Sambodhi 2010 Vol 33

SR No.: 520783
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J B Shah, K M patel
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2010
Total Pages: 212
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 21 MB

Page 41

Vol. XXXIII, 2010
Environmental Pollution & Ethical Practices
different effects. The increasing human population presents all kinds of pollution issues. One theme in environmental issues is the balanced state of the Earth. Like any system, it can only strain so much of any particular activity. As the human population grows, its need for food and energy increases, as well as the amount of waste it produces. It also requires the displacement of other species as humans require more living space. The requirement to feed an ever-expanding population puts strain on the Earth's ability to regulate its own systems, For example, it is increasingly common to use marginal land i.e. land which otherwise would be unsuitable for agricultural use in order to grow crops. This is made possible by the increased application of man made fertilizers. These can pollute the atmosphere (e. g. N20), and can also get into our waterways - polluting the seas, our freshwater supplies and the other organisms, which depend on them for life. This puts a strain on the system.
The air we breathe is invisible, and so too are many or the pollutants which fill it. Many pollutants in the air as well as being potential greenhouse gases causes of acid rain can also be directly harmful to life on Earth. This depends upon their concentration, location and accompanying climatic factors. Many industrial and agricultural processes produce air pollution. Many blame poor air quality for increases in cases of asthma and other lung problems.
Rivers and seas are particularly prone to pollution. Their fluid nature allows pollutants to spread easily. Their ability to clean themselves up is often limited particularly in the case of closed seas, like the Black Sea, and the North Sea. Pollutants entering from land often via the rivers, can damage marine life in the oceans. Of course, the seas are used regularly as dumping grounds for our own waste products, including sewage, which may be dumped completely untreated.
This sewage can contain, as, well as organic matter; considerable amounts of man-made chemicals and other, solid waste. Some countries deal with their rubbish in landfill sites. These sites can produce toxic run-off which will eventually reach the seas. Other countries still dump their rubbish at sea, and often close to shorelines. Given the most of our rubbish is not biodegradable; this can present serious problems which last for a long time.
The land too is easily polluted. Industrial and agricultural processes leave chemical residue on the land, and the disposal or waste product; is not without problems. One example is the disposal of batteries. Many batteries contain mercury