thesis question about pollution

233 Pollution Essay Topics + Examples

Environmental pollution comes in many forms: noise, light, plastic, greenhouse gas emissions, etc. If you’re looking for interesting topics about pollution for essay or research paper, you’re at the right place! StudyCorgi has prepared a list of catchy pollution titles for your writing assignments. On this page, you’ll find research questions about pollution of different types. Read on to find a good research title about pollution for your paper!

🏆 Best Essay Topics on Pollution

✍️ pollution essay topics for college, 👍 good pollution research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot pollution essay examples, 🎓 most interesting pollution research titles, 💡 simple pollution topics for research paper, 📌 easy pollution essay topics, ❓ pollution research questions.

• Causes and Effects of Pollution
• Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health
• Effects of Air Pollution on Health
• Air Pollution Solutions: How to Improve Air Quality
• The Acid Rain Pollution: Causes and Solutions
• Reduce Plastic Pollution: What Can We Do Today?
• Air Pollution: Effects
• Water Pollution Causes, Effects and Solutions This essay seeks to examine the concept of water pollution, its causes, effects and solutions to water pollution. Water pollution takes place in various water bodies all over the world.
• Environmental Pollution: Causes and Consequences Environmental pollution is currently one of the most important and prevalent issues in modern life. Every day, a human appears to contribute to the pollution of our green world.
• Noise Pollution and Its Effect on Health This type of pollution is typical for industrial and modern post-industrial society and is most often associated with life in a large city with an active infrastructure.
• Pollution as a Global Challenge Pollution is a global environmental problem that diminishes the quality of life of communities across the world.
• Noise Pollution: Potential Solutions Citizens may apply multiple useful cost-effective techniques to reduce noise pollution in their apartments by themselves.
• Soil Pollution: Causes and Effects There are two types of soil contamination: specific (occurring in small areas) and widespread (affecting large regions).
• Plastic Pollution – Problem of Modern World Today, almost every person knows that plastic kills millions of animals every year by entanglement or starvation.
• The Problem of Ocean Pollution Today One of the main causes of the oceans being polluted is trash that includes various manufactured products like plastic bottles, shopping bags, food wrappers, and cigarettes.
• International Marine Pollution Law International Marine law is essential in governing the natural resources from illegal acts of pollution that poses dangers to marine life and the life depending on the waters of oceans or seas.
• Marine Pollution in Australia This paper will set out to engage in a detailed discussion about marine pollution in Australia. It will begin by highlighting the major sources of marine pollution.
• Air Pollution in New York City The emissions from cars, buses, trucks and burning of fuels play a significant role in polluting the air in New York City, which becomes harmful to people.
• Community’s Role in Fighting Air Pollution People living in industrial areas form communities and do their best to close industrial plants or force them to reduce the emission of harmful substances.
• Garbage Pollution’s Impact on Air, Water and Land Garbage pollutes the planet, and to stop this adverse effect, the authorities’ involvement is needed. One solution lies in the plane of economics and politics.
• How Pollution Is Poisoning the Leisure and Recreation Industry This paper will critically examine the sources of pollution and how pollution impacts the leisure and recreation industry.
• Marine Pollution: Causes and Consequences Changes in marine and ocean conditions can directly affect the global climate because of their close connection to the planet’s energy fluxes and biogeochemical cycles.
• Pollution Forms, Effects and Mitigation This article discusses the major forms of pollution, including air, water, noise, and soil pollution. It puts on sources of pollutants, effects of pollution, and methods of mitigating pollution.
• Preventing Land Pollution With Effective Measures This paper explores the issue of land pollution, its causes, and the importance of preventative measures and discusses the role of activities aimed at extracting economic benefits.
• Air Pollution: Conducting a Quantitative Study In conducting a quantitative study, the major research question would be: “what are the potential contributors to air pollution and how can they be prevented?”
• Plastic Pollution: Study the Problem The problem of plastic pollution has damaged physical health of people around the globe. Social practices can address the problem in a variety of ways.
• Will Banning Plastic Bags Not Solve Pollution Problem? While banning plastic bags is necessary, it remains a controversial issue. This essay aims to prove that this measure is not sufficient.
• Noise Pollution Issue Investigation The essay defines the problem of noise pollution as quite serious, as harmful sounds can have a negative impact on human health.
• Environmental Pollution: Causes and Solutions Pollution of the oceans, depletion of the ozone layer, and air quality in large cities adversely affect the health of people and animals.
• Environmental and Public Health Risks Caused by Plastic Pollution Plastic toxicity is an issue globally. Vulnerability to harmful chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics has detrimental repercussions for human health.
• Environmental Wellness and Problem of Air Pollution Air pollution is one of the main factors affecting the environment. It can be considered as any change in its properties that has a deleterious effect.
• Land Pollution and Ways to Minimize Pollution in the US The biggest environmental challenge that has been witnessed in the US is land pollution – the disposal of material wastes into the soil or substances that can contaminate it.
• The Amazon Pollution and Its Effect on Birds The impact of the pollution of the Amazon on birds, their populations, and habits is significant and is the object of concern to many stakeholders.
• The Issue of Environment Pollution in Peru For their scavenger habits, the Peruvians use black vultures, or coragyps atrarus. This species is extensive in population and does not fall under special protection.
• Environmental Pollution in China During the last years, environmental degradation in China has been becoming severe, but if people and government are aware and involved, it will be possible to improve the situation.
• The Problem of Environmental Pollution: Fresh Water One of the more important concerns that are fast becoming a major threat is pollution and no form of pollution seemed to be bigger than that of freshwater pollution.
• Plastic Pollution Through the Lens of Social Sciences When analyzing the problem through the lens of social sciences, it becomes clear that the problem of plastic pollution is complicated.
• Air Pollution Threats: Parent Education The purpose of this pamphlet is to educate parents on the dangers of air pollution and suggest preventive strategies to keep their children safe.
• Impact of Water Pollution: Water Challenges of an Urbanizing World Water is a source of life on Earth, and it is one of the very first needs of living beings. It is a vital resource for the development of the economic and social sectors.
• Multidisciplinary Approach to Water Pollution This paper shows how the multidisciplinary approach addresses water pollution as a public health issue. It is important to understand what the model entails.
• The Problem of Environmental Water Pollution This paper discusses a public health concern by explaining the causes of water pollution, how it affects human communities, and the possible strategies.
• Traffic and Pollution in Los Angeles In Los Angeles, high car fuel consumption causes both environmental and health issues. The most cost-effective solution is to replace all cars in the city with donkeys.
• Environmental Pollution Effects on Health Environmental contaminations such as lead taxation, noise and air pollution harmfully affect physical, psychological health and behavioral patterns of adults and children.
• Water Pollution This essay seeks to examine the concept of water pollution, its causes, effects and solutions to water pollution.
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Air Pollution Mobility changes in all types of indoor and outdoor settings have a substantial long-term influence on CO emissions at the national and regional levels.
• Electric Vehicles: Addressing Air Pollution The environmental damages and air pollution levels are partially the result of the extensive use of vehicles that run on gas. However, electric vehicles can solve this problem.
• Pollution and Children’s Health Environmental pollution poses a significant threat to children’s health worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Beijing Looks for Answers to Air Pollution Beijing has undertaken various projects aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure, reducing pollution from coal-fired power plants, and reducing vehicle emissions.
• Plastic Pollution in Arizona and Recycling Measures It is advisable to use existing approaches in combination and stay informed of the latest advances in technology to achieve the best effects and prevent the issue from compounding.
• Air Pollution Resulting From Small Gas Powered Engines The paper seeks to discuss the effects of small gas-powered engines on air pollution and suggest possible solutions to reduce the levels of air pollution.
• How Air Pollution Impacts Health Air pollution causes a wide range of serious health abnormalities in one’s body. It severely affects the respiratory system, leading to a number of complications.
• Global Food Supplies, Overpopulation and Pollution The essay explores the problem of the threats to global food supplies and presents solutions and a critique of their effectiveness in alleviating this challenge.
• Clean Air Act: Overall Air Pollution Reducing The problem of environmental pollution and, in particular, the air became especially urgent after the emergence of large industrial enterprises operating on harmful fuel.
• Iron Ore Industry and Environmental Pollution This paper is an economic analysis of environmental pollution as a current issue or problem facing the iron ore industry.
• Air Pollution and Exposure Reduction in India This paper explains what I would teach Indian citizens regarding the delicate particulate matter (PM2.5) effects and the strategies to implement to reduce PM2.5 exposures.
• Aspects of Global Pollution of Water Global pollution of water resources has devasting effects on the environment that include the destruction of the ocean ecosystem and biodiversity.
• Water Pollution in the Florida State The researchers claimed that plastic pollution was caused by the tourists and citizens who live along the coastline and dumping from the industries.
• Noise Pollution as a Problem in Los Angeles Los Angeles is a bustling city: cars are humming, construction works are underway, dogs are barking, and music concerts are held outdoors; it does not fall silent at night.
• Air Pollution in the UAE and Its Management The following project focuses on investigating the problem of air pollution in the UAE and how it can be managed.
• A Threat to the Natural Habitat of Opossums Due to Pollution Because the natural habitat of opossums is gradually decreased due to the human actions, these animals can become a major problem in the cities, where trash is poorly managed.
• The Importance of Solving a Social Issue of Environmental Plastic Pollution Plastic single-use cheap objects constitute a large volume of all waste globally, forming big plastic patches in the oceans, seas, and land, thus harming the marine and land wildlife.
• Recent News About Plastic Pollution For discussion of plastic pollution and associated health problem, was presented an article written by Laura Parker (2020) in National Geographic.
• Marina Barrage: Land Contamination and Noise Pollution Assessment Methods and techniques of noise pollution control involve measuring the noise level several times during the non-rainy season.
• Pollution And Health: An Analysis Global warming is a real threat to the global community, and we can save the future generations by employing simple solutions to considerably minimize pollution and the global warming.
• Air Pollution and Coping Strategies Many human activities cause air pollution, including emissions from vehicles and power plants, negatively impacting human health and economic efficiency.
• Environmental Issues: Air Pollution One of the central environmental problems in today’s world is air pollution. With the development of cities, people expand the reach of their technology.
• Air Pollution in South Carolina In South Carolina, one of the most urgent environmental problems is air pollution with ozone and particles, which is hazardous to human health due to deadly diseases likelihood.
• Plastic Pollution: Recycle More or Produce Less? It is essential to resist the capitalistic urge to consume and produce more and, among other innovative solutions, scale down the volume of the virgin plastic generated.
• The Aerodyne Research Firm: Air Pollution Studies Aerodyne Research is a limited liability company that researches air and air pollution levels, one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues today.
• Water Pollution and How to Address It A person must protect nature – in particular water resources. After all, the possibilities of water resources are not unlimited and sooner or later, they may end.
• Electric Vehicles: The Roles in Air Pollution The main purpose of electric vehicles is to eliminate the direct contribution to air pollution through emissions.
• Water Pollution: Effects and Treatment Pollution of water bodies is a serious hazard to humans and the aquatic ecology, and population growth is hastening climate change.
• Research Project on Environmental Pollution in Brooklyn The issue of environmental pollution is widespread around the world. People attempt to change the situation with their forces.
• Air Pollution Crisis and Climate Change in China Air pollution is a serious problem in many countries, including China. The main source of air pollutants is fumes from burning fuels in industries or vehicles.
• Methodological Flaws in Studies of Air Pollution and COVID-19 Death Rates The research reviews the considerations related to studying the correlation between ambient air pollution and its effects on the symptoms of COVID-19.
• Waste Pollution as a Global Environmental Problem Waste pollution is a global environmental problem that threatens life on Earth, as it is associated with the devastation of ecological resources and economic issues.
• Advocacy Regarding Environmental Pollution in Brooklyn This letter is intended to address several points to seek a contribution to the severe problem of environmental pollution because of multiplying businesses in Brooklyn.
• Air Pollution in the United States Environmental problems affect climatic conditions negatively. In this case, we will discuss air pollution. Air pollution introduces harmful substances into the air.
• Air Quality and Pollution: Solution Measures This essay will discuss various policies and measures that can be implemented to facilitate a better quality of air for generations to come.
• Air Pollution Crisis in China and Its Impact on Economy In large industrialized countries such as China, the emission of carbon dioxide has a negative impact on climate conditions, which is hitting the national economy.
• The Effects of Air Pollution The paper addresses air pollution, its causes, significant pollutants, adverse effects of indoor pollutants and air pollution, and air pollution control.
• Papahanaumokuakea Plastic Sea Pollution This paper discusses the article devoted to the plastic sea pollution affecting Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monuments.
• Pollution Rights Trading Will Effectively Control Environmental Problems The further use of the cap-and-trade system and its constant perfection can contribute to controlling the environmental issues related to harmful emissions.
• Von Wong on Environmental Pollution Awareness The subject of the study discussed in the following review considers the works of Mr. Wong and their significance in raising environmental awareness.
• Causes and Risks of Water Pollution The paper describes the effects of water pollution on human health from the perspective of existing findings on this topic and the assessment of information.
• Outdoor Air Pollution and Uncontrolled Asthma in the San Joaquin Valley, California The study’s purpose was to examine the relationship between air pollution and cases of uncontrolled asthma in the San Joaquin Valley.
• The Drastic Effects of Human Pollution on the Environment To deal with pollution, an individual can help a fair share by cleaning up trash after themselves and taking note of the issue around them.
• Air Pollution and Its Consequences The paper states that air pollution has been an increasingly major problem affecting the economy, people’s health, and the environment.
• Water Pollution of New York City Rivers The aim of the analysis was to assess the effects of CSOs on water quality and the environment at different sites along the Harlem River.
• Hydraulic Fracking and Methane Pollution in the US Hydraulic fracking and methane emissions in the US is a highly contentious matter, and various groups have different positions on the issue.
• Ozone Pollution Policy in Seoul by Yoo & Chae According to Yoo and Chae, ozone pollution is a serious issue in Seoul, Korea: “The number of ozone warnings has increased from 2 in 1995 to 10 in 1996, to 19 in 1997”.
• Corporations and Environment: Pollution Management in the European Union In this essay, the research is about the pollution management regulations in the European Union with comparison to the other countries in the world.
• Fish Consumption Limits Due to Mercury Pollution Fish is vital in any healthy diet. They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein and are normally recommended by health experts around the world.
• Role of Small Gas-Powered Engines in Air Pollution The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of small gas-powered engines in air pollution and the associated controversy.
• The Correlation Between Air Pollution and Health The sampled study analyzes and explains how air pollution affect life expectancy and other measures of health.
• The Causes of Water Pollution Water pollution is a significant decrease in water resources’ quality due to the ingress of various chemicals and solid waste. The causes of pollution are related to human activities.
• The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health and Well-Being Air pollution causes a wide range of health abnormalities in one’s body. A number of pollutants can cause lung cancer and even some non-lung cancer forms.

