PM SHRI KENDRIYE VIDYALAYA , BULANDSHAHR

A Project Report on
ENVIRONMENT DEGRADATION : A MAN MADE PEOBLEM
For
ALS Project , English Core
By
Priyanshi , Tanu and Pushkar
CLASS 12 b (2024-25)
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This is to certify that the project report titles “ENVIRONMENT
DEGRADATION : A MAN MADE PROBLEM” , English core , is
a bone fide work carried out by Priyanshi , Tanu and Pushkar of
class 12th ( Science ) of Kendriye Vidyalaya , Bulandshahr , for
fulfilment of the ALS Project Work.

Principle : Teacher Guide :

RK Singh Dr. Manish Kumar
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

• Firstly , my sincere gratitude goes to my teacher , Manish sir ,

who encourage us to always give our best and who belives in
practical learning . Thank you sir for giving us opportunity to
express our views and creativity through this project.
• I have a deep sense of gratitude to my teammates , for their
help, suggestions and support during the entire time.
• I would also like to thank my parents , who have been there
every step of the way . I am grateful for your support ,
understanding and encouragement.
• I also like to thank my friends who also supported and helped
me when i did not understand something and who also shared
their views , offer advice and provide resources , i appreciate
your contribution.
• Lastly , Thank you everyone . Your support and assistance
played a important role in our journey . we hope our project
helped you to know about environment degradation and human
contribution in it.
 OBJECTIVE
• To gather and analyse data on environment degradation ,
understanding the problem.
• To spread awareness about environment degradation and it’s
effects on environment .
• To analyse the causes of environment degradation.
• To tell possible solutions of the problem.
 INTRODUCTION
• Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment
through depletion of resources such as quality of air, water and soil;
the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of
wildlife; and pollution. It is defined as any change or disturbance to
the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable .The
environmental degradation process amplifies the impact of
environmental issues which leave lasting impacts on the
environment. Degradation of the environment is one of the essential
subjects where our mother earth is dying because of its hazardous,
irresponsible, unthinkable, and permanent cause in this present era.
Our environment has deteriorated for the last two centuries.
Somehow, human disturbance is the primary cause of this. The
‘want’ from nature turns into ‘greed,’ which causes our mother
nature to deplete and destroy.
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENT
DEGRADATION
 DEFORESTATION

• Deforestation is the process of logging and/or burning forests to

remove them. Deforestation happens for a variety of causes,
such as when trees or the charcoal they produce is utilised as
fuel or sold as a commodity, and when cleared land is turned into
pastureland for cattle, farms, and communities. Without enough
regeneration, the removal of trees has harmed habitats, reduced
biodiversity, and increased dryness. The bio-sequestration of
atmospheric carbon dioxide is negatively impacted. Regions that
have lost their forests typically experience severe unfavourable
soil erosion and frequently become barren.

• Causes of deforestation: There are several causes of current

deforestation such as dishonesty of government institutions, the
unfair distribution of wealth and power, population growth and
overpopulation, urbanization and Globalization .
 DESERTIFICATION

• Due to a variety of factors, including climatic changes and

human activity, desertification is the destruction of land in
waterless and dry sub-humid environments. The main cause of
desertification is human activity. It is mostly brought on by
overgrazing, excessive groundwater withdrawal, and the
diversion of river water for industrial and human usage. All of
these processes are ultimately fueled by overpopulation.
Reduced biodiversity and impaired productivity are the primary
effects of desertification, as seen in the conversion of shrub-
dominated land to non-native grasslands.

