The environment is the most important resource we have. Without it, all plants, animals, and eventually humans will die. Environment is the air, water, minerals, organisms, and all other factors surrounding and affecting an organism.1 It is required for life on earth. Many people disrespect this great gift from the earth. People have pumped trash and sewage into the environment for countless years, killing the environment, and in effect, much life. Recently, the environment has been showcased in global politics. Almost everyone has different views on how to protect our environment. However, everyone agrees on one thing; the treatment of the environment is worsening, and we need to do something about it. The entire world, including Japan, is scrambling to try and figure out how to save the environment. Will the world be able to save the greatest gift we have ever received, or will we destroy it?
Japan is plagued by many environmental concerns. One of these is Japanese air pollution.5 This is mainly due to two reasons. Chinese air pollution is among the worst in the world, and winds can easily blow this cloud of pollution to Japan.5 Secondly, Japan creates its own air pollution. Big industrial cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nayago pump smoke and fossil fumes into the air at a rapid pace. This pollution is horrible for not only the environment, but also for people too. Air pollution may cause and will increase the strength and frequency of asthma attacks.5 Many types of respiratory cancer are caused by intake of poor air.5 One more health issue that air pollution causes to humans is that it can lead to heart-related diseases.3 All in all, air pollution is estimated to kill around 2.4 million humans per year. Air pollution not only affects humans. The entire environment receives problems because of this pollution. An increased amount of air pollution may raise temperatures, killing off temperature -sensitive plants and animals. Another reason air pollution is a major problem in Japan is due to acid rain.3 This rain forms when water molecules react with certain chemicals in the air.3 Acid rain also destroys the habitats of many animals and pollutes water by affecting its acidity.3 During the recent large earthquake and tsunami, the reactor wall of the Fukushima Daiichi collapsed, releasing radioactive materials into the air. This radioactive air causes many problems, including possible mutation, cancer, and even death. Air pollution is a possibly devastating problem, which has the power to cause sickness and death of humans and animals alike. This pollution spells trouble for Japan. Every year, several companies and some citizens leave Japan for a nation with cleaner air.
Another large environmental concern is the possible extinction of whales due to Japan’s large whaling industry.4 Even though whaling was banned in 1982, the Japanese found a loophole to allow them to continue to hunt whales.4 They claim they use these whales for scientific purposes, however, they still hunt whales by
Effects of acid rain on wildlife