⭐ Catchy Pollution Essay Topics

• The World’s Focus On Plastic Pollution People should not pick battles in the global war on ecology. There are numerous issues to tackle, and, according to researchers, humanity does not have a lot of time.
• Milestone 3: Plastic Pollution Plastic pollution is a global issue that affects every person on our planet directly or indirectly. The problem of plastic pollution became evident in the late 1960s.
• How Pollution Affects Humans and Environment The purpose of this research paper is to establish the outcome pollution of ways pollution affects humans and the environment as well as ponder upon the ways to combat the issue.
• Marine Pollution and Its Anthropogenic Factors This paper examines the causes of the environmental problem of marine pollution, primarily related to anthropogenic factors, and considers its consequences.
• The Problem of Plastic Pollution: Negative Impacts The problem of plastic pollution affects biodiversity and human wellness. In particular, birds, animals, and fish die from entanglement and starvation.
• Air Pollution as a Health Risk Factor: Policy Proposal Air pollution is one of the most critical health risk factors. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can result in cancer and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Providing Solutions for Air Pollution The reasons for air pollution regulations, explaining the concept of averaging time in the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), explaining emission offsets.
• Noise Pollution: A Closer Look at the Problem Environmental noises are widespread all over the world and are particularly typical for densely populated cities.
• Burning Issue of Water Pollution in Washington The problem of polluted drinking water in Washington should be solved immediately despite various obstacles, such as pressure for money, etc.
• Environmental Pollution Impact and Ways to Reduce It Pollution can be defined as the introduction of contaminants into the environment which can cause environmental imbalances, instability and harm to living organisms.
• The Alleviation Plans to Air Pollution Throughout the World Air Quality Mitigation Plan is a proposed project which aims at reducing the emissions that affect the air quality by at least fifteen percent.
• Evaluation of Three Solutions to the Problem of Pollution Externalities In economics terms an externality or a spill-over can be defined as an effect caused by a party that is not directly concerned with making the economic decision.
• Three Solutions to Problem of Pollution Externalities Pollution, which is a negative externality are caused by production or consumption processes. Pollution is divided in several types which include water, air, land, radioactive, noise, and thermal pollution.
• Water and Soil Pollution: Effects on the Environment Water and soil pollution is the process of contaminating water and soil. In this project, we will investigate the apparent main pollutants of the Spring Mill Lake.
• Industrial Pollution in China and the USA Industries in China and the USA produce sulfur dioxide gas into the atmosphere, when it rains the gas reacts with water to produce sulphuric acid.
• Bioremediation Technology Against Environmental Pollution The rapid environmental pollution which occurs due to poor solid waste disposal can be collected by the use of bioremediation technology.
• Gasoline Consumption Statistics and Reduction of Environmental Pollution Gasoline is made out of processed crude oil and has a very strong smell. It contains over 150 chemicals that include the BTEX compounds, that is, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene.
• Methods of Planet Pollution Prevention The world is currently experiencing several environmental problems. The majority of these problems are due to drastic globalization and the vast natural processes.
• Air Pollution: Effects and Regulations This essay analyzes the air pollution effects and regulations based on a simple observation of a smoke coming from a large smokestack.
• Can Pollution Free Corporations Exist? A multinational corporation refers to an enterprise that delivers services in at least two countries. In addition to this, a multi-national corporation manages production establishments.
• The WWF’s Environmental Advertisement on Marine and Ocean Pollution Visual image can also make a convincing point, and this is particularly applicable to social and environmental advertising.
• Water Pollution Index of Batujai Reservoir, Central Lombok Regency-Indonesia Despite having 6% of the world’s water resources, Indonesia’s environmental policies have not only been raising concerns but also pushed the country to the brink of water crisis.
• Evaluating the Efficacy of Government Spending on Air Pollution Control: A Case Study From Beijing While living in a city often means better conditions and access to goods and services, rapid urban development has been associated with adverse health outcomes due to air pollution.
• Pollution Impact on the Environment Pollution destroys the environment and kills all kinds of living organisms that inhabit the planet. The mortality rate of people with cancer grows every year.
• Industrial Pollution and Environmental Regulation Environmental regulations should be not be overlooked by manufacturing companies because they can be forced to pay heavy fines if their activities detrimentally affect the environment.
• Reducing the Rate of Pollution This work presents a proposal of the project aimed at developing a strategy initiated by the E227 Global Solutions Company to reduce the rate of pollution it generates annually.
• Chemical Pollution and Loans in Business Ethics This paper examines two scenarios and evaluates the application of different ethical approaches to offer solutions to the dilemmas facing victims.
• Beijing’s Air Pollution Crisis Resolution Beijing’s struggle with poor air quality is far from over. Nevertheless, the government demonstrated its commitment to reducing particulate matter in the atmosphere.
• Pollution and Noise as Environmental Health Issues This paper explores the concept of environmental health and the issues related to its use. On the whole, a detailed explanation of the term “environmental health” is provided.
• Air Pollution Health Risks Information Campaign This paper is dedicated to developing and planning an information campaign about Air Pollution Health Risks in a suburban community with a population of 20,000.
• Relationships Between Asthma and Air Pollution
• Water Pollution and Its Effects on the Environment
• Causes and Negative Effects of Acid Rain Pollution
• Environmental Problems and Policies in Kazakhstan: Air Pollution, Waste, and Water
• Particulate Matter Air Pollution: Effects on the Cardiovascular System
• Tackling Environmental Pollution With Green Taxes
• Understanding China’s Urban Pollution Dynamics
• Types, Effects, and Controls of Air Pollution
• Environment Pollution Significantly Harms the Species of Dolphin
• Trees: Water Pollution and Natural Air Filter
• The Hazardous Acid Rain, a Form of Air Pollution
• Water Shortage and Pollution of Water Source Crisis
• Marine Life, Ocean Pollution, and Other Human Environmental Impacts
• What Can the Public Do to Curb Pollution
• Analysis Harm and Causes of Noise Pollution
• Natural Gas, Pollution, and Our Environment
• Transportation: Pollution and Public Transport Issues
• Noise Pollution and Control in Heckler & Koch
• Heat Transfer, Energy Saving and Pollution Control in UHP Electric-Arc Furnaces
• Water Pollution Filthy Treatment Control Sewage
• Pollution and General Degradation of the Ecology Biology
• What Will the Effects Be if We Don’t Stop Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans
• How Power Plants Around Lake Erie Have Caused Environmental Pollution
• Controlling Automotive Air Pollution: The Case of Colombo City
• Forest Fires, Air Pollution, and Mortality in Southeast Asia
• Air and Water Pollution in New Orleans
• Valuing Health Impacts From Air Pollution in Europe
• What Are the Leading Factors of Water Pollution Around the World
• Coal Pollution Invades Water, Air, and Land
• Environmental Pollution and Population Health in Russian Regions
• Valuing the Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Hong Kong
• Military Training Exercises, Pollution, and Their Consequences for Health
• Why Air Pollution Can Harm the Environment Dramatically
• Noise Pollution: Practical Solutions to a Serious Problem
• The Causes and Effects of Acid Rain, a Form of Air Pollution
• How Trees Prevent Air Pollution?
• Haze: Air Pollution and Current Visibility Problems
• Light Pollution, and the Effects of Light Pollution
• Global Warming and Its Correlation With the Amount of Pollution Worldwide
• Industrial Pollution and Export-Oriented Policies in Brazil
• Policy Implications Toward Green Economics in Pollution Prevention: Theory and Problems in Japan
• Coral Reef Pollution Can Hurt Bermuda’s Tourism Industry
• Household Electrification and Indoor Air Pollution
• Unwatched Pollution: The Effect of Incomplete Monitoring on Air Quality
• Will Pollution Free Cars Become a Reality of the Near Future
• Ethanol-Blended Gasoline Policy and Ozone Pollution in Sao Paulo
• Will COVID-19 Containment and Treatment Measures Drive Shifts in Marine Litter Pollution?
• Negative Pollution Taxes for Controlling Wind Erosion
• Water Pollution Affects Plants and Organisms Living
• Transportation and Air Pollution in the United States
• How Do Golf Courses Affect Water Pollution and Depletion?
• Air Quality, Air Pollution and the Impacts on the Climate
• State Responsibility for Transboundary Air Pollution in International Law
• Light Pollution, Sleep Deprivation, and Infant Health at Birth
• Reducing Air Pollution Through the Use of Oxygenated Gasoline
• Light Pollution: The Dark Side of Outdoor Lighting
• Environmental Pollution and Natural Resource Management
• Air and Water Pollution in Saigon
• Greenhouse Gas Pollution and the United States
• Indoor Air Pollution and Its Effect on Your Health
• Water Pollution Through Urban and Rural Land
• Water Scarcity and Pollution: Don’t Let Our Tear Become Last Drop of Water
• The Factors That Contributes to Pollution and Their Effects on Our World
• Environmental Regulations, Air and Water Pollution, and Infant Mortality in India
• Climate Change and Air Pollution in Australia
• Smog Pollution and Its Effects on Human Health
• Impact of the Oil Industry on Air Pollution
• Strategies for Mitigating Air Pollution in Mexico City
• Factors That Causes Water Pollution and Its Effects on the World Today
• Technology, International Trade, and Pollution From Us Manufacturing
• Noise Pollution and Mitigation in Urban Developments
• Plastic Pollution and Its Effects on the Environment
• The Los Angeles Basin Pollution Problems
• The Sources, Environmental Impact, and Control of Water Pollution
• Are Chinese Green Transport Policies Effective for Anti-Pollution?
• Are Emission Performance Standards Effective in Pollution Control?
• What Are the Seven Types of Pollution?
• How Is Pollution Caused?
• Are Land Values Related to Ambient Air Pollution Levels?
• What Are the Harmful Effects of Pollution?
• Why Is It Important to Stop Pollution?
• What Will Happen if We Don’t Stop Air Pollution?
• What Are the Future Effects of Pollution?
• Are There Increasing Returns to Pollution Abatement?
• When Did Pollution Start Happening?
• What Is the Biggest Pollution Problem?
• Can Scooters Cut Down Commutes and Air Pollution?
• What Is Man-Made Pollution?
• How Is Pollution Harmful to Animals?
• How Has Pollution Changed Over the Years?
• Can Urban Pollution Shrink Rural Districts?
• Which Country Has No Pollution?
• How Does Pollution Affect Climate?
• Can Voluntary Pollution Prevention Programs Fulfill Their Promises?
• Does Air Pollution Crowd Out Foreign Direct Investment Inflows?
• How Does Pollution Affect the Ocean?
• Does Air Pollution Help Reduce Global Warming?
• How Does Pollution Affect Natural Resources?
• Does Disclosure Reduce Pollution?
• Why Is Environment Pollution Increase?
• Does Pollution Cause Acid Rain?
• How Can Leaders Tackle With Water Pollution in China?
• How Does Plastic Pollution Affect Humans?
• Why Does Air Pollution Can Harm the Environment Dramatically?

