The environment is a crucial component of human civilisations. Throughout the development of civilisations, people have gradually shaped their surroundings. Plant and animal life thrive or decline based on environmental conditions, maintaining a close connection between the environment and life. However, modern human civilisation faces significant threats due to escalating levels of environmental pollution.
Our environment encompasses everything that surrounds us, including plants, buildings, animals, roads, rivers, mountains, and more. These elements are essential for the healthy survival of humans and other organisms, and their deterioration disrupts the balance necessary for life.
The environment is a combination of both natural and man-made elements. Unfortunately, due to human ignorance and uncontrolled behaviour, pollution is increasingly degrading the environment and endangering biodiversity. Harmful substances produced by various man-made activities, such as greenhouse gases, radioactive materials, industrial chemical waste, herbicides, and garbage, severely pollute the environment. Several laws such as the Environment Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2002 and The Environment Court (Amendment) Bill 2002 has been enacted by the government to protect the environment. But those laws have never been properly implemented.
The rise in air temperature, attributed to the greenhouse effect, is a pressing concern. Scientists predict that this temperature increase will lead to a rise in sea levels of 1-2 meters as polar ice caps and mountain glaciers melt. Consequently, numerous islands will be submerged, displacing millions of people and triggering a severe food crisis.
Chlorofluorocarbon gas emitted from polythene, plastic, and paint factories poses another threat by depleting the ozone layer. If the ozone layer continues to diminish, direct exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays will harm various microorganisms, including phytoplankton, leading to adverse effects on flora and fauna and increasing the incidence of cancer and other diseases. The global increase in biofuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions from industries further exacerbates air pollution. Additionally, vehicle emissions contribute to environmental degradation, compounded by deforestation and pollution from industries, brick kilns, waste, and greenhouse gases.
Creating a pollution-free environment is imperative for maintaining good health. Everyone must avoid activities that contribute to environmental pollution, and the indiscriminate felling of trees should cease to prevent further degradation. Efforts should be made to plant trees wherever possible, aiming to reforest 30 per cent of the country's total area for environmental protection. Embracing alternative energy sources such as solar and hydroelectricity is essential, alongside raising public awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution. Agricultural practices should transition from chemical to organic fertilisers, and proper disposal methods for waste materials from industries and households must be enforced. Above all, increasing public awareness through various government initiatives is crucial in combating environmental pollution.
Shakibul Hasan, Student
Dhaka College, Dhaka
sakibulhasanlearning@gmail.com