write a newspaper article on environmental pollution

Write an article to be published in a local newspaper in about 100 words on the topic 'Pollution'.

In the modern world environmental pollution has become a concerning issue as it has been causing a lot of health problems not only among humans but also among animals. Due to the industrial revolution from the late 20th century the environment has been polluted to such an extent that now it has become a global issue. In recent time it has been seen that the pollution is increasing day by day. We can classify pollution in many categories such as soil pollution, air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution etc. Though pollution has become a threat to our environment, people are still not trying to control it. In the 21st century technological development in every field is given priority, but on the other hand, people are ruining the environment at the same time to fulfill their personal needs. Deforestation, urbanization and blind race in industrial development are some major causes of environmental pollution. People need to be conscious to save or protect our environment for future generation.

Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the topic. ''Obesity among School Children.'' You are Mohini/Mohit.

You feel that the 'clean india campaign' has not been as effective as you thought it should have been. as ankit/ankita, write an article in 100-120 words discussing the reason for this. also, highlight the measures that a common man and student can take to make it a success., you are ramesh/ruchika. write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the topic, ''life without modern gadgets''., write an article on unity in diversity., write an article on "television as a means of education" in 1 0 0 words..

Write a newspaper about the environment

Writing a newspaper article is a great way for your child to practise their informative writing. Ask them to imagine there has been an environmental disaster in the Amazon rainforest. Then encourage them to write an article describing what happened and what its impact will be.

You will need

• Pens and pencils

How to write your newspaper

• Ask your child to add a title for your newspaper, such as The Daily News, at the top of the page
• Underneath your child can add the editor's name (their first name), price and date
• Write a short summary to introduce the story
• Use a ruler to section the rest of the page into columns where your child can write the rest of the story
• Leave a space for your child to write a picture to illustrate the story.

The story doesn’t even need to be about the environment – it can be about anything they like, such as their sports team or favourite animal.

This activity is a good way of encouraging your child to look at real newspapers and think about how they’re written.

It’s a fun way to let your child practice their writing, learn how to research, and care about important issues.

Watch the video

Non-fiction fun

How clean is the air you breathe?

Write to your MP to fight climate change!

Why non-fiction is important

Get more tips and activities to help your child learn.

Sign up to our newsletter and get activities for your child's age

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Article Writing

Write an article to be published in a local newspaper in about 100 words on the topic ‘Pollution’.

• Article Writing
• Article On Pollution

Article on Pollution

Pollution is one of the most dangerous environmental problems the world is facing today. To stop the impending perils that pollution could cause, it is necessary that we start taking some actions to keep our environment safe and healthy. This article will give you a gist of all that you need to know if you want to write an article on pollution.

Table of Contents

Pollution – types, causes and effects.

• Detailed Article on the Dangers of Pollution

200 Words Article on Why We Should Stop Pollution and the Initiatives Taken to Curb Pollution

Faqs on pollution.

Pollution is the process by which harmful substances (called pollutants) are released into the natural environment. The list of pollutants includes volcanic ash, trash, chemicals released by industries, smoke, plastics, etc. With the advancement of technology and with new inventions, the lives of people have been made easier, but the irony is that these eventually end up polluting the atmosphere, thereby becoming a major threat to all living things which are a part of planet Earth.

Types of Pollution

The major types of pollution include air pollution, water pollution and land pollution. Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere mainly due to smoke from vehicles, factories and forest fires. Water gets polluted when toxic substances like chemicals and plastic waste are discharged into the water bodies, and the process by which accumulated solid and liquid waste contaminate the soil and groundwater are referred to as land pollution.

All of them affect the Earth’s lifespan to a great extent because they tamper with the normal and healthy conditions of the Earth’s environment, which in turn questions the scope of survival of all its inhabitants.

Environmental pollution is caused as a result of man’s activities in his attempt to construct a developed and technologically advanced world for himself. Some of the causes are:

• Discharge of chemical waste
• Plastic waste
• Burning of fossil fuels
• Forest fires
• Transportation
• Use of machinery that emits large amounts of carbon compounds
• Burning of Garbage
• Smoke released from factories and industries
• Marine dumping
• Sewage disposal
• Fertilisers and pesticides
• Radioactive waste

Environmental pollution affects the Earth to an extent that we cannot imagine. Human beings have the habit of taking things for granted. They do not realise the seriousness of their actions until they witness the worst-case scenarios. It is only then that they start thinking about doing something to stop the effects of pollution but little do they know that most of it are irreversible. Pollution of air, water and land pose a serious threat to the well-being of every little thing that inhabit the Earth.

Effects of pollution include:

• Global warming
• Depletion of the ozone layer
• Degradation of the environment
• Infertility of land
• Increased risk on human health, which includes allergies, respiratory diseases, heart attack, cancer, etc.
• Animal health
• Climate change

It is high time human beings realised that if they do not act immediately, there would not be anything left for their future generations, not even what little they had. Measures to control pollution should be put into effect as soon as possible if they need a planet to call their own.

There might be some people wondering about the need to stop pollution when the environment is not so much in ruins as people portray it to be. Well, the fact is that the environment is much more affected than any of us know. Controlling pollution will reduce health hazards, liability risk, economic losses; and provide us with clean air, better lifestyle, clear visibility, safe environment for all inhabitants of the Earth and so on.

Multiple efforts have been taken by the governments of various countries and organizations around the world to reduce the effects of pollution on our environment. One of the initiatives taken by the United Nations is the United Nations Environment Programme with the mission to inspire people all around the world, to work together, to care for the environment, and take steps to improve the quality of life, not just for ourselves, but for the future generations as well. The United Nations has also designated June 5 of every year to be World Environment Day in order to bring representatives of all member nations together to address the environmental problems, to create awareness and to instigate action.