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StudyCorgi . "233 Pollution Essay Topics + Examples." November 12, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/pollution-essay-topics/.

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These essay examples and topics on Pollution were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

74 Ocean Pollution Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best ocean pollution topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on ocean pollution, 📌 simple & easy ocean pollution essay titles, ❓ research questions about ocean pollution.

• Ocean Pollution and the Fishing Industry In essence, the activities of over six billion people in the world are threatening the survival and quality of water found in the oceans, lakes and other inland water catchment areas.
• The World Oceans Pollution and Overfishing Human beings have taken a lot of time to realize the need for ocean conservation to the extent that the ocean has succumbed to ecological challenges that have affected their lives in a variety of […]
• Concerns of Ocean Ecosystem Pollution The range of adverse outcomes for ocean ecosystems can be discussed in volumes; however, the current discussion will focus on trash in the ocean waters, acidification, and the disruption of the marine life cycles.
• The Problem of Ocean Pollution in Modern World Wastes such as toxic matter, plastics, and human wastes are some of the major sources of pollution in the ocean. Many people consume fish as food; when marine life is affected by toxic substance in […]
• Plastic Ocean Pollution on Ocean Life in U.S. Ocean plastic pollution has had a great impact on a minimum of two hundred and sixty seven species across the world and these include forty three percent of all of the sea mammal species, eighty […]
• How Ocean Pollution Impacts Earth
• Ocean Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Prevention
• Human Impact Upon the Environment: Ocean Pollution and Marine Life
• Ocean Pollution and Other Human Environmental Impacts
• How to Reduce Plastic and Other Ocean Pollution
• Ocean Pollution and Its Effects on the Ocean
• The Causes of Ocean Pollution and the Need for Humans to Save Life
• Ocean Pollution and Its Impact on Coral Reefs
• Plastic Pollution in the Ocean
• Should the Government Regulate Ocean Pollution?
• An Introduction to the Issue of Ocean Pollution in the Third World
• Plastic Pollution in Tho Ocean: Facts and Information
• Ocean Pollution: Marine Pollution Facts and Information
• Ocean Pollution for the Most Wildlife
• The Causes of Ocean Pollution and The Need for Humans to Save Marine Life
• The Historical & Current Characteristics of Western Ireland Coastlines & Galway Bay
• An Overview of the Ocean Waters and Increasing Ocean Pollution
• A Discussion About the Ocean Pollution and Human Wastes
• Ocean Pollution and a “Dead Zone”
• A History of the Ocean Pollution and the Effects of It
• An Overview of the Methods for Cleaning the Ocean Pollution
• A Study of Plastic Ocean Pollution in the Pacific Ocean
• Life Below Water: Conserve and Sustainably Use The Ocean
• The Global Issue of Ocean Pollution and Its Solutions
• Ocean Pollution and the Effects of It
• Plastic Pollution and its Effect on the Thermal Capacity of Seawater
• Causes and Effects of Ocean Pollution
• Environmental Impact on Ocean Pollution
• The Effects of Ocean Pollution on the Environment
• Plastic Pollution and Noise Pollution in Oceans
• Ocean Dumping of Unpurified Wastewater
• Oil Spills Is a Huge Source of Ocean Pollution
• The Effects of Ocean Pollution on the Marine Ecosystem and Animals
• The Problem of The Great Pacific Patch
• Ocean Pollution: Effects on Human Health and Commerce
• Ocean Conservancy and Their Contribution to Whale Protection
• Urban Runoff Is the Primary Source of Ocean Pollution
• Emerging Technologies to Combat Ocean Pollution
• The Harmful Effects of an Ocean Pollution on Human Health
• Sustainability of American Lifestyle With Ocean Pollution
• What Efforts Is Ocean Cleanup Making to Clean up Ocean Plastic and Reduce Pollution?
• How Does Ocean Pollution Affect Coral Reefs?
• What Is the Connection Between Drinking Water Scarcity and Ocean Pollution?
• Is Globalization One of the Causes of Ocean Pollution?
• What Are the Main Causes of Ocean Pollution Around the World?
• How Does Human Overpopulation Affect Ocean Pollution?
• What Is the Government Doing About Ocean Pollution?
• Why Do People in Coastal Fishing Communities and Small Island Nations Suffer the Most from Ocean Pollution?
• Should World Powers Focus on Eradicating Ocean Pollution?
• What Are Some Ways to Help Reduce Ocean Pollution?
• How Can Countries Contribute to Reducing Ocean Pollution in the Economy?
• What Is the Most Dangerous in Ocean Pollution?
• Is There a Connection Between Ocean Pollution and Global Warming?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Ocean Pollution for the National Recreational Fishing Survey (NRFS)?
• How Does Ocean Pollution Affect Humans and Animals?
• What Are Voluntary Incentives to Reduce Ocean Water Pollution?
• Is Human Activity the Main Cause of Ocean Pollution?
• What Is the Link Between Ocean Pollution and Climate Change?
• How Does Ocean Pollution Affect the Economy?
• What Are the Main Causes of Ocean Pollution?
• Are Humans or Animals Most Affected by Ocean Pollution?
• What Are the Effects of Ocean Pollution on Human Health?
• Why Is Microplastic Such a Big Problem in Ocean Pollution?
• How Do Humans Affect the Environment, Ocean Pollution, and Marine Life?
• Is There Any Chance That Ocean Pollution Will Stop?
• What Is the Impact of Pesticide Use on Ocean Pollution and Health Effects?
• How Does Ocean Pollution Affect the Climate?
• What Are the Main Causes and Effects of Ocean Pollution?
• Coral Reef Essay Topics
• Atmosphere Questions
• Greenhouse Gases Research Ideas
• Environment Research Topics
• Environmental Protection Titles
• Hazardous Waste Essay Topics
• Noise Pollution Essay Titles
• Recycling Research Ideas
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Human Impact — Air Pollution

Essays on Air Pollution

As you embark on writing an air pollution essay, it's essential to structure your content effectively. Begin with the introductory paragraph, where you provide basic facts, statistics, and definitions to establish context. Depending on the scope of your essay, you may choose to focus on indoor or outdoor pollution. Tailor your introduction to set the tone and direction of your essay.

Delve into the heart of your essay by discussing the problem of air pollution and its sources. Explain why these sources exist and highlight the pollutants involved. Consider various air pollution essay topics, including respiratory issues, child health concerns, ozone layer depletion, and impacts on wildlife and cardiovascular health. From municipal waste management to green energy initiatives, explore potential solutions and effective strategies for mitigating pollution.

In crafting your essay, ensure you present a methodical approach and propose at least one viable solution to address the problem. Draw inspiration from examples of proposal essays, where statistical data and compelling facts enhance the narrative. Your main thesis statement should encapsulate the causes and effects of air pollution.

To add depth to your essay, consider discussing environmental issues in your local area and drawing comparisons to broader ecological challenges. Providing concrete examples and leveraging factual evidence will enrich your argument and make your essay more compelling.

Consider exploring examples of proposal essays on air pollution to gain valuable insights into structuring and presenting your ideas effectively. By incorporating relevant examples, factual information, and a persuasive argument, your essay will resonate with readers and contribute to greater awareness and action on this critical issue.

Hook Examples for Air Pollution Essays

Statistical hook.

Did you know that each year, air pollution causes over 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide? These startling statistics underscore the urgent need to address this global crisis.

Anecdotal Hook

Picture this: A bustling cityscape obscured by a thick haze of smog, where children play wearing masks. This is the stark reality faced by many urban areas grappling with air pollution.

Question Hook

How can we breathe easy when the air we inhale is increasingly toxic? Explore the consequences of air pollution and discover potential solutions to this pressing environmental issue.

Rhetorical Question Hook

Can we afford to ignore the invisible threat that hangs in the air we breathe? Delve into the hidden dangers of air pollution and its far-reaching impact on public health.

Quotation Hook

"The earth does not belong to us: we belong to the earth." — Marlee Matlin. Reflect on this thought-provoking quote as we delve into the environmental implications of air pollution.

Historical Hook

Travel back to the mid-20th century when air quality in major cities like London and Los Angeles was notoriously poor. Explore the historical context of air pollution regulation and its impact.

Definition Hook

What exactly is air pollution, and how does it differ from other environmental issues? Gain a clear understanding of this concept and its multifaceted nature.

Contrast Hook

Contrast the serene beauty of pristine landscapes with images of smog-choked cities. This stark juxtaposition highlights the importance of combating air pollution.

Narrative Hook

Step into the shoes of individuals living in heavily polluted areas and experience their daily struggles. Their stories shed light on the human side of the air pollution crisis.

Shocking Statement Hook

Prepare to be shocked by the surprising sources of indoor air pollution lurking within our homes. The danger may be closer than you think.

Ecological Impacts of Tear Gas

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How Does Air Pollution Effect on Our Health

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Air Pollution Its Causes and Damaging Effects

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The Urgent Problem of Pollution in Modern World

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Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Respiratory and heart problems, child health problems, mortality, global warming, acid rain, eutrophication, depletion of the ozone layer, negative effect on wildlife.

Policies and investments that support sustainable land use, cleaner household energy and transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry, and better municipal waste management can effectively reduce key sources of ambient air pollution.

A child born today might not breathe clean air until they are 8. Inhaling air pollution takes away at least 1-2 years of a typical human life. Pollutants that are released into the air, as opposed to land and water pollutants, are the most harmful. Rising levels of air pollution in Beijing has brought a new disease – Beijing cough.

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• Water Pollution
• Ocean Pollution
• Fast Fashion
• Deforestation
• Natural Disasters
• Climate Change
• Global Warming

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The impact of air pollutant transport on air quality and human health in global and regional model applications

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• March 19, 2019
• Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
• As air pollution can travel long distance, change in emissions from one region influence air quality and associated premature mortality over others. This research uses ensemble-modeled concentrations of anthropogenic ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to quantify avoided premature mortality from 20% emission reductions of 6 regions (i.e. North America (NAM), Europe (EUR), South Asia (SAS), East Asia (EAS), Russia/Belarus/Ukraine (RBU) and the Middle East (MDE)) and 3 sectors (i.e. Power and Industry (PIN), Ground Transportation (TRN) and Residential (RES)) and evaluate the impact of interregional transport of precursor emissions from local (i.e. Kao-Ping air basin (KPAB)) and upwind air basin regions (i.e. North and Chu-Miao Air Basin (NCMAB), Central Air Basin (CTAB), Yun-Chia-Nan Air Basin (YCNAB), and Yi-Lan and Hua-Dong Air Basin (YLHDAB)) on O3 and PM2.5 air quality over KPAB. For health impact assessment, we estimate 290,000 (95% CI: 30,000, 600,000) premature O3-related deaths and 2.8 million (0.5 million, 4.6 million) PM2.5-related premature deaths globally for the baseline year 2010. Reducing emissions from MDE and RBU can avoid more O3-related deaths outside of these regions than within while reducing MDE emissions also avoids more PM2.5-related deaths outside of MDE than within. TRN emissions account for the greatest fraction (26-53% of global emission reduction) of O3-related premature deaths in most regions, except for EAS (58%) and RBU (38%) where PIN emissions dominate. For air quality impact assessment, anthropogenic emissions from upwind and local emissions can contribute 17% and 7% of daily maximum 8-hour O3 concentrations, respectively on the highest O3 day while 36.8% and 26.6% of 24-hour average PM2.5 concentrations, respectively during the high PM2.5 days over KPAB, indicating that the upwind emissions play a significant role in KPAB O3 and PM2.5 concentration. The most effective emission control strategy can be approached by reducing upwind anthropogenic NOX emission along with local VOC emission for O3 while upwind anthropogenic NOX emission along with local primary PM2.5 emission for PM2.5. The result highlights the importance of long-range air pollution transport and suggests that emission reductions can improve air quality and have associated health benefits downwind. Therefore, regional cooperation to reduce air pollution transported over long distances may be desirable.
• December 2018
• Community multiscale air quality model (CMAQ)
• fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Decoupled Direct Method (DDM)
• Ensemble model
• Environmental science
• Environmental management
• Environmental health
• Long range transport (LRT)
• https://doi.org/10.17615/xzek-2c74
• Dissertation
• In Copyright
• Napelenok, Sergey
• Turpin, Barbara
• Vizuete, William
• West, Jason
• Doctor of Philosophy
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School

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Essay on Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on pollution.

