Ecologist problems. Global environmental problems of humanity. The problem of public health

The level of human impact on the environment depends primarily on the technical level of society. It was extremely small at the initial stages of human development. However, with the development of society and the growth of its productive forces, the situation begins to change dramatically. The 20th century is the century of scientific and technological progress. Associated with a qualitatively new relationship between science, engineering and technology, it enormously increases the possible and real scale of society’s impact on nature, and poses a whole series of new, extremely pressing problems for humanity, primarily environmental ones.
What is ecology? This term, first used in 1866 by the German biologist E. Haeckel (1834-1919), refers to the science of the relationship of living organisms with the environment. The scientist believed that the new science would deal only with the relationships of animals and plants with their habitat. This term firmly entered our lives in the 70s of the 20th century. However, today we actually talk about environmental problems as social ecology - a science that studies the problems of interaction between society and the environment.

Today, the environmental situation in the world can be described as close to critical. Among the global environmental problems the following can be noted:

1. - the atmosphere in many places is polluted to the maximum permissible levels, and clean air is becoming scarce;

2. - the ozone layer, which protects against cosmic radiation harmful to all living things, is partially damaged;

3. forest cover has been largely destroyed;

4. - surface pollution and disfigurement of natural landscapes: it is impossible to find a single square meter of surface on Earth where there are no artificially created elements.
Thousands of species of plants and animals have been destroyed and continue to be destroyed;

5. - the world ocean is not only depleted as a result of the destruction of living organisms, but also ceases to be a regulator of natural processes

6. - the available reserves of minerals are rapidly declining;

7. - extinction of animal and plant species

1Atmospheric pollution

Back in the early sixties, it was believed that air pollution is a local problem of large cities and industrial centers, but later it became clear that atmospheric pollutants can spread through the air over long distances, having an adverse effect on areas located at a considerable distance from the place of release of these substances । Thus, air pollution is a global phenomenon and requires international cooperation to control it.

Table 1 Ten most dangerous biosphere pollutants

Carbon dioxide	Formed during the combustion of all types of fuel. An increase in its content in the atmosphere leads to an increase in its temperature, which is fraught with harmful geochemical and environmental consequences.
Carbon monoxide	Formed during incomplete combustion of fuel. May disrupt the thermal balance of the upper atmosphere.
Sulphur dioxide	Contained in industrial smoke. Causes exacerbation of respiratory diseases and harms plants. Corrodes limestone and some stones.
Nitrogen oxides	They create smog and cause respiratory diseases and bronchitis in newborns. Promotes excessive growth of aquatic vegetation.
	One of the dangerous food contaminants, especially of marine origin. It accumulates in the body and has a harmful effect on the nervous system.
	Added to gasoline. Acts on enzyme systems and metabolism in living cells.
	Leads to harmful environmental consequences, causing the death of planktonic organisms, fish, seabirds and mammals.
DDT and other pesticides	Very toxic to crustaceans. They kill fish and organisms that serve as fish food. Many are carcinogenic.
radiation	In excess of permissible doses it leads to malignant neoplasms and genetic mutations.

Among the mostCommon air pollutants include gases such as freons
। Greenhouse gases also include methane, which enters the atmosphere during the extraction of oil, gas, coal, as well as during the decay of organic residues and the increase in the number of cattle. Methane growth is 1.5% per year। This also includes a compound such as nitrous oxide, which enters the atmosphere as a result of the widespread use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, as well as as a result of the combustion of carbon-containing fuels in thermal power plants. However, we should not forget that despite the huge contribution of the listed gases to the “greenhouse effect”, the main greenhouse gas on Earth is still water vapor। With this phenomenon, the heat received by the Earth does not spread into the atmosphere, but, thanks to greenhouse gases, remains at the Earth's surface, and only 20% of the total thermal radiation of the Earth's surface goes irrevocably into space. Roughly speaking, greenhouse gases form a kind of glass cover over the surface of the planet.

In the future, this may lead to increased melting of ice and an unpredictable rise in the level of the world's oceans, flooding of parts of the continental coasts, and the disappearance of a number of species of plants and animals that are unable to adapt to new natural living conditions. The phenomenon of the “greenhouse effect” is one of the main root causes of such an urgent problem as global warming।

2 Ozone holes

The environmental problem of the ozone layer is no less scientifically complex. As is known, life on Earth appeared only after the protective ozone layer of the planet was formed, covering it from harsh ultraviolet radiation. For many centuries there were no signs of trouble. However, in recent decades, intensive destruction of this layer has been noticed.

4 Desertification

Under the influence of living organisms, water and air on the surface layers of the lithosphere

The most important ecosystem, thin and fragile, is gradually formed - the soil, which is called the “skin of the Earth”. This is the guardian of fertility and life. A handful of good soil contains millions of microorganisms that maintain fertility.
It takes a century for a soil layer 1 centimeter thick to form. It can be lost in one field season. According to geologists, before people began to engage in agricultural activities, graze livestock and plow land, rivers annually carried about 9 billion tons of soil into the World Ocean. Nowadays this amount is estimated at approximately 25 billion tons 2 .

