This urbanization process started with cutting down trees, more trees and more trees to come. Deforestation is needed especially for industry purposes, which most of the time, regardless nature and with vested interests. Human build countless factories with enormous chimneys, sky-high office buildings, skyscrappers, pave way for blacktop or always greens replace with something else. With our growing populations, urbanization is always in demand. The impact of rising demand can be seen in the clearing of forests to produce beef and soya beens in South America and palm oil in Southeast Asia. People will always seek more land and more space to support the increasing populations. Then what about the price?

Amazon basin’s forests take in nearly 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which rainforests across the globe absorb around 15 per cent of the carbon emissions released through human activities. With ongoing and unstoppable deforestation, CO2 which is the main pollutants for air contamination will increase its concentration in the atmosphere. This in turn will result in environmental issues by setting in motion of climate change, and environmental pollutions. Without forests, our ecosystem will be disrupted and become imbalance. Nature living things will have to move in search of new breeding grounds or just lose habitats. Consequently, plants and animals will be known as endangered species or human just wipe them off the face of the earth.

Urbanization also revolves around economic purposes. After all, what’s the point of building more factories and producing products? The manufacturing industry has contributed more poisonous and hazardous gases ever. Products and services are always increased in demand and so keep them busy. Keeping up with the consumer demands meaning more coal, gas and oil are being burned. While these fossil fuels are close to use-up, its gases primarily CO2 which emitted will eventually lead to heat being trapped by the atmosphere. That heat causes glaciers to melt, alters the climate and brings about floods, droughts and even affects delicate habitats and animal species. The fact is, atmospheric CO2 used to be 280ppm (part per million) before industrialisation; it’s now over 380ppm. It is the cumulative effect of emissions over time, for which developed countries are responsible. Developing countries are increasing their emissions but their contribution to the concentration is still very small.

While land is at stake, the deep blue sea is not alone. Human activities both on land and the sea have resulted into coral facing extinction. Coral reefs are basically home to million of animals – at least 25 per cent of all the fish species. They have became known as the rainforests of the sea. However, worldwide, half of all reefs have vanished, and the most could be extinct by mid-century. In the US, half the coral is in fair to poor health.

If the undersea coral gardens disappear, we lose a source of extraordinary beauty and biodiversity. Not only that, the biggest challenges will be faced are lost of underwater buffer that holds back waves during hurricane; a nursery for fish that feed a billion people around the world and provide 200 million jobs in fishing industry; a house for plants and animals used to treat cancer, HIV and other diseases; and estimated $105 billion a year from tourist revenue in the Caribbean alone!

So what’s killing the coral? A no brainer question. The vast amounts of CO2 we humans have been emitting into the atmosphere have begun to turn the oceans more acidic, which in coming decades will make it harder for corals to form their limestone skeletons. For agricultural industry, when too many nutrients get into the water, from fertiliser or sewage, the seaweeds that abound in coral reefs grow too fast and the coral is smothered, unable to feed at night or draw sunlight during the day. Additionally, warmer oceans cause corals expel the colorful algae in their bodies, turn white and often die. And this takes at least a decade for bleached coral to grow back. Other causes also include oil-field and overfishing!

In short, there are also other cause-effects which I didn’t mentioned like the global warming, greenhouse effects or the melting glaciers. But before I delve into further, I think all these are enough to put us in thoughts and reevaluate our actions towards Mother Nature. There are some beliefs is signs of Armageddon or an apocalyptic warnings, because we have felt it, and we must act.

Global warming refers to the overall rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. The main source of global warming is the increase of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, methane and chlorofluorocarbon in the atmosphere.

The Concentration of greenhouses gases

The above table shows the concentration of gases in the atmosphere.

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When the sun’s rays shine on the Earth, part of the light energy is absorbed as heat by the Earth’s surface while the rest is reflected back into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases act like the glass surface of a greenhouse and reflect the heat back to the earth, resulting in an increase in temperature.

The Greenhouse Effect

When sunlight enters the atmosphere, some of the solar radiation is reflected back into space but most of it is absorbed by the Earth’s surface to heat up land and sea surfaces. As the Earth is heated up, heat in the form of infrared radiation is reflected back into space. However, most of the heat does not escape as it is trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases which in turn radiate infrared rays back to Earth.