Pollution is a term which even kids are aware of these days. It has become so common that almost everyone acknowledges the fact that pollution is rising continuously. The term ‘pollution’ means the manifestation of any unsolicited foreign substance in something. When we talk about pollution on earth, we refer to the contamination that is happening of the natural resources by various pollutants . All this is mainly caused by human activities which harm the environment in ways more than one. Therefore, an urgent need has arisen to tackle this issue straightaway. That is to say, pollution is damaging our earth severely and we need to realize its effects and prevent this damage. In this essay on pollution, we will see what are the effects of pollution and how to reduce it.

Effects of Pollution

Pollution affects the quality of life more than one can imagine. It works in mysterious ways, sometimes which cannot be seen by the naked eye. However, it is very much present in the environment. For instance, you might not be able to see the natural gases present in the air, but they are still there. Similarly, the pollutants which are messing up the air and increasing the levels of carbon dioxide is very dangerous for humans. Increased level of carbon dioxide will lead to global warming .

Further, the water is polluted in the name of industrial development, religious practices and more will cause a shortage of drinking water. Without water, human life is not possible. Moreover, the way waste is dumped on the land eventually ends up in the soil and turns toxic. If land pollution keeps on happening at this rate, we won’t have fertile soil to grow our crops on. Therefore, serious measures must be taken to reduce pollution to the core.

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Types of Pollution

• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Soil Pollution

How to Reduce Pollution?

After learning the harmful effects of pollution, one must get on the task of preventing or reducing pollution as soon as possible. To reduce air pollution, people should take public transport or carpool to reduce vehicular smoke. While it may be hard, avoiding firecrackers at festivals and celebrations can also cut down on air and noise pollution. Above all, we must adopt the habit of recycling. All the used plastic ends up in the oceans and land, which pollutes them.

So, remember to not dispose of them off after use, rather reuse them as long as you can. We must also encourage everyone to plant more trees which will absorb the harmful gases and make the air cleaner. When talking on a bigger level, the government must limit the usage of fertilizers to maintain the soil’s fertility. In addition, industries must be banned from dumping their waste into oceans and rivers, causing water pollution.

To sum it up, all types of pollution is hazardous and comes with grave consequences. Everyone must take a step towards change ranging from individuals to the industries. As tackling this problem calls for a joint effort, so we must join hands now. Moreover, the innocent lives of animals are being lost because of such human activities. So, all of us must take a stand and become a voice for the unheard in order to make this earth pollution-free.

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FAQs on Pollution

Q.1 What are the effects of pollution?

A.1 Pollution essentially affects the quality of human life. It degrades almost everything from the water we drink to the air we breathe. It damages the natural resources needed for a healthy life.

Q.2 How can one reduce pollution?

A.2 We must take individual steps to reduce pollution. People should decompose their waster mindfully, they should plant more trees. Further, one must always recycle what they can and make the earth greener.

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Short Essay: Plastic Pollution

Pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today, affecting air, water, and soil, and consequently, human health and biodiversity. Writing a short essay on pollution involves discussing the causes, effects, and possible solutions to this pervasive problem. Here’s a guide to help you craft a concise, informative, and persuasive essay.

Table of Contents

Title and Introduction

Title : Choose a compelling title that reflects the focus of your essay, such as “Choking on Progress: The Perils of Pollution.”

Introduction : Start with a striking fact or statistic that highlights the severity of pollution, such as the number of deaths annually attributed to air pollution. Introduce the types of pollution you will discuss and their global impact. Conclude your introduction with a thesis statement that briefly outlines the causes, effects, and potential solutions you will explore.

Body of the Essay

Causes of Pollution :

• Paragraph 1 : Discuss the major causes of pollution, highlighting human activities such as industrial production, vehicular emissions, and waste disposal. Explain how these activities release various pollutants into the environment, leading to different types of pollution.

Effects of Pollution :

• Paragraph 2 : Describe the effects of pollution on human health, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Extend the discussion to environmental impacts, such as wildlife endangerment, water contamination, and soil degradation.

Solutions to Pollution :

• Paragraph 3 : Propose solutions to address pollution. Focus on both governmental policies, like stricter regulations and international agreements, and individual actions, such as reducing waste and using public transportation. Highlight innovative technologies that help reduce emissions and clean up polluted areas.

Summarize the main points discussed and reinforce your thesis. Emphasize the urgency of addressing pollution and the role everyone has to play in mitigating it. Conclude with a powerful statement or a call to action, urging readers to contribute to pollution reduction efforts in their daily lives.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #1

Plastic pollution has become a pervasive and escalating environmental issue that demands immediate attention. The exponential increase in plastic production and consumption, coupled with inadequate waste management practices, has resulted in the widespread contamination of our ecosystems. This essay delves into the causes and consequences of plastic pollution, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

The causes of plastic pollution are manifold. The prevalence of single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, has skyrocketed due to their convenience and affordability. However, these items are discarded after a single use, leading to a staggering accumulation of plastic waste. Inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the problem, with improper disposal and insufficient recycling infrastructure allowing plastic to infiltrate our natural environments. Additionally, the continuous production of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels, further depletes precious resources and intensifies the environmental impact.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and devastating. Marine ecosystems bear the brunt of this crisis, with plastic waste infiltrating oceans and endangering marine life. Marine animals mistakenly ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in injury, suffocation, and death. The detrimental effects extend to terrestrial ecosystems as well, where land animals and birds suffer from ingestion or entanglement, disrupting ecological balance.

Moreover, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles that result from the degradation of larger plastic items, have infiltrated our food chain. Consuming seafood and other food products contaminated with microplastics exposes humans to potential health hazards, including the ingestion of toxic chemicals associated with plastics. Furthermore, the leaching of harmful additives from plastic products can lead to chemical exposure, with adverse effects on human well-being.

To combat plastic pollution, concerted efforts are required. First and foremost, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can opt for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags and stainless steel water bottles, to minimize their reliance on single-use plastics. Governments and industries must also take responsibility by implementing policies that restrict the production and use of disposable plastics. Promoting recycling and investing in comprehensive waste management systems are vital to ensure proper disposal and prevent plastic from entering our environment.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, threatening ecosystems and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in excessive plastic consumption and inadequate waste management. It is imperative that we address this issue urgently. By reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, we can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Only through collective action and a shift towards more sustainable alternatives can we mitigate the devastating impact of plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #2

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste have resulted in a global crisis that threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human well-being. This essay discusses the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address this escalating problem.

The causes of plastic pollution are rooted in our reliance on single-use plastics and inadequate waste management practices. The convenience and affordability of items such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging have led to their widespread use and subsequent disposal. However, these products have a short lifespan and are often discarded improperly, ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, lack of recycling facilities, and limited public awareness further contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and multifaceted. Marine ecosystems bear a significant brunt, with plastic debris suffocating coral reefs, contaminating water bodies, and endangering marine life. Sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal. Plastic pollution also affects terrestrial ecosystems, as land animals and birds may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, disrupting their natural habitats and food chains.

In addition to environmental impacts, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in water sources, air, and even food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food products raises concerns about the potential health effects, including the absorption of toxic chemicals associated with plastics.

Addressing plastic pollution requires collaborative efforts and systemic changes. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is essential. This can be achieved through promoting reusable alternatives, supporting initiatives that encourage the use of sustainable materials, and implementing policies that restrict the production and use of single-use plastics. Additionally, improving waste management practices is crucial, including the establishment of effective recycling programs, investment in infrastructure, and raising public awareness about proper waste disposal.

Furthermore, innovation and research play a vital role in finding sustainable alternatives to plastic and developing environmentally friendly packaging materials. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to support and implement these solutions.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached critical levels, posing severe threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in the excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste. To mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution, concerted efforts are needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and foster innovation in sustainable alternatives. By taking immediate action, we can protect our environment and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #3

Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. The widespread production, consumption, and improper disposal of plastic materials have led to the contamination of our oceans, land, and air. This essay explores the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

One of the most significant impacts of plastic pollution is on marine ecosystems. Plastic waste, particularly single-use items like bags and bottles, finds its way into rivers and eventually the oceans. Marine animals mistake plastic debris for food and can suffer from ingestion or entanglement. This leads to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems supporting a diverse array of marine life, are also threatened by plastic pollution. The accumulation of plastic waste smothers and damages coral, hindering their growth and survival.

Terrestrial ecosystems are also affected by plastic pollution. Land animals and birds can become entangled in plastic items or ingest them, resulting in injury or death. Plastic waste disrupts the balance of ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and overall ecological health.

Plastic pollution poses risks to human health as well. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have infiltrated various sources, including drinking water, air, and food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans raises concerns about potential health effects, as they can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants. Furthermore, plastic products often contain additives like phthalates and bisphenols, which can leach into the environment and pose potential health risks such as endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders.

To tackle the issue of plastic pollution, a multi-faceted approach is required. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can make conscious choices to minimize their use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives. Governments should implement policies that promote sustainable practices, such as banning or taxing single-use plastics and encouraging the use of biodegradable or compostable materials.

Improving waste management systems is another vital aspect of addressing plastic pollution. This includes investing in recycling infrastructure, implementing waste separation programs, and raising awareness about proper waste disposal and recycling practices.

Innovation and research play a significant role in finding alternative materials to plastic and developing sustainable packaging solutions. Governments, industries, and research institutions should collaborate to support and fund initiatives that promote the development and adoption of these alternatives.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has severe consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans, land, and air poses a significant threat to the environment and biodiversity. Immediate action is needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and promote sustainable alternatives. By working together, we can mitigate the devastating effects of plastic pollution and ensure a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.

Additional Writing Tips

• Be Clear and Concise : Given the limited length of a short essay, make sure each sentence contributes directly to your argument. Avoid overly complex sentences that might cloud your main points.
• Use Credible Sources : Support your claims with data and references from reputable sources such as scientific studies, government reports, and credible news organizations.
• Engage Your Reader : Use vivid examples and impactful language to make the issue of pollution relatable and urgent for the reader.
• Address Counterarguments : Briefly consider and refute potential counterarguments to strengthen your position.
• Proofread : Review your essay for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and coherently.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

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• 2 WSL Swiss Federal Research Institute, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
• 3 School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
• 4 Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Zürich, Switzerland
• 5 GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
• 6 Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
• 7 Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
• 8 Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is closely associated with modern societies and is rapidly increasing worldwide. A dynamically growing body of literature shows that ALAN poses a serious threat to all levels of biodiversity—from genes to ecosystems. Many “unknowns” remain to be addressed however, before we fully understand the impact of ALAN on biodiversity and can design effective mitigation measures. Here, we distilled the findings of a workshop on the effects of ALAN on biodiversity at the first World Biodiversity Forum in Davos attended by several major research groups in the field from across the globe. We argue that 11 pressing research questions have to be answered to find ways to reduce the impact of ALAN on biodiversity. The questions address fundamental knowledge gaps, ranging from basic challenges on how to standardize light measurements, through the multi-level impacts on biodiversity, to opportunities and challenges for more sustainable use.

Introduction

Our planet faces numerous challenges, many of which have direct and indirect connections to biodiversity ( Díaz et al., 2020 ). One such challenge is artificial light at night (ALAN) leading to a fundamental change in the light environment over half of the Earth’s surface—the Earth at night. ALAN has been growing exponentially since the nineteenth century and currently increases by 2–6% per year worldwide ( Hölker et al., 2010a ; Kyba et al., 2017 ). ALAN has been introduced in places, at times, spectra and intensities that do not occur naturally ( Gaston et al., 2015 ). Ecosystems are largely organized by natural light-dark cycles, i.e., diurnal, yearly and lunar cycles, which have been stable over geological and hence evolutionary time scales. ALAN-induced disruptions of those cycles affect the structure and function of multiple levels of biodiversity that are again strongly interconnected ( Longcore and Rich, 2004 ; Hölker et al., 2010b ; Gaston et al., 2013 ). Given the growing global pervasiveness of ALAN ( Kyba et al., 2017 ; Gaston et al., 2021 ), it is important to understand how multiple levels of biodiversity respond to it directly and indirectly ( Figure 1 ).

