More than a decade ago scientists determined that ozone loss was directly attributable to man-made chlorine and bromine compounds. While we reported in an earlier issue that the ozone hole in the Antarctic appeared to be mending, the hole in the Arctic ozone runs the risk of potentially affecting more people with increased ultraviolet radiation. The status of the rivers of the world is worsening. In Texas, the Rio Grande and Houston's Clear Creek have been placed on the endangered list, threatened by planned flood control projects, pollutants, and over-irrigation compounded by dry weather conditions. The World Commission on Water also reported in December that more than half of the world's major rivers are seriously depleted and polluted.
Fish also appear to be endangered in American rivers.
With drought conditions in central and west Texas and the Southeastern United States, aggravated by increased growth and demand, freshwater issues will become very serious within the next few years. In several parts of central Texas, water wells have already gone dry Rapid species loss has accelerated to such an alarming extent that scientists have considered it as large a problem as climate change and global warming. Deforestation, human development, climate change, carbon-dioxide concentration, and nitrogen deposition are proving to be the leading causes of species loss. 25 species of monkeys, apes, gibbons, etc, are facing rapid extinction due to extreme habitat destruction and hunting. Those of you with that cell-phone against your ear , pay heed.