Soil erosion, a purely local phenomenon, has now become universal. In the United States, for example, about 44% of cultivated land is susceptible to erosion. In Russia, unique rich chernozems with a humus content (organic matter that determines soil fertility) of 14–16%, which were called the citadel of Russian agriculture, disappeared. In Russia, the area of ​​the most fertile lands with a humus content of 10–13% has decreased by almost 5 times 2 .

A particularly difficult situation arises when not only the soil layer is demolished, but also the parent rock on which it develops. Then the threshold of irreversible destruction comes, and an anthropogenic (that is, man-made) desert arises.

One of the most formidable, global and fleeting processes of our time is the expansion of desertification, the decline and, in the most extreme cases, the complete destruction of the biological potential of the Earth, which leads to conditions similar to those of a natural desert.

Natural deserts and semi-deserts occupy more than 1/3 of the earth's surface. These lands are home to about 15% of the world's population. Deserts are natural formations that play a certain role in the overall ecological balance of the planet’s landscapes.

As a result of human activity, by the last quarter of the twentieth century, over 9 million square kilometers of deserts had appeared, and in total they had already covered 43% of the total land area 2.

In the 1990s, desertification began to threaten 3.6 million hectares of drylands.

This represents 70% of potentially productive drylands, or ¼ of the total land surface area, and does not include the area of ​​natural deserts. About 1/6 of the world's population suffers from this process 2.

According to UN experts, current losses of productive land will lead to the fact that by the end of the century the world may lose almost 1/3 of its arable land 2 . Such a loss, at a time of unprecedented population growth and increasing food demand, could be truly disastrous.

5 Hydrosphere pollution

One of the most valuable resources of the Earth is the hydrosphere - oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, glaciers of the Arctic and Antarctic. There are 1385 million kilometers of water reserves on Earth and very little, only 25% of fresh water suitable for human life. And despite

These are people who are very crazy about this wealth and destroy it without a trace, indiscriminately, polluting the water with various wastes. Humanity uses mainly fresh water for its needs. Their volume is slightly more than 2% of the hydrosphere, and the distribution of water resources around the globe is extremely uneven. Europe and Asia, where 70% of the world's population lives, contain only 39% of river waters. The total consumption of river waters is increasing from year to year in all regions of the world. It is known, for example, that since the beginning of the 21st century, fresh water consumption has increased 6 times, and in the next few decades it will increase by at least another 1.5 times.

The lack of water is aggravated by the deterioration of its quality. Water used in industry, agriculture and everyday life returns to water bodies in the form of poorly treated or completely untreated wastewater. Thus, pollution of the hydrosphere occurs primarily as a result of the discharge of industrial,

agricultural and domestic wastewater.
According to scientists' calculations, soon diluting this same wastewater may require 25 thousand cubic kilometers of fresh water, or almost all the actually available resources of such runoff. It is not difficult to guess that this, and not the increase in direct water withdrawal, is the main reason for the worsening fresh water problem. It is worth noting that wastewater containing residues of mineral raw materials and human waste products enrich water bodies with nutrients, which in turn leads to the development of algae, and as a consequence to waterlogging of the reservoir. Currently, many rivers are heavily polluted - the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Ohio, Volga, Dnieper, Dniester and others. Urban runoff and large landfills often cause water pollution with heavy metals and hydrocarbons. As heavy metals accumulate in marine food chains, their concentrations can reach lethal levels, as occurred after a large industrial release of mercury into Japanese coastal waters near the city of Minimata. The increased concentration of this metal in the tissues of fish led to the death of many people and animals who ate the contaminated product. Increased doses of heavy metals, pesticides and petroleum products can significantly weaken the protective properties of organisms. The concentration of carcinogens in the North Sea is currently reaching enormous levels. Huge reserves of these substances are concentrated in the tissues of dolphins,

being the final link in the food chain. Countries located on the North Sea coast have recently been implementing a set of measures aimed at reducing, and in the future completely stopping, the dumping and burning of toxic waste into the sea. In addition, humans transform the waters of the hydrosphere through the construction of hydraulic structures, in particular reservoirs. Large reservoirs and canals have a serious negative impact on the environment: they change the groundwater regime in the coastal strip, affect soils and plant communities, and, after all, their water areas occupy large areas of fertile land.

Nowadays, pollution of the world's oceans is growing at an alarming rate. Moreover, not only wastewater pollution plays a significant role here, but also the release of large quantities of petroleum products into the waters of the seas and oceans. In general, the most polluted inland seas are: Mediterranean, Northern, Baltic, Japanese, Java, and Biscay,

Persian and Mexican Gulfs. Pollution of seas and oceans occurs through two channels. Firstly, sea and river vessels pollute water with waste generated as a result of operational activities and products of internal combustion in engines. Secondly, pollution occurs as a result of accidents when toxic substances, most often oil and petroleum products, enter the sea. Diesel engines of ships emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, which subsequently settle on the surface of the water. On tankers, before each regular loading, containers are washed to remove the remains of previously transported cargo, while the washing water, and with it the remaining cargo, is most often dumped overboard. In addition, after delivering the cargo, the tankers are sent to the new loading point empty; in this case, for proper navigation, the tankers are filled with ballast water, which becomes contaminated with oil residues during the voyage. Before loading, this water is also poured overboard. As for legislative measures to control oil pollution during the operation of oil terminals and the discharge of ballast water from oil tankers, they were adopted much earlier, after the danger of large spills became obvious

Such methods (or possible ways to solve the problem) include the emergence and activities of various types "green" movements and organizations. Besides the notorious « Green PeaWithe'A",distinguished not only by the scope of its activities, but also, at times, by the noticeable extremism of its actions, as well as similar organizations that directly carry out environmental protection

e shares, there is another type of environmental organizations - structures that stimulate and sponsor environmental activities - such as the Wildlife Fund, for example. All environmental organizations exist in one of the forms: public, private state or mixed type organizations.

