Environmental Issues 2017-18

Some of the critical environmental issues, their causes and effects are discussed below.

Important Environmental Issues 2017

The environmental problems that have surfaced in today’s times are the result of years of massive destruction and abuse of our ecosystem. Destroying something is easy, but a long time is needed to create the same. This also goes true with the environment. It is therefore necessary to address the environmental issues and take appropriate action to prevent the further damage.

Environmental issues are the product of continual degradation of the environment. However, some of the environmental issues have attained a state which concerns scientists and people in general around the globe. The different environmental issues are presented below.

Energy Crisis

The subject of energy efficiency has always been a burning issue. Governments of different nations encourage scientists to find innovative ways to fulfill their energy needs. With petroleum fuels about to end one day, this issue has to be addressed as early as possible. Solar energy is one of the best alternatives to the conventional energy resources like petroleum. Research and study in the direction to solve the energy crisis is therefore necessary.

Reckless use of petroleum products not only depletes the stock, but also results in the emission of harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO). Energy crisis is therefore one of the burning environmental issue of 2017.

Global Warming

Depletion of the ozone layer is one of the major issues leading to global warming. The ozone layer in the stratosphere is responsible for protecting the earth from the harmful UV radiations of the sun. Air pollution is a huge factor contributing towards ozone layer depletion. It is believed that if this problem is not addressed seriously, it will lead to the formation of a hole in the ozone layer.

Depletion in the ozone layer can have serious biological effects. The harmful UV rays from the sun can lead to skin cancer, and increased tropospheric ozone can lead to breathing difficulties, gene mutations in human beings and animals.

The emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are the result of industrialization and other improper practices, which result in their production. There is a gradual shift in the patterns of climate observed over many years, due to ozone layer depletion.

Waste Disposal

The problem of disposal of nuclear waste, chemical waste, electronic waste, mineral waste, industrial waste, medical waste and toxic waste pose a serious threat to the environment. The bio-degradable waste is still a problem, but not as serious as the non bio-degradable waste. Recycling is an intelligent answer to such waste. However, not every kind of bio-degradable or non bio-degradable waste can be recycled.

Disposal of wastes also leads to a certain amount of air, water or soil pollution. Hence, cutting down on the manufacturing of products which lead to such wastes remains the only answer.

Loss of Biodiversity

The environmental issues mentioned above are some of the major factors that have given rise to the loss of biodiversity, which has emerged as a serious environmental issue now. The human greed has caused tremendous damage to the environment due to which numerous habitats of various animals and birds were destroyed.

As a result, various species of plants and animals are endangered, leading to the loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity is an important factor when it comes to the overall well being of our planet, as all the plants, animals and trees make their important and unique contribution to the ecosystem.

Genetic Modifications

It cannot be denied that changing lifestyle is the major cause for genetic modification in human beings. However, it cannot be denied that the impact of adverse environmental changes is one of the important factors contributing towards genetic modifications. The study of genetics suggests that the environment influences genetics and metabolism greatly.

Polluted environment has a direct and far lasting adverse effect on the metabolism and hormone secretions which leads to gene mutations and eventually genetic modifications. It affects the genetics of not just human beings, but every living organism on this planet.

There are many other environmental issues which need to be addressed. However, those mentioned above being highly critical, are the important ones. Drastic steps need to be taken to prevent harmful consequences of these environmental problems, for a better future.

2018 Environmental Conferences

The environmental conferences that are organized annually have a purpose behind them to create awareness about the importance of protecting our nature. It is through these conferences that we get to listen to the expert opinions on environmental issues. The following table enlists environmental conferences to be held in the year 2018.

Disclaimer: Dates given in the above table are approximate and are subject to change. For further details, please refer official websites of bodies organizing these conferences.

The environmental issues list presented in this article cover only a minuscule part of what concerns today’s world. Our ecosystem needs to be protected and nurtured. There are adequate resources on our planet to fulfill our needs. However, a balance needs to be maintained. Putting in M.K. Gandhi’s words, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” Environmental issues 2017-18 and all problems associated with the ecosystem should therefore be given due importance.