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This heats up the Earth which would otherwise to be too cold for living organisms. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effects is linked to global warming because when more greenhouse gases are produced, more heat is trapped, resulting in an increase of Earth’s temperature. Ways to reduce greenhouse gases and global warming: a) reducing the burning of fossil fuels b) using alternative sources of energy such as hydro, wind and solar energy c) reducing deforestation d) replanting forest trees.

The importance of the Ozone Layer

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The ozone molecule (03) is made up of three atoms of oxygen. The ozone layer is a natural layer of ozone gas in the stratosphere about 15 to 30 kilometers from Earth’s surface. The ozone layer absorbs about 95% to 99% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and protects all living organisms on Earth from the harmful effects of this radiation. Sunburn is due to UV rays that penetrate through the ozone layer. These rays are absorbed by plant and animal tissues which damage protein and DNA molecules.

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Chemicals that Damage the Ozone Layer

The Thinning of the ozone layer is due to the increasing levels of chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. In the stratosphere, CFCs are broken down by UV rays, thus releasing active chlorine radicals. These free chlorine radicals break down ozone molecules of ozone molecules.

It is the chlorine atom which is produced by the splitting of CFC molecules by ultraviolet rays. This leads to a series of chemical reactions and the breakdown of ozone molecules.

Effects of the Thinning of the Ozone Layer on Living Thing

On humans: a) mutation b) cataracts c) skin cancer d) sunburn e) affects the human immune system thus reducing the ability of the body to resist infections diseases. On plants and animals: a) reduces crop yields and reduces their nutrient content b) destroys cell membranes of leaves and reduces the amount of chlorophyll, thus affecting the rate of photosynthesis c) kills aquatic organisms, phytoplankton (which supply proteins) and aquatic plants (producers in food chains).

Effects of Environmental Pollution

Human activities associated with rapid development seriously upset the balance of nature, for example an increase or decrease in the population of animals and the loss of their habitats. Such activities cause harmful effects on several aspects such as: a0 human health b) habitats and nature c) the extinction of species d) the loss of economics resources.

a) Harmful effects on human health

i) A clean and unpolluted environment ensures good health for human.

ii) Air pollution causes diseases such as bronchitis and asthma, the inflammation of the respiratory tract and weakens the immune system, thus resulting in the body being easily attacked by bacteria and viruses.

iii) Effluent from heavy industries is the main source of heavy metal (lead and mercury) pollution which can cause damage and death. The heavy metal cadmium causes damage to the kidneys, lungs and the heart.

iv) Radioactive wastes can cause cancer and leukemia.

b) Destruction of Habitats and Nature

i) Water containing toxic substances and chemical fertilizers kill aquatic organisms. Acidic water from mines contain large amounts of sulphide and iron which react with oxygen in the air. This pollutes the water thus destroying the habitat of aquatic organisms. Eutrophication also causes the death of aquatic organisms.

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ii) Gases (sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen) released from factories result in the formation of acid rain. Acid rain corrodes the stems and leaves of plants. Rainwater causes the leaching of minerals in the soil which affects the absorption of nutrients by plant roots.

iii) Acid rain causes the death of trees and indirectly the loss of habitats for organisms which depend on trees for food and shelter.

iv) Disturbances to living organisms on land and in water affect the food webs in the respective ecosystems.

c) The extinction of species

i) The population of living organisms that cannot adapt to changes in the environment decreases and finally becomes extinct. For example, a decrease in frog and crocodile population is due to spraying of chemicals made from plastics and pesticides. These chemicals affect the secretion of hormones and the reproduction processes in these animals.

ii) Deforestation carried out by humans destroys the habitats and affects the lives of many wildlife species.

iii) Coral reefs are breeding grounds for many aquatic species. Destruction of corals reef due to oil spills, sewage disposal and effluent from factories may result in the extinction of many aquatic species.

iv) Noise pollution caused by ships in the oceans, oil drills and fishing activities which involve the use of explosives disturb the communication of whales and other aquatic organisms. It also affects the whales’ habitat, their health and reduces their ability to reproduce which leads to a decrease in the whale population.

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d) Loss of economic resources

i) Air pollution causes the formation of acid rain which destroys forest trees. This results in a loss of economic resources from forests which include timber, rattan as well and minerals.

ii) Water pollution causes a decrease in aquatic plants and organisms which lead to lost revenues.