The answer to all the environmental problems the world is facing today is immediate action and consistency in reduced usage of private transportation, machinery with possible carbon emission and proper disposal of waste to start with.

What causes pollution?

Pollution is caused by harmful solid and liquid substances that contaminate the environment. These substances are called pollutants which include chemicals, carbon emissions, smoke, garbage, plastic, etc.

How do you stop pollution?

Pollution can be stopped if we try to

• start using public transportation more than private vehicles so that it reduces the amount of smoke released into the atmosphere
• avoid burning of plastic or garbage
• avoid using machinery that has a lot of chemical emissions
• dispose waste properly instead of dumping it into the water bodies

What are the natural causes of pollution?

Wildfires, volcanic eruptions and forest fires are some of the natural causes of pollution.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Write A Letter To The Editor Of A Newspaper About Environmental Pollution In English

Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra

20 February 2023

The Editor, The Hindu, Mumbai

Subject : Issue of the environmental pollution

Through an article in your newspaper, I would like to draw attention towards the issue of environmental pollution.

Pollution of any kind eats up nature from the inside. It harms the environment and makes it difficult for any form of organism to survive. Environmental pollution is of different kinds, water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and various others. All of this pollution directly affects the quality of life on this planet.

Air pollution and Water pollution is almost commonplace in countries like India. It has been growing to an extreme amount in the recent decades. It has now reached a very harmful level. People should come together to lead a more sustainable life that is not so harmful for the environment. Authorities should also work exclusively to inform people about pollution and its harmful effects.

I hope that the prestigious columns of your newspaper will help reach this issue to the concerned audience and authorities so that this problem can be uprooted from our world.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely,

(Signature) Pradeep Kumar C

Article on Pollution

Written by   piyush bhartiya , mba.

Mother nature observed the transformation of verdant fields into contemporary cities and metropolises as the world embraced urbanisation. A series of natural calamities followed, indicating that something is wrong with the world. Pollution is increasingly being asked about in school and college assessments and competitive exams under the essay component. This is expected to the fact that it is a current environmental concern. This site intends to provide you with the relevant information and tips and tactics for writing an effective pollution essay.

Table of Contents

Essay on Pollution in English

When toxic pollutants are added to our environment , this process is known as pollution. It makes the surroundings harmful for both living beings and plants. Pollution is the result of human activities, whether done unintentionally or deliberately. It has become a significant issue worldwide. Pollution leads to defective childbirths and high mortality rates in many parts of the world. It contaminates natural things like water, air, soil, and so on, harmful to humans and animals.

The pollutants that mix in the air directly affect living beings while breathing it gets into their bodies. Water pollutants are hazardous for living beings as well. Manufacturing and construction units are the prime sources of water pollution. People living near manufacturing factories often bear the consequences of water pollution, noise pollution, and air pollution.

The sad reality is that humans are the ones who are intentionally polluting the environment. It isn’t easy in today’s world to get an utterly pollution-free world. But there is a way to decrease the level of pollution around us by controlling our activities, causing pollution.

Short Article on Pollution

Pollution is the toxins that mix in the natural environment and harm both human beings and animals. Plants also get affected by pollution. There are many forms of pollution, like air, water, soil, and noise pollution. However, there are other forms of pollution, light pollution, radioactive pollution, and so on. Natural and human activities both contribute to pollution. Volcanic eruptions or oil and gas leakage can cause pollution.

Human activities cause most of the pollution. It is because of the commercialization of natural things. Humans turn many natural things into human-made things to satisfy their needs. We use more than our needs, which adversely affects nature. The gases from vehicles and factories pollute the air. The land and water are polluted by solid garbage from factories, households, and so on. In rural areas, agricultural wastes, pesticides cause pollution. The noise pollution is caused by the massive sound of music, vehicles, and machinery. The pollution also leads to global warming.

We cannot completely remove pollution, but we can surely reduce it by implementing a few preventive measures.

To increase oxygen in the air and make the air pure, we must plant trees on a large level. We should use natural things judiciously. We have to understand the difference between need and want. To decrease the level of land and water pollution, we must avoid using plastic bags. We should use vehicles less to decrease air pollution and noise pollution. We should maintain a proper drainage system to protect the water from getting polluted. We cannot stop natural activities, but we can control our actions. If we do so, we can minimize the impacts of pollution in nature.

Also read : Article Writing Format

Article on Pollution in 120 Words

The addition of unwanted substances into the environment that can damage our Earth is called pollution. There are four main types of Pollution; air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution. The careless activities carried out by humans leads to pollution. Air pollution is caused by vehicles that release smoke in the air and contaminate it, making it difficult for organisms to breathe. Water pollution is caused by dumping waste directly into water bodies. This affects the organisms living in the water as well. We dump waste directly into water bodies, which results in water pollution. When we dump waste into landfills, it results in soil pollution. Noise pollution is invisible, but it is hazardous to our ears. 

Article on Pollution in 150 Words

Pollution is a threat to our environment and the living organisms in it. It is quite sad that pollution is caused by the irresponsible actions of man towards nature. Our Earth provides us with food and shelter, whereas we exploit its resources for fulfilling our selfish needs. We become greedy and start using natural resources impulsively without considering its consequences. We contaminate the water bodies by throwing waste into it, which harms the water bodies’ organisms. We have disrupted the natural balance of various gases in the atmosphere by contaminating it with the vehicles plying on the roads. Even manufacturing factories that release harmful gases into the atmosphere contribute to air pollution. When we use pesticides and fertilizers and do excessive farming on a piece of land, the soil on the land loses its natural minerals. Noise pollution can result in loss of hearing due to loud noises produced by factories, jets, airplanes, and other vehicles. It damages our ears.

