Human activities have caused many environmental problems that are harmful to ecosystems, quality of life, and health. These issues have emerged rapidly over the past two centuries, a relatively short time frame compared to the history of the earth. Many of these issues are growing exponentially or hyperbolically, meaning they are increasing at a rapid rate and pose an existential risk. Here is a list of 20 environmental issues that are of concern today:
- Climate change
- Deforestation
- Biodiversity loss
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- Soil degradation
- Overfishing
- Ocean acidification
- Invasive species
- Pesticide and fertilizer runoff
- Acid rain
- Ozone depletion
- Depletion of natural resources
- Habitat destruction
- Land use change
- Wetland destruction
- Water scarcity
- Soil erosion
- Invasive species
- Noise pollution
