Pollution is present everywhere – in the water we drink, the air we inhale, and the land we live on. Due to its low visibility, this environmental issue is simple to overlook, but it nevertheless poses a serious risk to the environment, economy, and public health. Permeating every part of the planet, pollution has been estimated to cause almost 7 million premature deaths on a yearly basis. Pollution is not just an environmental issue; it affects every aspect of human life including food, health and the economy. To address this problem, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes and ways that pollution impacts our lives – whether through the air we inhale, the water we consume, or the land we reside on.

Air Pollution

We breathe in much more than just oxygen when we're outside; we also take in toxins, particles, and dangerous chemicals that are bad for our health. The silent yet deadly problem of air pollution is getting worse over time. Air pollution comes from a variety of sources, such as human activity and natural processes. In London, Ontario and other parts of the world, pollutants and particles emitted by automobiles, trucks, and airplanes are a significant source. Other significant causes of air pollution include emissions from agriculture, the release of carbon dioxide from deforestation, and industrial pollution, which includes pollutants from factories and power plant combustion. Humans, particularly children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing diseases, can suffer short-term and long-term consequences from breathing in dirty air. Headaches, lightheadedness, and coughing are among the short-term consequences. More serious consequences include lung cancer, heart problems, and respiratory disorders. Reducing and preventing air pollution is crucial and calls for work from the public sector, private sector, and individuals.

Land Pollution

Landfill in London, Ontario. (Mike Hensen/The London Free Press)

After ending up in landfills and forests, human waste frequently contaminates the soil. Deforestation, industrial waste release, and improper disposal of plastic debris that ends up in the soil are the main causes of land pollution. Crops can become contaminated by hazardous waste and subsequently make their way into the food chain. Deforestation frequently occurs to make way for agriculture or other forms of development, but it also increases the risk of soil contamination. Land pollution has serious negative effects on the environment; it destroys wildlife habitats, renders agricultural land unusable, and damages entire ecosystems. Land contamination may be decreased by more strict waste management regulations.

Solutions

Despite being a major worldwide issue, pollution can be mitigated. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to reduce waste and chemical emissions and create an environmentally sustainable way of living. By implementing environmentally friendly regulations, such as limiting the use of plastic, pollution from industries can be reduced. Industries must utilize environmentally friendly production techniques and reduce waste. Simple personal actions, such as using public transportation, recycling appropriately, and minimizing plastic use, can have a significant impact. As a student, consider trying one of the following eco-friendly changes at home:

Using public transportation → our LTC bus system
Recycling your containers and cardboard
Using reusable containers to minimize plastic waste
Compost organic waste → use London’s green bin program!
Switch to LEDs/ energy efficient lighting and reduce energy consumption by up to 75%
Minimize wasteful water usage

By making small changes in our daily lives and pushing for companies to account for their pollution, we can prevent further harm that pollution has already caused and make the world cleaner going forward. As young advocates, scientists, students, and citizens, we must enact changes at all levels to uphold the integrity of our environment.