The ways that pollution changes our ability to live, work, play, and do business are all considered social impacts.
In this brief overview, we’ll cover how environmental pollution effects:
Ecosystems
The essential roles that ecosystems play in our lives, called ecosystem services, support our basic human needs for things like food, water, culture, and recreation. Without their proper functioning, our livelihoods are disrupted. For this reason, degraded ecosystem services are one of the major contributors to the overall social impact of environmental pollution.
Ecosystems are impacted by pollution through a variety of ways, such as municipal wastewater, invasive species, eutrophication, noise and artificial light. Learn more about these topics in our dedicated article.
Public Health
Airborne particulate matter, heavy metals, and noise are some of the common sources of exposure to pollution that impact public health.
Exposure to air pollution is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and lung cancer. The estimated annual cost of air pollution to healthcare in the US alone is $820 Billion.
Chronic exposure to heavy metals can cause a variety of negative public health outcomes, such as neurological disorders, cancers, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders and abnormal development in children.
It’s important to consider that the negative public health outcomes from pollution are not felt equally. Risk factors change based on income level, race, and access to technology. Air pollution is also capable of traveling intercontinentally to distant nations that did not create the pollution, but must deal with the health consequences.
For a deeper exploration of how environmental pollution impacts public health, see our dedicated article.
Psychological Well-Being
Pollution may be contributing to the already high rates of mental illness in the US. Air and noise pollution have been linked with depression, anxiety, stress, and negative impacts to cognitive functioning like decision-making, memory, and performing complex tasks.
Though tackling pollution is a complex socioeconomic issue, there is scientific support suggesting an individual can improve their mental well-being by taking action. Speaking up for public policies that matter to you can reduce “eco-depression” related to climate change.
For more information, see our deep-dive article.
Business
Businesses that depend on resources provided by ecosystem services (ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to tourism) are hindered by pollution – though they may also be key players in creating solutions to preserve the common resources they depend on.
Agriculture business interacts with pollution in myriad ways. Some of the most prominent being the loss of pollinators, degraded soil quality, invasive species, and climate change-related droughts and water scarcity.
All businesses rely on people. Thus, there is an overlapping impact of environmental pollution on business with that of public health and psychological well-being.
See our expanded article for an expanded look at how environmental pollution impacts business.