1. What is Ecology? Why do we study Ecology?

Discuss its vital role in the field of

Environmental Science.

Ecology is the scientific study of the distributions, abundance and relations of

organisms and their interactions with the environment. Ecology includes the study
of plant and animal populations, plant and animal communities and ecosystems.
Ecosystems describe the web or network of relations among organisms at
different scales of organization. Since ecology refers to any form of biodiversity,
ecologists research everything from tiny bacteria's role in nutrient recycling to the
effects of tropical rain forest on the Earth's atmosphere. The discipline of ecology
emerged from the natural sciences in the late 19th century. Ecology is not
synonymous with environment, environmentalism, or environmental science.
Ecology is closely related to the disciplines of physiology, evolution, genetics and
behavior.

Like many of the natural sciences, a conceptual understanding of ecology is

found in the broader details of study, including:

 life processes explaining adaptations

 distribution and abundance of organisms
 the movement of materials and energy through living communities
 the successional development of ecosystems, and
 the abundance and distribution of biodiversity in context of the
environment.

Ecology is distinguished from natural history, which deals primarily with the
descriptive study of organisms. It is a sub-discipline of biology, which is the study
of life.

There are many practical applications of ecology in conservation biology,

wetland management, natural resource management (agriculture, forestry,
fisheries), city planning (urban ecology), community health, economics, basic &
applied science and it provides a conceptual framework for understanding and
researching human social interaction (human ecology).
Importance of Studying Ecology

The study of ecology is all about connections. By carefully using the principles of
ecology, we can learn to predict, extinguish, counteract and prevent potentially
adverse effect we might have on the globe around us.
Environmental Conservation: By studying ecology, emphasis is put on how each
species needs the other for peaceful coexistence. Lack of understanding
ecology has led to degradation of land and environment which is home to other
species thus leading to extinction and endangerment of species because of lack
of knowledge e.g. dinosaurs ,mammoth, white shark ,black rhinos , sperm whales
etc.

Resource allocation: All the plants and animals need to share limited natural
resources such as air ,minerals, space and environment .Lack of ecological know-
how has led to deprivation and looting of these natural resources leading to
scarcity as well as exploitation and competition.

Energy Conservation: All species require energy whether light ,radiation ,nutrition
etc. Poor understanding of ecology is seeing the destruction of the energy
resources e.g. Non renewable sources like oil, coal, natural gas and also pollution
and destruction of the Ozone layer.

Eco Friendliness: Ecology helps to appreciate harmonious living among the

species; this will ensure natural order of things is followed.

Ecology and Environmental Science

One important difference between them is the goal of research in each

discipline. Generally speaking, environmental science is a broader field that
incorporates many elements of earth and life sciences, whereas ecology is usually
more focused on how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings,
and often on a very specific population of living things.

Ecologists may also focus on specific interactions within a group, such as food
preferences, mating habits, predatory patterns or migration. They use careful
observation and data to explain developmental and evolutionary adaptions that
many influence a species and study how biodiversity affects populations.
Ecologists study issues such as population size, diversity, distribution and
prevalence of specific organisms, as well as the competition between them and
among different ecosystems.

For environmental scientists, the focus may be on much broader systems or

ecosystems, and the impact of various outside factors on the ecosystem.
Some issues studied by ecologists may include:

 Life processes, interactions and adaptations of a specific species

 The influence of environment factors on populations of organisms
 Progression of changes in ecosystems
 The abundance and distribution of organisms in an environment
 Biodiversity within an ecosystem

For environmental science, key issues may include:

 How urban areas drive environmental change

 Material demands of production and human consumption on biodiversity
 The impact of local environmental changes at the global level
 Changes in environment over long periods
 Effects of human populations on specific ecosystems
 Sustainability studies

3. What is population? Enumerate the causes, effects and solutions to over

population.

A population is defined as a group of individuals of the same species living and

interbreeding within a given area. Members of a population often rely on the
same resources, are subject to similar environmental constraints, and depend on
the availability of other members to persist over time. Scientists study a population
by examining how individuals in that population interact with each other and how
the population as a whole interacts with its environment. As a tool for objectively
studying populations, population ecologists rely on a series of statistical measures,
known as demographic parameters, to describe that population (Lebreton et al.
1992). The field of science interested in collecting and analyzing these numbers is
termed population demographics, also known as demography.

Broadly defined, demography is the study of the characteristics of populations. It

provides a mathematical description of how those characteristics change over
time. Demographics can include any statistical factors that influence population
growth or decline, but several parameters are particularly important: population
size, density, age structure, fecundity (birth rates), mortality (death rates), and sex
ratio (Dodge 2006). We introduce each of these in turn.
Causes of Overpopulation

Decline in the Death Rate: At the root of overpopulation is the difference between
the overall birth rate and death rate in populations. If the number of children born
each year equals the number of adults that die, then the population will stabilize.
Talking about overpopulation shows that while there are many factors that can
increase the death rate for short periods of time, the ones that increase the birth
rate do so over a long period of time. The discovery of agriculture by our ancestors
was one factor that provided them with the ability to sustain their nutrition without
hunting. This created the first imbalance between the two rates.

