Why Do We Need Sustainable Environmental Remediation?
Human activity has disrupted natural cycles over time by depositing toxins and other pollutants into the environment. They impact everything from soil to water to air quality as they accumulate.
We need sustainable environmental remediation to offset these damages and encourage ecosystems to thrive. Here are five reasons why sustainable environmental remediation is so important for modern society:
1. Safeguard Human Health
Human health is compromised when pollutants damage the environment. Data on compromised areas shows that poor air quality, contaminated water and exposure to environmental toxins lead to a higher mortality rate.
Human beings rely on their environment for the natural resources they need to survive, including food, water, shelter and security. A contaminated environment makes safely meeting these needs impossible.
Studies done on poor air quality also show that mental health and cognitive ability can suffer from environmental pollutants. Remediation is vital for protecting humanity and ensuring the long-term well-being of the human race.
2. Protect Flora and Fauna
Environmental pollutants start small in soil, water and air. Toxins damage ecosystems from the ground up by disrupting plant life and causing tumors and other abnormalities in animals. A damaged environment makes it impossible for flora and fauna to function normally.
Environmental remediation projects which remove toxic waste from soils, water, groundwater, and air can help reduce the total impact of pollution and help ecosystems rebalance. Although remediation projects can be costly, the benefits are seen almost immediately.
Noticing and responding to signs of harm in our natural environment is the first step toward protecting ecosystems and ensuring they remain healthy and thriving for many years to come. Where animals and plants suffer, human beings will, too.
3. Encourage Healthy Farms
Soil health is one of the main focuses of the modern remediation movement. When it’s contaminated, pollutants spread quickly to affect every other part of an ecosystem. Fortunately, soil can be cleaned of contaminants through several effective methods.
Dredging is a type of soil remediation used to treat sediment that accumulates at the bottom of a waterway. Another kind of treatment, called thermal remediation, uses heat to expel contaminants from the soil. Different types of restoration methods are better suited for specific pollutants and landscapes.
Healthy soils act as a natural filter that protect waterways from pollution. They’re also nutrient-rich, meaning they support nutritious and generous yields from farms. Safeguarding and improving soil health is an essential step toward solving world hunger.
4. Preserve Natural Resources
Environmental remediation is an important part of building a sustainable future. Remedial practices for soil, air and water are committed to cultivating healthy ecosystems that ensure our planet thrives for thousands of years.
Sustainable environmental remediation seeks solutions that protect the environment without hampering economic opportunities. The Earth is our most valuable renewable resource, and preserving it builds a foundation for future growth and opportunity.
Remediation agencies are also sensitive to the fact that guidelines impact the present, too. No country would completely shut down production to preserve the environment. The goal is to keep pollution at low levels while allowing companies to make a profit.
5. Stimulate the Economy
Society benefits economically when environmental remediation policies are followed. Medical bills and illnesses are reduced, productivity rises and clear-minded individuals pursue new business ventures in partnership with the environment around them.
Natural areas also often attract visitors, new residents and industries, so preserving them is economically beneficial for nearby towns and cities. Take Boston Harbor, for instance – a 20-year, $5 billion remediation project has led to a return investment of $30 to $100 billion.
Today, Boston Harbor’s fish are healthier, the waterfront is a hub of economic activity and this location is a place of interest for private investors. None of this would have been possible had the harbor remained highly contaminated with pollutants.
Remediation’s Place in Sustainability
Environmental remediation is only part of what’s necessary to protect the Earth from pollutants. While it’s possible to clean soil, water and other natural resources of contaminants, it’s much easier to simply stop them from being contaminated in the first place.
However, remediation is a powerful tool for rejuvenating ecosystems that have already been damaged by pollution. Investing in environmental remediation ensures a sustainable future for all life on Earth – both now and for future generations.
