Chernobyl Accident
In 1986, an improperly conducted test on the No. 4 Chernobyl reactor caused a meltdown of the reactor, releasing and exposing vast quantities of uranium. The entire surrounding area had to be evacuated. Many plants and animals in the area have mutated. As of today, the area is still completely uninhabitable by humans due to the threat of radiation.
In 1986, an improperly conducted test on the No. 4 Chernobyl reactor caused a meltdown of the reactor, releasing and exposing vast quantities of uranium. The entire surrounding area had to be evacuated. Many plants and animals in the area have mutated. As of today, the area is still completely uninhabitable by humans due to the threat of radiation.
Deforestation
Europe has undergone extensive deforestation. Had always been constant, but it paused slightly during the massive population decline caused by Black Death. Later, the Industrial Revolution greatly accelerated deforestation.
Europe has undergone extensive deforestation. Had always been constant, but it paused slightly during the massive population decline caused by Black Death. Later, the Industrial Revolution greatly accelerated deforestation.
Air pollution
Much of Europe is industrialized and the majority of people lives in cities. Cities, with automobiles, buildings, and outlying factories, create many gaseous pollutants that mix with the atmosphere. Sometimes smog, an unhealthy mixture of the atmosphere and pollutants, is present in cities. Smog causes health complications and people are encouraged to stay inside during particularly bad episodes. In addition, specific pollutants act as greenhouse gases that trap more heat in the atmosphere.
Much of Europe is industrialized and the majority of people lives in cities. Cities, with automobiles, buildings, and outlying factories, create many gaseous pollutants that mix with the atmosphere. Sometimes smog, an unhealthy mixture of the atmosphere and pollutants, is present in cities. Smog causes health complications and people are encouraged to stay inside during particularly bad episodes. In addition, specific pollutants act as greenhouse gases that trap more heat in the atmosphere.
Acid Rain
The pollutants in the air have the ability to mix with clouds and rain to form acid rain, or rain that is more acidic than regular rain. Acid rain easily corrodes certain stones and damages historical landmarks. Acid rain is also a very large threat to Germany's Black Forest. Over half of the forest has been damaged by acid rain.
The pollutants in the air have the ability to mix with clouds and rain to form acid rain, or rain that is more acidic than regular rain. Acid rain easily corrodes certain stones and damages historical landmarks. Acid rain is also a very large threat to Germany's Black Forest. Over half of the forest has been damaged by acid rain.
Endangered species
Many species in Europe, like in most other parts of the world, are endangered. Some causes of animals' "endangered" status, such as the saiga, are the result of poaching, over-hunting, and habitat loss. Marine animals such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal are threatened by disturbances of breeding caves and encounters with fishing gear. Others, such as the Aeolian Wall Lizard, compete with rival species for resources.
Many species in Europe, like in most other parts of the world, are endangered. Some causes of animals' "endangered" status, such as the saiga, are the result of poaching, over-hunting, and habitat loss. Marine animals such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal are threatened by disturbances of breeding caves and encounters with fishing gear. Others, such as the Aeolian Wall Lizard, compete with rival species for resources.