In recent years, environmental impacts have increased and that is why the environment is charging greater recognition and importance. In addition, therefore, the term sustainable development also takes more relevance. Environmental impacts are those that produce an alteration, change or modification in the environment, with a certain complexity and magnitude as a consequence of human activities. Whenever there are anthropogenic activities there is an impact, although depending on the activity, these will be despicable or significant, and may also be negative or positive.
In this interesting ecology article, the different will be shown Types of environmental impactsas well as some examples of them.
Positive and negative environmental impact
Environmental impacts are not only negative, there are also positive environmental impacts, as a result of an activity that aims to improve and recover natural areas. On the one hand, some examples of negative impacts They are pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, climate change and environmental degradation. On the other hand, some Examples of positive impacts They can be, reforestation, the use of renewable energy, efficient water management and a good water purification treatment or have good areas of recycling.
Here you can learn more about what is the negative and positive environmental impact with examples.
Direct and indirect environmental impact
When talking about Direct environmental impact Reference is made to that impact that can be seen immediately or in a short period of time. Instead, the Indirect environmental impact It is also noticed after a long time. In turn, they can be positive or negative impacts and/or other types.
Cumulative or synergic environmental impact
On the one hand, the cumulative impact It is one that occurs by the sum of small impacts over time in the same area, although the impacts are small, their accumulation makes them end up having a larger effect. On the other hand, the synergistic impacts They occur when different activities that cause greater environmental incidence are occurring.
Reversible or irreversible impact
An impact is reversible When the affected area or territory is possible to recover thanks to specialized treatments (Contaminated water treatment), restorations, deforestation, among other actions. However, that irreversible impact It refers to spaces that are not possible to recover, due to the great magnitude of the impact or that there are no applicable recovery treatments.
Current or potential impact
On the one hand, a Current impact It is the one that, as the name is overcome, is happening at the time. On the other hand, the Potential impact It refers to the one that can occur and it is calculated that it is quite likely to happen at a future time, if no measures are taken to avoid it.
Temporary and permanent impact
When an impact is classified as Temporary impactIt means that this over time could disappear and the affected area recovered, a temporary impact would be that with an average duration of between 10 and 19 years. However, those who last time for more than 20 years would be permanent impacts.
Local and disseminated impact
If an impact affects only a territory it is called local impactwhile the east expands affecting distant spaces from where the initial impact occurred is classified as disseminated impact. Again, as we have commented before, an impact can be of several of these types at the same time, it can be negative, disseminated and permanent or be positive, local and permanent, among other possibilities.
Environmental Impact Examples
Next, some will be exhibited Examples of environmental impacts:
- Pollution of the atmosphere: All gases produced by industrial activity, emissions of all vehicles that circulate in cities, as well as the burning fossil fuels are the origin of the contamination of the atmosphere.
- Water pollution: The bodies of water are contaminated by discharges from the unsuspect industries and wastewater, the plastic is another large pollutant of the water areas, since tons of plastic waste each year end in seas and oceans harming the aquatic species. Here you can learn everything about the causes and consequences of water pollution.
- Soil pollution: Activities such as livestock, agriculture or exploitation of resources deteriorate and contaminate the soil. In this link you will see a lot of information about soil pollution: causes, consequences and solutions.
- Noise pollution: This occurs, above all, in the big cities where there is a large concentration of sounds. In this post you will learn about what noise pollution is and how it affects us.
- Light pollution: This type of pollution also occurs in large cities, from which it is impossible to appreciate the stars. Learn more about light pollution: definition, causes and consequences with this other article.
- Loss of biodiversity and species extinction: The loss of ecosystems causes a loss of biodiversity, even some species have come to be extinguished when their affected habitats are seen. Another cause is illegal hunting for animals that has special interest for commercial purposes. Here we talk to you more about the loss of biodiversity: causes and consequences.
- Deforestation: The overexploitation of the timber industry, as well as the provocation of fires to end territories and then allocated to agriculture or extensive livestock are the main problems that cause deforestation. In this other post you can consult more information about the causes of deforestation.
What is EIA
The EIA or environmental impact assessment Evaluate the impact that can generate certain activities such as a mining or also, evaluates the establishment of new infrastructure. It is very important to carry out an environmental impact assessment to prevent or mitigate damage to the environment that may occur.
Finally, you can learn about what an environmental impact study is.
If you want to read more articles similar to Types of environmental impactswe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.
