Environmental Health Issues in India: Impact on Wildlife, Forests, and Humans

 

Illustrated image resembling pollution

India, a country blessed with rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources, is currently grappling with several pressing environmental health issues that significantly affect wildlife, forests, and human populations.

 

Air pollution stands as one of India's most formidable environmental health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India boasts the world's most polluted air. In 2020, India's average PM2.5 concentration exceeded 75 micrograms per cubic meter, more than double the WHO's recommended limit. This dire air quality is a major contributor to respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer, causing over 2 million deaths annually.

 

Water pollution emerges as another major concern in India. The Central Pollution Control Board reports that over 70% of the country's surface water is polluted. This contamination leads to a plethora of health issues, including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, with water pollution contributing to the daily deaths of over 2,000 Indian children.

 

Solid waste pollution also plagues India, with the country generating over 60 million tons of solid waste annually, much of which is improperly disposed of. This mismanagement leads to soil and water contamination and the proliferation of diseases.

 

Noise pollution is on the rise in India, especially in urban areas, where levels frequently exceed WHO-recommended limits. Noise pollution can result in hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases.

 

Climate change looms as yet another significant environmental health threat in India. The country is highly vulnerable to climate change's effects, which are already causing adverse impacts on human health. Climate change contributes to more frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, leading to fatalities, injuries, displacement, and the spread of diseases.

 

Effects on wildlife, forests, and humans

 

These environmental health issues exert a profound influence on wildlife, forests, and human populations in India.

 

Wildlife: Air and water pollution, habitat loss, and climate change collectively threaten India's diverse wildlife. Numerous species, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses, face the specter of extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 1,000 species in India are currently at risk of extinction, encompassing over 100 mammal species, over 200 bird species, and over 300 reptile species.

 

Forests: Deforestation, forest fires, and unsustainable forest management practices contribute to the decline of India's forests. Forests play a pivotal role in environmental regulation and provide essential wildlife habitats. India has lost over 35% of its forest cover since 1900, significantly impacting both wildlife and the environment.

 

Humans: These environmental health issues are taking a heavy toll on human health. Air pollution, water pollution, and climate change are driving an increase in respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet, air pollution caused an estimated 2.2 million deaths in India in 2019. Water pollution is also a major contributor to mortality and disease, with approximately 2,000 children succumbing to waterborne diseases in India each day.

 

World Environment Health Day 2023

 

World Environment Health Day is celebrated on September 26 each year to raise awareness about the importance of environmental health and to promote action to protect human health and the environment. The theme for World Environment Health Day 2023 is "Beat Air Pollution: Healthy Planet, Healthy People."

 

What can be done?

 

Addressing these environmental health issues in India requires concerted efforts from both the government and individuals. The government must implement and enforce policies to reduce pollution, enhance waste management, and adapt to climate change. Simultaneously, individuals and communities have a crucial role to play in reducing their environmental footprint and raising awareness about these pressing issues.

 

Government Actions:

•  Invest in public transportation and renewable energy.
• Implement more stringent air and water pollution regulations.
• Enhance waste management practices.
• Safeguard forests and natural habitats.
• Educate the public about the significance of environmental health.

Individual Actions:

• Opt for public transportation, walking, or biking when feasible.
• Reduce energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
• Conserve water by taking shorter showers and fixing leaky faucets.
• Promote recycling and composting.
• Participate in tree planting initiatives.
• Engage in community activities and advocate for environmental protection.

Through collaborative efforts, we can forge a healthier and more sustainable future for both India and the world.

 

Take care,

Naga Surya K

 

Sources:

1. World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/india/
2. The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32026-2/fulltext
3. India Environment Portal: https://www.indiawaterportal.org/
4. Centre for Science and Environment: https://www.cseindia.org/
5. Down to Earth: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/
6. Central Pollution Control Board: https://cpcb.gov.in/
7. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): https://www.iucn.org/