Environmental degradation

Environmental degradation (pronunciation: /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl dɪˌgrəˈdeɪʃən/) is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; and pollution. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.

Etymology

The term "environmental degradation" is composed of two words. "Environmental" is derived from the French word environ which means 'around', and "degradation" comes from the Latin degradare which means 'to reduce to a lower rank'.

Causes

Environmental degradation is caused by a combination of social, economic, and technological factors. These include:

• Overpopulation
• Deforestation
• Pollution
• Global warming
• Industrialization
• Urbanization
• Natural disasters

Effects

The effects of environmental degradation can be devastating and include:

• Loss of biodiversity
• Climate change
• Desertification
• Increased disease prevalence
• Food and water insecurity
• Displacement of people

Prevention

Preventing environmental degradation involves a combination of political, economic, and technological approaches. These include:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Conservation efforts
• Renewable energy sources
• Recycling and waste management
• Legislation and regulation

See also

• Sustainability
• Ecosystem
• Climate change
• Conservation biology
• Environmentalism

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Environmental degradation
• Wikipedia's article - Environmental degradation

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