Better Medical Facilities: Following this came the industrial revolution.

Technological advancement was perhaps the biggest reason why the balance
has been permanently disturbed. Science was able to produce better means of
producing food, which allowed families to feed more mouths. Medical science
made many discoveries thanks to which they were able to defeat a whole range
of diseases. Illnesses that had claimed thousands of lives till now were cured
because of the invention of vaccines. Combining the increase in food supply with
fewer means of mortality tipped the balance and became the starting point of
overpopulation.

More Hands to Overcome Poverty: However, when talking about overpopulation

we should understand that there is a psychological component as well. For
thousands of years, a very small part of the population had enough money to live
in comfort. The rest faced poverty and would give birth to large families to make
up for the high infant mortality rate. Families that have been through poverty,
natural disasters or are simply in need of more hands to work are a major factor
for overpopulation. As compared to earlier times, most of these extra children
survive and consume resources that are not sufficient in nature.

Technological Advancement in Fertility Treatment: With latest technological

advancement and more discoveries in medical science, it has become possible
for couple who are unable to conceive to undergo fertility treatment methods
and have their own babies. Today there are effective medicines which can
increases the chance of conception and lead to rise in birth rate. Moreover, due
to modern techniques pregnancies today are far more safer.
Immigration: Many people prefer to move to developed countries like US, UK,
Canada and Australia where best facilities are available in terms of medical,
education, security and employment. The end result is that those people settle
over there and those places become overcrowded. Difference between the
number of people who are leaving the country and the number of people who
enter narrows down which leads to more demand for food, clothes, energy and
homes. This gives rise to shortage of resources. Though the overall population
remains the same, it just affects the density of population making that place
simply overcrowded.

Lack of Family Planning: Most developing nations have large number of people
who are illiterate, live below the poverty line and have little or no knowledge
about family planning. Getting their children married at an early age increase the
chances of producing more kids. Those people are unable to understand the
harmful effects of overpopulation and lack of quality education prompts them to
avoid family planning measures.

Effects of overpopulation.

Depletion of Natural Resources: The effects of overpopulation are quite severe.

The first of these is the depletion of resources. The Earth can only produce a limited
amount of water and food, which is falling short of the current needs. Most of the
environmental damage being seen in the last fifty odd years is because of the
growing number of people on the planet. They are cutting down forests, hunting
wildlife in a reckless manner, causing pollution and creating a host of problems.
Those engaged in talking about overpopulation have noticed that acts of
violence and aggression outside of a war zone have increased tremendously
while competing for resources.

Degradation of Environment: With the overuse of coal, oil and natural gas, it has
started producing some serious effects on our environment. Rise in the number of
vehicles and industries have badly affected the quality of air. Rise in amount of
CO2 emissions leads to global warming. Melting of polar ice caps, changing
climate patterns, rise in sea level are few of the consequences that we might we
have to face due to environment pollution.

Conflicts and Wars: Overpopulation in developing countries puts a major strain on

the resources it should be utilizing for development. Conflicts over water are
becoming a source of tension between countries, which could result in wars. It
causes more diseases to spread and makes them harder to control. Starvation is
a huge issue facing the world and the mortality rate for children is being fuelled
by it. Poverty is the biggest hallmark we see when talking about overpopulation.
All of this will only become worse if solutions are not sought out for the factors
affecting our population. We can no longer prevent it, but there are ways to
control it.

Rise in Unemployment: When a country becomes overpopulated, it gives rise to

unemployment as there fewer jobs to support large number of people. Rise in
unemployment gives rise to crime as people will steal various items to feed their
family and provide them basic amenities of life.

High Cost of Living: As difference between demand and supply continues to

expand due to overpopulation, it raises the prices of various commodities
including food, shelter and healthcare. This means that people have to pay more
to survive and feed their families.
Solutions for overpopulation.

Better Education: One of the first measures is to implement policies reflecting

social change. Educating the masses helps them understand the need to have
one or two children at the most. Similarly, education plays a vital role in
understanding latest technologies like CloudDesktopOnline that are making huge
waves in the world of computing. Families that are facing a hard life and choose
to have four or five children should be discouraged. Family planning and efficient
birth control can help in women making their own reproductive choices. Open
dialogue on abortion and voluntary sterilization should be seen when talking
about overpopulation.

Making People Aware of Family Planning: As population of this world is growing

at a rapid pace, raising awareness among people regarding family planning and
letting them know about serious after effects of overpopulation can help curb
population growth. One of the best way is to let them know about various safe
sex techniques and contraceptives methods available to avoid any unwanted
pregnancy.