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Over the past 40 years, the Earth’s average temperature has risen by 0.2 to 0.3°C. In Malaysia, the temperature is rising by about 0.18°C every decade.

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Or: http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2009/06/26/34144126940d29674a39b_1.jpg

A greenhouse is built from glass to grow plants in cold countries during winter. Sunlight enters through the glass roof and heats up the soil, plants and floor of the greenhouse. The heat generated cannot escape but is trapped inside the greenhouse to keep the plants warm. Earth is like a big greenhouse where greenhouse gasses behave like glass panes which trap heat and heat up the surroundings.

Nitrogen oxide decomposes into nitric oxide and free oxygen radicals in the presence of sunlight. The free oxygen radicals combine with oxygen molecules, producing low level ozone which acts as a greenhouse gas. Ozone gas causes smog and imitation to the eyes, throat and lungs.

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Every year, Canada kills over 300,000 harp seals for the production of coats. What is very cruel is that hunters even kill seals that age 1 month to a year old because of their white fur that sheds when they grow old. Many humane society groups opposes the seal hunt because many hunters kill them cruelly by bashing them on the head many times and even skin them while they are still alive, while pregnant seals are cut open leaving their dead babies on the ground.

Many notable personalities protested against this cruelty namely Richard Dean Anderson, Charles Aznavour, Kim Basinger, Juliette Binoche, Sir Paul McCartney, Kasabian, Heather Mills, Mick Jagger, George Harrison, Pamela Anderson, Martin Sheen, Mogwai (band), Pierce Brosnan, Paris Hilton, Sara Quin, Loretta Swit, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Rutger Hauer, Brigitte Bardot, John Paul DeJoria, Ed Begley, Jr., Dave Foreman, Farley Mowat, Linda Blair, Berkeley Breathed, Rolf Harris, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jet, The Vines, Hawthorne Heights, Pink, The Darkness, and Good Charlotte. Although many have engaged into opposing massive seal killing, still, Canada, Russia, and other countries involved in this controversy don’t want to stop because it will greatly affect their economy. What was very intriguing was that the Canada’s government representative  arrested those who are documenting the hunt instead of monitoring those who are killing the seals.

Rapid Deforestation

Deforestation has brought many lives into danger mainly because trees and plants are the only living things on Earth that consumes Carbon Dioxide. Without trees, many animals will be left homeless in the wild making them more vulnerable to death. As you can feel now a days, the temperature of the Earth is rising. We are greatly endangered of the rising of sea level brought about by the melting of the polar caps. If we are not going to make a move as early as now then there is no more future for  the generations to come.

Garbage

As you can see in the video, there is garbage dancing in the water. Can you just imagine how many turtles and other animals die because they mistakenly perceive them as their food? Before throwing your garbage anywhere, try to think twice. You just don’t know how many families you are affecting every time you throw a single candy wrapper anywhere. And please stop burning your garbage, we are already taught that the ozone layer is already depleted but many are still burning their garbage.

Destruction of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are not just homes for sea creatures but it also serves as the natural wave barrier of the ocean. It stops the big waves from hitting the shores. Once they are gone, we will not only experience a decline of fish population but more big waves hitting our shorelines.

First off, if recreational diving was not banned, there would damage done to the coral reefs already, due to the natural thing that cannot be controlled, and the divers would be adding to that damage. That would cause the whole reef to completely become demolished much faster. If the reef is damaged, or demolished, the fish and other types of sea life would be driven out of their homes (the coral).

Most people eat seafood, but if the fish leave the reefs, which are key fishing spots, then there would be no seafood. Now, if we were to place a ban banning all recreational diving near the reefs, the coral would only become damaged by the natural causes because we would not be able to control nature, but we would cut down on the human destruction of coral because we can control the people going near the reefs, and therefore if there are people near the reefs, that would just be the key ingredient for the recipe of disaster. There would also be seafood if the ban was in place because we would be preserving the coral, which many fish and other forms of life under the sea live.

To finish, I would like to add a proposal that would satisfy many people for, and against the ban, if there were a wall or net that was built in the vicinity of the coral, that would still allow the coral polyps to spread into the sea and that would not disrupt the beauty of the reefs, then the diving could be allowed since the divers would not be causing any harm to the reefs. Therefore, the people can still get the same experience out of diving, and the coral gets protected a little bit more.