Article on Pollution Control

Pollution makes the environment dirty, unhealthy, and unsuitable for humans and animals to live. It is caused due to the release of both tangible and intangible contaminants. These can be released naturally or by humans themselves intentionally or unintentionally. Due to toxic pollutants, more than 200 million people are affected. Few countries have defected childbirth and an increase in the death rates. Humans are regularly exposed to pollution when they inhale toxic air inside them.

Pollution cannot be eliminated but can be controlled. Promoting the green environment, proper disposal of waste, and encouraging people to plant more trees are simple steps that emphasize maintaining the order of the environment.

We can take a few preventive measures to control pollution. We should plant trees to curb polluted air and release more oxygen to make it pure. We should always switch off electrical equipment when we aren’t using it. We should use natural energy rather than electric energy. We should use recyclable products whenever possible. We should avoid the use of plastic bags and use paper bags. We should also not waste paper and use both sides of the paper.

We should restrict the usage of hazardous chemicals. We should avoid overusing heaters and air conditioners. Use public transport to reduce noise, air, and light pollution. To control air pollution, we must stop burning crackers during marriages, Diwali, and other festivals.

Article on Water Pollution

Water pollution has many definitions. Generally, it means one or more harmful substances have built up in water to such an extent that they cause problems for animals or people. Oceans, lakes, rivers, and other inland waters can naturally clean up a certain amount of pollution. A small amount of contamination is easily dealt with by the water bodies. However, large amounts of chemical and harmful substances cannot be cleaned by the water bodies independently. This, in turn, could affect the health of all the plants, animals, and humans whose living depends on the river. Thus, water pollution is all about quantities. 

Water pollution almost always means that some damage has been done to an ocean, river, lake, or another water source. Damage from water pollution is often reversible.

The most obvious type of water pollution affects surface waters. For example, a spill from an oil tanker creates an oil slick that can affect a vast ocean area.

Underground rock holds a great deal of water known as aquifers, which cannot be seen. Water stored underground in aquifers is known as groundwater. Aquifers feed our rivers and supply much of our drinking water. They can become polluted, for example, when we use pesticides in agriculture activities and drain into the ground. Groundwater pollution is much less obvious than surface-water pollution but is no less of a problem. 

Pollution affects surface waters and groundwater both.  

Recommended read : Article on Child Labour

Article on Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a form of pollution that affects the hearing ability of organisms. This pollution is increasing only and creates an unsafe environment. When the level of noise increases more than the normal level, it leads to noise pollution. When the amount of noise exceeds, it becomes dangerous for living beings. Moreover, these unpleasant sounds cause several disturbances and create an imbalance in the environment.

In other words, high volume noises are abnormal. Along with the advancement of the world, noise pollution is increasing. Technology has made things easier for people by creating appliances and devices for almost everything. However, people don’t realize this comfort comes with negative consequences. All technological appliances contribute to noise pollution. They disturb the natural rhythm of life and fall into the category of a pollutant.

Similarly, the increasing use of automobiles is a major cause of this noise pollution. Not only automobiles but also other transport vehicles like airplanes, buses, bikes, trucks, and more are also part of it. Unnecessary honking in the traffic and listening to loud music on the way produce high levels of noise.

Furthermore, social events like marriages, parties, and religious functions in places like clubs, pubs, temples, and halls also produce high noise levels. Also, construction activities like mining, the building of flyovers, bridges, and more create great noise.

Article on Plastic Pollution

Plastic is everywhere nowadays. It has become the most used substance. People are using it endlessly just for their comfort. However, no one realizes how it is harming our planet. Everyone needs to be aware of the consequences of using plastics. Also, the government must take strict measures to stop plastic pollution before it gets too late.

The main reason for the increase in the use of plastic is that it is very cheap. It costs less than other alternatives like paper and cloth. This is why it is so common. Secondly, it is very easy to use. Plastic can be used for almost anything, either liquid or solid. Also, it comes in different forms, which we can easily mold into anything.

Furthermore, we see that plastic is a non-biodegradable material. We cannot dissolve plastic in land or water. Thus, more and more use of plastic means more plastic, which won’t get dissolved. Thus, the increase in plastic pollution is happening at a very rapid rate.

Answer: Pollution is the contamination of pollutants and toxins in the natural environment and makes it hazardous for both people and creatures. Plants likewise get affected by contamination.

Answer: Pollutants can contaminate air, water, and soil. Likewise, noise pollution is another type of pollution created by excessive noise and can harm human and animal ears. However, there are other forms of pollution, light pollution, radioactive pollution, etc.

Answer: Yes. We can prevent pollution by taking measures of prevention. The activity performed by nature and humans causes pollution. We can’t control natural activities, but we can control our actions that cause pollution.

Answer: Pollution affects all living beings, from animals to human beings. Plants are also affected by pollution. Young children and older people are more vulnerable to the effects of pollution. 

Answer: The consequences of pollution could make muddy landscapes, poisons soils and waterways, or kill plants and animals. Humans are also affected by pollution and become a victim of many diseases. Long-term exposure to air pollution, for example, can lead to chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, and other diseases.

About the Author & Expert

Piyush bhartiya, piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of iit roorkee, iim bangalore, kth sweden and tsinghua university in china. post completing his mba, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, the boston consulting group and focused on building sales and marketing verticals for top mncs and indian business houses., related posts.

Comments ( 0 )

About Pollution: Letter to the Editor on Pollution | 10 Amazing Examples  

Dive into our curated collection of letter to the editor about pollution. These letters aim to shed light on the increasing pollution issues affecting our planet. Let’s read Letter to the editor on pollution.

