 |
1. |
Climate change (global warming) |
| |
|
An increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases as a result of burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil is producing higher global temperatures and climate changes.
Higher temperatures are resulting in rising sea levels and changes in precipitation distribution. The effects on our ecosystem and living environment are expected to have serious social and economic consequences. |
|
| |
2. |
Ozone depletion |
| |
|
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) produced by using refrigerants, detergents, and other chemicals not found in nature ascend into the stratosphere and deplete the ozone layer.
The ozone layer blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth's surface, and there is concern that depleting the ozone layer could increase incidence of skin cancer and affect our ecosystem. |
|
| |
3. |
Acid rain |
| |
|
Acid rain is caused when sulfur oxide (SOX) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) that have been released into the atmosphere mix with rainwater. Acid rain that falls to the earth's surface can destroy forests, kill fish, and damage buildings. |
|
| |
4. |
Transboundary movements of hazardous waste |
| |
|
In 1976, dioxin contaminated soil produced in Italy had apparently disappeared, but was later found in France. This incident led to the Basel Convention, which came into force in 1993 and provides an international framework for controlling transboundary movements of hazardous waste. |
|
| |
5. |
Marine pollution |
| |
|
Marine pollution caused by oil spills from shipwrecks, the discharge of hazardous substances such as heavy metals into rivers and streams, and the disposal of waste at sea has become a serious issue.
In addition to the effects of hazardous pollutants on marine life, there are also concerns about its effects on humans by way of marine life. |
|
| |
6. |
Global ecosystem |
| |
|
| (1) |
Deforestation
The world's forests are diminishing as a result of slash-and-burn agriculture, farmland conversion, and timber harvesting.
Forests serve a variety of important functions. They help preserve soil and water, stabilize the climate, supply food and industrial material, and sustain wildlife. As a result, there are concerns that deforestation will have adverse environmental consequences. |
| (2) |
Desertification
Desertification of arid land can be caused by drought as well as human factors such as pasturage, cultivation, gathering firewood for fuel, and so forth. |
| (3) |
Decline of wildlife species
Certain wildlife species are rapidly becoming extinct as a result of excessive hunting or fishing, habitat destruction caused by development, and other factors. |
|
|
| |
7. |
Pollution in developing countries |
| |
|
In developing countries, increasing economic activity and the concentration of the population into urban areas is causing air pollution, water pollution, and other environmental problems.
Balancing economic growth and environmental protection has become a major issue. |
|
| |
8. |
Waste and recycling |
| |
|
Waste is becoming a more serious issue as rising economic activity and changes in people’s lifestyles has led to a rapid increase in the volume of waste, a diversification of the kinds of waste, and a lack of treatment facilities and disposal sites. |
Inquiry 