In addition to various types of associations that defend civilization’s rights to the nature it is gradually destroying, there are a number of state or public environmental initiatives in the sphere of solving environmental problems. For example, environmental legislation in Russia and other countries of the world, various international agreements or the “Red Books” system.

The International "Red Book" - a list of rare and endangered species of animals and plants - currently includes 5 volumes of materials. In addition, there are national and even regional “Red Books”.

Among the most important ways to solve environmental problems, most researchers also highlight the introduction of environmentally friendly, low- and non-waste technologies, the construction of treatment facilities, the rational location of production and the use of natural resources.

Although, undoubtedly - and this is proven by the entire course of human history - the most important direction for solving the environmental problems facing civilization is the increase in human ecological culture, serious environmental education and upbringing, everything that eradicates the main environmental conflict - the conflict between the savage consumer and the rational an inhabitant of a fragile world that exists in the human mind.

The right to a favorable environment is enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation. A number of bodies monitor compliance with this standard:

• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia;
• Rosprirodnadzor and its territorial departments;
• environmental prosecutor's office;
• executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the field of ecology;
• a number of other departments.

But it would be more logical to consolidate everyone’s responsibility to conserve natural resources, minimize consumer waste, and take care of nature. A person has many rights. What does nature have? Nothing. Only the duty to satisfy the ever-growing needs of man. And this consumer attitude leads to environmental problems. Let's figure out what it is and how to improve the current state of affairs.

Concept and types of environmental problems

Environmental problems are interpreted in different ways. But the essence of the concept boils down to one thing: this is the result of thoughtless, soulless anthropogenic impact on the environment, which leads to changes in the properties of landscapes, depletion or loss of natural resources (minerals, flora and fauna). And it boomerangs on human life and health.

Environmental problems affect the entire natural system. Based on this, there are several types of this problem:

• Atmospheric. In the atmospheric air, most often in urban areas, there is an increased concentration of pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxide, and carbon monoxide. Sources – road transport and stationary objects (industrial enterprises). Although, according to the State Report “On the state and protection of the environment of the Russian Federation in 2014,” the total volume of emissions decreased from 35 million tons/year in 2007 to 31 million tons/year in 2014, the air is not getting cleaner. The dirtiest Russian cities according to this indicator are Birobidzhan, Blagoveshchensk, Bratsk, Dzerzhinsk, Yekaterinburg, and the cleanest are Salekhard, Volgograd, Orenburg, Krasnodar, Bryansk, Belgorod, Kyzyl, Murmansk, Yaroslavl, Kazan.
• Aquatic. There is depletion and pollution of not only surface but also groundwater. Let's take, for example, the “great Russian” river Volga. The waters in it are characterized as “dirty”. The norm for the content of copper, iron, phenol, sulfates, and organic substances is exceeded. This is due to the operation of industrial facilities that discharge untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater into the river, and the urbanization of the population - a large share of household wastewater through biological treatment plants. The decrease in fish resources was influenced not only by river pollution, but also by the construction of a cascade of hydroelectric power stations. Even about 30 years ago, even near the city of Cheboksary it was possible to catch a Caspian beluga, but now you won’t catch anything larger than a catfish. It is possible that the annual campaigns of hydroelectric power engineers to launch fry of valuable fish species, such as sterlet, will someday bring tangible results.
• Biological. Resources such as forests and pastures are degrading. We mentioned fish resources. As for forests, we have the right to call our country the largest forest power: a quarter of the area of ​​​​all forests in the world grows in our country, half of the country’s territory is occupied by woody vegetation. We need to learn to treat this wealth more carefully in order to preserve it from fires, to promptly identify and punish “black” lumberjacks.

Fires are most often the work of human hands. It is possible that in this way someone is trying to hide traces of the illegal use of forest resources. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the most “burning” areas of Rosleskhoz include the Transbaikal, Khabarovsk, Primorsky, Krasnoyarsk territories, the republics of Tyva, Khakassia, Buryatia, Yakutia, the Irkutsk, Amur regions, and the Jewish Autonomous Region. At the same time, huge amounts of money are spent on eliminating fires: for example, in 2015, over 1.5 billion rubles were spent. There are also good examples. Thus, the republics of Tatarstan and Chuvashia did not allow a single forest fire in 2015. There is someone to follow by example!

• Land. We are talking about the depletion of subsoil, the development of minerals. To save at least part of these resources, it is enough to recycle waste as much as possible and reuse it. In this way, we will help reduce the area of ​​landfills, and enterprises can save on quarry development by using recyclable materials in production.
• Soil - geomorphological. Active farming and deforestation lead to gully formation, soil erosion, and salinization. According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, as of January 1, 2014, almost 9 million hectares of farmland were subject to degradation, of which over 2 million hectares of land were degraded. If erosion occurs as a result of land use, then the soil can be helped by: terracing, creating forest belts for protection from the wind, changing the type, density and age of vegetation.
• Landscape. Deterioration of the condition of individual natural-territorial complexes.

