How Does Air Pollution Affect the Environment?

Everyone knows that air pollution can be dangerous for human health and well-being. But have you ever wondered how does air pollution affect the environment and the world we live in? Read today’s entry to see how air pollution impacts wildlife, crops, forests, and climate change!

Table of content:

• What effects does pollution have on the environment?
• The takeaway

What effects does pollution have on the environment?

Pollution affects the environment in many ways. It’s responsible for:

• Acid rains – meaning rains that contain harmful nitric and sulfuric acids. They damage trees, and acidify soils. Because of acid rain, water may not be suitable for fish living in it. This can lead to extinction of certain species. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that acids have a negative impact on cultural heritage such as buildings, or sculptures.
• Eutrophication – it’s possible to encounter it when water contains high concentrations of nitrogen that promotes blooms of algae. This, in turn, may kill fish and various plants. Interestingly, eutrophication can also be a natural process that occurs when lakes age. However, human activity can significantly accelerate and intensify it.

• The impact on wildlife – air pollution and smog can destroy wildlife. Similarly to humans, animals that are exposed to harmful substances for a long time can experience various conditions and health problems, including birth defects, respiratory issues, or fertility problems. It’s important to mention that persistent air pollutants (meaning those that break down slowly) are particularly dangerous for water animals and those at the top of the food chain.

• The impact on forests and crops – air pollution destroys trees and crops in a number of ways. One of the results of high concentrations of ground-level ozone are decreased agricultural crops. Generally, in polluted areas, newly planted trees are less likely to survive. Moreover, they’re susceptible to various pests and diseases. It’s crucial to mention that crops and forests can be damaged not only by smog and air pollution but also by acid rains and increased UV radiation.

• The impact on the climate – greenhouse gasses increase the Earth’s average temperature and lead to global warming. This, in turn, negatively affects human and animal health, crops, forests, water resources, and agriculture.

The takeaway

Now you know how does pollution affect the environment. Apart from leading to global warming, it damages plants, kills animals and makes all the species more susceptible to various diseases. That’s why it’s crucial to take action and implement little changes that will gradually help to decrease air pollution. Wondering what the most dangerous types of air pollution are? Check out our blog!