World Environment Day, also known as the Environment Day, Eco Day or in short as WED, is one of the great annual events celebrated worldwide by people aiming to protect the unique and life-nurturing nature. This happens annually on June 5.
WED is this year celebrated under the theme Beat Air Pollution. WED was started in 1973 in order to raise global awareness about the importance of a healthy and green environment for human lives, to solve the environmental issues by implementing some positive environmental actions, as well as to raise awareness among the common public worldwide that everyone is responsible for saving the environment, and not only government or organisations working for it.
Have you heard about rivers, lakes or streams becoming polluted? Sometimes the pollution comes from trash, oil spills, sewage, fertilisers or chemicals. However, sometimes the source of water pollution is in the air.
Air pollution can make its way into rivers, lakes or streams. Several different types of air pollutants are able to access waterways. Some fall from the sky as dry particles and other air pollutants are carried to the ground in raindrops, snowflakes or fog. They not only harm water but also the plant and animal life that depends on water to survive. Nitrogen is a nutrient that plants need to grow. However, there can be too much of a good thing. Too much nitrogen in a body of water can cause algae to grow very quickly, clogging the waterways and upsetting the balance of the ecosystem.
Burning of waste causes the release of mercury in the water, which can be absorbed by fish and shellfish. This can become dangerous for consumption by animals and humans alike.
Each and every individual can do their bit to prohibit or reduce air pollution. Instead of using vehicles, rather walk, ride a bike, use public transport to commute to work, school and back. Every little bit helps in the reduction of pollution to air and ultimately to water.
Larry Crisp, communications officer at Department of Water and Sanitation.
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