Table of Contents

Increasing pollution: factories emitting poisonous gases.

1.You came across an article in a newspaper and became very upset to see the thick smoke full of poisonous gases emitted by chimneys of a factory, which are mingling in the air and causing pollution. You feel strongly about it. Write a letter to the Editor of Hindustan Times, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, advocating the need for a law for the punishment to the owners of the factories which emit poisonous gases

Concerns About Pollution: Advocating for Stricter Laws Against Harmful Emissions.

34, Ganga Colony Haridwar  August 17, 2022 The Editor The Hindustan Times New Delhi Sir Subject: Air pollution -a matter of extreme concern. Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of the concerned authorities and common masses towards the problem of pollution in our city. Among other environmental problems, we have a pollution problem which is on the rise. They are the major source of air and water pollution. Air pollution leads to suffocation, breathing problem and lung diseases when our lungs are choked with polluted air. If the air we breathe is polluted, then we will surely be a victim of such diseases. Factory owners should be aware of this. They should take responsibility for the environment around them. The thick smoke emitted by the chimneys of factories is full of poisonous gases. This mixes with pure air and causes pollution. I think that there should be a strict law to punish the owners of such factories if they do not take the moral responsibility to keep the air clean. I shall be really obliged to you for your immense kindness for providing a little space to my views in your esteemed and widely read newspaper.  Thank you, Regards,  ABC.

Raising Awareness About Pollution Hazards: Taking Action Against Increasing Pollution

2.Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper to create awareness among the masses about pollution hazards.

Urgent Call to Educate the Masses and Address the Rising Environmental Dangers

Ans:- 28 Adarsh Nagar Rohtak July 12, 2020 The Editor  The Tribune Chandigarh Sir Sub:- Environmental Pollution hazards unseen but fatal. Through the editorial column of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the kind attention of the common masses regarding environmental pollution which is the biggest challenge before us. Environmental pollution is the most pressing problem of the present time, but who is responsible for that Only government no. Let me tell you that all advancement becomes useless if a man does not get the very basic necessity of life, i.e. fresh and pure air. And only trees can do this service to man. Unluckily man, in his ignorance, has so far been destroying his very benefactors. There was a time when 50% of the Indian soil, was covered with forests. But man, in his greed, has reduced it to a mere 8% now. Only recently has our government become aware of the gravity of this problem. Various steps have been taken to keep the environment free from pollution. More attention is being paid to afforestation.  In fact, environmental awareness is a social necessity. It is not only the duty of the government but also a social responsibility of each and every individual I shall be really obliged to you for your act of kindness of providing a little space to my views in your prestigious newspaper for the noble cause of the awareness Yours faithfully R. Sharma

Concerned About Pollution and Increasing Pollution in Delhi

3. You are Amit/Asha living in Delhi. Apart from environmental pollution, you feel concerned and disturbed at the rise in noise pollution. Write a letter to the Editor, The Hindustan Times’ on the basis of the points given below in 120 words .

• moving vehicles all the time create noise• number of vehicles has increased manifold • pressure horns, used by motorists• use of loudspeakers in functions• high pitch sound of music systems • causing deafness, mental tension• disturbance, lack of peace• mental and psychologic problems• need to create awareness• need to make a law to control it

A Plea for Action Against Increasing Pollution

Ans:- 15 Hardev Nagar Ghaziabad, 112003 March 6, 20……. The Editor The Hindustan Times New Delhi Sir Subject: Noise pollution the biggest thread to sound health. Let me voice my concern about the rise of noise pollution in our city through the columns of your esteemed newspaper. The number of vehicles moving on the roads of the city has increased considerably causing a lot of deafening noise at all hours. The motorists use pressure horns indiscriminately, and this adds to the already polluted environment, greatly hazardous to the health of the people. Moreover, the use of loudspeakers, especially for religious purposes, goes on till dead of night. The high-pitched sound of music systems, DJs or orchestras, etc. causes mental tension and disturbs sleep at night. One keeps on tossing the whole night and longs for calm and quiet. Students and the sick are the worst hit. Moreover, noise pollution is sure to create many mental and psychological problems. The police and the administration should create awareness among the people against the use of pressure horns and loudspeakers. The lawbreakers should be severely punished. Yours faithfully Amit

Disadvantages of Government’s Decision on Loudspeakers for Religious Purposes: Concerns About Pollution

4. A newspaper article says that the Government has declared the use of loud speakers is valid for religious purposes. After reading that article, you decide to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper, giving your strong views on the disadvantages of the Government’s move and making out an appeal to it to reconsider the decision.

Appealing for a Reconsideration: Addressing Concerns About Pollution

Ans . 86, Geeta Colony, Basant Vihar New Delhi.110022 May 2, 2020 The Editor The Times of India New Delhi Sir Sub: Misuse of Loudspeakers in the name of the region Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of the concerned authorities and common masses towards Misuse of Loudspeakers in the name of the region.  I have read an article in yesterday’s newspaper regarding the Government’s decision of validating the use of loud speakers for the religious purposes. I am writing this letter to express my horror and indignation at the government s decision. Without any restrictions from the reinforcing agencies, the use of loudspeakers for religious purposes has assumed alarming proportions. It is only at midnight when loudspeakers from religious places are silent. But at 5 am the next morning they start blaring again. Loudspeakers, bands, etc., used in marriages add much strain to the people in addition to the daily noise of horns from the vehicular traffic. The authorities have already registered about 90 decibels of sound.  The decision of the government on the premise of interference in the secular aspect of the Constitution will give unbridled freedom to users of loudspeakers for religious purposes. I therefore, appeal the Government to revise this decision I shall be highly obliged to you for providing a relevant space to my views in your news paper. Yours faithfully Suresh Khanna

R.K Singh’s Resentment About Pollution: Nighttime Noise from Loudspeakers for Religious Purposes

5. R.k Singh is a resident of Karol Bagh, New Delhi. After reading the following newspaper article, writes a letter to the editor of a newspaper, expressing his strong resentment against the noise pollution caused by the playing of loudspeakers for religious purposes at night. Using ideas from the article together with your own ideas, write a letter in 120 words.