Tax Benefits or Concessions: Government of various countries might have to

come with various policies related to tax exemptions to curb overpopulation. One
of them might be to waive of certain part of income tax or lowering rates of
 income tax for those married couples who have single or two children. As we
humans are more inclined towards money, this may produce some positive
results.

Knowledge of Sex Education: Imparting sex education to young kids at

elementary level should be must. Most parents feel shy in discussing such things
with their kids which result in their children going out and look out for such
information on internet or discuss it with their peers. Mostly, the information is
incomplete which results in sexually active teenagers unaware of contraceptives
and embarrassed to seek information about same. It is therefore important for
parents and teachers to shed their old inhibitions and make their kids or students
aware of solid sex education.

4. What is pollution? How can you help reduce pollution? Select from the major
pollutions, land, water and air pollution?

Pollution is the process of making land, water, air or other parts of the environment
dirty and not safe or suitable to use.

Pollution also called environmental pollution, the addition of any substance (solid,
liquid, or gas) or any form of energy (such as heat, sound, or radioactivity) to
the environment at a rate faster than it can be dispersed, diluted, decomposed,
recycled, or stored in some harmless form.

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that

cause adverse change.[1] Pollution can take the form of chemical
substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of
pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring
contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source
pollution. In 2015, pollution killed 9 million people in the world.

The following are the things that can be done to reduce pollution.

 Stop smoking or don't throw your butts on the ground. Cigarette butts are not
biodegradable and contain extremely toxic soluble chemicals. One butt thrown
on the ground can remain for up to 25 years, leaking chemicals like arsenic,
 ammonia, acetone, benzene, cadmium, formaldehyde, lead, and toluene into
the environment.
 Drive an electric or hybrid car or at least one that uses unleaded gasoline.
 Keep your car in good running condition to avoid emissions.
 Share a ride or carpool.
 Choose to walk or ride a bicycle whenever possible.
 Never use open fires to dispose of waste, especially chemicals and plastic.
 Adopt the 3 Rs of solid waste management: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
 Use sustainable, reclaimed, or recycled building materials.
 Start composting leaves and clippings from your yard and food scraps from your
kitchen to reduce waste while improving your soil.
 Use the power supplied abundantly and freely by wind and sun. Hang your
laundry to dry to minimize your use of gas or electricity and open a window or
put on a sweater rather than turning on the air conditioner or heater.
 Buy local foods and goods. In this manner, the use of fuel for transporting goods
can be minimized.
 Look around you house or place of business for ways you could conserve water.
 Use and buy products that are eco-friendly or made with biodegradable
materials. Avoid plastic.
 Always bring a bag when you shop.
 Get rid of your lawn: Plant bee-friendly, drought-tolerant, native plants instead.
 Plant more trees. They clean the air, provide oxygen, and beautify your
surroundings.
 Take care to properly dispose of your pet's waste.
 Do not litter. Start an anti-litter campaign to educate your community.
 If you own a business, make sure you have considered the environmental
impact of your business practices. If you work for someone else, take the time to
assess your company's environmental impact and try to implement positive
change.
 Say a big "NO" to pesticides and GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
 Join an Earth Day celebration (every April 22nd) and consider making its tenets
an everyday practice.

Land pollution - means degradation or destruction of earth’s surface and soil,

directly or indirectly as a result of human activities. Anthropogenic activities are
conducted citing development, and the same affects the land drastically, we
witness land pollution; by drastic we are referring to any activity that lessens the
quality and/or productivity of the land as an ideal place for agriculture,
forestation, construction etc. The degradation of land that could be used
constructively in other words is land pollution. Land Pollution has led to a series of
issues that we have come to realize in recent times, after decades of neglect. The
increasing numbers of barren land plots and the decreasing numbers of forest
cover is at an alarming ratio. Moreover the extension of cities and towns due to
increasing population is leading to further exploitation of the land. Land fills and
reclamations are being planned and executed to meet the increased demand
of lands. This leads to further deterioration of land, and pollution caused by the
land fill contents. Also due to the lack of green cover, the land gets affected in
several ways like soil erosion occurs washing away the fertile portions of the land.
Or even a landslide can be seen as an example.

5. Discuss Human Interventions with nature. Cite 3 examples.

Human impact on the environment or anthropogenic impact on the environment

includes changes to biophysical environments and ecosystems, biodiversity, and
natural resources directly or indirectly by humans, including global warming,
environmental degradation (such as ocean acidification), mass extinction and
biodiversity loss, ecological crises, and ecological collapse. Modifying the
environment to fit the needs of society is causing severe effects, which become
worse as the problem of human overpopulation continues. Some human activities
that cause damage (either directly or indirectly) to the environment on a global
scale include human reproduction, overconsumption, overexploitation, pollution,
and deforestation, to name but a few. Some of the problems, including global
warming and biodiversity loss pose an existential risk to the human race, and
overpopulation causes those problems.

