The document contrasts environmental degradation and pollution, explaining that degradation compromises the natural environment's health and biodiversity, while pollution arises from human and natural factors affecting public health. It outlines various causes and types of each, noting that population growth exacerbates environmental challenges in India. Additionally, it identifies specific forms of degradation and pollution, including deforestation and chemical contamination.

1. ENVIRONMENT GEOGRAPHY (SGY32104)
ARGHYADEEP SAHA
DEPT. OF GEOGRAPHY (UG - IV)
ROLL NO – UG/05/BSGEO/2019/017
ADAMAS UNIVERSITY 1
1. Write down 5 points on the differences between environmental degradation and
pollution.
Answer –
Environmental Degradation Environmental Pollution
• Environmental degradation is a process
through which the natural environment
is compromised in some way,
decreasing biological diversity and
health of the environment.
• Environmental pollution, including
greenhouse gas emissions and acid
deposition, as well as water pollution
and waste management is deliberated as
global public health problems.
• There are two factors namely:
1. Natural factors such as drought,
storms on sea, land and deserts such
as hurricanes, tornadoes, carina and
volcanic eruptions. These factors lead
to land degradation through erosion.
2. Human factors which include
deforestation, industrialization and
urbanization. These factors lead to
water, air and land pollution.
• There are basically few factors namely:
1. High quantity of Exhaust gases.
2. Deforestation.
3. A high number of industries such as
mining.
4. Chemical effluents.
5. Transport.
6. Unprecedented Construction.
7. Secondary Pollutants.
8. Ruinous agricultural policies.
9. The Population Explosion.
10. Unplanned Land-use policies.
• The main reason for environmental
degradation in India is unparalleled
growth of population, which is
unfavourably affecting the natural
resources and environment. The
increasing population and
environmental deterioration face the
challenge of continued development
without environmental damage.
Population impacts on the
environment are mainly through the
use of natural resources and
production of wastes and are related
to environmental stresses like loss of
biodiversity, air and water pollution
and increased pressure on arable
land.
• The environmental pollution is not
caused just because of carbon
emissions and fossil fuels, but there
are many more pollutions including
chemical pollution in water bodies
and soil due to improper disposal of
agriculture activities and release of
chemicals.

2. ENVIRONMENT GEOGRAPHY (SGY32104)
ARGHYADEEP SAHA
DEPT. OF GEOGRAPHY (UG - IV)
ROLL NO – UG/05/BSGEO/2019/017
ADAMAS UNIVERSITY 2
Environmental Degradation Environmental Pollution
• Types of Environmental Degradation:
1. Deforestation.
2. Desertification.
3. Extinction.
4. Emission.
5. Erosion.
• Types of Environmental Pollution:
1. Air pollution.
2. Water pollution.
3. Land / Solid waste pollution.