Figure 1. Impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on multiple levels of biodiversity. The multiple levels of biodiversity are interlinked, i.e., one level of biodiversity may respond to ALAN and modify processes at other biodiversity levels. For example, ALAN may impact the gene expression of certain clock genes, which results in a reduced fitness of individuals and a population decrease due to a phenological mismatch with other species and finally a changed community composition. This may impact ecosystem processes and nocturnal lightscapes (e.g., forests, coral reefs), which in turn influences all other levels.

Research into the ecological impacts of ALAN has exploded in recent years, mostly focusing on changes in species behavior and physiology ( Gaston et al., 2015 ; Grubisic et al., 2019 ; Sanders et al., 2021 ). Yet, many “unknowns” remain that need to be addressed before we can understand and predict the impact of ALAN on multiple levels of biodiversity (genes and cells, individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems and landscapes, Figure 1 ), and develop effective mitigation measures. Here, we address these “unknowns” by synthesizing the results of a special session and follow-up discussions at the first World Biodiversity Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2020, where experts from across the world convened to discuss the impacts of ALAN on multiple levels of biodiversity over a broad spectrum of taxa in multiple biomes (aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial). We capture the complexity of the problem as broadly as possible by considering that different natural light cycles ( Figure 2A ) are affected by multiple forms of ALAN (e.g., streetlights, advertising lighting, skyglow, Figure 2B ) with multiple effects (e.g., lethal attraction of organisms, disruption of circadian rhythms and erosion of ecosystem functions) at multiple levels of biodiversity in multiple realms ( Figure 2C ). Already at the World Biodiversity Forum it became clear that a transition toward the more sustainable use of ALAN is extremely challenging and requires answers to questions that can only be tackled by broadening the disciplinary perspective to strengthen transdisciplinary approaches.

Figure 2. Artificial light at night: Potential sources, biodiversity impacts and responses are complex. Different natural light cycles (A) are affected by multiple forms of ALAN (B) at multiple levels of biodiversity in multiple realms (e.g. from bottom up: gene expression; phenotypes; population dynamics, e.g. decline; community composition; species dispersal and/or organismic fluxes across ecosystem boundaries and bioms) (C) . ALAN can interact with multiple global change stressors (D) . Due to the potentially conflicting demands of ALAN a transition to a more sustainable use is extremely challenging and requires multiple levels of regulations (E) .

11 Pressing Research Questions

We identify 11 research questions that can be clustered into three main themes. We first outline questions linked to the diverse nature of natural and ALAN. Second, we outline questions related to the effects of ALAN on multiple levels of biodiversity. Finally, we formulate research needs on how to bend the curve of ALAN-induced biodiversity loss.

Interdisciplinary Barriers to Measuring Nocturnal Light

ALAN research is inherently interdisciplinary, with knowledge of the nighttime being fragmented across multiple subject areas including astronomy, physics, ecology, chronobiology, psychology, and engineering. Each field has different motivations for conducting ALAN research, and draws upon different instrumentation, measurement conventions, and experimental frameworks. Multiple units of measurement for light are encountered across the sciences, and many have little biological relevance. The absence of instruments capable of performing light at night measurements with the required level of detail, and insufficient training of biologists in radiometry and light propagation further compound this problem.

Q1 How to harmonize light measurement methods across disciplinary boundaries?

The interdisciplinary nature of ALAN research has resulted in different measurement approaches, procedures, and the use of various light units ( Hänel et al., 2018 ), which complicates comparison of results ( Kalinkat et al., 2021 ). Lighting engineers measure mainly in human-centric photometric SI units (mostly horizontal illuminance in lx, Figure 3 ), which some ALAN researchers have adapted for their studies to better facilitate the translation of results into lighting policy (see Q11). Astronomers mainly measure the radiance of the night sky (mostly at zenith) in units of magnitudes/arcsec 2 in different astronomical bands (see e.g., Patat, 2008 ). Some ALAN researchers have adapted the use of a simple radiometer, the Sky Quality Meter (SQM) that has its own spectral band ( Hänel et al., 2018 ), which can be extended to multiple color channels ( Kyba et al., 2012 ; Sánchez de Miguel et al., 2017 ). The meaningfulness of single point SQM measurements for biodiversity is, however, questionable and can be used in the wrong context ( Longcore et al., 2020 ). Biologists tend to measure either irradiance or radiance in different spectral bands (e.g., photosynthetically active radiation—PAR) and sometimes report W (Watts) in micromole photons per seconds (μmol/s). Visual ecologists prefer wavelength resolved “hyperspectral” measurements, requiring high sensitivity spectrometers to resolve at low nighttime light levels (see Spitschan et al., 2016 ). Moreover, even within biodiversity research there are large disciplinary differences in the state of the art for measuring light. For example, while an array of measurement systems exists for terrestrial habitats, the attenuation of light in water makes hyperspectral light measurements even more challenging in aquatic ecosystems ( Jechow and Hölker, 2019a ; Tidau et al., 2021 ).

Figure 3. Ranges of exposure that animals experience and respond to with natural variation in light and light intensities observed with ALAN (here using human-centric metric lux). Illuminance during day, twilight, and night as a function of elevation angle of sun and moon; yellow solid line—sun illuminance on clear day, gray dashed line—moonlight full moon.

For biodiversity studies, nocturnal light ideally would be measured in biologically relevant ways, based on thresholds and spectral sensitivities of the species under question (see Q2 and Q5), because different light sources interfere differently with the large diversity of sensory systems in nature ( Davies et al., 2013 ; see Q3). Furthermore, it is important to perform and provide ALAN-free natural light reference measurements for different habitats, seasons and weather conditions ( Jechow and Hölker, 2019b ). One challenge is to break disciplinary boundaries by, for example, connecting photometry of anthropogenic light sources (performed by lighting engineers) and night-sky or night-time radiometry (see e.g., Foster et al., 2021 ) to visual ecology and species responses ( van Grunsven et al., 2014 ; Longcore et al., 2018 ; Seymoure et al., 2019 ). Thus, standardized light measurements that allow comparison across ALAN disciplines are desperately needed. Recent proposals favor spatially resolved multi-spectral night-time radiance measurements of the full light field (not just the upper hemisphere or at zenith) with digital cameras with fisheye lenses in the RGB bands ( Jechow et al., 2019 ; Nilsson and Smolka, 2021 ), which is further supported by new calibration strategies ( Fiorentin et al., 2020 ; Cardiel et al., 2021 ) and the proposal of a dark sky unit ( Kolláth et al., 2020 ). This method has radiance and irradiance information in three spectral bands in one image. Additional hyperspectral measurements or species-specific bands, however, are required for visual ecologists, and a translation to photometric units is essential for policy making and the connection to lighting professionals. Thus, a wider and more interdisciplinary harmonization of different needs for a broad application is required to help to establish standardized protocols that are currently lacking. These protocols should match the ecological and biological responses being investigated in terms of spectral band and resolution, directionality (radiance vs. irradiance; scalar vs. planar) and time scale (see Q2). Such consistent and cross-disciplinary standards for measurement are also necessary to formulate thresholds for mitigation and management ( Jechow and Hölker, 2019b ; Davies et al., 2020 ; see Q11).

Q2 What are biodiversity-relevant light-measurements and methods?

The multiple realms and levels of biodiversity all have specific photic properties and measurement requirements. At the same time, quantifying ALAN is rather a complex task that requires method development and training. Commercial, off-the-shelf measurement equipment is rarely appropriate because it lacks sensitivity and sufficient spatial and/or spectral resolution. This becomes particularly challenging in aquatic or aerial environments ( Jechow and Hölker, 2019a ). Furthermore, ecologists often lack sufficient understanding of radiometry in terms of units and measurement approaches, making it hard for ecologists to interpret measurements obtained outside of their field and translate them for their research (see Q1).

In ecological studies, information on ALAN is in most cases derived from single point ground-based measurements with limited spatial, temporal and spectral resolution, very often using human centric devices like lux meters. To be able to understand what an organism perceives, it is important to have the full spatial and spectral information of the light field. This could be acquired either with a spectroradiometer mounted on a rotational head that scans the radiance over the whole sphere ( Kocifaj et al., 2018 ) or with a full-sphere hyperspectral camera that works at night-time, which is not available yet (but see Alamús et al., 2017 for night-time measurements and Shiwen et al., 2021 for full-sphere hyperspectral imaging in a forest during day). Both solutions are not technically mature, and the best current approximation is full-sphere imaging with a fisheye lens digital camera system with limited spectral resolution in the RGB bands ( Jechow et al., 2019 ). Further technological development toward a hyperspectral solution are necessary and interim steps could be adding additional spectral bands to such imaging systems like in the ASTMON system ( Aceituno et al., 2011 ) or by tailoring camera systems to achieve hypercolorimetric multispectral imaging ( Colantonio et al., 2018 ). Ideally, the measurement strategy should also cover temporal variations in light on short time scales but also seasonal variations ( Figure 2A ). Remaining obstacles of such a holistic approach are the complexity of data and handling as well as potential high costs of a sophisticated device. A combination of multiple measurement devices (multispectral camera, hyperspectral single point, photometric single point) might be a more practical compromise.

Another pressing issue is the extrapolation of single point ground-based measurements to larger areas, which is relevant, for example, for migratory species. Here, challenges are posed by remote sensing approaches that are almost always only proxies for the ecological variable of interest. Night-time satellite data are limited in spatial, spectral and temporal resolution, but color imaging from the international space station ISS, airborne measurements, and particularly UAVs have the potential to fill the existing gaps in ALAN related biodiversity research ( Bouroussis and Topalis, 2020 ; Levin et al., 2020 ; Sánchez de Miguel et al., 2021 ). A key component to improving the utility of these data would be research efforts that can translate what remotely sensed values could represent for conditions at ground level, where first steps have been taken but uncertainties remain high ( Simons et al., 2020 ). Furthermore, there is an urgent need for stand-alone satellite missions focused on understanding light pollution and its effects on biodiversity ( Barentine et al., 2021 ).

Focusing on skyglow is becoming a larger component of ALAN research on biodiversity ( Kyba and Hölker, 2013 ). Skyglow occurs when ALAN radiates or reflects toward the sky and the light scatters at atmospheric particles and brightens the night sky ( Aubé, 2015 ). In contrast to direct ALAN, skyglow can act as a pollutant far away from its origin and therefore has the potential to affect biodiversity over large spatial scales. Skyglow is dynamic as it depends on atmospheric constituents, seasonal effects such as leaf cover and ground albedo ( Jechow and Hölker, 2019b ) and can be dramatically amplified by clouds ( Kyba et al., 2011 ) causing ground illuminance brighter than moonlight in extreme situations ( Jechow et al., 2020 ; Figure 3 ). Skyglow is often insufficiently quantified with single channel spectral and spatial measurements at zenith. Again, multispectral (RGB) fisheye-lens digital camera systems are promising for skyglow measurements with more ecologically relevant information but such systems need wider application in ecology ( Thums et al., 2016 ; Levin et al., 2020 ). Permanent installations can track skyglow dynamics across the full sky dome ( Jechow et al., 2018 ) and if a similar measurement system is used for quantification of direct light pollution, results become comparable.

Linkage between skyglow and remotely sensed night-time light is possible via modeling. While a static world-wide model for skyglow exists and is being widely used in ecological studies ( Falchi et al., 2016 ), a dynamic model that includes atmospheric changes, cloud cover, snow, vegetation cover and similar factors is still lacking.

Consequences for Biodiversity

Increasing evidence shows that the interference of ALAN with natural cycles of light and darkness, i.e., changes of photoperiod, intensity and spectra, influences a wide range of biological processes, from gene expression to ecosystem functioning, yet many questions remain about species and trait specific sensitivities to ALAN, and how these affect biodiversity at different scales ( Gaston et al., 2015 ; Hopkins et al., 2018 ; Dominoni et al., 2020a ; Falcon et al., 2020 ; Sanders et al., 2021 ; Figure 2 ). In this context, the following eight questions (Q3–Q10) need to be addressed.

