As a result of human activity, the environment has undergone a lot of change, with certain industries being among the leaders in causing that change. While a country requires progress and development for growth, the consequent impact of this progress and development on our environment must not be overlooked. The wide variety of effects that human activities can have on our environment includes how we extract and consume natural resources and energy, and how those actions affect the environment. Below are the eight most impactful industries/areas of human activity on our environment:
Energy Production
The production of energy, specifically through the extraction of fossil fuels, the burning of coal, and the processing of natural gas, which releases greenhouse gases and leads to climate change and other forms of air pollution, poses one of the largest threats to the global environment. Additionally, the mining of coal and drilling of oil and the transportation of those resources can cause significant harm to ecosystems as a result of oil spills, resulting in soil degradation, contamination, and pollution. However, the use of alternative and sustainable forms of energy, such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power, is the way to go, not just because of the reduced greenhouse gases but also because of the minimal destruction of the ecosystem.
The Fashion Industry
The fashion industry has numerous negative effects on our environment, but the most significant of them is the one of the fast fashion industry. The high usage of water which is required to manufacture the textile fibres, particularly the synthetic textile fibres which result into vast quantities of microplastic waste; the use of dyes and other chemicals that lead to the toxic chemical exposures to the surrounding water and the soil; and discarding the garments at the end of the short time that they are in use are all aspects that cause severe harm to our planet. One of the ways to reduce the adverse effect on the environment and remain creative and trendy is sustainable design, including the use of organic fibers, recycled materials, and circle fashion design.
The Technology Sector
Agricultural production plays a vital role in the survival of the human species on the earth; on the other hand, the process has a strong adverse effect on the environment. Farming of one crop or monoculture causes a drain of the major soil nutrients and the chemical fertilizers and pesticides which are frequently applied into the contaminate freshwater sources. Raising of livestock adds huge volumes of methane into the atmosphere. Moreover, to raise livestock, it takes a colossal amount of land and water resources. The other major cause of biodiversity loss is deforestation, which is caused by grazing and farming. Nevertheless, such farming methods as organic, rotational or precision farming could be used to decrease this environmental destruction.
Manufacturing and Industrial Production
Product-making process is a significant sector of the economy and yet its effects are enormous on the environment. In most of the factories, they release wastes into the atmosphere, water and land, and the waste they produce during the manufacturing process also causes chemical pollution. There are numerous forms of production that consume resources in large proportions; a case in point, steel, cement and/or other forms of production release carbon dioxide and/or other toxic substances into the atmosphere. Companies seeking to integrate sustainability should invest in B Corp consulting services to ensure that environmental accountability becomes a core part of their business model. This is an excellent way to purposefully align your business practices and enhance stakeholder trust, while reducing operational costs and gaining a competitive edge.
Agriculture and Food Production
Agricultural production plays a vital role in the survival of the human species on the earth; on the other hand. The process has a strong adverse effect on the environment. Farming of one crop or monoculture causes a drain of the major soil nutrients and the chemical fertilizers. And pesticides which are frequently applied into the contaminate freshwater sources. Raising of livestock adds huge volumes of methane into the atmosphere. Moreover, to raise livestock, it takes a colossal amount of land and water resources. The other major cause of biodiversity loss is deforestation, which is caused by grazing and farming. Nevertheless, such farming methods as organic, rotational or precision farming could be used to decrease this environmental destruction.
Transportation and Logistics
Transportation contributes to greenhouse emissions in one of the top ways, particularly, the type that involves gasoline and diesel fuel. All the shipping industry, air transport and road transport industries have a high amount of CO2 emissions to the world. The process of fuel extraction, the construction of vehicles, and the subsequent construction of the corresponding infrastructure. Also lead to the ecological footprint. Ecological footprint of the transportation sector can be reduced through the use of electric cars, the creation of public transport. And optimization of the transport system to be more efficient. Sustainable transport does not only add value to the environment. But also to the quality of air and the citizens themselves.
Construction and Real Estate
Raw materials and energy are needed in large amounts in construction activities. Raw materials that are used in the construction process release carbon dioxide during use including concrete, steel, and glass. The construction process also has an impact on land and the environment. Due to urban sprawl, there is fragmentation, which leads to the use of more energy. The environmental issues are also introduced by buildings because they use energy sources to warm, cool air, and provide light. The green building approaches are the driving factor to diminishing the eco-footprint and urbanization.
Mining and Resource Extraction
Mining of metals, minerals and fossil fuels may also be very deleterious to the environment. Also changes the topography of the land due to the digging process. And the runoffs of mining areas will carry with them metal and chemical contaminants. Which will be devastating to the life of plants and animals. Consequently, it is highly necessary that the application of environmental regulations and sustainable. Extraction of minerals is taken; it is essential that all resources on the planet are successfully extracted in a sustainable way. In order to ensure the long-term survival of all species.
To sum up, the industries play a critical role in the economic and social growth. However, one should not overlook the effects which these industries have on the environment. It can be in the energy sector, the agricultural industry, the fashion industry. The technological industry, etc., but the effect that human intervention has on these industries is enormous. The industries should move towards sustainable practices and sustainable design so that the damage. That is being inflicted on the environment is at a minimum.
