Top 10 Major Global Environmental Issues In The World - List Of Global Environmental Problems [2021]

TLDR;

The video outlines the top 10 major global environmental issues, as identified by research and surveys, impacting the planet today. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these issues and the urgent need for awareness and action to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future. The issues range from public health concerns related to water quality to large-scale problems like climate change and biodiversity loss, highlighting the multifaceted challenges facing the global community.

• Public health risks from dirty water and lack of sanitation.
• The impact of acid rain on forests, structures, and human health.
• The dangers of ozone layer depletion and increased UV radiation.
• The consequences of deforestation on climate and ecosystems.
• The critical importance of biodiversity and the threat of species extinction.
• The effects of ocean acidification on marine life.
• The global crisis of waste disposal and the need for reduce, reuse, recycle.
• The challenges posed by overpopulation and increased consumption.
• The impacts of global warming, including extreme weather events.
• The pervasive effects of various types of pollution on the environment and human health.

Public Health Issues [0:42]

The video identifies public health issues, particularly those related to water quality, as a major global environmental concern. It highlights that many countries are underprepared for pandemics, and current environmental problems pose significant risks to human and animal health. Dirty water is noted as the biggest global health risk, with 785 million people lacking access to safe water and 2 billion without access to a toilet. The water crisis leads to nearly one million deaths each year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases, which could be reduced with improved access to safe water and sanitation.

Acid Rain [1:34]

Acid rain, caused by atmospheric moisture mixing with pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from natural sources like volcanoes and man-made activities such as electricity generation and car emissions, is discussed. This acidic precipitation can cause respiratory diseases and harm forests by dissolving essential nutrients from the soil. Additionally, acid rain and dry acidic particles can damage statues, buildings, and other structures by corroding metal and deteriorating paint and stone surfaces.

Ozone Layer Depletion [2:29]

The video addresses the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the planet by blocking harmful UV rays from the sun. Ozone layer depletion increases the amount of UVB radiation reaching the Earth's surface, leading to an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma. UVB radiation has also been linked to the development of cataracts and can damage the early developmental stages of marine animals, such as fish, shrimp, and amphibians, leading to decreased reproductive capacity and impaired larval development.

Deforestation [3:20]

Deforestation, the clearing of green cover for residential, industrial, or commercial purposes, is presented as a significant environmental issue. Forests act as natural carbon dioxide sinks and produce oxygen, helping to regulate temperature and rainfall. The video warns that forests the size of 20 football fields are cut down every minute, and if deforestation continues, the planet may have only 10% of its forests left by 2030, potentially leading to their complete disappearance in less than a hundred years. Deforestation results in soil erosion, irregular rains, flooding, and increased greenhouse gases.

Loss of Biodiversity [3:56]

The decline or disappearance of biological diversity, caused by human activity leading to the extinction of species and habitats, is highlighted. The video emphasizes that ecosystems, which took millions of years to perfect, are in danger when any species population is decimated. Biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy, thriving, and balanced ecosystems, playing a vital role in the sustainability of life on Earth. More than 500 species of land animals are on the brink of extinction and are likely to be lost within 20 years, a rate much higher than in the previous century.

Ocean Acidification [4:47]

Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the oceans, is discussed. Human activities release CO2, leading to atmospheric warming and climate change, with about a third to a half of the released CO2 being absorbed by the oceans. This absorption has a direct chemical effect on seawater, increasing its acidity and affecting marine life and coral reefs. Controlling the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is crucial for sustaining life in the oceans.

Waste Disposal [5:20]

The global crisis of waste disposal, driven by overconsumption of resources and the creation of plastics, is addressed. Developed countries are criticized for producing excessive waste and dumping it in the oceans, while in less developed countries, landfill waste disposal can cause contaminants to leach into soil and water, as well as emit toxic gases. The video emphasizes the necessity of waste management and promotes the "reduce, reuse, recycle" approach, including reducing packaging, purchasing items with minimal toxicity, reusing bags and containers, and recycling. Sharing or renting items is also suggested as a way to reduce waste.

Overpopulation [6:06]

The rapid growth of the human population worldwide is presented as a significant challenge. The population has increased from 1.6 billion in the early 20th century to about 7.5 billion, with estimates projecting nearly 10 billion by 2050. This growth leads to increased demand for food, water, housing, energy, healthcare, and transportation, contributing to ecological degradation, increased conflicts, high unemployment, and a higher risk of large-scale disasters like pandemics. The video suggests that better education, including awareness of family planning and sex education, is an effective solution to address overpopulation.

Global Warming [6:48]

Global warming, caused by the collection of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants in the atmosphere that absorb sunlight and solar radiation, is examined. Climate changes, like global warming, result from human practices such as the emission of greenhouse gases, leading to rising temperatures of the ocean and the Earth's surface. This causes natural disasters, including flooding, melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and unnatural precipitation patterns like flash floods, hurricanes, wildfires, drought, excessive snow, or desertification. Controlling carbon emissions through changes in habits is crucial.

Pollution [7:28]

The video identifies seven key types of pollution: air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, light, and thermal, which are primary causes affecting the environment in many ways. These types of pollution are interconnected and influence each other, requiring a comprehensive approach to tackle them. Pollution disturbs the balance of ecosystems, affects everyday lives, and gives rise to human illnesses and global warming. It has reached its peak due to development and modernization, impacting every aspect of the environment, including both humans and animals.