Q3 What are the relevant photoreceptor systems and their key sensitivities?

Photosensory systems are near ubiquitous in nature and are found across the animal and plant kingdom down to single-celled organisms. Accordingly, photosensory systems and their response to light are hugely diverse, ranging from single photoreceptor cells to complex image forming camera-type eyes, which can capture (spatial) information and facilitate color guided behaviors as well as polarization patterns invisible to humans ( Horváth et al., 2009 ; Land and Nilsson, 2012 ).

Photic stimuli, however, strongly vary between biological realms, across seasons and over the course of a day ( Figures 2A , 3 ). For example, the optical properties of freshwater and seawater strongly attenuate the light aquatic organisms are exposed to, shaping light environments that greatly differ in spectral composition, intensity and spatial information from those on land. Seawater in the open ocean attenuates blue light the least and hence many marine organisms are sensitive in this spectral region. In contrast, coastal waters and freshwater systems are transparent at different (typically longer) wavelengths and variable in their inherent optical properties, causing a less specific adaptation of organisms for specific wavelengths ( Grubisic et al., 2019 ; Kühne et al., 2021 ).

Many nocturnal and crepuscular organisms are adapted to dim photic stimuli; some can use celestial bodies as a source of information ( Dacke et al., 2003 ; Ugolini et al., 2003 ; Foster et al., 2018 ). Moonlight serves as a major environmental cue, for example entraining diel vertical migration on zooplankton down to 100 m ( Last et al., 2016 ). On the other hand, the high sensitivity to low intensities of natural light makes those organisms (both terrestrial and aquatic) prone to disruptions even by low intensity ALAN, such as the globally widespread artificial skyglow ( Moore et al., 2000 ; Kupprat et al., 2020 ; Torres et al., 2020 ; Figure 3 ).

ALAN research is inevitably inhibited by the lack of species for which photoreceptor systems and key spectral and light sensitivities of photobiological responses have been adequately described (e.g., overview for marine organisms in Tidau et al., 2021 ). For one of the best photobiologically studied classes, insects, a recent literature search revealed information on the spectral sensitivity of photoreceptors of only 221 insect species from 82 genera and 13 orders ( van der Kooi et al., 2021 ). With almost 1 million species, half of which are nocturnal ( Hölker et al., 2010b ), this represents less than 0.03% of all insect species. Nonetheless, phylogenetically conserved patterns of sensitivity have been identified in some animal classes. Both visual and non-visual photoreceptor systems and their corresponding spectral sensitivities can be conserved within taxonomic groups (e.g., in mammals melanopsin and sensitivity to blue wavelengths). Most terrestrial insects are particularly attracted to ultraviolet and blue light ( Donners et al., 2018 ; but see also Owens and Lewis, 2021 ). Similarly, most arthropods show a greater responsivity to blue light and most vertebrates show a lower responsivity to longer wavelengths ( Davies et al., 2013 ; Longcore et al., 2018 ; Grubisic et al., 2019 ). Furthermore, within habitats, specific spectral sensitivities might be common to the organisms living there. For example, many species of aquatic turtles and fish are more sensitive to longer wavelengths in freshwaters and to shorter wavelengths in clear marine systems, i.e., their sensitivities relate to the optical water properties where they typically evolved ( Grubisic et al., 2019 ; Wyneken and Salmon, 2020 ).

More fundamental research in visual biology is needed to describe both the inherent sensitivity of animal visual and non-visual systems to base ALAN research on. In addition, the spectral dependence of behavioral and physiological responses to light, and their relationship to intensity, ecological context, previous light exposure, and other factors demand attention.

Q4 Which species traits are most sensitive to ALAN?

Generalizations about which traits of species may be most sensitive to certain factors of global change are useful for predicting their ecological consequences. As with many manmade impacts on the natural environment, nighttime lighting can filter out species with functional response traits that cause species to be more sensitive to ALAN ( Franzén et al., 2020 ; Cox et al., 2021 ; Voigt et al., 2021 ). To give an example, high sensitivity to light in the eyes of North American bird species has been associated with a greater advancement of reproductive timing in response to light exposure, possibly leading to phenological mismatches ( Senzaki et al., 2020 ). Elucidating biological traits that predicate sensitivity to ALAN is therefore critical for identifying ALAN-vulnerable species around the world ( Secondi et al., 2020 ).

Light-dark cycles vary along latitudinal gradients ( Hut et al., 2013 ), hence species traits that predicate sensitivity to ALAN are also expected to vary with latitude ( Secondi et al., 2020 ). While birds in lower latitudes started to sing earlier when exposed to ALAN, in high latitudes the seasonal increase of natural light can mask ALAN effects on the onset of bird song ( Da Silva and Kempenaers, 2017 ). Furthermore, 47 out of 140 bird species studied in North America are becoming more abundant with increasing light exposure during longer nights, probably because light extends the perceived photoperiod and birds take advantage of higher visibility ( Wilson et al., 2021 ).

Meta-analyses of species demonstrably impacted by ALAN proved to be useful for identifying ALAN sensitive traits (e.g., Sanders et al., 2021 ), which may include eye/body size ratios indicating light sensitivity, aspects of eye morphology, mobility (e.g., sessile organisms vs. mobile), geographical range size (e.g., probability that migrating species have of encountering ALAN), life history traits, temporal niche (e.g., nocturnality or crepuscularity), habitat affiliation, and seasonal and lunar phenological events (e.g., timing of reproduction). We are just beginning to understand which biological traits predict sensitivity to the disruption of natural light intensity, cycles, and spectra due to ALAN ( Grubisic et al., 2019 ; Sanders et al., 2021 ). Future studies should also examine in more animal and plant species how functional traits and contexts (e.g., latitude, habitat affiliation) relate to sensitivity to ALAN.

Q5 Above which thresholds does ALAN exposure become critical?

The majority of documented ALAN effects on species are in response to single exposure levels ( Davies et al., 2017 ; Manfrin et al., 2017 ; van Grunsven et al., 2020 ). These studies have proved valuable for drawing attention to the sheer scale of ALAN impacts on individual species. In reality, irradiance of ALAN perceived by organisms varies spatially. An important prerequisite for upscaling to different ecosystems and landscapes (see Q9) is an understanding of changes in the measured biological responses as a function of multiple exposure levels ( Brüning et al., 2015 ; Sanders et al., 2015 ; de Jong et al., 2016 ). Although challenging to deliver, and sometimes giving idiosyncratic results, dose-response experiments have proved powerful at identifying critical exposure thresholds in toxicology ( Vandenberg et al., 2012 ), and should be a focal point for current and future ecological light pollution experiments ( Brüning et al., 2015 ; de Jong et al., 2016 ; Kupprat et al., 2020 ). In particular, we need more studies testing for the effects of ALAN of lower intensities (e.g., from skyglow), which many organisms may experience throughout large areas worldwide ( Kyba and Hölker, 2013 ; Grubisic et al., 2019 ) (see Q2).

Similarly, we lack an understanding of the sensitivity of species to the spectra of ALAN. Quantifying wavelength-dependent responses to ALAN is critical to predicting the impact of different lighting technologies and identifying spectra that can minimize deleterious impacts ( Spoelstra et al., 2015 ; Brüning et al., 2016 ; Donners et al., 2018 ; Longcore et al., 2018 ). The utility of this approach is empirically well demonstrated; however, its application across a broader range of species is confined to those whose spectral response curves have been quantified. Consistencies in the number of photoreceptors and maximal wavelengths of sensitivity can and are used to form generalizations across broad taxonomic groupings (e.g., class, order; Davies et al., 2013 ; van Grunsven et al., 2014 ; Kühne et al., 2021 ). High precision insights into the responses of individual taxa however remain constrained by published spectral sensitivity information. Advances in our understanding of ALAN impacts are, in this way (and many others), partly limited by advances in fundamental photobiology and visual ecology (see Q3).

Q6 How and at what rates can populations adapt to ALAN?

The spatial light distribution, spectral composition, and the intensity of ALAN are unprecedented on evolutionary time scales ( Hopkins et al., 2018 ). As when studying many anthropogenic impacts on the natural world, initial experiments have quantified behavioral and/or physiological responses to ALAN ( Tuomainen and Candolin, 2011 ; Gaston et al., 2015 ). These effects on the individual will, however, compromise organism fitness ( Sih et al., 2011 ) such as survival and reproductive success, ultimately manifesting impacts on population demography, and/or lead to microevolution ( Figure 2C ). To give one example, insects that are drawn to light will either die (e.g., by predation or exhaustion) or have reduced fitness compared to individuals of the same population that are less attracted by light. If this variation in light attraction has a heritable basis, this may lead to a response to the selection of genotypes in the population that are less attracted to light ( Altermatt and Ebert, 2016 ). In those cases, ALAN will lead to micro-evolution. To date, much of the available knowledge on ALAN impacts is based on short-term experiments that are not able to observe evolutionary compensation mechanisms over long periods of time ( Gaston et al., 2015 ; Kalinkat et al., 2021 ).

The challenge of analyzing ALAN-related trait changes (e.g., body size, relative eye size, and wing length, see Q4) over many generations could be addressed by examining museum vouchers collected for long periods of time (e.g., Keinath et al., 2021 ). Furthermore, ALAN research could adopt approaches and tools from quantitative genetics to understand and predict how species evolutionarily adapt to changes in their light environment. For this, both selection on ALAN-related traits needs to be measured and the heritability of these traits estimated. The rate of genetic change may, however, be small, as has been shown for wild species ( Charmantier and Gienapp, 2014 ), and is likely to be too slow to adapt. This is because anthropogenic disturbances often introduce more rapid rates of environmental change compared to what organisms have experienced in their evolutionary past ( Palumbi, 2001 ). The rate of genetic change is likely to be higher for species with a short generation time and standing genetic variation, such as microorganisms or insects. Indeed, some examples have been documented of the micro-evolution of insect species in response to climate change ( Bradshaw and Holzapfel, 2001 ; Van Asch et al., 2007 ). In this context, evolutionary trap theory may offer a framework for understanding and mitigating the effects of ALAN ( Haynes and Robertson, 2021 ).

Q7 How does ALAN alter biodiversity by redistributing species?

ALAN is known to affect the behavior of species, including altered orientation, navigation, foraging, and predator avoidance behaviors of a wide range of organisms ( McLaren et al., 2018 ; Manríquez et al., 2019 ). One frequently observed phenomenon is the aggregation of individuals in artificially lit patches, reducing their presence in the darker surroundings. Conversely, the density of species repelled by light is likely to increase in dark locations neighboring illuminated areas ( Manfrin et al., 2017 ; Giavi et al., 2020 ). Such heterogeneous responses to ALAN among and within taxonomic groups change species distribution patterns and create novel communities ( Hölker et al., 2015 ; Sanders and Gaston, 2018 ; Voigt et al., 2021 ; Figure 2C ) with potential cascading effects on ecosystem functions such as mineralization, pollination, or seed dispersal ( Lewanzik and Voigt, 2014 ; Knop et al., 2017 ; van Grunsven et al., 2018 ). To date, our knowledge on how the effects of ALAN on community composition might be scaling up to affect ecosystem processes remains limited ( Knop et al., 2017 ; Grubisic et al., 2018 ; Giavi et al., 2020 ).

Long term monitoring studies replicated at large spatial scales represent one option for quantifying changes in species distributions in response to ALAN, but they are still very rare ( van Grunsven et al., 2020 ; Kalinkat et al., 2021 ). One reason is that such experiments present significant logistical and financial challenges, principally due to the large levels of replication required to control for multiple confounding environmental factors that are likely collinear with ALAN. A further challenge is to have data on how long and with which light properties ALAN has been applied (see Q2). Since there can be marked between-year variation in the influences of ALAN, it is critical to run such experiments linked to environmental context and seasonal timing over several generations of key species (ideally more than 10 years, van Grunsven et al., 2020 ; Kalinkat et al., 2021 ).

Q8 How does ALAN affect biodiversity through indirectly altering species interactions?

Global environmental pressures threaten biodiversity directly through changes in species’ physiology and behavior, and indirectly through interactions between impacted species and other species within ecological communities ( Tylianakis et al., 2008 ). To date only a few studies have quantified indirect effects of ALAN caused by altered species interactions within ( Knop et al., 2017 ; Giavi et al., 2020 , 2021 ), or across trophic levels ( Bennie et al., 2018 ; Manfrin et al., 2018 ; Sanders et al., 2018 ; Maggi et al., 2020 ), and we are far from being able to predict where indirect effects occur and their likely importance for the wider ecosystem.

