An introduction to environmental degradation: Causes, consequence and mitigation

Abstract

The environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources which includes all the biotic and abiotic element that form our surrounding that is air, water, soil, pant animals, and all other living and non-living element of the planet of earth. The major factor of environmental degradation is human (modern urbanization, industrialization, overpopulation growth, deforestation, etc.) and natural (flood, typhoons, droughts, rising temperatures, fires, etc.) cause. Today, different kinds of human activities are the main reasons for environmental degradation. The automobile and industries increase the number of poisonous gases like SOx, NOx, CO, and smoke in the atmosphere. Therefore, the government must enhance filling the gap in the legal system to avoid illegal activities. This chapter discusses the impact of environmental degradation with its future impacts, city planners, industry, and resource managers plans to be considered to mitigate the long term effects of developmental environmental degradation.

Belt and Road Environmental Implications for South Asia

“…Raising how economic growth can occur in under-developed or South Asian countries of BRI can be favorable to green growth. The recent work categorizes the primary reasons for environmental degradation in chart form ( 27 ) ( Figure 7 ).…”

“…It needs more empirical research to prove that the flow of polluted air is not going into the pollution-free area; otherwise, Chinese efforts of a green economy will benefit less than they are expecting. It may cause depletion of resources of all biotic and abiotic elements, which includes air, water, soil, plants, animals, and other living and non-living elements of planet earth ( 27 ).…”

“…However, the new agriculture technologies use much fertilizer, which is regarded as causation of soil degradation. BRI planners for farming must learn from Indian episode where a study showed that most soil erosions, salinity, and general loss of fertile lands occurred due to agricultural fertilizers ( 27 ).…”

“…It may threaten that drinking water, agriculture, and particularly fisheries may face decline due to water pollution ( 27 ). To control SO 2 , the International Maritime Organization (IMO) carried out comprehensive legislation, including establishing ECAs and particular navigational areas ( 37 ) to reduce ships' emissions.…”

“…Otherwise, climatic changes and environmental degradation will affect Belt and Road Developmental plan in all South Asian countries. If all the participant countries are genuinely after reducing poverty, they must consider the climatic and environmental hazards of the BRI ( 27 ). This study suggested that the mentioned countries manage their economic activities in ecological ways.…”