Pollution, Land

In a general sense, land pollution constitutes the degradation and contamination of the Earth's surface. The thin layer of topsoil that covers the Earth's landforms constitutes an important source of life, providing nutrients and support for the food and fiber needs of the world's living creatures. Land pollution encompasses an overall degradation of this life-supporting layer of soil. This degradation threatens the health and well-being of humanity around the globe and results in a number of environmental problems. The rates of land pollution are growing in the 21st-century consumerist society. Common industrial activities contributing to land pollution, such as mining and industrial agriculture, will likely continue to increase as the world's growing population creates greater demand for resources.

Land pollution is not isolated or contained. It carries over into other areas of the Earth's biosphere—the thin layer of soil, water, and air encompassing the Earth's surface and supporting life. The generation and disposal of waste through industrial production and human consumption that contribute to land pollution also contribute to water and air pollution. However, land degradation and contamination are not naturally occurring phenomena. Rather, these processes are the results of human behaviors and social structures. As such, land pollution is tied to social and economic development. It also unequally impacts communities and citizens throughout the globe, leading to higher rates of associated health and environmental problems for some people. Given this, efforts to ameliorate land pollution will need to be global in scope as well as systemic and sustainable. Examining the causes and effects of land pollution is complex, requiring an understanding of the relationship between nature and society. It is also an important task if a sustainable future is to be ensured for the Earth and its inhabitants.