Worst Environmental Crimes
Environmental crimes are a growing form of transnational organized crime (UNEP, 2017; INTERPOL-UN). It is estimated that there are over 100,000 environmental crimes each year in the United States. These crimes occur when people ignore or violate laws and regulations related to the environment. The most common of these crimes are illegal dumping, negligence, and speeding. Unfortunately, many environmental crimes go unreported because victims feel embarrassed or ashamed. Unfortunately, this crime against nature also costs taxpayers millions of dollars every year in fines and lost business opportunities. These criminal enterprises are linked to other serious offences such as theft, fraud, corruption, drugs and human trafficking, counterfeiting, firearms smuggling and money laundering. They cause considerable damage to ecosystems, increasing the risk of disease, environmental disaster, food chain contamination and pollution. Moreover, they have long-lasting and irreversible effects.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is a serious problem because it can kill plants, animals, microorganisms and even humans. It causes a wide range of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, hepatitis, rashes, and even cancer.
Water pollution can be caused by sewers that empty into rivers, chemicals rundown from farms or factories, or when garbage dumped into waterways. All of these cause a lot of damage to the water that we drink, swim in, and even surf on.
It can also impact marine ecosystems and animals, such as fish and whales. The result is a phenomenon known as eutrophication, which depletes oxygen in the water, making it dangerous for all aquatic life.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a harmful environmental crime that destroys our health and our ecosystem. It is caused by a variety of sources, including car exhausts, burning fuels, wood fires and industrial smokestacks.
Inhaling these toxins can harm your lungs, cause coughing and other respiratory problems and even lead to death. It can also increase your risk for heart disease and cancer.
People in poor-health neighbourhoods and communities of color are at a disproportionately high risk of breathing toxic air. This is especially true for Asian Americans and Black and Latinos who are more likely to live next door to polluting facilities like oil refineries, power plants, or highways.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the creation of unwanted sounds that disrupt human and animal life. It is caused by a wide variety of sources, including industrial equipment, transportation systems, and household machines.
Despite being an increasingly common problem, noise pollution is still under-reported. It can cause hearing loss, stress, headaches, sleep problems, and high blood pressure.
It can also interfere with conversations, causing misunderstandings and altering emotions. It can also affect social and work performance, diminishing one’s quality of life.
Traffic noise, especially airplane and train whistles, is the most common cause of noise pollution. In addition, noise generated by construction sites, power tools, and noisy machines is also problematic.
Light Pollution
Light pollution (also called photo pollution) is a global problem caused by the excessive use of artificial lighting. It disrupts circadian rhythms and affects health, astronomy, wildlife, energy resources, and human well-being.
It also damages the environment and contributes to climate change by wasting energy. The energy used to produce excess light is a major contributor to the depletion of fossil fuels, including coal and oil.
In addition, it causes glare that makes it difficult to see. It can also interfere with nighttime navigation for aeroplanes and trains, causing accidents and harming drivers’ eyesight.
Deforestation
Deforestation occurs when forests are cleared in order to use them for other purposes. It’s a problem that affects the environment, animals, and humans.
Forests are a vital habitat for many species, including those that are not even known to us. Loss of forest habitat means loss of species, and the effects can be devastating.
There are a few different reasons for deforestation, but the four main ones include agriculture, logging, urbanization, and mining. Each of these can cause serious environmental damage, such as soil erosion, water pollution, and global warming.
Integrating eco-friendly practices into our homes is an important step towards reducing our carbon footprint. From using energy-efficient appliances to using eco-friendly cleaning products, there are many ways to make your home more sustainable. For more tips and ideas on how to make your home more eco-friendly, check out this informative article: “How to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly – Tips and Ideas.” By adopting these practices, we can help to prevent environmental crimes, such as pollution and deforestation, and work towards a cleaner, healthier planet.