The term anthropogenic designates an effect or object resulting from human

activity. The term was first used in the technical sense by Russian geologist Alexey
Pavlov, and it was first used in English by British ecologist Arthur Tansley in reference
to human influences on climax plant communities. The atmospheric scientist Paul
Crutzen introduced the term "Anthropocene" in the mid-1970s. The term is
sometimes used in the context of pollution emissions that are produced from
human activity but also applies broadly to all major human impacts on the
environment.
6. Discuss the impact of over population in the use of energy.

The world is growing at an amazing rate. Currently, the Earth’s population is

growing by 60,000 people every eight hours -- that’s two children born every
second somewhere around the globe. Experts believe if we continue to grow at
this pace, we’ll need 50 percent more energy to sustain humanity by 2050. And
that’s not all; more people means we'll need more food, water and shelter,
putting a strain on our renewable resources, as well.

So, are population and energy consumption related? Unfortunately, yes.

Although wealthier countries are not growing at as fast a rate as developing
nations, they’re still growing. And, as each human is added to the Earth, resources
become more of a precious commodity -- especially nonrenewable ones like
fossil fuels, which provide most of the world’s energy. Consider this: If the United
States consumes 20 percent of the world’s energy now, how much energy will the
country consume if it reaches the United Nations' projected population of 450
million by the year 2050?

Our insatiable appetite for energy across the globe contributes to deforestation,
global warming and other environmental issues like pollution and acid rain. In the
United States, 40 percent of our water resources are already so polluted, they're
unsafe for fishing or cannot support aquatic life.

7. What is Ozone Depletion? What are the causes, effects and solutions to Ozone
Depletion?

Ozone depletion, gradual thinning of Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere
caused by the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or
bromine from industry and other human activities. The thinning is most
pronounced in the polar regions, especially over Antarctica. Ozone depletion is
a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of ultraviolet
(UV) radiation that reaches Earth’s surface, which increases the rate of skin
cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage. The Montreal
Protocol, ratified in 1987, was the first of several comprehensive international
agreements enacted to halt the production and use of ozone-depleting
chemicals. As a result of continued international cooperation on this issue, the
ozone layer is expected to recover over time.
Effects of ozone layer depletion

A few possible effects of the ozone layer depletion on the earth’s environment
and also on the plants and animals. The depletion of ozone layer allows entering
of UV rays from sun into the earth’s atmosphere which is associated with a number
of health related and environmental issues. Let us see its major impacts on human
beings

Skin Cancer: exposure to UV rays from sun can lead to increased risk for
developing of several types of skin cancers. Malignant melanoma, basal and
squamous cell carcinoma are the most common cancers caused by exposure to
UV rays.

Eye Damage: UV rays are harmful for our eyes too. Direct exposure to UV rays can
lead to Cataract problems, and also Photokeratitis or snow blindness.

Damage to Immune system: our immune system is also highly vulnerable to UV

rays. Increased exposure to UV rays can lead to weakening of the response of
immune system and even impairment of the immune system in extreme cases.

Aging of skin: exposure to UV rays can lead to acceleration of the aging process
of your skin. This will result in you looking older than what you actually are. It can
also lead to photo allergy that result in outbreak of rashes in fair skinned people

In humans, exposure to UV rays can also lead to difficulty in breathing, chest pain,
and throat irritation and can even lead to hampering of lung function.

UV rays affect other life forms too. It adversely affects the different species of
amphibians and is one of the prime reasons for the declining numbers of the
amphibian species. It affects them in every stage of their life cycle; from
hampering the growth and development in the larvae stage, deformities and
decreases immunities in some species and to even retinal damage and blindness
in some species.
UV rays also have adverse effect on the marine ecosystem. It adversely affects
the planktons which plays a vital role in the food chain and oceanic carbon
cycle. Affecting phytoplankton will in turn affect the whole ocean ecosystem.

UV rays will also affect the plants. UV radiations can alter the time of flowering in
some plant species. It can also directly affect the plant growth by altering the
physiological and developmental processes of the plants.

Effect of ozone depletion on environment

Ozone layer depletion leads to decrease in ozone in the stratosphere and

increase in ozone present in the lower atmosphere. Presence of ozone in the lower
atmosphere is considered as a pollutant and a greenhouse gas. Ozone in the
lower atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change. The
depletion of ozone layer has trickle down effects in the form of global warming,
which in turn leads to melting of polar ice, which will lead to rising sea levels and
climatic changes around the world.

Solution

Ozone layer depletion is not something that affects any specific country or region.
The whole world is vulnerable to its after effects. That makes it important for each
and every one of us to take actions to reduce ozone layer depletion. International
agreements such as Montreal protocol in 1987 have helped in reducing and
controlling industrial emission of Chlofluorocarbons. More and more of such
international agreements between countries is necessary to bring down ozone
layer depletion. At individual level each and everyone also can contribute
towards reducing ozone layer depletion. Buying and using recycled products,
saving of energy, using of public transport can do a lot in combating ozone layer
depletion. The most important thing that we can do is spreading awareness. Our
individual efforts will go a long way in saving the earth’s blanket and keep our
planet earth liveable for us and our future generations.
8. Enumerate 25 Environmental Issues and Concern, discuss 3.

