Assignment on Environmental Science

Running head: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT 1
Environmental Science Assignment
Name
Institution

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT 2
Environmental Science Assignment
Introduction
According to the recent international statistics, the world has seen a considerable
population growth rate of 1.12% in 2017 (World Bank, 2017). Particularly, in the United Arab
Emirates, the population has been increasing steadily over the last two decades. Highest in the
rank is Dubai which has recently observed an average growth rate of 5% to 7.5 %: one fastest
growth rates in the world. Factors such as per capita income, social, or the age pyramid can
affect the demographic change. As such, many demographic researchers in UAE believe that
immigration mainly accelerates the population growth imbalance. Oil exploration saw a rapid
change in the population growth rate pattern. It fostered economic development thereby
encouraging more births. However, population growth has raised environmental concerns that
need to be addressed.
Effects of the growing population
Air pollution
Air pollution refers to the emission of harmful substances that reduce the air quality to
the atmosphere either directly or indirectly. Increased population has seen increased demand for
natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas which come from fossil fuels. UAE being
one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the world, fossil fuels emission to the
atmosphere is inevitable. When fossil fuels are burnt, they emit toxic substances and greenhouse
gases. Additionally, increased human activities such as power plants construction increase the
effluents to the air. Agricultural-based industries emit ammonia which one of the most hazardous

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT 3
gases. Also, manufacturing industries release carbon monoxide, organic compounds, chemicals,
hydrocarbons and other chemicals that reduce the quality of air.
Air pollution can cause harm to human beings as well as other living organisms. For
instance, it causes respiratory and heart problems. Moreover, it causes global warming. Global
warming refers to the rise in temperatures of the earth. Consequently, melting of polar ice which
increases sea levels, and flooding of the coastal plains. Also, global warming causes climate
change that subsequently leads to encroachment of desert-like conditions.
Furthermore, when harmful gases like nitrogen oxide and sulfur are exposed to the
atmosphere, moisture may combine with these pollutants resulting to acid rains. Thus, causing
damage to the human skin, plants, and animals. Besides, air pollution leads to the depletion of
the ozone layer. The ozone layer is responsible for protecting human beings from damaging UV
rays. The presence of hydrochlorofluorocarbons makes the protective ozone layer thin, and the
harmful rays can cause skin cancer.
Water pollution
Water pollution refers to the emission of harmful substances to water making it unsafe for
human consumption as well as other living organisms’’ consumption. Secondly, the major
environmental issue affecting UAE’s large population in towns is the unavailability of fresh
water for consumption. Wastewater pollution in UAE is caused by fuel combustion and of
petroleum products, transport activities and industrial activities. According to International
Energy Agency, “UAE’s per-capita waste generation is one of the highest in the world” (2015).
Subsequently, the biodiversity and the ecosystem are affected negatively. As such, the
government has taken initiatives to mitigate such issues and protect the environment.