Further mesocosm experiments that manipulate a more diverse array of interacting communities are needed ( Sanders et al., 2018 ). Also, further field studies are necessary such as studies on changes in the structure of entire species interaction networks and linking these to ecosystem functions (e.g., Knop et al., 2017 ). Furthermore, indirect approaches that document altered species interactions due to ALAN, such as stable isotope analyses ( Manfrin et al., 2018 ), molecular analyses of gut contents or fecal samples ( Cravens et al., 2018 ), GPS data analyses of predator–prey dynamics ( Ditmer et al., 2021 ), or the analyses of pollen transport networks ( Macgregor et al., 2017 ) are other promising approaches. Finally, more emphasis should also be placed on spatial ( Giavi et al., 2020 ) and on temporal indirect effects of ALAN on species interactions.

Q9 What are the effects of ALAN on biodiversity at the ecosystem and at the landscape level?

Effects of global change drivers on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning might vary between ecosystems ( Sage, 2020 ). In this vein, we can expect that the effect of ALAN on biodiversity will not be consistent across ecosystems and landscapes with some systems and areas being more susceptible to light pollution than others. On the one hand, the spread of light within ecosystems might vary depending on ecosystem type, lighting technology and medium (e.g., air, water, see Q3). The structure of a forest, for example, leads to a stronger attenuation of light (vertically and horizontally) compared to grasslands, which may make species adapted to closed habitats more vulnerable to ALAN compared to species adapted to open habitats ( Voigt et al., 2021 ; Wilson et al., 2021 ). On the other hand, different latitudes harbor different ecosystems and hence species inhabiting them. Yet, the extent to which photoperiod and climate modulate exposure to ALAN at a given latitude is unknown ( Secondi et al., 2020 ). Also, ecosystems interact and thus changes in one ecosystem due to ALAN will likely also impact linked ecosystems (e.g., Manfrin et al., 2017 ; Figure 2C ). Finally, there is mounting evidence of ALAN impacts on ecosystem engineers such as corals and intertidal crabs, which can again modify the environmental context they are embedded in and hence affect biodiversity at the ecosystem level ( Ayalon et al., 2021 ; Nuñez et al., 2021 ).

Light corridors and networks (e.g., illuminated roads), as well as light patches (e.g., an illuminated gas station in a dark environment) can impact landscapes by acting as barriers to movement and dispersal, and as population sinks ( Degen et al., 2016 ; Laforge et al., 2019 ; van Grunsven et al., 2020 ). Changing the ability of species to move through landscapes may alter foraging and reproductive opportunities for individuals, modifying habitat connectivity and gene flow between populations, disrupting recolonization of habitat patches, and altering metapopulation dynamics ( Caplat et al., 2016 ; Grubisic et al., 2018 ; Camacho et al., 2021 ; Gaston et al., 2021 ).

Even though the effects of ALAN on biodiversity might vary across ecosystems and landscapes, most research has focused on a very limited range of ecosystems, namely on natural terrestrial systems of temperate and developed regions. Also, nearly all documented effects are on individuals and ecological communities, while our understanding of effects on ecosystems and at the landscape level remains limited ( Secondi et al., 2020 ). Empirical upscaling of individual level responses (see Q5) to changes in species biogeography would provide compelling evidence of ALAN’s potential to reshape nature at the landscape scale. Thus, despite challenges in accessing certain ecosystems (marine offshore, high altitudes, lakes) remain, more work in a wider array of ecosystems and landscapes is warranted, both within and between biogeographic realms.

Q10 How does ALAN interact with multiple global change stressors?

ALAN is considered to be a major driver of global change with negative consequences for biodiversity ( Hölker et al., 2010b ; Davies and Smyth, 2018 ). It typically co-occurs with other global change drivers, such as climate change, anthropogenic noise, or land-use change, especially in urban areas ( Perkin et al., 2011 ; Halfwerk and Slabbekoorn, 2015 ; Swaddle et al., 2015 ; Dominoni et al., 2020a ; Figure 2D ). Interactive effects of ALAN with other global change drivers are therefore likely ( Rillig et al., 2019 ), which could be additive, antagonistic or synergistic ( Jackson et al., 2016 ; Birk et al., 2020 ). To give one example, Miller et al. (2017) demonstrate that night-time warming combined with light pollution had non-additive impacts on predator–prey interactions. These stressors, however, often vary in parallel making it challenging to disentangle their effects on biodiversity.

A number of approaches exist to quantify the impact of ALAN on biodiversity in combination with other global change factors. While none of these in isolation will be enough to resolve the complexity of multiple interacting stressors, they can provide discrete novel insights that collectively provide a weight of evidence to direct future research. Firstly, under controlled conditions fully crossed factorial experiments can empirically quantify the existence of interactions between global change stressors ( McMahon et al., 2017 ; Dominoni et al., 2020b ). Secondly, when ALAN is experimentally controlled in natural situations for years, and a second factor varies over time, like temperature or precipitation, the interaction between ALAN and these stressors can be assessed. For instance, there is only an effect of ALAN on seasonal timing in great tits ( Parus major ) in cold springs, when the birds lay on average late ( Dominoni et al., 2020c ). A similar observation has been made for the impact of ALAN on the timing of bud-burst, with a pronounced effect of light on late-budding tree species ( Ffrench-Constant et al., 2016 ). Thirdly, when the intensity or spectral characteristics of ALAN are changed and another stressor remains constant, a BACI (before-after, control-impact) approach could be used to quantify any emergent responses over time. Fourthly, in a recent study, Wilson et al. (2021) introduced another promising approach to disentangle the combined effects of different anthropogenic stressors. They used a large data set generated by community and citizen scientists 1 that allowed them to analyze effects of ALAN and noise pollution on bird occurrences. Although this approach is prone to various spatial and temporal biases (e.g., Geldmann et al., 2016 ), the large scale and high number of observations in such projects may enable insightful analyses given carefully tailored statistical models (e.g., Bird et al., 2014 ). In a similar vein, so-called distributed experiments by multiple research teams across countries and continents (e.g., the NutNet experiment; Borer et al., 2014 ) are another option to capture a much larger range of co-exposure to ALAN and other relevant stressors. To date we are not aware of any distributed experiments that explicitly address ALAN in combination with other stressors. Finally, the additive or interactive effects of stressors can be estimated from meta-analysis, provided that there are a sufficient number of studies ( Birk et al., 2020 ).

Bending the Curve of Biodiversity Loss

Light pollution is only recently coming to the attention of those beyond the interested scientific communities such as lighting professionals ( Schulte-Römer et al., 2019 ; Pérez Vega et al., 2021 ). The effect of light pollution in environmental and social considerations remains largely under-acknowledged. The consequence is that “sustainable lighting” currently aims mainly toward energy efficient technology to reduce the carbon footprint of lighting while ignoring the adverse effects of light pollution on biodiversity. To bend the curve of biodiversity loss (i.e., to reverse the decline) solid transdisciplinary solutions that have emerged from a collaboration of practice, research, production, decision-making and planning are crucial.

Q11 What are opportunities and challenges for an effective management of ALAN?

Although there is already evidence of readily available, and inexpensive, mitigation strategies that work (e.g., light orientation, proper shielding, intensity scaled to intended use, and spectral tuning ( Hölker et al., 2010a ; Gaston et al., 2012 ; Schroer and Hölker, 2017 ), uncertainty remains regarding which approaches are best for reducing the ecological effects of ALAN. The pros and cons of different approaches continue to be debated at length as a result of conflicting cultural, political, economic, and institutional demands ( Figure 2E ). At the same time, novel lighting technologies and concepts are constantly emerging. Thus, biodiversity-friendly ALAN solutions need to be solicited with a broad range of actors originating from different backgrounds, which makes successful negotiations for sustainable lighting challenging (see also Q1).

Many attempts to reduce light pollution run up against positive connotations of lighting (e.g., aesthetics, modernity, and security), which are deeply ingrained in modern societies ( Jakle and Thompson, 2001 ; Hölker et al., 2010a ). While there is a general perception that urban lighting improves safety and security regarding traffic accidents and crime, the empirical evidence is not very solid ( Marchant et al., 2020 ). Awareness raising campaigns are needed to garner public support for implementing biodiversity friendly ALAN management strategies ( Zielińska-Dabkowska et al., 2020 ), however such campaigns should draw on the benefits of darkness as a source of quietness and recovery, as much as its importance for biodiversity conservation.

Despite numerous attempts to control light pollution and to reduce its impact through policies regulating the use of outdoor ALAN, minimal success has been achieved in a limited number of geographic areas ( Barentine, 2020 ). One reason for this is that the regulatory management of ALAN depends heavily on the political and administrative actors involved, who must take into account various aspects such as safety and security, energy efficiency, design, and health and environmental concerns. Future transdisciplinary policy initiatives to address light pollution must therefore consider the many benefits of ALAN while addressing its negative impacts ( Hölker et al., 2010a ; Challéat et al., 2021 ). A legislative shortcoming in environmental protection is that often only species with special protection status are protected if they show, for example, avoidance behavior toward ALAN. Adverse effects on species and landscapes without special protection status are rarely considered by existing regulations ( Schroer et al., 2020 ). In addition, outdoor lighting policies should consider the entire makeup of urban lighting (for example advertising, architectural lighting, and sports lighting), rather than focus solely on road lights ( Kyba et al., 2021 ). A promising example is the German “insect protection” law recently implemented in the Federal Nature Conservation Act ( Thomas, 2021 ), which aims to achieve a balance between emission regulation and immission control. The respective ordinance is still pending, where several issues on the measurement and assessment have to be specified (especially Q1–Q5). The conservation concept of implementing dark ecological networks consisting of core areas, corridors, and buffer zones to limit the impacts of light pollution on biodiversity at the landscape level is another interesting example (e.g., Challéat et al., 2021 ).

Although lighting professionals (e.g., design and industry) increasingly acknowledge ALAN as a threat to biodiversity, there are diverging views regarding potential obstacles to light pollution mitigation ( Schulte-Römer et al., 2019 ; Pérez Vega et al., 2021 ). Current technological advancements in outdoor lighting, particularly LEDs, in principle allow developing lighting mitigation strategies that balance conflicting interests between humans and biodiversity, but this potential remains largely untapped ( Longcore, 2018 ; Bolliger et al., 2020 ; Deichmann et al., 2021 ; Jägerbrand and Bouroussis, 2021 ). Furthermore, LEDs are an energy efficient technology that promises net savings in energy consumption. Past experience has shown that lighting is often subject to a strong rebound effect, where an increase in luminous efficacy resulted in higher light consumption rather than the targeted energy savings. Unfortunately, such a rebound effect is most likely also currently observed for LED technology, which can ultimately lead to further loss of natural nightscapes ( Hölker et al., 2010a ; Kyba et al., 2014 ).

A systematic consideration of ALAN issues that facilitates successful translation to a future sustainable lighting policy that harmonizes the needs of diverse stakeholder groups is still lacking ( Pérez Vega et al., 2021 ). Achieving this demands inter- and transdisciplinary research involving collaboration between lighting engineers, ecologists, and other relevant stakeholder groups. Interdisciplinary institutions that work on the topic of light pollution and biodiversity conservation are currently lacking, in part because consideration of nighttime ecology is significantly underrepresented in ecological research. Gaston (2019) argues for a synthetic research program in this area of science. Interdisciplinary institutions such as research institutes or university departments for nighttime and light pollution research could be of great help to develop multi-level and cross-scale concepts, assessments, and evaluations of developments toward sustainable lighting ( Kyba et al., 2020 ).

