Exposure to pesticides and toxic compounds is a long-term threat to health. Large areas are desert, or classed as dry lands and getting drier. Groundwater sources are critically low as volumes used far exceed natural replenishment. Populations are growing far faster than water resources can be developed. Salt, alkaline deposits and excess nutrients are destroying soil fertility.
Pollution is a serious problem.
More than 1.2m gallons of oil a year are spilled into the Gulf. Polar regions This area is mainly affected by events elsewhere, but its climate drives the world's weather and ocean currents. Pollutants and radioactivity are building up and threatening the food chain. Polar bears are disappearing as ice melts and fish stocks are being overexploited.