Environmental Protection (Edexcel IGCSE Economics): Revision Note

Business activity can cause a landscape to look like an eyesore

It can take the form of litter, mine dumps or the release of chimney smoke

Prior to plastic bag ban in Kenya, plastic bags could be seen littering streets, rivers and natural environments

Noise pollution refers to excessive noise that causes stress or hearing loss

Noise can come from loud machinery, factories, traffic or even bars and restaurants

Noise from air traffic at Heathrow airport from flights arriving and departing. Impacts local residents near airport

Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, leading to increased air pollution

Electricity stations (using fossil fuels), factories, transportation and agricultural activities all cause air pollution

Up to two million air pollution deaths are recorded per year in China

Beijing and Shanghai rank among the most polluted cities in Asia

This has led to health diseases, such as respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses

Water pollution refers to the contamination of rivers, lakes, and oceans with harmful substances

This can occur because of agriculture, mining, and industrial activities. Pesticides, fertilisers or chemicals end up in water

In Ecuador, pesticide use in banana farming has also been linked to water pollution, posing risks to rivers quality