Modern world environmental problems

Local and global environmental problems are closely interrelated. What happens in a particular region ultimately affects the overall situation throughout the world. Therefore, environmental issues must be approached comprehensively. To begin with, let us highlight the main global environmental problems:

• Ozone layer depletion. As a result, protection from ultraviolet radiation decreases, which leads to various diseases of the population, including skin cancer.
• Global warming. Over the past 100 years, the temperature of the surface layer of the atmosphere has increased by 0.3-0.8°C. The snow area in the north decreased by 8%. There was a rise in the level of the world's oceans to 20 cm. Over 10 years, the rate of increase in the average annual temperature in Russia was 0.42°C. This is twice the rate of increase in Earth's global temperature.
• Air pollution. Every day we inhale about 20 thousand liters of air, saturated not only with oxygen, but also containing harmful suspended particles and gases. So, if we consider that there are 600 million cars in the world, each of which daily emits up to 4 kg of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, soot and zinc into the atmosphere, then through simple mathematical calculations we come to the conclusion that the vehicle fleet emits 2.4 billion kg of harmful substances. We must not forget about emissions from stationary sources. Therefore, it is not surprising that every year over 12.5 million people (and this is the population of the entire Moscow!) die from diseases associated with poor ecology.

• Acid rain. This problem leads to pollution of water bodies and soils with nitric and sulfuric acid, cobalt and aluminum compounds. As a result, productivity falls and forests die. Toxic metals end up in drinking water and poison us.
• Soil pollution. Humanity needs to store 85 billion tons of waste a year somewhere. As a result, the soil under authorized and unauthorized landfills becomes contaminated with solid and liquid industrial waste, pesticides, and household waste.
• Water pollution. The main pollutants are oil and petroleum products, heavy metals and complex organic compounds. In Russia, the ecosystems of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are maintained at a stable level. The taxonomic composition and structure of communities do not undergo significant changes.

Ways to improve the environment

No matter how deeply modern environmental problems penetrate, their solution depends on each of us. So what can we do to help nature?

• Use of an alternative fuel or alternative means of transport. To reduce harmful emissions into the air, it is enough to switch your car to gas or switch to an electric car. A very environmentally friendly way to travel by bicycle.
• Separate collection. It is enough to install two garbage containers at home to effectively implement separate collection. The first is for waste that cannot be recycled, and the second is for subsequent transfer to recycling. The cost of plastic bottles, waste paper, glass is becoming more and more expensive, so separate collection is not only environmentally friendly, but also economical. By the way, so far in Russia the volume of waste generation is twice as high as the volume of waste use. As a result, the volume of waste in landfills triples over five years.
• Moderation. In everything and everywhere. An effective solution to environmental problems requires abandoning the consumer society model. A person does not need 10 boots, 5 coats, 3 cars, etc. to live. It’s easy to switch from plastic bags to eco-bags: they are stronger, have a much longer service life, and cost about 20 rubles. Many hypermarkets offer eco-bags under their own brand: Magnit, Auchan, Lenta, Karusel, etc. Everyone can independently evaluate what they can easily refuse.
• Environmental education of the population. Take part in environmental events: plant a tree in your yard, go to restore forests damaged by fires. Take part in a cleanup event. And nature will thank you with the rustling of leaves, a light breeze... Foster in children a love for all living things and teach them proper behavior while walking in the forest or on the street.
• Join the ranks of environmental organizations. Don't know how to help nature and preserve a favorable environment? Join the ranks of environmental organizations! These could be the global environmental movements Greenpeace, Wildlife Fund, Green Cross; Russian: All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation, Russian Geographical Society, ECA, Separate COLLECTION, Green Patrol, RosEco, Non-Governmental Environmental Foundation named after V.I. Vernadsky, Movement of Nature Conservation Teams, etc. A creative approach to preserving a favorable environment and a new circle of communication await you!

Nature is one, there will never be another. Already today, by starting to jointly solve environmental problems, by combining the efforts of citizens, the state, public organizations and commercial enterprises, we can improve the world around us. Issues of environmental protection concern many, because how we treat them today determines the conditions in which our children will live tomorrow.

Every year the environmental situation on planet Earth is worsening, but the gradual awareness of the civilized world that much depends on us is changing the situation. In the final review of 2014, the editors of Vesti.Nauka tried to collect not only the most significant problems, but also solutions to existing ones.

Ocean plastic pollution

One of the most pressing environmental problems of the past year has obviously been the pollution of the oceans by plastic waste.

It took researchers 24 expeditions to later use modeling to determine the amount of plastic waste. The volumes are truly impressive: 5.2 trillion particles weighing more than 268 thousand tons.
Another group of researchers. At the same time, oddly enough, pollution levels turned out to be much lower than expected.

As it turns out, about 99% of what is supposed to be plastic is . This is largely due to the fact that plastic is eaten by animals, environmentalists believe. It is currently impossible to predict the biological consequences of these processes. , but this does not mean that the oceans remain safe in this way, because pollution .