An Appeal for Peaceful Nights Amid Increasing Pollution: Addressing Noise Pollution

Holy noise—A Great Source of Pollution The Times of India News Service: 10 September 2013 Delhi has already earned the distinction of being the fourth most polluted city in the world. But the residents are victims not only of air and water pollution but also of the noise pollution which is playing havoc with the peace-loving citizens and the students. The playing of loudspeakers for religious purposes at night has been forcing lacs of `Delhi wallas’ to spend sleepless nights. As there is no law against the playing of music and loudspeakers for religious purposes, this liberty is being misused throwing discretion and good sense to the winds.

Answer Karol Bagh New Delhi-110005 August 18,2022 The Editor The Sunday Times  New Delhi Sir Subject: Pollution Caused by the holy noise is an undue advantage sough by ill minded ones. Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the kind attention of the concerned authorities and the common masses regarding the noise made for religious purposes. Tt seems that Delhi has not remained a pleasant place to live in as it used to be a few decades ago. It has earned a bad name as being the polluted city despite using liquefied petroleum gas in its bus fleet and auto-rickshaws. However, the residents of Delhi usually go sleepless at night these days due to another source of pollution—the pollution caused by the holy noise. It is not surprising that we don’t see the noise that is causing deafness to the people sitting in their shops on roads. This noise causes blood pressure and tension among old people and patients recovering in hospitals and clinics. The growing prosperity of the middle class has also made it a little more religious minded. Everyday roads are blocked and the traffic diverted for holding ‘kirtans’ or Jagrans’ at night. During the day, many temples and gurudwaras test the patience of the people’s ears by playing on religious sermons over loudspeakers. The sick and the students are the worst sufferers. I would request the authorities to take the requited measures.  I appeal the Government to make laws that may regulate the use of loudspeakers at night for religious purposes. Kindly provide a relevant space to my views in your esteemed newspaper. Yours faithfully R.K. Singh

Disadvantages of Project: Shahin Chatterjee’s Appeal for Government to Reconsider Increasing Pollution

7. Shahin Chatterjee is a resident of Badli Colony. After reading the following newspaper article, he writes a letter to the Editor of a local news ‘ her strong views on the disadvantages of this project and making gaper, appeal of the Government to reconsider its decision. Using ideas from the given article write a letter to the editor of a popular daily on behalf of Sachin .

THREAT TO FOREST New Delhi: 14 June. The Government has decided to forest down a large. Forest area near Badli Colony to provide housing for 10,000 families. The project is likely to be completed by 1999. However, it is facing stiff opposition from farmers whose agricultural land is also being acquired. (Justify this paragraph)

A Plea for a Safer Environment: Addressing Concerns About Increasing Pollution Ans. 3/24, Rajendra Nagar New Delhi July 5, 2022 The Editor The Hindustan Times New Delhi Sir, Sub: Open threat to the forest and humans due to the Government’s decision. Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of the concerned authorities and common masses towards cutting of trees near at Badli Colony. I am writing to express my horror at this decision Perhaps it is motivated by vested political interests to create a vote bank for themselves. The project will spoil the scenic splendour and sylvan beauty of the colony. It will deprive us of our breathing lungs. Those who conceived this Project gave little thought to the poor farmers whose agricultural land is also being acquired they will be deprived of their livelihood. Their strong resentment and stiff opposition to the project is fully justified. The habitation of 10.000 families means adding 50,000 more residents to the colony. The natural outcome will be water, air, and noise pollution. It will be difficult to provide basic civic amenities of sewerage, cleanliness, etc. I vehemently oppose this move of the government. I shall be highly obliged to you for your act of kindness of providing a little space to my views in your popular newspaper Yours faithfully Sachin Chatterjee

Varsha’s Actions to Protect the Environment and Address Increasing Pollution

8. You are Varsha. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper about the things you can do to protect the environment in about 120 words.        

A Personal Commitment to Making a Difference in the Fight Against Increasing Pollution.

Ans:- 26, Kamla Nagar Delhi March 21, 2020 The Editor The Hindustan Times New Delhi Sir/Madam Subject: Regarding what we, the citizens can do to Protect the Environment. Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of the common masses towards the steps to save the environment. What I can do is renew my bond with nature by recognizing the right of all living things to live on this planet; improve our environmental awareness about the current environmental trends and problems and what needs to be done practicing the 3 ‘Rs’ — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce by minimizing waste. Reuse by using it. Recycle by processing it. Spread the environmental message; support local environmental groups; use our citizen and consumer rights to participate in the formulation of government policies regarding the environment and remind companies to be more environmentally friendly. In these ways, we can help protect the environment. I shall be highly obliged to you for your act of kindness of providing a little space to my views in your esteemed newspaper. Yours truly, Varsha

Want to Read More Check Below:-

76.Formal Letter Sample: Letter to the Editor expressing your views on environmental pollution.

