Everything you didn't know about the environment

The combination of all the geographical areas of the planet
results in a variety of environments; for example, cold,
warm and temperate climates. 

We always talk about the environment as an abstract term, but what does the word actually encompass and what are currently the main threats to the environment?

Components of the environment 

The environment is home to all components, both biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (inorganic matter) which surround every species and allow them to live. Our environment is our life support as is all its components: air, water, air, rocks, plants, animals, etc.
The nature and ecosystems of our planet works as an integrated system. This means that there are numerous processes and interrelated constantly changing components in operation. Air, water, rocks and living things are in constant interaction.

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living
beings and the functioning of all ecosystems. 

Components of the Earth System 

Among the components that make up the Earth system, called "geographical areas", are the lithosphere (surface layer of the solid Earth), the atmosphere (gaseous layer that surrounds the earth), hydrosphere (formed by seas, lakes and rivers ) and the biosphere (plants and animals).
All are connected and affect each other. For example, in the lithosphere is the vegetation (biosphere) that needs nutrients and water to live, and in turn the same vegetation serves as food for animals.

The infinite combinations of all of these factors result in the varied environments of our planet. There are mountainous terrains, plains and plateaus; cold, warm and temperate climates; regions where rainfall is abundant and others where there is almost no rain. And of course, human societies use and exploit these natural resources and by doing so - modify and bring changes to the environment. The environment includes both natural elements and those created by man (roads, cities, bridges, canals). With a handful of modifications to our ecosystems, a variety of environments arise.

Threats to the environment

Now the environment, key to our survival, is being dangerously affected by human activities.
There are countless factors that are threatening our environment. Some of them are:

• Changes and degradation of biodiversity. Human activities cause drastic changes in biodiversity and the environment; on a small scale, such as problems in the biodiversity of an area because of pollutants, and globally, for example on the effects of global warming on the biodiversity. There is no doubt that human activities such as industrial chemical processes or the unlimited felling of trees cause serious damage to the environment and change the life cycle of living beings that are part of it, not to mention the immediate disasters they can cause to our ecosystem (oil spills, nuclear radiation, etc.).
• Human activities related to chemical industrial processes have also led to what is known as a hole in the Ozone Layer. This layer in our stratosphere is central to absorbing solar radiation in the form of ultraviolet rays and transforming it into heat. The depletion of the Ozone layer has left all living beings and the environment at the mercy of ultraviolet rays. It is caused mainly by the emission of CFCs and HCFCs  and ODS. 

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