• Causes of desertification: The primary reasons for desertification

are overgrazing, over-cultivation, increased fire frequency, water
impoundment, deforestation, over drafting of groundwater,
increased soil salinity, and global climate change.
 EXTINCTION

• It is the process by which a species, genus, or family, becomes

extinct no longer existing and alive in the world. It is the
eradication and destruction of anything that was once there in
the world. It specifically refers to the termination of an
evolutionary branch or line on the tree of life in the context of
biology. A species’ extinction can have a profound impact on an
ecosystem, as well as on the physical environment and climate,
frequently resulting in other extinctions.
 EMISSION AND EROSION

• Emission is a process when chemicals or other materials are

released into the environment by humans or natural factors.
Pollution is created through emission, which is what happens
when chemicals are discharged into the atmosphere.
Emissions come from numerous natural processes. A volcano’s
eruption releases ash, acid, and numerous hazardous gases.
Forest fires cause the production of carbon dioxide, dioxins,
carcinogenic compounds, smoke, and soot.

• Erosion is the process of weathering and transporting solids

from their source or the natural environment and depositing
them elsewhere. Erosion typically happens as a result of soil
and other materials being transported by wind, water, or ice,
creeping down slopes under the force of gravity, or, in the case
of bio-erosion, by living organisms like burrowing mammals.
CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENT
DEGRADATION
• Overpopulation-The most significant cause of environmental
degradation is too many people. When more people need food,
water, energy, and buildings, it puts more stress on nature. More
people mean more pollution, resource use, and trash. The human
population has doubled in the last 50 years. Overpopulation leads to
habit loss ,polution , and resource depletion.
• Poverty-When people lack the essentials for survival, it is thought
that poverty is both a cause and a result of environmental
deterioration. For instance, they could be in a life-or-death situation
without access to clean water, enough housing, appropriate
clothing, or medications.
• Economic development- Environmental problems can take on
different forms depending on the rate and distribution of economic
expansion. Economic development, especially industrialization-
based economic development, is a cause of environmental
degradation.
• Transport activities- Air pollution, noise from traffic, and oil spills
from marine transportation are just a few of the ways that
transportation activities have an impact on the environment.
• Habitat fragmentation- Habitats become fragmented when
development completely destroys large, stable land areas. One
example is a road that passes through a forest, or a route that
meanders through a prairie. Although it might not appear unpleasant
at first glance, there are serious consequences.
• Agricultural development- Agricultural developments has an
adverse effect on nutrient loss, land salinization , and soil
erosion. Leaching from the extensive use of fertilisers and
pesticides can harm water sources. Intensive farming and
irrigation also contribute to land deterioration.
• Pollution- the major causes of environmental decline are air
and water pollution. Pollutants have the power to damage or
even destroy some plant and animal species by bringing
contaminants into the environment.
• Administrative and political reasons- such as a lack of
visionary leadership, politicians' traditional role in crafting
policy, and improper execution of environmental legislation, all
contribute to environmental deterioration.
• Urbanization- Poor families are migrating to cities in ever
increasing number as a result of the ecological issues and the
lack of opportunities for productive work in rural areas.
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT
DEGRADATION
• Human Health Effects: Environmental degradation may have a
negative impact on human health. Toxic air contaminants can cause
respiratory issues such as pneumonia and asthma in areas that are
exposed to them. Millions of people have died due to the indirect
effects of air pollution.
• Biodiversity Loss: Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the
