Introduction
All components of the urban environment are very closely related; in their interaction, the contradictions between the individual components increase. As a result of the active movement of humanity, a completely new ecological environment has emerged with the predominant role of anthropogenic factors. Modern people are active converters of their environment, including urban, and consumers of all the benefits of civilization. In pursuit of comfortable living and working conditions, people often utilize more than required without caring about such behavior’s social and environmental consequences.
Environmental Problems of the Atmosphere
Atmospheric pollution is a set of environmental problems associated with releasing chemicals and accumulating concentrations of natural gases in the air. Introducing foreign substances into the atmospheric envelope changes the natural ratio of gases, negatively affecting the biosphere’s life and development (Brusseau 295). Forest fires, industrial waste, and car exhaust gases are the primary pollution sources. The air over megacities is filled with carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur, increasing respiratory disease risk.
The long-term negative impact of landfill gases, motor vehicles, and industrial enterprises could not remain without consequences. People today are faced with several environmental problems of the atmosphere. It becomes evident that the deterioration of air quality is one of the most dangerous consequences (Brusseau 297). Fine particles are unable to leave the body and remain in the lungs, provoking bronchitis and obstructive diseases. Heavy metals have a direct damaging effect on the nervous system. They accumulate in the lymph nodes and bones, becoming a source of chronic poisoning. The consequences of poisoning are diverse – toxic shock, sleep disorders, digestion, motor dysfunction, and hallucinations.
It is worth noting that all changes are harmful to human health. The risk of extinction of animal species increases; they do not have time to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions. Atmospheric pollution reduces the quality of life in megacities and densely populated areas of the planet (Brusseau 300). Industrial enterprises, transport, power plants, and heating systems emit tons of dangerous pollutants; thus, environmental damage is extensive and multifaceted, affecting all living things on the planet. Among artificial sources, the influence of motor transport is in the first place, which is exponentially growing in large cities, and the chemical industry and home heating systems took second place.
Pollution Control Measures
To solve the issue of rationing atmospheric pollution and prevent further deterioration of the country’s situation, states spend vast amounts of money. In order to monitor the state of the environment, a comprehensive indicator has been introduced that characterizes the degree of atmospheric pollution (Brusseau 298). It reflects the maximum permissible concentration of the primary pollutants in the air. In countries with a high level of industry, programs aimed at combating atmospheric pollution are being introduced. For this purpose, enterprises are obliged to install sewage treatment plants, and criminal liability is provided for air pollution. In addition, the intensity of deforestation decreases because they produce oxygen necessary for the planet and humanity with the help of photosynthesis.
Conclusion
Summing up, it should be noted that people cause the main natural problems for the most part. However, despite this fact, it is necessary to understand that the earth is our common home. In fact, it is quite a difficult task to unite the efforts of many countries whose attitudes towards each other are very contradictory. In addition, it is also quite challenging to give up the benefits of the development of human civilization. Nevertheless, most people are certainly ready to make certain sacrifices for the benefit of the prosperity of nature. It is essential to understand that each individual person is outside politics and any framework; therefore, it is crucial to take on peculiar responsibility. This should manifest itself in the development of habits, and thus, if people start with themselves, then the world will change for the better.
Work Cited
Brusseau, Mark. “Atmospheric Pollution.” Environmental and Pollution Science, edited by Ian Pepper, 3rd ed., Elsevier, 2019, pp. 293–309.