There are at least 5.2 trillion plastic particles circulating in the oceans, weighing at least 268 thousand tons.

Thanks to global water circulation Trillions of plastic particles linger in Arctic ice, where almost no human foot steps.

Microplastic pollution is found in all oceans without exception. They affect the lives of not only birds and fish (according to statistics, 90% of birds that die on beaches not by natural causes ingest plastic waste, mistaking it for food), but also on microorganisms.

So, on every piece of plastic (even the size of a grain of sand). Some organisms can, but there is a downside to this: small animals make plastic particles more attractive to larger ones, which eat them.

Scientists are trying to counter the current situation to the best of their ability. For example, American researchers are developing plastic...

And Spanish students invented a replacement for plastic bottles - . Moreover, the recipe for preparing innovative packaging is so simple that it can be made even at home.

A ball of edible algae is an alternative to plastic bottles

Specialists from Mexico also suggested using mushrooms to dispose of diapers containing polymers. Diapers containing liquid waste are first sterilized, then shredded and mixed with material containing the organic substance lignin.

Mushroom spores are planted on the resulting substrate and placed in a plastic bag for two to three weeks in low light and controlled temperature and humidity. The fungi will feed on the cellulose found in baby diapers, causing the waste to break down in just two to three months rather than centuries. This process will reduce the volume and weight of waste by 80%, and the mushrooms will then be used as a food additive in cattle feed.

Russian researchers are also making their contribution to this good cause. Thus, a student from Kazan invented a degradable analogue of a plastic bag: an environmentally friendly film based on ordinary starch, which dissolves in water in just a day.

Other ocean problems

Unfortunately, plastic pollution is not the only scourge facing the world's oceans. For example, in the reservoirs of the Earth, one of the most harmful substances. According to the latest data, since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the content of mercury in the upper layers of the world's oceans has tripled. All this cannot but affect the inhabitants of reservoirs, and ultimately, the people who eat them.

By the way, the universal love for seafood leaves its mark not only on human health. In particular, in 2014, scientists recorded a decline in the number of Pacific bluefin tuna, whose back and belly are a favorite delicacy. In Asia, for example, this species has practically disappeared. The main problem with catching this fish is that fishermen catch young fish that have not yet had time to mate with members of the opposite sex. Due to this, the population has declined by 19-33% over the past 22 years.

Fish that live in water bodies suffer not only from overfishing and water pollution, but also from high levels of noise pollution. Sound impact from vehicle engines (ships and boats).

Air pollution

This year, researchers released statistics showing air pollution in 2012 alone. Among the problems caused by air pollution are cardiovascular diseases, strokes and chronic lung diseases, as well as cancer and acute respiratory viral infections.

The highest percentage of deaths was recorded in poor countries in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region. 3.3 million deaths are associated with indoor air pollution, and only 2.6 million are associated with unfavorable environmental conditions. Speaking about poor indoor air quality, WHO experts note that 2.9 billion people on Earth live in homes that still use fuels such as coal, wood and even manure for heating and cooking.

Smog in Delhi. Air pollution kills 7 million people worldwide

Industrial air pollution is especially harmful in rapidly industrializing countries, particularly India and China.

A contrail does not always form. To form it, the plane needs to fly into an area with very low temperature and high humidity. As a rule, the cause of the trace is exhaust gases from jet engines, which contain water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, soot and sulfur compounds.

Particles of sulfur compounds serve as nuclei for water condensation, while the contrail itself can be formed both from water vapor included in the exhaust gases and from steam included in the supersaturated atmosphere. According to experts, this phenomenon can be avoided if the flight route is laid out in such a way as to avoid places where condensation trails appear.

The greenhouse effect and global warming can lead to unusual and destructive weather events, including droughts, floods and other natural disasters. Computer modeling presented by scientists: The risk of heavy winter rainfall has increased in the UK alone by around 25% compared to pre-industrial times. American researchers, in turn, said that climate change has already affected every US state, and carbon dioxide emissions need to be reduced immediately.

Floods are one of the devastating consequences of global warming

Climate change affects not only agriculture, infrastructure and water supply, but also public health: prolonged rainfall and prolonged droughts increase the risk of the spread of diseases (both water-borne infectious diseases and stress conditions during heat).

Medications can alter the growth of roots and stems of lettuce and radishes in the first few weeks after they sprout. Plant roots become too short, but leaves, on the contrary, grow in excess. As it turns out, overuse of antibiotics also causes excess antibiotics to be released into the environment and encourages the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antimicrobial hygiene products, the active component of which is triclosan, not only help protect the person himself from bacteria, but also - several years ago it was found out that. High levels of the substance in the body lead to hormonal imbalances in the reproductive system, and some bacteria develop genetic resistance to triclosan, making it useless.

Sunscreens, which vacationers use to protect against the possible harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, negatively affect phytoplankton

Sunscreens that protect our skin from cancer. These products contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which in seawater under the influence of sunlight are converted into hydrogen peroxide. It harms phytoplankton, which feed almost all marine life - from small fish and shrimp to huge whales.

