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Environmental Pollution

Posted on: Sunday, 19 February 2006, 21:00 CST

POLLUTION of the environment is a global phenomena affecting many countries. Leaders from 170 countries who attended the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Summit in Brazil expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in environmental pollution.

Pollution involves the biological, physical and chemical change towards the environment which can be classified into air, water, sound and land pollution. At the early stages, pollution is negated by natural processes. On reaching alarming proportions, it becomes extremely onerous to overcome and the involvement of all parties remains a necessity.

Researchers have identified several negative effects resulting from pollution, viz:

* ill-health;

* global warming;

* rising sea-levels; and

* reduced agricultural harvests.

When exposed to excessive ultra-violet rays of the sun, people become easy victims of cataract, blindness and skin-cancer. It also reduces our resistance level towards other illnesses.

Climatic change is a natural process and the daily difference is minimal. However, when considered globally, the average level can be significant. Scientists believe that the consequences of greenhouse gases can increase global warming by between 1.5 and four degrees Celsius. Eventually, global warming renders habitation impossible.

Global warming shall cause dire consequences in the Arctic, Antarctic areas and on glaciers across continents. As a result, sea- levels shall rise and it is forecasted that the rise shall be between 20cm and 40cm before the end of this century.

When sea-level rises, countries like the Netherlands will have to build new bunds or retaining walls. If the sea-level rises by one metre, the Maldives shall disappear from the world map. Another example is the constant flooding of low-lying Bangladesh.

Environmental pollution results in excessive amounts of ultra- violent rays penetrating the earth and damaging marine and plant life. When marine life perishes, we face shortage of food. The ultra- violet rays and haze affect agricultural produces and other forms of natural vegetation.

The Atmospheric Monitoring Station located atop the dormant volcano, Mauna Loa, in Hawaii, records rising carbon dioxide levels yearly. When greenhouse gasses rise, environmental pollution transcends boundaries of nations.

It is not only our duty to keep the earth clean. Our survival depends on it.

* The need to protect our environment is never more urgent than now. That means reducing waste and promoting a clean and green lifestyle, and everyone can play a part. This is a weekly series by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and Sunday Mail on waste management and nature conservation.

Source: Sunday Mail; Kuala Lumpur

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