7A Reading Comprehension

Study Notes

Human activities have caused many serious environmental problems, including global warming and climate change.
The world's ecosystems are changing faster than ever before.

Millions of people are inhaling polluted air, drinking impure water, and consuming contaminated foods.
This leads to many environmentally hazardous conditions.

Pollution is directly linked to the greenhouse effect, which is responsible for life on Earth.
The greenhouse effect is caused by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, fluorinated compounds, and water vapor.
These gases trap some of the sun's heat and prevent it from escaping back into space, keeping the planet's temperature at a safe level (around 15.5°C).
The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing due to human activities, making the greenhouse effect stronger and the planet warmer.

There are five major types of environmental pollution: air, water, soil, noise, and light pollution.

Air pollution can be defined as 'the introduction of harmful substances into the air".
It occurs due to human activities such as fuel burning, logging, farming, mining, manufacturing, and construction of roads and buildings.
Natural events such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions also contribute to air pollution.
Air pollution results in a rise in the amount of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in global temperature and environmental problems such as floods, acid rain, and ozone depletion.

Noise pollution can cause physical and emotional problems, such as hypertension, hearing loss, depression, aggression, irritation, frustration, and anxiety.
Exposure to loud noise can accelerate heartbeat and respiration, constrict blood vessels, and cause the skin to pale and muscles to tense.

Light pollution can affect the body's natural rhythm and cause sleep disorders, stress, headaches, and increasing anxiety.
Bright artificial night light can upset the food-hunting pattern of nocturnal animals.