Even such means as face scrubs. The smallest particles of plastic from them successfully bypass the filters in the water supply system and rush into reservoirs, clogging them. According to experts, about 81% of all plastic caught in the United States are components of cosmetic products. In response to such news, many cosmetic giants have promised to develop scrubs with natural substances - sea salt or oatmeal - that are not only safer for the environment, but also healthier for consumers themselves.

Not only cosmetics, but also technology harms the environment. LED lights were found to attract 48% more insects

Planets are a real scourge of the 21st century. Many people also think about the issue of preserving and restoring the environment. Otherwise, future generations will only get a lifeless surface.

No man is an island!

It is likely that at least once in our lives each of us asked ourselves the question: “What environmental problems of the planet currently exist and what can I do to solve them?” It would seem, indeed, that just one person can do this? Nevertheless, each of us is capable of much. First, start taking care of the environment yourself. For example, throw away garbage in strictly designated containers, and it would also be a good idea to pay attention to separating waste into specific materials (glass in one bin, and plastic in another). In addition, you can regulate and gradually reduce the consumption of both electricity and other resources (water, gas) necessary for your comfortable living. If you are a driver and are faced with choosing a suitable vehicle, then you should pay attention to cars that have a reduced content of harmful compounds in exhaust gases. It will also be correct - both for you and for the entire planet as a whole - to have a small engine size installed in the selected car model. And, as a result, reduced fuel consumption. With such simple and accessible measures to everyone, we can solve the environmental problems of the planet.

Let's help the whole world

Despite everything described earlier, you will not be alone in this fight. As a rule, the policies of many modern states are aimed at the well-known environmental problems of the planet and, of course, ways to solve them. In addition, there is an active propaganda program, the goal of which is to limit and exterminate rare representatives of flora and fauna. Nevertheless, such a policy of world powers is quite purposeful and makes it possible to create conditions for the normal functioning of the population, which do not disturb natural ecosystems.

Environmental problems of the planet: list

Modern scientists identify about several dozen basic issues that require special attention. Such planets arise as a result of significant changes in the natural environment. And those, in turn, are the result of devastating natural disasters, as well as the ever-increasing Environmental problems of the planet are quite simple to list. One of the first places is occupied by air pollution. Each of us knows from an early age that, thanks to the content of a certain percentage of oxygen in the air space of the planet, we are able to exist normally. However, every day we not only consume oxygen, but also exhale carbon dioxide. But there are also factories and factories, cars and planes travel around the world and trains knock on the rails. All of the above objects, in the process of their operation, emit substances of a certain composition, which only aggravates the situation and increases the environmental problems of planet Earth. Unfortunately, even though modern production facilities are equipped with the latest developments in purification systems, the condition of the airspace is gradually deteriorating.

Deforestation

We know from our school biology course that representatives of the plant world help maintain the balance of substances in the atmosphere. Thanks to natural processes such as photosynthesis, the green spaces of the Earth not only cleanse the air of harmful impurities, but also gradually enrich it with oxygen. Thus, it is easy to conclude that the destruction of flora, in particular forests, only aggravates the global environmental problems of the planet. Unfortunately, human economic activity leads to the fact that deforestation is carried out on a particularly large scale, but replenishment of green spaces is often not carried out.

Declining fertile land

Similar environmental problems of the planet arise as a result of the previously mentioned deforestation. In addition, improper use of various agricultural techniques and incorrect farming also lead to depletion of the fertile layer. And pesticides and other chemical fertilizers poison not only the soil, but also all living organisms that are interconnected with it for many years. But, as you know, layers of fertile soil are restored much more slowly than forests. It will take more than one century to fully replace the lost land cover.

Declining fresh water supplies

If you are asked: “What environmental problems of the planet are known?”, you have the right to immediately remember life-giving moisture. Indeed, in some regions there is already an acute shortage of this resource. And over time, this state of affairs will only worsen. Consequently, the above topic can be considered one of the most important in the list of “Ecological problems of the planet”. Examples of improper water use can be found everywhere. Starting from the pollution of lakes and rivers by all kinds of industrial enterprises and ending with the irrational consumption of resources at the household level. In this regard, many natural reservoirs are already closed areas for swimming. However, this is not the end of the planet's environmental problems. The list can also be continued with the next paragraph.

Extermination of flora and fauna

Scientists have calculated that in the modern world, every hour one representative of the planet’s animal or plant world dies. It is important to remember that not only poachers are involved in such actions, but also ordinary people who consider themselves respectable citizens of their country. Every day, humanity is conquering more and more new territories both for the construction of its own housing and for agricultural and industrial needs. And animals have to move to new lands or die, remaining to live in an ecosystem destroyed by anthropogenic factors. Among other things, it must be remembered that all of the above factors also have a detrimental effect on the state of flora and fauna, both current and future. For example, pollution of water bodies, destruction of forests, etc. entails the disappearance of the diversity of flora and fauna that our ancestors are accustomed to seeing. Even over the last hundred years, species diversity has declined significantly under the direct or indirect influence of anthropogenic factors.

Earth's protective shell

If the question arises: “What environmental problems of the planet are currently known?”, then it is easy to remember the holes in the ozone layer. Modern human economic activity involves the release of special substances that cause a thinning of the Earth's protective shell. Consequently, the formation of new so-called “holes”, as well as an increase in the area of ​​existing ones. Many people know this problem, but not everyone understands how all this can turn out. And this leads to dangerous solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, which negatively affects all living organisms.

