The greatest challenge facing modern individuals living in the 21st century is environmental pollution. Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) confirmed the concentration of microplastics in the ocean by measuring the stratigraphic ages from samples drilled into the sediment off the coast of Korea. Using this method, research on sedimentation from 1970 to 2020 in Masan Bay and Jinhae Bay off the southern coast of Korea revealed that in Masan Bay, the concentration of microplastics, which was 5% in the year 2000, increased threefold to 15% over 20 years, while in Jinhae Bay, the concentration of microplastics increased by more than double, from 4% to 10%. The variety of plastic types also increased. In Masan Bay, the number of microplastic types, which was only two in the year 2000, increased to 20 in 2018. Similarly, in Jinhae Bay, the number of types increased from two to ten during the same period. According to a statement by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in May 2023, for the first time in history, there is a forecast that the major threshold of climate change could be breached within the next four years. This indicates that there is a 66% probability that the global average temperature will exceed the 1.5°C threshold by the year 2027. In this article, we will look at three ideas central to the topic of environmental pollution.
Four Factors Contributing to Environmental Pollution
The first factor that contributes to environmental pollution is ‘Industrial Activities.’ In most countries, industrial facilities such as factories and power plants emit chemical substances and particulate matter that cause air pollution. The combustion and chemical reactions involved in these industrial processes are the primary causes of air pollution.
The second factor is ‘Traffic and Vehicle Exhaust.’ Pollutants emitted during the combustion process of cars and public transportation include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter, among others, making them significant contributors to air pollution.
The third factor is ‘Improper Waste Disposal.’ Inadequate waste management can lead to the contamination of soil, water, and air. Industrial waste, household waste, and hazardous waste, among others, release pollutants into the environment.
The fourth factor is the ‘Increase in Digital Usage.’ The widespread use of digital devices by modern individuals significantly contributes to environmental pollution. Simply using our smartphones without much thought can have destructive consequences on the environment. To store the vast amount of data we use, an equivalent amount of storage space is required. This data is stored in data centers, often referred to as the factories of the digital age, which require immense amounts of resources, including electricity and water, to maintain them.
The Status Quo of World Environmental Pollution
Air pollution in China: Due to China's rapid industrialization and urbanization, air pollution has become a severe environmental problem. High levels of fine particulate matter and pollutants have a detrimental impact on human health, and major cities in China often face situations where outdoor activities are restricted due to very poor air quality for many days each year.
Amazon Rainforest Destruction: The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in absorbing the Earth's carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. However, with the destruction of forests for agriculture and logging, problems arise such as a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
The massive garbage patch floating in the Pacific Ocean between the northern coast of Hawaii and Japan: This garbage has been formed by illegally discarded waste from various countries and driven together by circular ocean currents and wind. This garbage patch is in a state of resembling a ‘soup,’ with a ratio of 6:1 between debris and plankton, and it is reported to be over ten times the size of the Korean Peninsula. Furthermore, seemingly small actions by humans can lead to ocean animals mistaking plastic for jellyfish, ingesting it, or getting entangled in nets, harming the marine environment.
The rising sea levels in Tuvalu: Currently, one of the most severe consequences of environmental pollution is the phenomenon of global warming. As a result, the melting of glaciers in the Arctic is causing sea levels to rise. Situated at an elevation of 2 meters above sea level, Tuvalu faces the imminent threat of being one of the first nations in the world to disappear as sea levels rise at a rate of 4mm per year. Currently, out of the nine islands comprising Tuvalu, two have completely submerged, and it is estimated that within several decades, half of its capital, Funafuti, will also be submerged. Experts predict that by the year 2100, the entire landmass of Tuvalu will be submerged.
The Macro-Micro Approach to Reduce Environmental Pollution
To prevent climate change and environmental pollution, it is crucial not only to mitigate the damage already done but also to explore ways to coexist with the environment for a sustainable future.
Macro Approach: The Ways for the Nation to Do
Firstly, to reduce environmental pollution, governments should actively utilize proenvironment laws and regulations. In the fight against climate change, climate lawyers are actively harnessing the power of stronger laws. Indeed, the law stands as one of the most potent tools available to prevent environmental pollution by corporations and governments.
Secondly, to reduce environmental pollution, countries should utilize bamboo as an ecofriendly material. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world and can grow up to 1 meter per day. Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide much faster than regular trees. Genetically engineered bamboo can be stronger than steel. All these potential benefits of bamboo can make it a sustainable and eco-friendly material for furniture and building construction in the future.
Micro Approach: The Ways for the Individuals to Do
Firstly, to prevent environmental pollution, each of us must diligently practice recycling and waste separation at home or in the workplace. For these individual methods to be successfully implemented, continuous education and accurate information about recycling and waste separation must be provided.
Secondly, we can reduce the use of refrigerators. All refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners we use contain a type of refrigerant called hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), which is a type of Freon gas. HFCs are substances that create a kind of ‘dangerous blanket’ on Earth because they are much more potent greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is predicted that simply reducing refrigerator usage even slightly can help decrease the Earth's temperature by 0.5 degrees.
Lastly, we can reduce the usage of our mobile phones and electronic devices. As our lives become more prosperous due to the advancement of IT technology, the ‘digital carbon footprint’ is increasing. Therefore, small actions such as deleting emails can be an important first step in saving the planet.
So far, we have looked at the issue of invisible environmental pollution that often goes unnoticed unless consciously acknowledged. How about each of us practice what we can, such as reducing electricity usage and conserving water for the sake of the present and future generations? Small efforts can lead to big changes. Take some time to reflect on your usual routines that may be excessive.
