We explain what the environment is and what elements make it up. Also, the causes of its contamination and how to protect it.

What is the environment?
The environment is the space in which the life of organisms develops and that allows their interaction. It is made up of living beings (biotic factors), non-living elements (abiotic factors) and artificial elements created by man.
When talking about biotic factors, reference is made to all living beings that live in an environment (microscopic bacteria, fungi, flora, fauna, human beings) and the interactions between them; For their part, abiotic factors are those that lack life but determine the physical space of the environment (such as air, soil and water) and are essential for the subsistence of living organisms.
Artificial elements include all those created by humans, such as urbanization, culture, traditions. The sum of these natural, cultural and social values at a historical moment and in a particular place constitute the environment.
Importance of the environment
All organisms obtain from the environment all the elements they need to live: from air and water, to shelter and food that allows them to grow, develop and obtain energy. Maintaining environmental balance is essential to maintaining life on Earth as we know it.
Besides, Human beings use a large amount of natural resources in the environment to cover their needs such as clothing, food and everyday objects, among other examples. That is why human beings must know and take care of their interactions with the environment to sustainably manage the natural resources that allow their economic growth and development.
Fauna and flora are of vital importance for the environment since they have an interdependence that enables the balance of species and the development of biodiversity.
The survival of man depends largely on the interactions and conscious use of flora, fauna and natural resources, as well as the development of social, political and economic relations that are part of their environment.
When human beings take care of the abiotic factors (for example, the rivers of a region) and the biotic factors (such as the trees of a forest), they maintain and preserve the future of their species, the future of the rest of the organisms and that of the future generations.
Environmental characteristics

- The environment must be cared for and protected for the development of current and future species. It is studied by ecology which is the branch of biology that studies living beings and their interaction with their environment.
- The different ecosystems are made up of the set of species in a given area and their interactions with each other and with their environment. The species that are part of an ecosystem depend on each other. Thus, the relationships established between them and their environment allow the flow of energy and matter within the ecosystem.
- Forestation is a key piece in the balance of the environment, since trees perform vital functions for most fauna and humans (for example, they are the main producers of oxygen in terrestrial ecosystems).
- Natural resources are part of the environment: They are all the material or energetic elements that exist naturally (that is, they are available without human intervention) and are used by human beings to meet their basic needs and for their economic and social development.
- The natural environment is made up of all living things both plants and animals; and abiotic factors: non-living organisms (water, air, soil, rocks) essential for the life of living organisms.
- The environments intervened by humans also include social, economic and political aspects.
Environmental transformation
Over the years plant and animal species have been evolving and adapting to different ecosystems. The acquisition of characteristics that gave them tolerance to resist in a certain environment has meant that some species have persisted over time, while others that have not been able to adapt have become extinct.
Many of the transformations in the environment occur naturally and do not depend on human beings, for example, changes in the ecosystem that can be generated by the eruption of a volcano or a flood.
However, Most changes in the environment occur due to human action. Man is the living organism that most intervenes in the environment: he not only creates the artificial environment, but also explores, modifies and uses the resources of the natural environment for his survival and well-being.
Although some of the transformations introduced by man do not have significant negative impacts on the natural environment, many others bring about irreversible damage as a result of pollution and destruction of the environment.
Man has been modifying the natural environment through urbanization, the excessive use of natural resources and industrialization.
Pollution

Environmental pollution is defined as the presence of chemical, physical or biological agents in the environment that can have harmful effects on the safety and health of living beings. As the population began to grow and increase its technology, the impact of humans on the natural environment began to be greater and more harmful.
Pollution began to worsen exponentially in the second half of the 18th century after the Industrial Revolution, due to the exploitation of mineral and fossil resources. This way, the balance of the environmental system was lost and for many living beings it was even impossible to adapt to these great changes.
Environmental pollution produced by humans can have diverse origins and affect different elements and organisms in the natural environment:
- Destruction of forests It is produced by the indiscriminate felling of trees that are essential for the survival of living beings. In most cases it occurs due to the expansion of urban areas, the expansion of industrial areas or for livestock and agricultural activities.
- Water pollution It is produced mainly by industrial and domestic waste thrown into rivers and seas.
- Exploitation of natural resources Megamining activities, which include oil extraction, generate waste and put ecosystems at risk.
- Air pollution Industry and automobiles release gases that contribute to global warming.
- Decrease in biodiversity The impact that air and water pollution produces on different species of living organisms generates an imbalance in ecosystems, which leads to the extinction of those species that cannot adapt to changes in the environment.
- Soil pollution The use of pesticides and plastic, nuclear and non-biodegradable waste produces soil degradation.
How to take care of the environment?
To avoid the destruction of the environment and the survival of living beings and human development, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions and actions. First of all, good use of natural resources must be made not using them indiscriminately, and focusing attention on issues such as climate change and the protection of biodiversity.
To carry out this task of environmental protection, it is important that all actors in society become aware and get involved. It is necessary demand that States and rulers promote care for the environment and control the actions of industries, companies and the scientific community.
Also from home each individual can take measures regarding consumption and production, and also change habits and routines towards more sustainable ones such as:
- Use water consciously.
- Do not throw waste on public roads.
- Reduce the use of plastic packaging.
- Use a cloth bag for purchases and thus discourage the use of plastic bags in stores.
- Maintain urban green spaces in good condition.
- Use public transportation or bicycle instead of cars or buses.
- Find out about companies that seek to reduce the environmental impact in the production of their goods and services, and consume them.
- Use energy consciously: turn off the lights, avoid keeping devices plugged in when they are not in use.
- Separate household waste.
- Reuse plastic and glass containers.
- Encourage these actions among friends and family.
References
- “Environment” on Bancomundial.org.
- “Environment and health” in European Environment Agency.
- “United Nations Environment Program” in United Nations.
- “Natural environment” on Wikipedia.
- “Pollution” in Encyclopedia Britannica.