POLLUTION: A serious threat

I believe that we, as stewards of the Earth, need to protect and take good care of our home and ecosystem. Pollution can come in many forms, but all of them have devastating effects on people and our environment.

Air pollution can carry germs that make people sick. Many people with chronic lung problems suffer from the effects of air pollution. Those with lesser illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or even allergies struggle or could die from the harmful effects of air pollution. Air pollution also weakens our magnetosphere, so we are not protected from the harmful effects of radiation, causing more cases of skin cancer.

Pollution in the form of litter is also a problem. According to whales.org, one million birds and 100,000 marine animals and sea turtles die every year because they ate plastic or were entangled in it in the oceans. Litter is a catastrophic plague that can have a negative effect on future animal populations.

Not only does litter have a negative effect on the environment, but it is a financial drain. The average cost of cleaning litter just in the U.S. alone is $11.5 billion a year. Dealing with air pollution costs the U.S. $131 billion a year. Imagine what the cost must be around the world!

This problem is having a tremendous effect on our planet that can even risk lives. We need to take better care of what we call home.

RICKY LIN

Age 13

Coeur d’Alene