1. Contamination of Drinking Water

2. Water Pollution
3. Air Pollution
4. Wildlife Conservation and Species Extinction
5. Loss of Tropical Rainforests
6. Climate Change/Global Warming
7. Biological pollutants:
8. Carbon footprint:
9. Consumerism:
10. Dams and their impact on the environment:
11. Ecosystem destruction:
12. Energy conservation
13. Fishing and its effect on marine ecosystems:
14. Food safety
15. Genetic engineering
16. Intensive farming:
17. Land degradation
18. Land use:
19. Deforestation:
20. Mining:
21. Nanotechnology and future effects of nanopollution/nanotoxicology
22. Natural disasters:
23. Nuclear issues:
24. Other pollution issues
25. Overpopulation
Wildlife Conservation and Species Extinction

More than 40 percent of Americans expressed concern about wildlife

conservation and associated environmental issues, such as endangered species,
animal and plant extinction, coral bleaching, introduction of invasive species,
poaching, and loss of natural animal habitats.

The world is currently experiencing its sixth extinction event driven by human
activities, reports the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It is estimated to be 1000-10,000
times faster than natural extinction rates and each year 200-2000 species go
extinct. Mother Nature Network (MNN) reports that 38% of all land animals and
81% of fresh water vertebrates went extinct between 1970 to 2012, due to habitat
loss and land degradation.
Loss of Tropical Rainforests

Nearly 40% of Americans are worried about distant problems like loss of tropical
forests. Rain forests cover only 2% of land but support 50% of its species according
to Mongabay. Yet among tropical forests the area of rainforests cleared is the
maximum, and most of it is export driven. "Every year an area of rainforest the size
of New Jersey is cut down and destroyed," notes Mongabay.

Climate Change/Global Warming

Climate change and issues related to global warming, was a concern for 37% of
the Americans in 2016. This includes tropospheric ozone depletion caused by
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Increases in levels of emissions of greenhouse gases
by people trap heat and have resulted in global warming. NASA records that
temperatures are 1.70F more since 1880, a decrease of 13% per decade in Arctic
ice cover, and about a 7-inch increase in sea levels over the last 100 years.
Moreover, warmer oceans, glaciers melting on mountain tops, and extreme
events increasing in U.S. are presented as evidence of climate change by NASA.
9. What is Global Warming? Discuss the causes, effects and solutions to Global
Warming.

Over the past 50 years, the average global temperature has increased at the
fastest rate in recorded history. And experts see the trend is accelerating: All but
one of the 16 hottest years in NASA’s 134-year record have occurred since 2000.

Climate change deniers have argued that there has been a “pause” or a
“slowdown” in rising global temperatures, but several recent studies, including a
2015 paper published in the journal Science, have disproved this claim. And
scientists say that unless we curb global-warming emissions, average U.S.
temperatures could increase by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next
century.

Causes

Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants and
greenhouse gases collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar
radiation that have bounced off the earth’s surface. Normally, this radiation
would escape into space—but these pollutants, which can last for years to
centuries in the atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the planet to get hotter.
That's what's known as the greenhouse effect.

In the United States, the burning of fossil fuels to make electricity is the largest
source of heat-trapping pollution, producing about two billion tons of CO2 every
year. Coal-burning power plants are by far the biggest polluters. The country’s
second-largest source of carbon pollution is the transportation sector, which
generates about 1.7 billion tons of CO2 emissions a year.

Curbing dangerous climate change requires very deep cuts in emissions, as well
as the use of alternatives to fossil fuels worldwide. The good news is that we’ve
started a turnaround: CO2 emissions in the United States actually decreased from
2005 to 2014, thanks in part to new, energy-efficient technology and the use of
cleaner fuels. And scientists continue to develop new ways to modernize power
plants, generate cleaner electricity, and burn less gasoline while we drive. The
challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use and widely adopted.
Effects

 Melting glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more
dramatic water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires in the American
West.
 Rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding on the Eastern Seaboard,
especially in Florida, and in other areas such as the Gulf of Mexico.
 Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat waves,
heavy downpours, and increased flooding. All those factors will damage or
destroy agriculture and fisheries.
 Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and Alpine meadows could drive
many plant and animal species to extinction.
 Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more
common due to increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher
levels of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to pathogens
and mosquitoes.