Desertification

The global environmental problems presented earlier become the cause of the development of a severe catastrophe. We are talking about desertification of lands. As a result of improper farming, as well as pollution of water resources and deforestation, gradual weathering of the fertile layer, drying out of soils and other negative consequences occur, under the influence of which land covers become unsuitable not only for further use for economic purposes, but also for living of people.

Declining mineral reserves

A similar topic is also present in the list “Environmental problems of the planet”. It is quite simple to list the resources currently in use. These are oil, coal of all kinds, peat, gas and other organic components of the Earth's solid shell. According to scientists, mineral reserves will come to an end in the next hundred years. In this regard, humanity has begun to actively implement technologies that operate on renewable resources, such as wind, solar, and others. However, the use of alternative sources is still quite small compared to more familiar and traditional ones. In connection with this state of affairs, modern governments are conducting various incentive programs that contribute to a deeper introduction of alternative energy sources both in industry and in the everyday life of ordinary citizens.

Overpopulation

Over the last century, there has been a significant increase in the number of people around the globe. In particular, over a period of just 40 years, the planet's population has doubled - from three to six billion people. Scientists predict that by 2040 this number will reach nine billion, which, in turn, will lead to particularly acute food shortages, shortages of water and energy resources. The number of people living in poverty will increase significantly. There will be an increase in deadly diseases.

Municipal solid waste

In the modern world, people produce several kilograms of garbage every day - these are cans from canned food and drinks, and polyethylene, and glass, and other waste. Unfortunately, at present, their recycling is carried out only in countries with a highly developed standard of living. In all other cases, such household waste is disposed of in landfills, the territory of which often occupies huge areas. In countries with a low standard of living, heaps of garbage can lie right on the streets. This not only contributes to soil and water pollution, but also increases the growth of pathogenic bacteria, which in turn leads to widespread acute and sometimes fatal diseases. It should be noted that even the Earth’s atmosphere is filled with tons of debris left over from the launches of research probes, satellites and spacecraft into the vastness of the Universe. And since it is quite difficult to get rid of all these traces of human activity naturally, it is necessary to develop effective methods for processing solid waste. Many modern states are introducing national programs that promote the distribution of easily recyclable materials.

Russia is one of the most environmentally polluted countries in the world.

This is primarily due to man-made factors, such as deforestation, pollution of water bodies, soil and atmosphere with factory waste.

This is a problem not only for individual countries, but for the entire planet as a whole. Let's look at what environmental problems exist in Russia, global and major.

Uncontrolled and lawless deforestation is taking place in Russia. These are global environmental problems of entire regions of Russia. Most of these are observed in the Far East and north-west of the country. In addition to the fact that poachers are cutting down valuable tree species, of which there are already fewer and fewer of them, the problem of rapid deforestation in Siberian regions is becoming acute.
Land is also being cleared for agriculture and mining.

In addition to economic damage to the state, uncontrolled deforestation causes irreparable harm to many ecosystems that have been created and maintained over thousands of years.

• Deforestation entails the following consequences:
• Displacement of animals and birds from their original habitats.
• Disruption of established ecosystems, increasing the greenhouse effect on the planet. As a result, global warming occurs, which to one degree or another leads to changes in almost all ecosystems of the Earth. In particular, the water cycle is disrupted, which leads to a drier climate on the planet.

Accelerated and their weathering. Deforestation in areas with mountainous and hilly terrain is especially dangerous, as it causes landslides and flooding.

Russian energy and ecology

1. The dependence of the environmental situation on electricity generation is the most direct, since there are three types of energy sources: Organic,
2. these include gas, oil, charcoal and wood itself. water,
3. that is, using the power of the water flow to convert it into heat and electricity. Nuclear,

or the use of energy released during nuclear reactions.

The exploitation of organic energy sources is directly related to their combustion. It must be said that deforestation is carried out not only to use wood as a type of fuel, but also to clear space for the extraction of coal, oil and gas, which themselves are organic sources of energy.

The environmental problem of using oil, gas, and coal is associated not only with the finiteness of organic resources on the planet, but also with the problem of air pollution with substances resulting from its combustion.

Damming rivers to build hydroelectric dams entails changes in established local ecosystems. Animals and birds are forced to move to other areas, which leads to the extinction of many species.

In addition to carbon dioxide, quite a lot of harmful substances enter the atmosphere, which cause acid rain, thereby polluting the soil and water bodies. As you can see, the problem is already beyond the scope of energy and moves into the next category.

Ecologists regularly draw up various maps where you can clearly see the environmental problems of Russian cities. For example, the most comfortable places to live in terms of ecology are the Pskov and Novgorod regions, Chukotka, Altai, and Buryatia.

Pollution

The problem of pollution today is one of the most pressing. Let's take a closer look at the main types of pollution.

Pollution of water and reservoirs

This problem is most acute in industrial and densely populated areas of the country. Experts say that most diseases among residents of large settlements are associated precisely with the problem of contaminated water. In regions with high levels of water pollution, an increased incidence of various types of cancer, as well as pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, is noted.

