According to the provided reference from National Geographic, pollution is fundamentally defined by the act of introducing substances that cause harm to our surroundings.
Defining Pollution
Based on the information available, pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials, often called pollutants, can take many forms and negatively impact air, water, and land. The environment encompasses all living and non-living things around us.
Examples of Pollution
While pollution can affect various parts of the environment, the reference specifically highlights land pollution through the example of landfills.
- Landfills: These sites serve as collection points for garbage and other forms of land pollution.
- Challenge: A significant issue mentioned is that many areas are facing a shortage of space for landfills, indicating the scale and disposal challenge of land-based harmful materials.
Understanding this core definition helps grasp the concept of how human activities and waste can degrade natural ecosystems. Managing and reducing the introduction of these harmful materials is crucial for environmental health.
