Pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the environment which can harm living beings. It can also be seen as the after-effects of human activities that disturb the balance of nature. It is a significant impediment to achieving health, wellbeing and prosperity for all, and to the goal of leaving no one behind.
Air pollution is a global problem caused by both human and natural activity. It includes the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, furnaces and power plants; manufacturing and the disposal of chemicals; and transportation. These pollutants disperse into the atmosphere and can contribute to climate change. They can cause breathing problems, lead to increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and cause skin irritation. They can also contaminate soil and water.
Water pollution is caused by industrial and domestic activities that contaminate water supplies, including rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. It can impact the quality of drinking water and cause health problems such as respiratory issues, eye problems and even death. It can also cause damage to infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, and destroy ecosystems.
Waste is any unwanted material that has been disposed of improperly and can include things like plastics in the ocean, old cars on the side of the road, toxic chemicals from factories or hazardous waste left unattended. This type of pollution has a greater effect on people in lower-income countries and communities because they are closer to landfills and dump sites and often suffer from higher rates of disease and illness.