The first step before tackling an environmental problem is to choose an issue of interest to you. An issue is the broad area of concern.
Every issue presents a variety of problems.
By researching an environmental issue you will be in a better position to select a relevant problem related to the issue. The specific problem they chose to take action on was the effects of pollution on wildlife living on the bank of the River Svisloch, a river which runs through their community. Another group of students from Washington DC studied the issue of toxic chemicals in their environmental science class. When asked to identify a specific problem related to this issue - they selected the use of toxic chemicals used at home. This was a problem, they felt they could do something about.