Environmental Issues in the United States

Despite being an economically wealthy nation, the United States deals with several environmental challenges. These issues pose significant threats to public health, biodiversity, and the nation’s overall well-being, from climate change to pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion.

Understanding and addressing these challenges is important for sustainable development and preserving the planet for future generations. Let us learn more about the environmental issues faced by the country.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Overview

Environmental issues in the United States include various challenges that impact the natural world, human health, and the economy. Due to their potential long-term effects, these issues have gathered significant attention from policymakers, activists, and the public. These issues require efforts from the government, society, and individuals to promote sustainable practices and spread awareness. Collaboration at local, national, and international levels is required to conserve and protect the environment and secure a sustainable future for future generations.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Top 6 Environmental Issues the US Is Facing in 2024

The United States has been facing various environmental issues that need immediate attention. These issues were significant in the past and are likely to stay relevant in the coming years too. Given below are the top 6 environmental issues faced by the United States.

Serial No.	Environmental Issue
1	Air Pollution
2	Water Pollution
3	Water Shortages
4	Wildfire
5	Food Waste
6	Plastic Pollution

Environmental Issues in the United States: Air Pollution

After China, the US is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide. In 2021 alone, about 67 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere, mainly from the transportation and electric power sectors. The country’s electric power sector emissions from coal increased for the first time since 2014 in 2021 as well.

• The American Lung Association recently found that 4 in 10 individuals (accounting for about 135 million people) are currently living in areas with unhealthy and polluted air. While the main cause is the burning of fossil fuels, wildfires and prolonged pollen seasons are also involved in the degradation of air quality.
• The Clean Air Act (CAA), adopted in 1970, is a US federal law that sets specific limits on the concentration of hazardous pollutants.
• In August 2022, the Biden Administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act. It is expected to help cut greenhouse gas emissions in the US by around 40% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade and bring the country closer to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Water Pollution

Approximately half of the country’s rivers and streams (more than 700,000 miles of waterways) and more than one-third of its lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking. In the US, agricultural pollution is the major source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes as well as a major contributor of contamination to estuaries and groundwater.

• According to a report released in August 2022 by California’s State Water Resources Control Board, in the Western state alone, nearly one million people face possible long-term health conditions from drinking water containing unsafe levels of arsenic and nitrate. The audit found that 371 of California’s water systems contained high levels of toxic chemicals that can result in long-term, negative health risks including liver and kidney problems as well as cancer.
• According to a study published in The Lancet, water pollution alone killed more than 500,000 people in 2019 and makes about 1 billion people sick every year, especially among low-income communities. Every year, approximately 3.5 million Americans contract health issues such as skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections, and hepatitis from sewage-laden coastal waters, according to EPA estimates.
• The Clean Water Act of 1972 established the basic structure for regulating the release of pollutants into the waters and regulating quality standards for surface waters.
• The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the main federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water across the nation by protecting aquifers, the main source of drinking water.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Water Shortages

Water scarcity has been and will continue to be a crucial environmental issue for the US as drought seasons become more prolonged and severe. Water levels have crawled down at a dangerous speed at Lake Mead, a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the southwestern US (about 40 million Americans depend on it). Droughts in the US have had severe impacts on agriculture and water reserves. The country has been experiencing continuous droughts over the last 20 years and each of them has caused billions of dollars in economic loss.

• In July 2022, nearly 230 million acres of crops were found to be undergoing drought conditions.
• Ageing infrastructure and deteriorating water delivery systems including pipes and mains cost the US an estimated 2.1 trillion gallons of lost drinkable water each year.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Wildfires

In the US, a typical fire season that used to last for four months on average is now lasting nearly double that time because of climate change. In 2020, the country experienced one of the largest wildfires in history, which lasted for the entire year. These wildfires affect parts of California, Oregon, and Washington state.

• A 2017 report found that careless human activities were the cause of about 84% of all wildfires in the US and resulted in 44% of the total area burned. This includes abandoned cigarettes, campfires, barbecues that were not put out properly, and the pyrotechnic devices used to reveal a baby’s gender at gender reveal parties.
• In 2022, 7 out of 15 most polluted cities in the US were located in California, a state that was most affected by severe fires that season.
• The 2021 wildfires that affected most of the southwest US were visible from the east coast, and near-surface smoke from it led to hazy and even smog conditions.
• To establish healthy and strong forests and communities that can adapt themselves to these fires, the state set up the California Wildfire and Forest Management Task Force. This task force is in charge of developing a plan to apply efforts to reduce wildfire risk for vulnerable communities, improve the health of forests and wildlands, and accelerate action to fight climate change.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Food Waste