79.Formal Letter Sample: Regarding the Disadvantages of the Project

80. Formal Letter Sample: Letter to the Editor Regarding Introduction of Road Safety Rules

Related Posts

Hard Words : Taro’s Reward Difficult Words in English with Hindi Meaning | Honeysuckle | Class 6 | 2023-24 Updated

Hard Words : The Kite Difficult Words in English with Hindi Meaning | Honeysuckle | Class 6 | 2023-24 Updated

Hard Words : How the Dog Found Himself a New Master Difficult Words in English with Hindi Meaning | Honeysuckle | Class 6 | 2023-24 Updated

Hard Words : A House, A Home Difficult Words in English with Hindi Meaning | Honeysuckle | Class 6 | 2023-24 Updated

Hard Words : Who Did Patrick’s Homework Difficult Words in English with Hindi Meaning | Honeysuckle | Class 6 | 2023-24 Updated

Hard Words : Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger Difficult Words in English with Hindi Meaning | Flamingo | Class 12 | 2023-24 Updated

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings
• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Int J Environ Res Public Health

Media Reporting on Air Pollution: Health Risk and Precautionary Measures in National and Regional Newspapers

Steven ramondt.

1 Department of Communication Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2 Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95344, USA

A. Susana Ramírez

3 Public Health, University of California, Merced, CA 95344, USA; ude.decremcu@73zerimars

Exposure to air pollution is one of the primary global health risk factors, yet individuals lack the knowledge to engage in individual risk mitigation and the skills to mobilize for the change necessary to reduce such risks. News media is an important tool for influencing individual actions and support for public policies to reduce environmental threats; thus, a lack of news coverage of such issues may exacerbate knowledge deficits. This study examines the reporting of health risks and precautionary measures regarding air pollution in national and regional print news. We conducted a content analysis of two national and two local newspapers covering the USA’s most polluted region during a 5-year period. Coders identified information on threat, self-efficacy, protective measures and information sources. Nearly 40% of air pollution news articles mentioned human health risks. Fewer than 10% of news stories about air pollution provided information on the precautionary measures necessary for individuals to take action to mitigate their risk. Local newspapers did not report more threat (Χ 2 = 1.931, p = 0.165) and efficacy (Χ 2 = 1.118, p = 0.209) information. Although air pollution levels are high and continue to rise at alarming rates, our findings suggest that news media reporting is not conducive to raising environmental health literacy.

1. Introduction

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk and one of the largest global risk factors [ 1 , 2 ], with outdoor air pollution estimated to be responsible for almost 8% of total global deaths [ 3 ]. To reduce individual risk associated with air pollution, individuals need to be aware when air quality is poor [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The primary official forms of communication about air pollution to achieve this goal are air quality advisories; however, the information environment is much broader than targeted campaigns [ 7 ]. The broad public information environment is an important determinant of knowledge, attitudes, and other cognitive and emotional determinants of behavior [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], and should be investigated beyond air quality advisories, especially since awareness of air quality advisories often does not lead to behavior change, and air quality advisories are among the least reported sources of information on air pollution [ 4 , 11 ]. Research has found that media, together with sensory and health cures, are the primary sources of information in air polluted regions [ 11 , 12 ]. Information found in the media can increase awareness and change perceptions of environmental risks, such as air pollution, and help individuals with processes that lead to risk-reducing behavior [ 13 , 14 ]. Moreover, consistent with an ecological approach to health [ 2 ], recent research in environmental health literacy argues that messaging must move beyond exclusively focusing on individual behavior change to include strategies that empower individuals to mobilize for the control of environmental exposures [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Media influences which issues the public are exposed to and thereby sets the public agenda [ 18 ]. Agenda-setting research has furthermore shown that news coverage plays a role in shaping public opinion and the local policy agenda, and that this role is more prominent for local-level news [ 19 ].

The current research explores how air pollution is covered in news media in accordance with Wardman’s [ 20 ] instrumental imperative. We examine risk communication as a resource to change behavior in accordance with recommendations from health officials during episodes of poor air quality [ 21 ]. To investigate how messages can change individual behavior, we utilized the extended parallel process model (EPPM) [ 22 ]. The EPPM is commonly used to explain how individuals process health messages, and proposes that for an individual to accept a message and change their behavior, two appraisal steps are necessary. First, an individual needs to perceive a threat to themselves that warrants action, and second an individual needs to perceive themselves as able to avert the threat [ 22 ]. For an individual to rake risk-reducing action, they need to know about both the risk and effective actions they can take to reduce risk. We therefore conducted a content analysis of newspapers, and examined how individuals might process media messages by analyzing how much health risk (threat) and precautionary measures (efficacy information) information air pollution coverage contains. The effective precautionary measures individuals can take to reduce risk from outdoor air pollution include the following: staying indoors, limiting physical activity, or using air filters to clean indoor air during severe air pollution days [ 6 ]. However, it is important to note that while risk reduction is desirable, complete reduction of risk is implausible. In addition, precautionary measures can have downsides, including increasing air pollution risk. For example, some air filter cleaners produce ozone, acerbating air pollution risk [ 23 ]. Moreover, indoor air pollution can also be a major risk to public health, especially in developing countries [ 24 ]. In addition to examining health risks and information about precautionary measures, we examined the potential influence of journalists’ information sources on the framing of air pollution. The manner in which issues are presented or framed in the media affects the perceptions of the public [ 25 ]. Media coverage of environmental issues has been critiqued for lacking substance, adequate coverage and potential solutions [ 26 , 27 ]. The choice of source for a story influences how a story is framed, the substance that is included, and which solutions are provided [ 28 ].

National news was compared with local news from California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV). The SJV is a rural and economically disadvantaged region that lacks resources and access to address environmental and public health threats [ 29 , 30 ]. Moreover, this region is one of the worst air polluted areas in the US [ 31 ]. Latino, low-income and less-educated populations—which are overrepresented in the SJV—have less access to health information [ 32 , 33 ]. For minorities that suffer from this lack of access, news media is the primary and most trusted source of health information [ 34 ]. News media, especially local news media, may be a particularly important source of information for residents of the SJV, since the lack of resources and the geographically-dispersed nature of rural areas such as the SJV make it hard to reach the population through other channels.

According to Ropeik and Slovic [ 35 ], effective risk communication requires more than merely the sending of the message; factors that shape individuals’ risk perceptions should also be taken into account. By assessing which essential risk-reducing information is missing in newspaper coverage, and which messages individuals are exposed to, health promotion efforts can be tailored, creating more effective campaigns. Consistent with prior content analyses of environmental risks [ 36 , 37 ], we hypothesized that (1) newspapers are more likely to report information about threats to health compared to efficacy information to reduce individual health risk. Due to the impact air pollution has on the SJV and the concerns it raises with its residents [ 38 , 39 ], we expected local newspapers to focus more on reporting about air pollution and reducing the adverse effects of air pollution. Therefore, we hypothesize that (2) local newspapers are more likely, compared to national newspapers, to report on the threat of air pollution to health, (3) local newspapers are more likely, compared to national newspapers, to provide efficacy information about precautionary measures individuals can take to reduce the risks of air pollution, and (4) local newspapers are more likely, compared to national newspapers, to report on three precautionary outdoor air pollution measures: staying indoors, limiting physical activity, and using air filters [ 6 ].

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. study sample.

Two national newspapers, the New York Times and the Washington Post, were selected to represent the national-level discourse on air pollution in the media. Two newspapers from the SJV, the Fresno Bee and the Bakersfield Californian, represented local news about air pollution. The New York Times and the Washington Post have high circulation and influential status and are considered to be agenda setters for other media outlets in the US [ 18 ]. Both the Fresno Bee and the Bakersfield Californian are among the highest circulating papers in California’s air polluted San Joaquin Valley, and are the hometown papers of the two most polluted cities in the US [ 31 ].

2.2. News Coverage Selection

The data for this study were news stories about air pollution published in the four newspapers during the five-year period 2011–2015. News stories were obtained from the Lexis-Nexis database for the two national newspapers and the Newsbank World News database for the two local newspapers. Following procedures described by Stryker and colleagues [ 40 ], a search term was constructed. News stories about air pollution were operationalized as needing to include air pollution content in the title and/or first three paragraphs. The following search term was used to collect the sample: ATLEAST1 (air quality or air pollution) AND (air pollution or air quality or clean air or dirty air or polluted air or smok! or fume! or cloud or gas! or exhaust! or vapor or inhale! or breathe! or respir! or emission! or smog or ozone) in any of the first three paragraphs (HLEAD was used in Lexis-Nexis to automate this process). To keep our sample size manageable while obtaining an accurate estimate of the population, a constructed week sampling approach was used. Constructed week sampling is a stratified random sampling technique that is preferred to simple random sampling as it accounts for variation of news content over a seven-day news week [ 41 ]. The current study sampled 6 constructed weeks for each of the five years in which news stories (both national as well as local) were collected, for a total of 30 constructed weeks, yielding a total of 276 articles.

2.3. Measures

We measured threat, efficacy information and information sources. All measures were dichotomous items. Stories were coded as a threat if an article included any information about air pollution being adverse to health. Efficacy was coded if the article included any information about precautionary measures an individual can take to the reduce risks of air pollution. The coding of efficacy information included an additional stage. If an article included efficacy information, the nature of the efficacy information was investigated to see if the efficacy information included any of the effective precautionary measures individuals can take—staying indoors, limiting physical activity, or using air filters to clean indoor air during severe air pollution days [ 6 ]. To examine which sources were utilized in the articles about air pollution, 5 types of sources were coded. The source typology was based on work by Brossard and colleagues [ 42 ] and included academics and scientists, non-expert/citizen, business/industry groups, governmental sources and health, and environmental advocacy groups. All articles were analyzed to see if any of these sources were utilized. It was possible to code for multiple sources per article.

Once the coding instrument was developed, two coders were randomly assigned three sections ( n = 109, 39.5% of total sample) to code. Cohen’s kappa showed substantial agreement (mean k = 0.68) [ 43 ]. The initial interrater reliability was below the threshold set a priori (k < 0.7) for three codes classifying cited sources: “non-expert/citizen sources”, “business/industry groups” and “health and advocacy groups”. To achieve a higher level of reliability, the two coders double coded all articles for these codes and conducted consensus meetings afterward. As a result, the final average Cohen’s kappa increased to a high agreement (mean k = 0.85) [ 43 ]. The remaining years of air pollution news articles were randomly distributed and coded independently by the two coders.

2.4. Data Analysis

To compare differences between local and national newspapers, chi-square independence tests were conducted. A Fisher’s exact test was used in case the expected cell count was less than 5. All descriptive statistics, reliability and chi-square tests were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0.

A total of 276 articles met our selection criteria and were read and analyzed; this included 162 national newspaper articles and 114 local newspaper articles. The New York Times ( n = 98) accounted for the majority of the coverage, followed by the Washington Post ( n = 64), the Bakersfield Californian ( n = 61) and the Fresno Bee ( n = 53). There was no significant difference in the number of articles reporting on air pollution between local and national newspapers (Χ 2 = 3.732, p = 0.053).

3.1. Threat and Efficacy

Threat information (39.9%) was reported more frequently than efficacy information (7.6%) in the combined sample (Χ 2 = 34.626, p = 0.001). Threat was reported more frequently compared to efficacy in both local newspapers (Χ 2 = 15.039, p < 0.001) and national newspapers (Χ 2 = 18.935, p < 0.001). No newspaper reported efficacy information without reporting threat information ( Figure 1 ).

Threat and efficacy information per newspaper.