Solutions

1. Speak up!

What’s the single biggest way you can make an impact on global climate
change? “Talk to your friends and family, and make sure your representatives are
making good decisions,” Haq says. By voicing your concerns—via social media
or, better yet, directly to your elected officials—you send a message that you
care about the warming world. Encourage Congress to enact new laws that limit
carbon emissions and require polluters to pay for the emissions they produce. “The
main reason elected officials do anything difficult is because their constituents
make them,” Haq says. You can help protect public lands, stop offshore drilling,
and more here.

2. Power your home with renewable energy.

Choose a utility company that generates at least half its power from wind or solar
and has been certified by Green-e Energy, an organization that vets renewable
energy options. If that isn’t possible for you, take a look at your electric bill; many
utilities now list other ways to support renewable sources on their monthly
statements and websites.
3. Weatherize, weatherize, weatherize.

“Building heating and cooling are among the biggest uses of energy,” Haq says.
Indeed, heating and air-conditioning account for almost half of home energy
use. You can make your space more energy efficient by sealing drafts and
ensuring it’s adequately insulated. You can also claim federal tax credits for many
energy-efficiency home improvements.

4. Invest in energy-efficient appliances.

Since they were first implemented nationally in 1987, efficiency standards for
dozens of appliances and products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide
out of the air. That’s about the same amount as the annual carbon pollution
coughed up by nearly 440 million cars. “Energy efficiency is the lowest-cost way
to reduce emissions,” Haq says. When shopping for refrigerators, washing
machines, and other appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It will tell you which
are the most efficient.

5. Reduce water waste.

Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too. That's because it takes a lot of energy
to pump, heat, and treat your water. So take shorter showers, turn off the tap while
brushing your teeth, and switch to WaterSense-labeled fixtures and appliances.
The EPA estimates that if just one out of every 100 American homes were
retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, about 100 million kilowatt-hours of
electricity per year would be saved—avoiding 80,000 tons of global warming
pollution.

6. Actually eat the food you buy—and make less of it meat.

Approximately 10 percent of U.S. energy use goes into growing, processing,

packaging, and shipping food—about 40 percent of which just winds up in the
landfill. “If you’re wasting less food, you’re likely cutting down on energy
consumption,” Haq says. And since livestock products are among the most
resource-intensive to produce, eating meat-free meals can make a big
difference, too.
7. Buy better bulbs.

LED lightbulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescents.

They’re also cheaper in the long run: A 10-watt LED that replaces your traditional
60-watt bulb will save you $125 over the lightbulb’s life.

8. Pull the plug(s).

Taken together, the outlets in your home are likely powering about 65 different
devices – an average load for a home in the U.S. Audio and video devices,
cordless vacuums and power tools, and other electronics use energy even when
they're not charging. This "idle load" across all U.S. households adds up to the
output of 50 large power plants in the U.S. So don't leave fully charged devices
plugged into your home's outlets, unplug rarely used devices or plug them into
power strips and timers, and adjust your computers and monitors to automatically
power down to the lowest power mode when not in use.

9. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Gas-smart cars, such as hybrids and fully electric vehicles, save fuel and money.
And once all cars and light trucks meet 2025’s clean car standards, which means
averaging 54.5 miles per gallon, they’ll be a mainstay. For good reason: Relative
to a national fleet of vehicles that averaged only 28.3 miles per gallon in 2011,
Americans will spend $80 billion less at the pump each year and cut their
automotive emissions by half. Before you buy a new set of wheels, compare fuel-
economy performance here.

10. Maintain your ride.

If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated, we could save 1.2 billion gallons
of gas each year. A simple tune-up can boost miles per gallon anywhere from 4
percent to 40 percent, and a new air filter can get you a 10 percent boost.

11. Rethink planes, trains, and automobiles.

Choosing to live in walkable smart-growth cities and towns with quality public
transportation leads to less driving, less money spent on fuel, and less pollution in
the air. Less frequent flying can make a big difference, too. “Air transport is a
major source of climate pollution,” Haq says. “If you can take a train instead, do
that.”

12. Shrink your carbon profile.

You can offset the carbon you produce by purchasing carbon offsets, which
represent clean power that you can add to the nation’s energy grid in place of
power from fossil fuels. But not all carbon offset companies are alike. Do your
homework to find the best supplier.

10. What is air pollution? Discuss the causes, effects and solutions to air pollution.

Air Pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the
natural composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of particulate
matter such as dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors that
cannot be effectively removed through natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle
or the nitrogen cycle.
Causes
1. Emissions From Industrial Plants and Manufacturing Activities

With the current rate of industrialization and increased manufacturing activities,

high levels of smoke, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter are emitted into the
air. In a typical industrial plant, for instance, it is easy to notice the long chimneys
or smokestacks erected into the air, emitting large amounts of fumes and smoke
from it.

Industrial plants, factories, and power plants release high amounts of organic
compounds, chemicals, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide into the air.
Industrial plants that refine petroleum, manufacture cement, produce metals
such as steel and aluminum, process plastics, or manufacture chemical products
are among the industries and manufacturing activities that release lots of foreign
harmful materials into the air.

