Causes of Pollution
Understanding Pollution
Harmful Substances
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products
into the environment, altering its natural balance.
Global Impact
It significantly affects human health, disrupts delicate
ecosystems, and contributes to adverse climate changes
worldwide.
Accelerating Rates
Human activities are the primary drivers, leading to accelerating
rates of environmental degradation.
Economic Cost
The global economic cost is staggering, running into billions
annually for health damages and environmental clean-up efforts.
1. Industrial Emissions
Factories & Power Plants: Industrial facilities are Heavy Metals & Chemicals: Industrial discharge
major contributors to air and water pollution, releasing often contaminates water and soil with heavy metals
harmful substances into the atmosphere and water and toxic chemicals, posing long-term risks.
bodies.
Fossil Fuel Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels Data Point: Industry accounts for approximately 24%
releases significant amounts of CO2, SO2, NOx, and of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (IEA, 2022),
particulate matter, contributing to smog and acid rain. making it a critical area for emission reduction efforts.
2. Transportation
Vehicle Exhaust
Cars, trucks, ships, and planes emit a range of criteria
pollutants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen
oxides.
Greenhouse Gases
Transportation is a primary source of carbon dioxide
(CO2) in many urban areas, exacerbating climate
change.
Particulate Matter
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from exhaust
contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Statistic: Transportation accounts for around 25% of global CO2
emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.
3. Agricultural Practices
Pesticide & Fertilizer Runoff
Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers leads to runoff, contaminating
rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Eutrophication
Excess nutrients in water bodies cause harmful algal blooms, depleting
oxygen and harming aquatic life.
Livestock Methane
Livestock digestion produces significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas
Freshwater Use
Agriculture contributes nearly 70% of global freshwater withdrawals,
straining water resources.
4. Waste Generation
Plastic Pollution: An estimated 8 million tons of E-Waste: Discarded electronics contain toxic
plastic enter our oceans annually, forming vast gyres chemicals like lead and mercury, which leach into the
that harm marine life and ecosystems. soil and water, posing serious health risks.
Landfill Overload: Landfills are overflowing with solid Challenge: Less than 9% of all plastic ever produced
waste, releasing potent greenhouse gases like methane has been recycled, highlighting a significant global
and toxic leachate into the soil and groundwater. waste management crisis.
5. Deforestation & Resource Extraction
Forest Loss
1
2 Soil Erosion
3 Mining Operations
Forest Loss: The continuous destruction of forests removes vital carbon sinks, accelerating climate change and
reducing biodiversity. An area of forest the size of a football field is lost every second globally.
Soil Erosion: Deforestation leads to severe soil erosion, resulting in land degradation and increased sedimentation in water
Mining Operations: Resource extraction creates vast waste piles and acid mine drainage, contaminating
surrounding environments and ecosystems.
Thank YOU
BY
VIHAAN JAIN
VIAAN BUDHIRAJA
DEVYANSH SACHDEVA
