Summary

Twelve serious environmental problems faced past societies and still face today’s societies. The rapid destruction of natural habitats through deforestation puts the ecology at risk and represents loss for humans because of the wood and other raw materials as well as the protection to the eco-system that they provide. A large segment of the earth’s wetlands have been destroyed. The wetlands are crucial for maintaining the quality of water supplies and freshwater and marine fisheries. The destruction of coral reefs is a major contributor to climate change.

The demand for fish and seafood is steadily rising. Over two billion people depend on fish for their main source of food and protein. If marine fisheries were managed properly this renewable source could be maintained at optimum numbers and there would...