As the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports, about 6-8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stopped wasting food. In the US alone, the production of lost or wasted food generates the equivalent of 37 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Food waste in America has skyrocketed in recent years, tripling in just five decades and it is now estimated to be 30-40% of its entire food supply, valued between US $161 and $218 billion.
• Food production is one of the most water-intensive practices as growing crops requires large amounts of water. In the US, agriculture alone is responsible for 80% of all water consumed, and it is estimated that between 21% and 33% of it is wasted every year.
• Almost 40% of food in the US is wasted, 37 million Americans and 11 million children are considered to be food insecure.
• In 2015, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal alongside a series of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing climate and environmental impacts associated with food loss and waste while improving food security and saving money for families and businesses.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Plastic Pollution

The US is also currently responsible for 232 million metric tons of greenhouse gases every year, the equivalent of 116.5 gigawatts of coal plants. The recycling infrastructure in the US has been unable to keep up with the growth of plastic production, and they estimate that 1.13-2.24 million metric tons of waste are leaked into the environment and oceans each year. This includes everything from plastic bottles and straws to packaging, most of which are made from fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to decompose.

• Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies has been increasingly popular in several US states as a solution for plastic pollution. An EPR legislates that the responsibility and costs of disposing of packaging materials and waste lie with the producers and manufacturers that made them, as opposed to consumers.
• In August 2014, California became the first state to enact legislation imposing a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at large retail stores. States such as Hawaii and New York followed suit, mandating plastic bag bans on grocery stores and other retailers in 2015 and 2019 respectively.

Environmental Issues in the United States: GEO-6 Regional Summary for North America

The North American Regional Assessment aimed to identify key regional environmental issues, trends, and states, providing insights for the GEO-6 (Global Environmental Outlook) process. The North American Regional Assessment used input from the Regional Environmental Information Network (REIN) conference in May 2015, where experts and government representatives identified regional priorities.

Environmental conditions in North America have significantly improved over time due to investments in policies, institutions, data collection and assessment, and regulatory frameworks. However, in recent years environmental challenges have emerged that are proving harder to manage within existing policy frameworks. They pose risks to human well-being and ecosystems. New approaches have emerged to manage these problems, aiming to reduce risks and achieve sustainable transformations. Evidence shows their potential to address these challenges effectively.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Conservation Organizations in the United States

The United States is home to numerous conservation organizations dedicated to protecting the environment and natural resources. Some active and important ones are:

• The Nature Conservancy: This organization works to preserve lands and waters worldwide, undertaking conservation projects and collaborating with governments, businesses, and local communities.
• Sierra Club: Known for its advocacy work, the Sierra Club promotes environmental conservation and addresses issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and public land protection.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF) US: A branch of the global WWF network, this organization works to conserve wildlife and habitats, address threats to biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices.
• Defenders of Wildlife: This organization focuses on protecting endangered species and their habitats, advocating for wildlife conservation policies, and engaging in habitat restoration projects.
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): EDF focuses on solving environmental problems through science, economics, and advocacy. It works on issues such as climate change, oceans, ecosystems, and health.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Environmental Activism in the US

Environmental activism in the United States involves individuals and groups dedicated to protecting the environment. This activism takes various forms, from grassroots movements addressing local environmental concerns to youth-led initiatives for climate action. Legal advocacy and litigation are put in effect to enforce environmental regulations and protect natural habitats. Online and offline protests serve to raise awareness and force decision-makers to address urgent environmental issues. Additionally, community organizing efforts focus on empowering marginalized communities impacted by environmental degradation. Corporate accountability campaigns target unsustainable practices, aiming to promote corporate responsibility and sustainable development. Collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, indigenous communities, and policymakers, fosters collective action and knowledge sharing to address environmental challenges.

Environmental Issues in the United States: Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Tips

An eco-friendly lifestyle involves sacrifices and making choices that reduce one’s environmental impact and promote sustainability. The following can be done to have an eco-friendly lifestyle:

• Reduce what you use, reuse items when possible, and recycle materials like paper, glass, plastic, and metal.
• Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and install water-saving devices like low-flow faucets and toilets. Collect rainwater for outdoor use if possible.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and consider installing solar panels or using renewable energy sources.
• Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation whenever possible to reduce carbon emissions from driving.
• Start a compost bin for food scraps and yard waste to reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
• Stay informed about environmental issues and share knowledge with friends, family, and community members to inspire positive change.

Conclusion

The environmental challenges faced by the United States require urgent and effective action. From water pollution to plastic pollution, these issues pose threats to public health, ecosystems, and the economy. Existing regulations like the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act have made positive impacts but more effective measures are needed for mitigation of the impacts of environmental degradation. By prioritizing environmental protection and promoting conservation efforts, the United States can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable society for future generations.

FAQs: Environmental Issues in the United States

Name a law implemented by the state against air pollution

The Clean Air Act (1970) is a US federal law that sets specific limits on the concentration of hazardous pollutants.

Which states are affected during wildfires?

Forest wildfires affect parts of California, Oregon, and Washington state.

When was the Clean Water Act established?

The Clean Water Act was established im 1972.

Which country is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide?

China is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide.