What is an environmental disaster? How it can change an ecosystem?

An ecological catastrophe is defined as a catastrophic event in relation to the natural environment, which is due to human activity. It distinguishes environmental disasters from other disturbances such as natural disasters and deliberate military action such as nuclear bombings.

Ecological catastrophes – types

Natural: earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis and others.

Caused by human activity: deforestation, fires, oil spills in the ocean;

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are natural disasters. These are shaking, rolling or sudden impact on the earth’s surface. They are the Earth’s natural means of releasing pressure when the earth’s crust shifts. More than a million earthquakes shake the world every year. They change the lives of many species as they can destroy areas that produce food for animals, destroy plant species and animal species.

Floods

Floods have been going on for millions of years. Some floods are caused by fierce storms and hurricanes. Others occur when a dam collapses. Floods are the most costly natural disaster, causing millions of dollars in damage.

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans with blowing winds, torrential rains and raging seawater. New Orleans is located in the Gulf of Mexico, right on the coast. Dams and dikes have been built to protect the city, but they are not enough. The dikes are breaking in several places and 85 percent of the city is flooded. More than 1,000 people die and 100,000 people lose their homes.

Oil spill

The Great Oil Spill in the Coral Reef.

According to the Australian Government’s 2014 report on the Great Barrier Reef, climate change is the most significant threat to the environment for the Great Barrier Reef, as well as impacts from coastal development and some lasting impacts from fishing activities. The reef is also threatened by storms, coral bleaching and ocean oxidation.

Deforestation

People are cutting down forests in order to provide wood, which is used to make many household products, including paper and cardboard. Unfortunately, this deforestation is not well regulated and the deforestation is more than the Earth can recover.

Another reason for mass deforestation is the need for new land for planting crops such as wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables and others.

The fires in Australia

We have all witnessed the brutal fires in Australia and their impact on wildlife. The reason is the prolonged drought and lack of rain. Many people and organizations come to the aid of injured residents and animals. People and organizations take special care of koalas that are in danger, without food and water. These fires are a cry for help from nature, which is suffocating from human intervention and pressure.