Environmental Challenges

Environmental challenges refer to the various threats and problems that arise due to natural and human activities, impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, economies worldwide and human well-being.
Environmental challenges are pressing issues that affect
ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide.
These challenges arise from unsustainable resource exploitation, pollution, population growth, and climate change.
Understanding these issues helps us recognize our role in creating solutions.

1. Environmental Challenges 1 Amjad Khan Afridi Lecturer, Department of Health and Biological Sciences Abasyn University Peshawar Chapter # 04

2. Introduction 2 Environmental challenges refer to the various threats and problems that arise due to natural and human activities , impacting ecosystems, biodiversity , economies worldwide and human well-being . Environmental challenges are pressing issues that affect ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. These challenges arise from unsustainable resource exploitation, pollution, population growth, and climate change. Understanding these issues helps us recognize our role in creating solutions.

3. 3 Sustainability of resources refers to the responsible use and management of natural resources to ensure their availability for current and future generations. It’s the balance between consumption and conservation of resources . Natural resources— like water, forests, minerals, oil, natural gases and fossil fuels and all these sources are limited. Excessive logging leading to deforestation. Overgrazing causing desertification in arid regions . 1. Sustainability of Resources

4. So, sustainable use means: Using them efficiently Minimizing waste Allowing them to regenerate Avoiding environmental harm 4

5. Case Studies 5

6. 6 Deforestation is the clearing or thinning of forests by humans. One of the biggest environmental issues in the world right now. Issue: Clearing forests for agriculture, mining, roads, cattle ranching and other developments . Impact: Loss of biodiversity , including species unique to the Amazon. Reduced carbon absorption , contributing to global warming . Reduced of oxygen generation. Solutions: Promoting reforestation programs. Monitoring and penalizing illegal logging activities . Case Study: Deforestation in the Amazon

7. 2. Energy and Water Resource Efficiency 7 Energy Challenges: Dependence on non-renewable sources like coal and oil. Rising energy demand due to population growth. Water Challenges: Depletion of freshwater resources. Pollution from industrial waste and agricultural runoff.

8. 8 Cape Town, South Africa, came dangerously close to becoming the first major city in the world to run out of water . Worst drought in over 100 years and t hree consecutive years of low rainfall. “Day Zero” was the name given to the day when the city's taps would be turned off for most residents due to dangerously low dam levels. Issue: Severe drought brought Cape Town close to “Day Zero,” when water supplies would run dry. Impact: Daily water rationing / limiting. Economic disruptions / interferences in agriculture and tourism. Solutions: Desalination plants and wastewater recycling. Public awareness campaigns on water conservation. Case Study: Cape Town’s Water Crisis (2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orhC83o-S1Q&ab_channel=PulitzerCenter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4K8C9w7soo&ab_channel=CityNews

9. 3. Climate Change Definition: Long- term changes in weather patterns due to natural and human- induced causes. Key Effects: Melting glaciers and rising sea levels . Increased frequency of hurricanes, heatwaves, and wildfires. 9

10. Date: March 4–21, 2019 Affected Countries Mozambique , Zimbabwe , Malawi Issue: Warm oceans fueled a devastating tropical cyclone. Impact: Over 1,300 deaths and massive displacement. Displaced around 3 million people affected Destroyed infrastructure and loss of crops. Solutions: Climate- resilient infrastructure. International aid and disaster management training. Case Study: Cyclone Idai (Mozambique, 2019) 10

11. 4. Environmental Pollution Types of Pollution: Air Pollution: From vehicles, factories, and burning fossil fuels. Water Pollution: Industrial waste, oil spills, and plastic waste. Soil Pollution: Overuse of pesticides and fertilizers. 11

12. Issue: Hazardous air quality due to crop stubble burning and vehicle emissions. Impact: Respiratory illnesses and disrupted daily life. Reduced visibility, affecting transportation. Solutions: Transition to renewable energy. Banning crop residue burning and promoting sustainable practices. Case Study: Delhi Air Pollution Crisis (2020) 12

13. 5. Poverty and Resource Depletion Cycle of Poverty: Poverty forces communities to over exploit resources, leading to environmental degradation, further deepening poverty. Examples: Over fishing in oceans leading to collapse of fish stocks. Soil degradation in poor farming regions reducing crop yields. 13

14. Case Study: Aral Sea Disaster (Central Asia) Issue: Rivers feeding the Aral Sea were diverted for irrigation. Impact: 90% of the sea disappeared, destroying fisheries. Toxic dust storms caused health crises. Solutions: Water restoration projects and better irrigation practices. 14

15. 15 6. Development and Urbanization Challenges of Urbanization: Loss of green spaces to make way for housing and industries. Increased waste generation and air pollution.

16. 16 Case Study: Karachi’s Urbanization Challenges (Pakistan) Issue: Rapid industrialization and population growth have speechless infrastructure. Impact: Air and water pollution affecting public health. Traffic congestion and inadequate waste disposal. Solutions: Sustainable urban planning and public transport systems. Implementing stricter industrial pollution controls.

17. 17 7. Global Environmental Challenges Biodiversity Loss: Human activities such as habitat destruction and poaching lead to species loss. Case Study: Great Barrier Reef Bleaching (Australia) Issue: Rising ocean temperatures caused coral bleaching. Impact: Loss of marine biodiversity. Negative effects on tourism and fisheries. Solutions: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Restoring coral reefs through artificial structures.

18. 18 Ozone Layer Depletion: Caused by chemicals like CFCs, it increases UV exposure, raising skin cancer risks. Success Story: The Montreal Protocol Action: A global agreement to phase out ozone- depleting substances. Result: Gradual recovery of the ozone layer.

19. Thank You 19