When the environment becomes less valuable or damaged, environmental degradation is said to occur.

There are many forms of environmental degradation.  When habitats are destroyed, biodiversity is lost, or natural resources are depleted, the environment is hurt.

Environmental degradation can occur naturally, or through human processes.  The largest areas of concern at present are the loss of rain forests, air pollution and smog, ozone depletion, and the destruction of the marine environment.

Pollution is occurring all over the world and poisoning the planet's oceans.  Even in remote areas, the effects of marine degradation are obvious.

In some areas, the natural environment has been exposed to hazardous waste.  In other places, major disasters such as oil spills have ruined the local environment.

CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are the primary cause of ozone depletion.  When industrial processes release these chemicals, they rise into the stratosphere and degrade the ozone.

Acid rain, smog and poor air quality have been the result of air pollution.  Both industrial operations and automobiles have released gigantic amounts of emissions that have intensified these problems.

Deforestation and the logging industry have destroyed many tropical rain forests around the world.  This has destroyed many natural habitats, and the plants and animals native to the areas.

Environmentalists are working hard to combat environmental degradation.  There are countless organizations located all over the world that are dedicated to preventing the global destruction of the environment.