Business affects the environment in many ways; but primarily, the increase in industrialisation and excessive use of resources have resulted in environmental degradation. Also, the discharge of harmful substances into the environment due to business activities has contributed towards pollution. The following are some of the ways in which business creates pollution:
i. Air pollution: It is caused by the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Harmful emissions from chemical industries, burning of coal and excessive use of pesticides have contributed to air pollution.
ii. Water pollution: It is caused by the discharge of industrial wastes into the rivers, thereby degrading the quality of water.
iii. Land pollution: It is caused by the dumping of toxic wastes on land, which, in turn, damages the land and makes it unfit for agriculture.
iv. Noise pollution: It is caused by the noise from factories and vehicles, which may cause serious health problems, including loss of hearing and mental disorders