Ecological Problem

Urbanization Ecological Problem Grade Course Walking on grass while it rains, looking at the blue sky and hearing the bird chirp, and letting cool breeze touch the skin are amongst some of the most refreshing moments which one would loathe. The refreshment and serenity arising from such moments rather define environment as a miraculous beauty. Despite the ease and satisfaction associated with nature, ecological problems go hand in hand with the reality of the surrounding.

Ecological issues are environmental issues such as overpopulation, climatic changes, land degradation, pollution and many more. These problems do not only destroy the splendor of nature, but they adversely affect life. As a matter of fact, these ecological issues are a result of human activity which leaves a drastic impact on the environment. While considering the different environmental issues, it is important to shed light on urbanization which is a major ecological issue.

Urbanization is commonly referred to the settlement process whereby population concentration in discrete areas grow because of which land is used up and transformed for commercial, transportation, industrial and residential purpose. Urbanization is a matter of concern mainly because of the continuous growth in the urbanized area. Despite the usage and transformation of land, there is an environmental and ecological concern because of this concept. Furthermore, it is important to focus upon the human activity which is the major determinant of these environmental problems.

Some of the consequences of urbanization include health related issues, waste disposal, pollution and urban sprawl. On this matter, the growth of population is seen as the major factor in contributing to the environmental problems as it results in an increasing demand for food, for shelter, clothing, energy, heat and more. This automatically poses the greater problem of meeting these needs and supplying the resources to every person.

For instance, in order to meet the food requirements of the masses, more land is required for cultivation which would then again contribute in the pollution levels of the countries. Moreover, in order to create space for the settlement of the growing population, agricultural and fertile lands are greatly been converted for infrastructure and to meet the requirements of the population. This results in the removal of vegetation thereby disturbing the natural ecosystem.

This can also have effects on the hydrological system of the coasts which damages mangroves, beaches, swamps which otherwise hindered erosion and helped in forming habitats for the species. Consequently, wild life is also ruined because of such urban activities. Urbanization also results in a problem of solid wastes. The proper management of solid wastes includes the collection along with its transfer, recycling and its disposal. This is either improper or absent in several parts of the world.

However, concern is not only associated with waste produced at houses, but rather it is the industrial, hospital and other institutional wastes that contains toxic and harmful materials. It needs to be disposed off in an appropriate manner otherwise it results in adding into the dump seen on the streets and other places. If the waste is left open, it is carried away into the water bodies because of rain.

This in turn pollutes the ground water and is harmful in places where the water is drawn out of the wells. Since urbanization poses serious harm and risk for the environment, there are only few cities that are working upon controlling the ecological threat caused by urbanization. For instance, USA has been taking several actions to look after the environment. This is demonstrated through the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which is pledge to work upon meeting the targets of the Kyoto Protocol.

Furthermore, even Europe is focusing on using alternative energy sources to make environmental friendly cars. In addition, such steps have also been incorporated in the developing counties like China who aims at building a carbon-neutral city named as Dongtan. This city would safeguard and protect wildlife through steps such as migratory bird refuges. It will also make use of energy efficient housing and work on recycling and regulating water usage (Jiang L, 2008). Hence, urbanization is a continuous ongoing process affecting developed as well as developing countries. If measures are.