IELTS Causes and Effects Essay: Environment Topics with Sample Answers

Model AnswerThere is widespread concern that a range of human activities significantly endanger the natural environment. Given that water is essential for life, several sources contribute to its contamination. This essay will outline the causes of water pollution and examine its significant effects on both animal life and human society.

One of the most critical causes of water pollution is the accidental or deliberate discharge of industrial waste outside designated areas. Such waste often contains a wide range of harmful chemicals and substances that not only contaminate water sources but also trigger catastrophic consequences for ecosystems. In addition, harmful human activities, such as the careless dumping of plastic bottles and food waste into rivers and lakes—particularly prevalent in developing nations where awareness of pollution risks is limited—exacerbate the problem. As a result, these practices have devastating impacts on aquatic environments.

Turning to the potential repercussions for both wildlife and human populations, it is evident that many fish and marine organisms mistakenly ingest these pollutants instead of their natural food sources, such as seaweed. This can lead to the death of millions of fish and disrupt the fragile balance of marine ecosystems. Moreover, many nations rely on rivers for agricultural irrigation. For instance, in Egypt, the Nile River serves as the primary source of drinking and irrigation water. A lack of awareness regarding the critical nature of water pollution can result in widespread diseases and lower crop productivity, potentially resulting in health crises.

In conclusion, the discharge of industrial waste and careless human practices are the primary drivers of environmental degradation, which inevitably leads to catastrophic consequences for all living organisms on our planet.

Model Answer

Every year, our planet loses an alarming number of trees, which act as the Earth’s lungs and play a vital role in regulating the climate. This perilous trend, known as deforestation, poses significant threats to our environment. This essay will explore the primary causes of deforestation and outline its potential consequences.

In my view, the predominant causes of deforestation stem from human activities, particularly urban expansion and industrial growth. The construction of new cities or the expansion of existing ones requires the clearing of forested land. Consequently, trees are felled to make way for development. The industrial sector’s insatiable demand for wood and lumber for construction and furniture further exacerbates the problem. For instance, large-scale logging in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia has led to the rapid depletion of rainforests to meet global timber and palm oil demands.

The repercussions of deforestation are dire, leading to a decrease in atmospheric oxygen levels and significant disruptions in the planet’s climate. Firstly, fewer trees mean less clean air is produced. While green plants also perform photosynthesis to generate oxygen, trees remain the primary contributors due to their size and number. Secondly, forests help regulate the climate, so their removal contributes to a rise in the Earth’s surface temperature. The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest plays a role in global warming, which further threatens the survival of numerous species. Finally, the loss of forests destroys the habitats of countless plants and animals, severely affecting biodiversity.

In conclusion, deforestation is a critical issue that affects vast expanses of forested land each year. It is primarily driven by the expansion of urban areas and the demands of industry, resulting in severe environmental challenges such as reduced oxygen levels, rising temperatures, and the degradation of biodiversity.