Every year, thousands of tons of waste from the chemical and oil refining industries from various enterprises fall into lakes throughout Russia; in water bodies they destroy many species of flora and fauna. In addition, they make water unsuitable even for technical use.

Human waste products also significantly affect the pollution of water bodies, since water that is used in cities for the needs of the population often flows from the sewerage system directly into open water bodies, bypassing the system of treatment facilities, the quality of which, by the way, leaves much to be desired: most of them are already practically cannot cope with their functions due to outdated and deteriorating equipment.

Thanks to satellite research, environmental problems in the seas of Russia were identified and the most dangerous of all the waters of our country turned out to be the Gulf of Finland, where the largest amount of dangerous oil products spilled from oil tankers is located.

At this rate of pollution, there may soon be a shortage of drinking water, as chemical waste enters the soil, thereby poisoning groundwater. In many springs throughout Russia, water has already become undrinkable due to soil contamination with chemical waste.

The decline of heavy industry in the 1990s went a long way toward correcting Russia's air pollution problem, which was already becoming dangerously widespread, with air pollution levels among the highest in the world during Soviet times. The Soviet government did not anticipate that heavy industrial waste released into the atmosphere and deforestation, which reduces the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air, could pose any problem.

To increase production capacity, no natural resources were spared, and the thick smoke above the chimneys of factories was considered proof of unprecedented technocratic and industrial achievements. And it evoked a feeling of pride instead of the logical concern for the environment and one’s health in this case.

When automobile fuel burns, in addition to carbon dioxide, fine dust and microscopic soot particles are released into the atmosphere. Inhaled by humans, they become the cause of various oncological diseases, since they are quite strong carcinogens.

Even substances that are harmless to humans, such as freon, when entering the upper layers of the atmosphere, contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. Consequently, more and more ozone holes appear, which allow the harsh ultraviolet spectrum of solar radiation to pass through. This affects not only the Earth’s climate, but also all people, since such radiation is one of the main causes of skin cancer, and rising temperatures lead to an increase in cardiovascular diseases.

Climate change due to air pollution and global warming significantly affects human life and has much more serious consequences than we can imagine. For example, it leads to a reduction in land suitable for cultivation, thereby reducing the area of ​​agricultural land. Which, in turn, threatens to reduce the possible amount of food and the onset of general hunger.

Nuclear pollution

The problem of radioactive contamination began to be discussed in earnest only after the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Before this, the question of the possible threat of such contamination, as well as the problem of disposal of radioactive waste, which leads to radioactive contamination of the environment, was practically not raised.

Many of the nuclear power plants in Russia have already reached their end of life and require more advanced equipment. Failure to replace it in a timely manner may lead to serious severe environmental disasters due to accidents at nuclear power plants, as happened in Chernobyl.

The main danger of radioactive radiation lies in the fact that radioactive isotopes cause death or mutation of the cells into which they penetrate.

Radioactive substances can enter the human body along with inhaled air, water and food, as well as settling on unprotected areas of the skin. Many of them are deposited in the thyroid gland and bone tissue, exhibiting their pathogenic properties not immediately, but after some time, depending on the radiation dose received by the person. In this regard, the problem of radioactive waste disposal is extremely relevant today.

The problem of household waste in Russia Along with the above, no less pressing in Russia is the problem of recycling household waste and polluting the environment. Currently, it is one of the most serious environmental problems in the country: about 400 kg of household solid waste is generated per year per resident of Russia.

But effective methods for recycling inorganics have not yet been invented.
One of the most effective methods for dealing with some household waste (in particular, paper and glass containers) is the recycling of raw materials. In cities with an established mechanism for collecting waste paper and glass containers, the problem of household waste is less acute than in others.

What measures need to be taken?

• In order to solve the environmental problems of Russian forests and reduce their deforestation, it will be necessary:
• establish less favorable conditions for the export of timber, especially valuable species;
• improve working conditions for foresters;

strengthen control over tree felling directly in forests.

• To purify water you need:
• reorganization of treatment facilities, most of which cannot cope with their functions due to outdated and largely faulty equipment;
• revision of technologies for processing and disposal of industrial waste;

improvement of processes for recycling household inorganic waste.

• the use of more modern and environmentally friendly types of fuel, which would make it possible to significantly reduce the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere; improvement of filters in heavy industry.
  To reduce the amount of household waste:
• in addition to improving methods of recycling household waste, it will also be necessary to resolve the issue of using more environmentally friendly materials in the manufacture of, for example, food packaging;
• To reduce the pollution of forest plantations and other recreational areas, it is necessary to organize work with the population on environmental topics, as well as the introduction of strict penalties for throwing inorganic waste in the wrong place.

Solving environmental problems in Russia

It is in the interests of our country to preserve and improve the health of our environment. Currently, government supervision over its use has been significantly weakened. Of course, relevant laws and conceptual documents are adopted, but often we see that locally, in the regions, they do not work effectively enough. But despite this, there are still changes. Comprehensive measures are being carried out aimed at stabilizing and mitigating the environmental situation in the industrial regions of Siberia and the Urals, which often use innovative technologies. Energy saving programs are being introduced throughout the country. Supervision of hydraulic structures is being strengthened. Below is a map of Russia's environmental problems, with cities and regions of comfortable living indicated. Even though the map was made in 2000, it is still relevant today.