Allah Nawaz Khan
The environment is facing a serious threat, and that threat is environmental pollution. When harmful substances are added to the natural environment and negatively affect the health of living beings and the ecosystem, it is called environmental pollution. Toxic gases, dust, and chemical substances in the atmosphere are disturbing the natural balance of the environment. Polluted air is causing severe negative effects on both human health and the environment. Human beings themselves are also responsible for polluting the environment. Smoke emitted from vehicles, factory chimneys, open burning of garbage, and household fuels is polluting the atmosphere. Dust and cement particles released during construction work also damage the environment. Sometimes people are not even aware that they are harming the environment. For example, after harvesting crops, agricultural residue is often burned, and the smoke produced from this practice is highly harmful to the environment.
A polluted environment is dangerous not only for humans but also for other living creatures. It is not only the air that is becoming polluted; rivers and seas are also suffering from pollution. Water pollution has created serious threats for aquatic life. Breathing polluted air causes many diseases, including asthma, cough, heart diseases, and other respiratory illnesses. The supply of oxygen in the blood is also affected, which increases neurological, brain, and heart-related disorders. Eyes are also affected, and people may suffer from allergies. A clean environment is essential for maintaining good health. Noise is also a form of pollution. It can lead to hearing loss and psychological as well as mental disorders.
To improve the environment, collective efforts are necessary; otherwise, many problems will arise in the future. Developed countries are taking preventive measures, but developing countries are still struggling to make proper arrangements. Smoke from factories is extremely harmful, and it is necessary to filter these emissions. Smoke released from vehicles is also dangerous, which is why environmentally friendly fuel should be used. Vehicle fitness should also be maintained because old vehicles emit more smoke. Burning crop residues should be avoided. If agricultural waste is used as fertilizer, it benefits both the environment and the fertility of the soil. Excessive burning of fire should also be avoided, and unnecessary fires should not be lit. Environmental pollution can be reduced by preferring public transport over private vehicles. Riding bicycles or walking whenever possible is also very beneficial. These practices not only help keep the environment clean but also improve health. Many diseases can be prevented simply by living in a cleaner environment.
Plastic is another enemy of the environment, so it is important to eliminate its excessive use. Plastic shopping bags are among the most commonly used plastic products. Replacing them with paper bags can greatly help improve the environment. Plastic utensils are also widely manufactured, but using metal utensils instead would be a more environmentally friendly practice.
Planting more trees can also help purify the environment. Unfortunately, instead of planting more trees, people are cutting them down, which is harmful. Trees provide clean air. If cutting trees becomes necessary, it may be done, but trees should not be cut without reason. Trees should also be planted in homes, and where there is limited space, small plants can at least be grown in pots. Trees not only improve the environment but also provide many other benefits. Fruit-bearing trees provide edible fruits, and their shade is a blessing during summer. Their branches can be used to make furniture such as cot(charpoys), and selling fruits can also generate income. Even if trees are planted solely for environmental improvement, it is still a highly positive step.
Developed countries are causing more pollution compared to developing nations. In developing countries, low-quality fuel pollutes the environment, while in developed countries, excessive industrialization is the major source of pollution. During and after the industrial revolution, countless factories were established, and the smoke emitted from these industries has become extremely harmful to the environment. More than half of the toxic gases released into the atmosphere come from developed countries. Another reason is that developed nations consume more resources, and excessive use of resources contributes to environmental pollution. Therefore, developed countries have been assigned the responsibility of providing funds to developing nations so that environmental pollution can be controlled. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and global climate conferences (COP), developed countries are obligated to provide financial support to reduce environmental pollution and compensate for climate-related damages. However, developed countries have largely failed to fulfill this responsibility. In 2009, they promised to provide 100 billion dollars annually, but the target was not achieved by 2020. It was only in 2022 that the amount reached 116 billion dollars. The new target is 300 billion dollars annually by 2035. Even this amount is insufficient because around 1.3 trillion dollars per year are required to effectively tackle this crisis. Low-income and highly vulnerable developing countries also receive only a small share of this assistance. Moreover, much of the funding comes in the form of loans rather than grants. Another unfortunate reality is that in many developing countries, these funds are often lost to corruption. To save the environment, it is essential for the entire world to work together so that pollution can be brought under control.
