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Air Pollution
A range of gases, typically emitted through human activities, are threatening the Earth's atmosphere and causing global warming. Among these, carbon dioxide is perhaps most commonly discussed. Harmful amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted when we burn fossil fuels; activities such as production plants and commercial travel are responsible for releasing this pollutant into the atmosphere in huge quantities. Since the 2000s, many people have attempted to cut their carbon footprint to reduce these emissions, as noted by the National Geographic website.
Chlorofluorocarbons --- sometimes found in aerosol canisters --- and methane also damage Earth's protective ozone layer, increasing the threat of global warming. Levels of sulfur dioxide must also be monitored. This pollutant is found in the smog which appears above industrialized cities, and it can lead to acid rain when released.
Deforestation
Deforestation involves the clearing of Earth's natural forests, typically for the purpose of creating building materials. This threatens the environment, since trees perform important roles for our planet: they regulate carbon dioxide gases, acting as a sponge and preventing the gas re-entering the atmosphere, and also absorb sunlight as part of their photosynthesis process. A heavily forested area, such as a rainforest, will reflect only 12 to 15 percent of the sun's rays, while a deforested area will reflect 20 percent, according to the Atmosphere, Climate and Environment Information Program. Thus if forests are removed, more gases are released into the atmosphere, and more sunlight is reflected back, leading to climate change.
Water Pollution
Water pollution comes in many forms and adversely affects the humans, plants and animals that depend on clean water in their everyday lives. Some of the causes of water pollution include sewage, which can become a problem in underdeveloped countries in particular. Sewage is less likely to be treated properly in these countries, causing illness if it gets into a population's drinking water supply. Oil is another threat to the Earth's water. Oil can enter the ocean through spills or through oil dumping and drains. Oil does not dissolve well, and can thus be hazardous for marine life.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion occurs naturally, but what's more worrying is accelerated erosion that's the result of human activities, including misguided cultivation methods and overgrazing. These activities leave soil overexposed to harsh winds and excessive rainfall, which then dislodges soil. The result is that agriculture is affected, both in the areas where the soil moves to, and the place where it comes from.