Petroleum refineries, for example, emit high levels of hydrocarbons into the air.
Most manufacturing plants release the pollutants in small amounts, but
continuously over extended time periods that eventually leads to cumulative
negative effects. In some cases, manufacturing plants have accidentally emitted
high scores of air pollution in a very short time span that has lead to massive harm
to human and animal health and destroyed plant life.
2. Combustion From Fossil Fuels

In the modern world, fossil fuel combustion is the biggest contributor to air
pollution. The leading culprit today is traffic, but factories and power plants also
continue to contribute to some extent. Conventional power plants that combust
fossil fuels to produce energy emits hazardous gases such as oxides of nitrogen,
Carbon Monoxide, particulates, and hydrocarbons into the air.

The number of cars on our roads are overwhelming and increasing, with an
estimated number of more than half a billion cars on the road. Heavy duty trucks,
shipping vessels, trains, and airplanes also combust lots of fossil fuels to function.
All these transportation utilities are power-driven by diesel and gasoline engines
that combust petroleum to produce energy.

The petroleum contains hydrocarbons. Thus, in the process of combustion, it

releases Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs), lead, and particulate matter into the air. Collectively, these
are the major contributors to air pollution and have persisted as one of the most
challenging to manage because humans heavily rely on these forms of
transportation.
3. Farming Chemicals and Household Products

Use of household and farming chemicals produce considerable amounts of

harmful foreign substances into the atmosphere and have the potential to cause
air pollution. Dusting of crops, painting supplies, home fumigation, household
cleaning products, fertilizer powder, insect/pets sprays, hair sprays, and
deodorant sprays release harmful chemicals into the air, causing pollution.

High concentrations of these chemicals within a confined area can be hazardous

and can cause serious health and breathing problems. Since they are regularly
used products, they also qualify as major causes of air pollution as they release
toxic particles and chemical gases into the atmosphere.
4. Natural Causes of Air Pollution

The majority of people only perceive air pollution as a consequence of human

actions. In some cases, natural events can as well cause air pollution. However,
they are rarely witnessed, and some of them are very disastrous and difficult to
prevent from happening. Examples of natural events that lead to air pollution
include volcanic eruptions, whirlwinds, forest fires, and gaseous releases from
decaying plants and animals or radioactive decay of rocks.
Forest fires often begin naturally and can release huge amounts of smoke and
dust particles that float in the air. The smoke and dust can be carried for miles
within a short time leading to widespread air pollution. Some of the biggest
wildfires have emitted smoke that drifted several miles across bordering cities and
countries.

A massive volcanic eruption has the potential of discharging huge swathe of dust
into the atmosphere to an extent of obstructing sunlight from reaching the earth
surface. High amounts of gases released from plant and animal decaying matter
or radioactive rock decay can also result in the pollution of air. Collectively, these
examples provide a clear picture of some of the natural causes of air pollution
which are beyond human control.
5. Other Causes
The majority of developing countries burn charcoal, wood, and crop waste to
produce fuel used for cooking and heating. As such, the traditional practice of
wood and charcoal burning is usually a chief contributor to indoor air pollution in
developing nations. Burning charcoal, wood, and crop waste release Carbon
Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter into the
atmosphere that potentially causes air pollution.

In some regions, waste is incinerated instead of being land-filled or recycled and

as such, it substantially contributes to air pollution. Some agricultural practices like
burning agricultural land after harvest or burning as a mechanism for clearing
land cover is also a significant cause of air pollution.
Effects of Air Pollution

“While we’ve made progress over the last 40-plus years improving air quality in the
U.S. thanks to the Clean Air Act, climate change will make it harder in the future
to meet pollution standards, which are designed to protect health,” says Kim
Knowlton, senior scientist and deputy director of the NRDC Science Center.

Smog and soot

These two are the most prevalent types of air pollution. Smog, or “ground-level
ozone,” as it is more wonkily called, occurs when emissions from combusting fossil
fuels react with sunlight. Soot, or “particulate matter,” is made up of tiny particles
of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens, in the form of gas or solids, that are
carried in the air. The EPA’s “Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act” states, “In
many parts of the United States, pollution has reduced the distance and clarity of
what we see by 70 percent.” The sources of smog and soot are similar. “Both
come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, engines—
anything that combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gas, or natural gas,” Walke says.
The tiniest airborne particles in soot—whether they’re in the form of gas or solids—
are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the lungs and
bloodstream and worsen bronchitis, lead to heart attacks, and even hasten
death.

Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs—especially of
people who work or exercise outside, children, and senior citizens. It’s even worse
for people who have asthma or allergies—these extra pollutants only intensify their
symptoms and can trigger asthma attacks.

