YL15 Students Write about Environmental Issues
Let’s Dive Deeper into Water Pollution
By Chhay Chakrayuth, ACE YL15 Student
On our planet, we face three major problems today:
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- The increased use of plastic
One problem is worse than the other two: water pollution. Why?
WHAT CAUSES WATER POLLUTION?
- An increase in the number of factories located near the ocean/sea, which can lead to waste going into the ocean/sea
- Oil tankers that break down and spill their oil into the ocean/sea, causing the ocean/sea to be polluted by chemicals
- Careless human actions, for example, throwing trash into the ocean/sea
- Natural disasters, for example, tornados and tsunamis that sweep trash into the ocean/sea
WHY IS WATER POLLUTION BAD?
Water pollution is dangerous because both animals and humans need water to live. When our water is polluted, it becomes undrinkable, as it is full of chemicals. People can die from a lack of water and from drinking filthy water. Water pollution can also be bad for a country’s reputation. If a country has a water pollution problem, fewer people tend to want to visit it or live in it.
OUR RAIN IS POISONOUS!
Water pollution can cause acid rain. Looking at the water cycle, the sun evaporates water to create clouds, which in turn create rain. If water is polluted, the sun still evaporates it, and germs and bacteria also evaporate with it when it rains. Toxins in the water turn into rain, which some people might collect and drink. Water pollution can also cause diseases that spread quickly. When that occurs, a lot of sea creatures are likely to die or become extinct, and humans are likely to consume toxic chemicals in the fish that they eat. So, how can we help to prevent water pollution?
WHAT CAN WE DO TO SAVE WATER?
- Start recycling more
- Stop throwing trash into the sea
- Start caring about our water, rather than allowing it to be harmed
- Stop releasing waste into our water
- Stop using a lot of household chemicals
Will Cambodia Become a Desert Soon?
By Ly Samnang, ACE YL15 Student
Forests are large areas of land that contain a lot of trees. Forests are not only beautiful, they also do an essential job: they make our environment safe, helping it to thrive. Forests and trees create oxygen, clean our air, store water, preserve soil and provide homes for animals. In addition, forests also provide vital ecosystem services to humans and serve as tourist attractions.
In Cambodia, forest loss has become a serious problem. According to one recent study, Cambodia has lost more than 7 percent of its forests since 2000: the fifth fastest rate of forest loss in the world.
What are the main causes of forest loss?
- Deforestation
- Land concessions
- Development
Effects of deforestation:
- If we lose too many trees, the wildlife in the area eventually die or become extinct. Cutting down trees also affects the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe
- When it rains, trees absorb and store large amounts of water. When they are cut down, floods and natural disasters become more likely
Solution to deforestation:
- One solution to deforestation is reduced paper use. If we start using less paper, fewer trees will have to be cut down to create paper
How can we start using less paper?
- Start using both sides of every piece of paper we use
- Reuse old paper, for example, the backs of old envelopes are perfect for shopping lists or telephone messages. When we write essays, we could write them on the back of used paper. If we start recycling our used paper products instead of throwing them away, we will also protect our forests and environment
All of us must start reporting forest crimes that occur in our communities to the relevant officials, and we, the younger generation, must do our best to protect and rebuild our forests. Let’s start today!