO LIVE IN! LET US GIVE IT OUR BEST SHOT!

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THANKS AND BEST WISHES! REFERENCES: www.sciencephoto.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.buzzle.com

www.treehut.in

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