Environmental Degradation
Definition
Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the natural environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; extinction of wildlife; and pollution.
Analogy
Consider environmental degradation like using your phone continuously without charging it. Eventually, your battery will drain, and your phone will shut down. Similarly, if we keep exploiting our natural resources without giving them time to replenish, our environment will eventually 'shut down'.
Related terms
Deforestation: This is the removal or clearing of forests or trees from land which is then converted to non-forest use.
Erosion: Erosion is a process where natural forces like water, wind, ice, and gravity wear away rocks and soil. It's a powerful force that can shape landscapes over long periods of time.
Pollution: Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants and can be natural or created by human activity.
"Environmental Degradation" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Practice Questions (8)
Which school of thought believes that socioeconomic inequality, not overpopulation, causes environmental degradation?
Which scenario best exemplifies environmental degradation as a push factor for migration?
What agricultural solution would most effectively reduce environmental degradation in regions prone to overgrazing?
How do agricultural practices contribute to environmental degradation?
How could rural communities best address food insecurity without increasing environmental degradation?
Which perspective argues that overpopulation is the root cause of poverty, environmental degradation, and other social issues?
How can cities most effectively mitigate environmental degradation caused by rapid urbanization?
What is one way in which global trade networks contribute to environmental degradation?
Resources
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