Hazardous air pollutants

These are either deadly or have severe health risks even in small amounts. Almost
200 are regulated by law; some of the most common are mercury, lead, dioxins,
and benzene. “These are also most often emitted during gas or coal combustion,
incinerating, or in the case of benzene, found in gasoline,” Walke says. Benzene,
classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation in
the short term and blood disorders in the long term. Dioxins, more typically found
in food but also present in small amounts in the air, can affect the liver in the short
term and harm the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as
reproductive functions. Lead in large amounts can damage children’s brains and
kidneys, and even in small amounts it can affect children’s IQ and ability to learn.
Mercury affects the central nervous system.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are toxic components of traffic

exhaust and wildfire smoke. In large amounts, they have been linked to eye and
lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even cancer. In one recent study, the
children of mothers who’d had higher PAH exposure during pregnancy had
slower brain processing speeds and worse symptoms of ADHD.

Greenhouse gases

By trapping the earth’s heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases lead to

warmer temperatures and all the hallmarks of climate change: rising sea levels,
more extreme weather, heat-related deaths, and increasing transmission of
infectious diseases like Lyme. According to a 2014 EPA study, carbon dioxide was
responsible for 81 percent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and
methane made up 11 percent. “Carbon dioxide comes from combusting fossil
fuels, and methane comes from natural and industrial sources, including the large
amounts that are released during oil and gas drilling,” Walke says. “We emit far
larger amounts of carbon dioxide, but methane is significantly more potent, so it’s
also very destructive.” Another class of greenhouse gases, hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), are thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide in their ability
to trap heat. In October 2016, more than 140 countries reached an agreement
to reduce the use of these chemicals—which are used in air conditioners and
refrigerators—and find greener alternatives over time. David Doniger, director of
NRDC’s Climate and Clean Air program, writes, “NRDC estimates that the agreed
HFC phase-down will avoid the equivalent of more than 80 billion tons of CO2
over the next 35 years.”

Pollen and mold

Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are
exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health. They are not
regulated by the government and are less directly connected to human actions,
but they can be considered air pollution. “When homes, schools, or businesses get
water damage, mold can grow and can produce allergenic airborne pollutants,”
Knowlton says. “Mold exposure can precipitate asthma attacks or an allergic
response, and some molds can even produce toxins that would be dangerous for
anyone to inhale.”

Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change. “Lab and field studies
are showing that the more carbon dioxide pollen-producing plants—especially
ragweed—are grown in, the bigger they grow and the more pollen they
produce,” Knowlton says. “Climate change also extends the pollen production
season, and some studies are beginning to suggest that ragweed pollen itself
might be becoming a more potent allergen.” That means more people will suffer
runny noses, fevers, itchy eyes, and other symptoms.

Solution to reduce air pollution

Solution efforts on pollution is always a big problem. This is why prevention

interventions are always a better way of controlling air pollution. These prevention
methods can either come from government (laws) or by individual actions. In
many big cities, monitoring equipment has been installed at many points in the
city. Authorities read them regularly to check the quality of air. Let's see more
below:
Government (or community) level prevention

Governments throughout the world have already taken action against air
pollution by introducing green energy. Some governments are investing in wind
energy and solar energy, as well as other renewable energy, to minimize burning
of fossil fuels, which cause heavy air pollution.

Governments are also forcing companies to be more responsible with their

manufacturing activities, so that even though they still cause pollution, they are a
lot controlled.

Car manufacturing companies are also building more energy efficient cars,
which pollute less than before.

Individual Level Prevention

Encourage your family to use the bus, train or bike when commuting. If we all do
this, there will be fewer cars on the road and less fumes produced.
use the bus to stop pollution

Use energy (light, water, boiler, kettle and fire woods) wisely. This is because lots
of fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity, and so if we can cut down the
use, we will also cut down the amount of pollution we create.

Recycle and re-use things. This will minimize the dependence of producing new
things. Remember manufacturing industries create a lot of pollution, so if we can
re-use things like shopping plastic bags, clothing, paper and bottles, it can help.

“The less gasoline we burn, the better we’re doing to reduce air pollution and
harmful effects of climate change,” Walke says. “Make good choices about
transportation. When you can, walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation. For
driving, choose cars that get better miles per gallon of gas or choose an electric
car.” You can also investigate your power provider options—you may be able to
request that your electricity be supplied by wind or solar. Buying your food locally
cuts down on the fossil fuels burned in trucking or flying food in from across the
country. And perhaps most important, “Support leaders who push for clean air
and water and responsible steps on climate change,” Walke says.

How to Protect Your Health

“When you see in the newspaper or hear on the weather report that pollution
levels are high, it may be useful to limit the time when children go outside or you
go for a jog,” Walke says. Generally, ozone levels tend to be lower in the morning.

When you do exercise outside, stay as far as you can from heavily trafficked
roads. Then shower and wash your clothes to remove fine particles.
If the air quality is bad, stay inside with windows closed.
Wear sunscreen. When ultraviolet radiation comes through the weakened ozone
layer, it can cause skin damage and skin cancer.