Lithosphere

Lithosphere is known as the outer part of the Earth or the solid portion of the planet. Moving on, the Earth’s lithosphere is composed of mantle and crust. It is vital as it is the source of the minerals needed on our daily living, source of fuels and provides nutrients to plants and animals. Further, it also made the changes in the planet possible. For an instance, in volcanic eruption a new island may be formed over time and the theory of Plate Tectonics explains the motions of Earth’s lithosphere.

The planet’s lithosphere is facing a variety of environmental problems triggered by the human race. For an example, land degradation. It is human induced or natural process which negatively affects to function effectively within an ecosystem. One of the major causes is land clearing or deforestation.  Another known issue is soil contamination; it is the presence of man-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment.  Intentional or accidental dumping of hazardous chemicals is the cause of soil contamination. Both land degradation and soil contamination are affecting the lives of living organisms. When the quality of land is decreased, it affects the society in both socially and economically aspects.

The lithospheric environmental issues are not limited with what were mentioned above. It also includes deforestation, deficiency in minerals and negative impacts of mining among others. It is noticeable that humans are taking minerals from the lithosphere. More often than not, we tend to take more than we really need; taking without the consideration of sustainability.

Problems directly related with the lithosphere are easily recognized even by a common person. Although solutions are logically obvious, the society is stubborn. From the simple reuse, reduce and recycle policy, segregation of garbage to no littering, we rarely follow to these regulations. In a way, we all contribute to these environmental problems. Therefore, it is up to us to change our ways and improve the quality of life that we have.

The challenge here is not only about innovations but also improving the self-discipline and increasing the concern to the environment. The need for public awareness is seen important to properly address the issue.