I believe pollution is the introduction of harmful or toxic substances into the environment, causing negative effects on living things and the natural world. It’s something we often overlook, but the truth is that its impact can be very damaging to the environment, animals, and even we humans. Many times, we normally go about our daily lives without realizing how our actions contribute to the problem, and before we know it, we’re already feeling the consequences.
Personally, I’ve witnessed water pollution many times, especially when i visited a certain place in ibadan. There was a river not too far from where we lived, and it actually turned into a dumping ground. You would see all sorts of things in it—plastic bottles, sachets, wrappers, and even things as large as tires sometimes. It was really sad because that same river used to be clean and calm. But over time, as people kept dumping waste into it without proper disposal methods, it got worse. Eventually, the river became heavily contaminated and started overflowing. In fact, that entire area became prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season, which made things even worse for the people living nearby. The roads would be blocked, houses would get flooded, and the environment became very unhealthy to live in.
There are actually different effects of pollution, especially when it comes to our health and the world around us. One major effect that stands out to me is the increase in airborne diseases due to air pollution. Most times, when the air gets polluted due to the release of gases from factories and industries or even from vehicles, these harmful particles normally circulate in the environment, and we end up breathing them in. These things can lead to serious health problems like asthma and even other other lung-related issues. You’ll even notice that people who live in more industrial or busy areas often complain about respiratory problems, which is actually not a coincidence. That is because they stay in an area and that makes the atmosphere unhealthy.
A simple solution, especially when it comes to water pollution, is just to promote proper recycling and waste disposal. If people could avoid throwing waste into gutters or rivers, it would help reduce flooding and protect our environment. But it’s not just about individuals. I strongly believe the government also needs to step in and put more effort, especially in rural areas where environmental awareness is still low. There should be strict rules and enforcement against improper waste disposal. Different things like waste bins should be provided in public areas, and people should be educated regularly through campaigns and community programs.
In the end, pollution may seem like just another environmental issue, but if we really think about it, it’s affecting every part of our lives—our health, our economy, and even our future. And unless we all do something about it, things will only get worse. The change has to start with us, and it has to start now.
Thanks for reading.