Due to anthropogenic activities, biodiversity has declined around the globe ( IPBES, 2019 ) and global biodiversity is facing a sixth mass extinction ( Barnosky et al., 2011 ). ALAN is one of the global change drivers ( Davies and Smyth, 2018 ) contributing to the worldwide decline of biodiversity. Our summary of 11 key pressing questions shows that future research needs to address a mix of complex and interrelated questions to better assess the consequences of ALAN for biodiversity and to have a basis for designing efficient measures to minimize its ecological impacts. The goal for future interdisciplinary research should be to guide the diverse field of research, so information on biodiversity-relevant nocturnal light will be accessible, rigorous, and comparable across studies and disciplines. This requires a broader thinking about how to best characterize and measure ALAN from the perspective of the species or habitat of concern. Furthermore, we have to move from focusing on the physiological and behavioral effects on single species to how ALAN affects all levels of biodiversity including genotypes, communities, ecosystems, and landscapes, including direct and indirect interactions within and among those levels. The different natural light cycles, their role in shaping biodiversity, and their interaction with ALAN impacts needs more attention. Furthermore, ALAN should no longer be considered in isolation from other global change drivers but rather be addressed in a multiple stressor framework where sufficient knowledge of singular impacts allows. The same is true for considering multiple realms (e.g., aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial) and their interactions. This requires that we advance our techniques for quantifying spectral, spatial, and temporal ALAN patterns at multiple scales. Finally, it is not enough to only report that ALAN negatively impacts airborne, aquatic, and terrestrial organisms and ecosystems. More socio-ecological research needs to be directed toward understanding the cultural, political, economic, and institutional barriers that prevent implementation of mitigation measures and toward testing whether and how ALAN can be regulated and light pollution abated effectively.

We conclude that to further develop effective conservation measures aimed at reducing ALAN-induced biodiversity loss, a variety of challenges need to be addressed, ranging from broadening disciplinary perspectives (e.g., from individual species to communities) to strengthening transdisciplinary approaches and ultimately protecting species, ecosystems, and landscapes through effective conservation measures. For now, the information available to inform mitigation strategies remains modest, and as such the precautionary principle should be adopted as the basis for management recommendations while we answer the open questions identified in this study.

Author Contributions

FH and EK contributed to the conception, design of the article, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. FH, AJ, and EK produced the figures. All authors contributed manuscript text, manuscript revisions, and approved the final version.

The contributions of GK, AJ, and FH were supported by the projects “species protection through environmental friendly lighting” by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) within the framework of the Federal Programme for Biological Diversity with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU; FKZ: 3518685A08) and “Beleuchtungsplanung: Verfahren und Methoden für eine naturschutzfreundliche Beleuchtungsgestaltung” by the BfN with funds from the BMU (FKZ: 3521 84 1000). The contributions of ST and TD were supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (grant no. NE/S003533/2 awarded to TD. The publication of this article was funded by the Open Access Publishing funds of the Leibniz Association and Agroscope.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Catherine Pérez Vega who edited Figures 1 , 2 .

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Keywords : ecological light pollution, biodiversity loss, thresholds, traits, populations, ecosystems, interdisciplinary, mitigation

Citation: Hölker F, Bolliger J, Davies TW, Giavi S, Jechow A, Kalinkat G, Longcore T, Spoelstra K, Tidau S, Visser ME and Knop E (2021) 11 Pressing Research Questions on How Light Pollution Affects Biodiversity. Front. Ecol. Evol. 9:767177. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2021.767177

Received: 30 August 2021; Accepted: 17 November 2021; Published: 08 December 2021.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2021 Hölker, Bolliger, Davies, Giavi, Jechow, Kalinkat, Longcore, Spoelstra, Tidau, Visser and Knop. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Franz Hölker, [email protected] ; Eva Knop, [email protected]

This article is part of the Research Topic

Effects of Artificial Light at Night on Organisms: From Mechanisms to Function

SEEDS OF CHANGE: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR GREENER SCHOOLYARDS IN INDIANAPOLIS

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Seeds of Change: Exploring the Potential for Greener Schoolyards in Indianapolis

Existing literature suggests that having gardens and trees in schoolyards has proven to be positive for student health. Tree canopies in schoolyards provide shade, mitigate urban heat island effects, reduce air, and noise pollution, and even improve mental well-being. Edible schoolyards can enhance children’s hands-on learning experience, foster stronger environmental stewardship, offer fresh food opportunities, and help develop healthier eating habits. However, the implementation of green and edible schoolyards in Indiana remains relatively low. This thesis aims to explore the current tree canopy and garden coverage within the school grounds to understand how these green spaces correlate with demographic factors such as race, income, and population density, aiming to identify potential inequities in the school environment creation. Moreover, it gathers green feature coverage data and staff perspectives to further investigate the potential of expanding different edible green features in schoolyards of the Indianapolis region.

This study included 167 public schoolyards in the research process. Geospatial data analytic and social science methods were utilized in this research. First, ArcGIS was used to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of school Tree Canopy Coverage (TCC) and garden existence. We also examined the relationships between TCC and garden existences to other demographic factors using R language to understand impact criteria and summarize future hurdles and opportunities. In the second method, online surveys were distributed to the same schools to understand the attitudes of school staff towards edible schoolyards. Some preliminary challenges were identified with the 35 responses collected, including funding mechanisms, collaboration limitations, and lack of integration into curriculums to allow valuable education. This research concludes with 2 case studies to represent two common typologies of schoolyards in Indianapolis, using interviews to gain a deeper understanding of further concerns and future working directions for green schoolyard advocates.

Degree Type

• Master of Science
• Horticulture

Campus location

• West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Additional committee member 2, additional committee member 3, additional committee member 4, usage metrics.

• Landscape architecture

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• Pollution Essay in English for Students

Essay on Pollution for Students

Being aware of pollution is quite mandatory for all the students these days. In order to become a responsible citizen of the world for future generations, every child should know how human activities are leaving an impact on the environment and nature. This topic is quite crucial. And, school children should learn how to write an interesting essay on ‘Pollution’ effortlessly. Take a glance below. 

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Never ever hurry to write the essay.

Think properly and jot down your thoughts before proceeding.

Divide your write-up into a few segments such as - introduction, main body - you can make a few points as per the topic and a conclusion.

Try writing short paragraphs. Short and crisp sentences are also a great way to avoid silly mistakes.

Adding factual data wherever required is important such as year, date etc.

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Essay on Pollution

Introduction.

Pollution has become a very common yet serious issue in today’s world. It has been there in different forms since a long time even before human evolution such as volcanic eruptions, wildfire which lead to various photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. The current concern is that it is rising day by day due to various resources of pollutants. And, one of the main pollutants are humans and man-made machines. It is right to say that pollution is damaging the mother earth severely and we, humans, should play our part to prevent it from happening.

What is Pollution?

Pollution sepsis is the presence of contaminants in the natural environment that causes harm and damage and therefore leads to adverse changes.

Kinds of Pollution

There are mainly three kinds of pollution - 1) Air Pollution, 2) Water Pollution, and 3) Soil Pollution. 

Air Pollution

Air Pollution occurs due to the presence of harmful gases and substances in the air. It is due to vehicle emission, dust and dirt, poisonous gasses from the factories etc. To reduce air pollution, we should use carpooling or public transport rather than using our private mode of transportation whose harmful gas emission only adds to the problem, we should also actively avoid burning trash or other materials etc.

Water Pollution

Water Pollution happens when toxic substances get mixed in various water bodies such as lakes, oceans, rivers etc. Here toxic substances refer to the Chemical fertilizer, Industrial waste, Sewage and wastewater, Mining activities, Marine dumping etc.

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution depicts the contamination of soil due to the presence of toxic substances due to Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides, deforestation, industrial waste etc . To maintain the soil’s fertility, the government must limit the usage of fertilizers and plant more trees.

There are a few other pollutants causing pollution apart from the aforementioned ones, such as Radioactive pollution. This is one of the rarer types of pollution. It occurs due to the presence of radioactive substances such as the presence of nuclear waste in air, solids, liquids or any other place.

Effects of Pollution on Human Health

Pollution is increasingly having a major effect on the health of human lives. People are gettin g affected by different types of deadly diseases due to the various pollution in air, water and soil. Here are the different diseases humans face due to different pollution.

Due to Air Pollution

Air is an essential part of human life. Humans cannot live without breathing air. But, air pollution causes major damage to human lives. Here are some of the major diseases caused due to air pollution.

Lung cancer

Major coronary heart disease

Respiratory problems

Due to Water Pollution

Water is another source of life. Any living being cannot survive without drinking water. But the continuous degradation and pollution of major water bodies are also causing deadly diseases to humans and animals. It is also affecting marine life. Since water is consumed all the time, it’s pollution is causing a lot of deadly diseases. Some of the major diseases caused by water pollution are as follows:

Hepatitis A

Diarrhoea 

Due to Soil Pollution

Soil is an important part of our lives. The land on which we are walking or travelling is made with soil. Due to all the chemicals mixed with the soil and degradation due to the same, it is inevitable that many harmful chemicals come in contact with our body and cause many skin diseases or in forms of food crops that are planted on such polluted soil. Direct contact can cause a lot of problems for us humans. Some of the major diseases caused due to soil pollution are as follows:

Different types of cancer

Damage of the nervous system due to contact with lead present in the soil.

liver and kidney failure

What are the Different Methods to Reduce Pollution?

The degrading quality of all the important elements like air, water and soil is affecting the lives of many children, adults as well as animals. We need to keep our environment safe and use effective methods to reduce pollution. 

Methods to reduce Air Pollution

Some of the effective methods to reduce air pollution are as follows:

Regulation of air through chimneys: The industries should disintegrate the harmful gas from the air prior to its release from the chimneys. They should check and avoid using harmful gases, which are the major causes of air pollution.

Use of public transport or cycle: If you are travelling to distant places, it is recommended to take public transport. Or if you are going to any shops or buying any garment, it is always better to use your cycle. Public transport can take you to different places along with other people; this will help reduce air pollution. If you can cycle, it will reduce air pollution and another added benefit is that it will keep your health in check.

Reduction of fires and smokes: In the dry season, many people burn plastic, papers, dry leaves, which creates a big fire and smoke that creates a harmful layer of fog suspended in the atmosphere. It is better if you stop burning plastic to reduce smoke.

Methods to Reduce Water Pollution

Some of the effective methods to reduce water pollution are as follows:

Avoid disposing of plastic and waste materials: To keep the water free from any pollution, the first thing is to avoid disposing of any sort of plastics or food waste water material in water. The waste materials get dissolved in the water and harm the aquatic life along with those who drink the water. 

Reduce use of chemicals: you should avoid purchasing harmful chemical products that can get mixed with the water and pollute it. The biggest examples are pesticides and insecticides, which causes a major effect on marine life.

Reduce use of detergents: Detergents have many strong chemicals which can cause the leather to water and wash your clothes. If these detergents get mixed with water, they can pollute the soil.

Methods to Reduce Soil Pollution 

Some of the methods to reduce soil pollution are as follows:

Avoid disposing of harmful chemicals: The industries should avoid disposing of harmful chemicals in the soil. It can change the structure and components of the soil making it an unusable surface of land for vegetation. 

Eat food in biodegradable containers: As you dispose of the food containers in dustbins, it is good to use biodegradable food containers despite using plastic containers, which are harmful to the soil.

Plant more trees: The structure of the soil can be improved by planting more trees. Trees help to hold the soil together and improve the soil quality. Hence we should plant more trees.

How to Reduce Pollution Gradually?

Upon learning about the harmful effects of pollution, it is everyone’s responsibility to take some steps towards prevention. We should be aware of all the possible preventive measures to help reduce every kind of pollution such as to curb air pollution, we should avoid bursting crackers during any festival or using public transport or carpool to reduce air pollution or cutting down the usage of loud loudspeaker, and public honking would help in noise pollution. We should always be aware of this situation and take measures accordingly. It’s us who should be cautious in the beginning and make everyone else surrounding us conscious as well. We should take eco-friendly steps like planting more trees, reducing the usage of plastic, using more sustainable products in the household etc. while talking about the pollution of the entire world, you should always remember that every small step will lead to a bigger impact one day.

In a nutshell, every kind of pollution leaves a huge negative impact on our environment, human lives, animals etc. We, as responsible citizens, must take steps towards a better tomorrow. We must join hands to take various initiatives and fight against this problem. A lot of innocent lives are put in danger due to pollution every day. If we don’t do anything from now on or take a stand to make the earth pollution-free, then the doomsday will be upon us very soon.

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All the reading materials at Vedantu are curated by the subject-matter experts who have years of experience in the respective field. The content is well - researched and compiled into easy readable format for the benefit of students. Students can refer to these resources with ease and learn things at their own pace. Most importantly all the content on Vedantu is provided for free and it can be easily downloaded into PDF from both the website and mobile application of Vedantu. 

2. How can I download reading material from Vedantu?

Accessing material from Vedantu is extremely easy and student-friendly. Students have to simply visit the website of  Vedantu and create an account. Once you have created the account you can simply explore the subjects and chapters that you are looking for. Click on the download button available on the website on Vedantu to download the reading material in PDF format. You can also access all the resources by downloading the Vedantu app from playstore.