environmental balance by battling pollution, restoring nutrients,
safeguarding water sources, and stabilising temperature. Some of
the main reasons for biodiversity loss include deforestation, global
warming, overpopulation, and pollution
• Depletion of the Ozone Layer: The ozone layer is responsible for
protecting our planet from dangerous ultraviolet radiation. The
existence of chlorofluorocarbons and hydro chlorofluorocarbons in
the environment depletes the ozone layer. It emits dangerous
radiation back to the earth as it depletes.
• Economic Loss for the Tourism Industry: The degradation of the
natural environment can be an enormous loss for the tourism
industry, which depends on tourists for a living. Most visitors are
turned off by environmental harm such as loss of greenery, loss of
species, massive landfills, and increased air and water pollution.
• Economic Implications: The enormous costs that a nation may
have to bear as a result of environmental deterioration can have a
substantial economic effect in terms of green cover restoration,
waste cleanup, and endangered species protection. The economic
impact could also include the loss of the tourism sector.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
• Planting trees- Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other
pollutants from the air, helping to reduce air pollution. They
provide shade and shelter, helping to reduce the urban heat
island effect and evaporation. Trees also help to reduce soil
erosion by stabilizing the soil with their roots. Trees help to
conserve water by reducing runoff .They also provide a habitat
for wildlife, helping to maintain biodiversity.
• Create awareness among people about the issue- Another
way to control environmental degradation is by encouraging
public participation in protecting the environment. For this, it is
important to increase awareness of the safety of the
environment among the people.
• Policy and Legislation- Enforcing laws and participating in
global efforts like the Paris agreement to address climate
change and environmental protection.
• Control population- The rate at which the population is
growing is very high, which has an adverse impact on the
environment. Hence, it is essential to control the population
growth rate to a level within the carrying capacity of the
environment.
• Conserve the endangered species- The ecosystem is
balanced, and every organism is interrelated to each other. A
change or loss of one organism can alter the cycle, causing a
discrepancy in the environment. Due to various environmental
changes, many species are getting extinct or are on the verge
of extinction. We need to conserve these endangered species
before they get extinct and alter the ecosystem.
• Treating the industrial effluents before dumping them in water
bodies- The waste produced by the industries is toxic and causes
vigorous damage to the water bodies. The chemicals present in
them pollute the water. This leads to the death of many fishes
and aquatic organisms. Water from these lakes or rivers is used for
irrigation. The chemicals mix with the soil, and the crops produced
are consumed by humans. This causes serious health hazards in
man.
• Reducing the use of fertilizers- Inorganic fertilizers consist of
harmful chemicals such as zinc, arsenic, etc., which causes soil
pollution. The use of fertilizers has resulted in many health hazards
among humans. It also degrades soil quality. Organic manures
can be used instead.
• By reducing the use of chlorofluorocarbons- CFCs such as
methane are known as greenhouse gases. They are harmful to the
atmosphere and deplete the ozone layer. These gases trap heat in
the atmosphere and giving rise to global warming. It is necessary to
cut down their use. This will reduce the global emission rate and
prevent drastic climate change.
• Reduce fuel consumption- Fuels such as diesel and petrol are
limited sources of energy. Excessive use of diesel and petrol will
lead to the extinction of resources. Rather, we can travel by bus and
other means of public transport or just use the bicycle lying in your
house. Also, we can save energy like electricity by switching them
off when not in use. We can use renewable energies such as CNG,
solar energy, etc. They are found amply in nature and are
inexhaustible.
SURVEY
 INTERVIEW SECTION

