The Problem
Land Pollution
Water Pollution
Air Pollution
Land pollution is any type of destruction of the Earth's land. It can either occur naturally or as a result of human activities, such as industrial development, agricultural development, coal mining, deforestation and overcrowded landfills.
In 2009, more than 20,000 beaches were closed as a result of land pollution.
Water Pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). This form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.
Approximately 40% of the lakes in America are too polluted for fishing, aquatic life, or swimming.
Air pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological molecules, or other harmful materials into Earth's atmosphere, causing diseases, allergies, death to humans, damage to other living organisms such as animals and food crops, or the natural or built environment.
People who live in places with high levels of air pollutants have a 20% higher risk of death from lung cancer than people who live in less-polluted areas.