The human population is growing rapidly, and the standard of living is rising. Both mean that we use more resources and produce more waste. Unless waste and chemical materials are handled properly, more pollution is caused.
Pollution can occur in three main places:
- in water, from sewage, fertiliser or toxic chemicals
- in air, from smoke and acidic gases
- on land, from landfill and from toxic chemicals
Pollution kills plants and animals. When species are killed, the variety of living things falls, so pollution can reduce biodiversity.