• Me and my teammate, Tanu headed for an interview of local people.

1. How serious do you think environmental degradation is as a global
issue? (Very serious, Serious, Neutral, Not serious, Not at all
serious)
Reena : Very serious
Manu : Serious
Karan : Very serious
2. What do you think is the most effective way to raise awareness
about environmental degradation? (e.g., education, media
campaigns, community programs, etc.)
 Reena : Education
Manu : Media campaigns
Karan : through social media
3. Which environmental issue concerns you the most? (e.g., climate
change, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, etc.)
Reena : Pollution
Manu : Pollution
Karan : Climate change
4. Do you think that environment degradation is a man-made problem?
(yes, no , majorly )
Reena : Yes
Manu : Yes
Karan : Majorly
5. What actions do you believe individuals can take to combat
environmental degradation?
Reena : Planting more plants
Manu : Adapting sustainable living habits like reducing waste , recycling ,
conserving water and using public transport.
 PROJECT REPORT
• Environmental degradation, the deterioration of the natural environment
through depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and
extinction of wildlife, is predominantly a result of human activities. The
intersection of industrialization, urbanization, agriculture, waste
generation, and fossil fuel consumption has led to significant
environmental challenges that threaten the planet's health and
sustainability.
• The Human Footprint on the Environment- Human civilization has
dramatically transformed the Earth's landscapes, atmospheres, and
oceans. Industrialization and urbanization have fueled economic growth
and improved living standards for many, but at a steep environmental
cost. Factories and power plants emit large quantities of greenhouse
gases (GHGs) and pollutants into the air, while urban sprawl encroaches
on natural habitats, leading to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Agriculture, while essential for feeding the global population, often
employs unsustainable practices such as overuse of chemical fertilizers
and pesticides, which degrade soil health and contaminate water
[Link], the explosion of waste generation, particularly plastic
and electronic waste, poses severe environmental hazards. Plastic
pollution has reached even the most remote corners of the globe,
threatening marine life and ecosystems. E-waste, when not properly
managed, releases toxic substances that pollute soil and water, posing
health risks to communities. The dependence on fossil fuels for energy
and transportation continues to drive air pollution and climate change.
• The Impacts of Environmental Degradation
• Climate Change- Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and
deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of GHGs in the
atmosphere. This has led to global warming, manifested through rising global
temperatures, melting polar ice caps, and increasing sea levels. Extreme
weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods have become more
frequent and intense, causing widespread destruction.
• Biodiversity Loss-The destruction of natural habitats and ecosystems has
led to a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. Species extinction rates are now
estimated to be 1,000 times higher than natural background rates, primarily
due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. The loss of biodiversity
disrupts ecosystems and their functions, such as pollination, water
purification, and carbon sequestration, which are essential for maintaining
environmental balance and human well-being.
• Health Hazards-Environmental degradation has direct and indirect effects on
human health. Air pollution from industrial emissions and vehicle exhausts
contributes to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and premature
deaths. Contaminated water sources, resulting from agricultural runoff and
industrial waste, lead to waterborne diseases and affect food safety.
• Economic Consequences-The economic impacts of environmental
degradation are [Link] disasters, intensified by climate change,
result in substantial economic losses due to damage to infrastructure, loss of
livelihoods, and increased healthcare costs. Resource depletion, reduces the
availability of essential materials, leading to increased costs and potential
conflicts over scarce resources. The long-term sustainability of economies is
at risk if environmental degradation continues unchecked.
• Addressing Environmental Degradation
• Sustainable Development- This involves transitioning to renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which reduce
dependence on fossil fuels and lower GHG emissions. Sustainable
agricultural practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and
agroforestry, help maintain soil health and reduce chemical inputs. Urban
planning should incorporate green spaces and sustainable infrastructure to
minimize the environmental footprint of cities.
• Conservation Efforts-Conservation efforts are vital for preserving
biodiversity and ecosystems. Establishing protected areas, wildlife reserves,
and marine sanctuaries helps safeguard habitats and species. Reforestation
and afforestation initiatives restore degraded lands. Conservation programs
should also focus on the sustainable management of natural resources to
prevent overexploitation and ensure their availability for future generations.
• Pollution Control-Effective pollution control measures are essential for
mitigating environmental degradation. Implementing stringent emission
standards for industries and vehicles can significantly reduce air and water
pollution. Efficient waste management systems, including recycling and
composting, help minimize waste generation and promote resource
recovery.
• Education and Awareness-Raising public awareness about environmental
issues is key to fostering a culture of sustainability. Environmental education
programs in schools and communities can empower individuals with
knowledge and skills to make eco-friendly choices. Public campaigns and
policy advocacy can drive behavioral change and support for environmental
protection initiatives.
 CONCLUSION

• Environmental degradation is undeniably a man-made problem that

poses a severe threat to the planet and its inhabitants. The
consequences of unchecked environmental damage are dire,
affecting climate stability, biodiversity, human health, and economic
sustainability. However, by adopting sustainable development
practices, enhancing conservation efforts, implementing effective
pollution control measures, and fostering environmental education
and awareness, we can mitigate and potentially reverse the impacts
of environmental degradation.
• The path to a sustainable future requires collective action and a
commitment to protecting our natural environment. Governments
must enact and enforce robust environmental policies, industries
must innovate and adopt green technologies, and individuals must
embrace sustainable lifestyles. Only through a concerted and
collaborative effort can we ensure the health and well-being of our
planet for present and future generations.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Google:
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• Survey by [Link]
• Review and Journal of [Link]