Table 1 compares threat and efficacy information for local and national newspapers. When comparing local newspapers with national newspapers, local newspapers reported more threat information (44.7%) compared to national newspapers (36.4%). However, this difference was not statistically significant (Χ 2 = 1.931, p = 0.165). Similarly, no significant difference (Χ 2 = 1.118, p = 0.209) was found for the reporting of efficacy information in local newspapers (13.0%) compared to national newspapers (9.6%). When reporting recommended efficacy information, no significant differences were found for the individual risk-reducing behaviors “stay indoors” (Χ 2 = 0.885, p = 0.347) or “use of air filters” (Χ 2 = 0.953, p = 0.652). However, local newspapers did report more on “limiting physical activity” compared to national newspapers (Χ 2 = 5.105, p = 0.036).

Threat and efficacy information in news coverage of air pollution.

* Significant difference in amount of efficacy information about limiting physical activity between local and national newspapers, p < 0.05.

3.2. Information Sources

Reporters primarily used governmental sources, followed by business/industry groups, health and environmental advocacy groups, academics and scientist, and non-expert/citizen sources ( Figure 2 ).

Sources utilized in local and national newspaper articles about air pollution.

A similar order was found for national newspapers. Local newspapers also used governmental sources primarily, followed by business/industry sources and health and environmental advocacy groups. However, they used more non-expert citizen sources compared to academic sources. National newspapers used disproportionally more information sources in their articles compared to local newspapers. As can be seen in Table 2 , national newspapers utilized significantly more academic and scientific sources (Χ 2 = 21.881, p < 0.001), business/industry groups (Χ 2 = 28.189, p < 0.001), governmental sources (Χ 2 = 26.089, p < 0.001) and health and environmental advocacy groups (Χ 2 = 16.680, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the uses of non-experts/citizens as information sources by reporters (Χ 2 = 0.004, p = 0.950).

Information sources cited in news coverage of air pollution.

Note: Each article can have multiple sources. * Significant difference in sources utilized between local and national newspapers, p < 0.05.

4. Discussion

The present study looked at the nature of air pollution reporting in the media, exploring factors in news reporting on air pollution that might affect individual risk-reducing behavior. Similarly to other content analyses analyzing newspaper reporting of other health issues [ 37 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], we found that air pollution stories contained more threat information than efficacy information. It is important that newspapers report about the threat of air pollution to health, as this informs the public on the need for action. However, by not providing any information on what to do to reduce the introduced threat, undesirable side effects can arise. The EPPM [ 22 ] posits that when threat information is high and efficacy information is low, individuals will manifest a maladaptive coping response such as denial and avoidance of information [ 47 ]. While results can differ for individuals, as individual differences, including prior experiences, culture and personality, influence the appraisal of threat and efficacy [ 22 ], our results suggest that current reporting about air pollution in newspapers is not conducive to the promotion of risk-reducing behavior.

This study found that news reporting about air pollution lacked information about effective precautionary measures that individuals can take. Local newspapers in the SJV did not report significantly more about air pollution, threat and efficacy compared to national newspapers, despite being located in one of the worst air polluted areas in the USA, and even though air pollution is a major concern for residents of the valley [ 38 , 48 ]. The results are not entirely surprising, as the relative absence of news stories about air pollution is in line with a recent study analyzing local news reporting about health in the SJV, which also found limited coverage of air pollution [ 32 ]. However, the lack of efficacy in local publications is alarming as public information sources in the region have a similar deficiency [ 17 ], making it plausible that residents in the SJV have insufficient information available necessary to protect themselves from the adverse effects of air pollution. Public health advocates and health promotion experts must recognize the need to balance the structural causes of poor air quality and the actions individuals and communities can take to reduce air pollution-related morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to develop more effective strategies for disseminating information about the health risks of air pollution. National and local news media outlets may be useful partners for such dissemination, as media plays a vital role in the public understanding of environmental risks [ 49 ].

Similar to the content analyses of other environmental issues [ 27 , 42 ], both local and national newspapers over-relied on governmental sources. The high reliance on governmental sources is concerning, as they are likely to present established views [ 27 ]. Moreover, the high reliance on governmental sources is particularly concerning in the current political climate, as governmental agencies are acting in conflict with their goals. For example, the agency in charge of mitigating air pollution is advocating for relaxation of the Clean Air Act legislation [ 50 ]. The relative lack of sources that might present unconventional views limits the range of concerns and solutions presented in the news. This has implications for the policy changes necessary to reduce air pollution (health risk). For instance, changes in tobacco policy benefited from the voices of diverse groups and organizations in establishing public perceptions necessary to mobilize change. Collaboration in news media campaigns to increase the attention the media pays to diverse voices is therefore recommended [ 51 ]. Non-governmental groups, such as health and environmental groups and academics and scientists, should consider similar tactics to voice their concerns about air pollution. Academic and scientific sources were present in less than a quarter of the articles. The primary reliance of air pollution reporting on sources that might not be impartial and lack expertise might not be conductive to the understanding of air pollution by a general audience. Future studies should investigate if these sources cause environmental health literacy misinformation and misconceptions.

Despite its strengths, this study suffers from some limitations. To begin, only a select number of newspapers were included in the current study. It is possible that a selection of different newspapers would reveal different patterns. Similarly, a selection of different news sources (e.g., online news or broadcast) could show different results. However, we are reasonably confident that this is unlikely, because newspapers—and in particular widespread national newspapers, such as the national newspapers (i.e., New York Times and Washington Post) utilized in this content analysis—are agenda-setters for other media sources [ 9 ]. Our coding of threat and efficacy information used simple binary codes. The coding therefore ignores any nuanced tones and implications that potentially exist in the news story. Additionally, coverage patterns could have changed since the time of the study (2011–2015), as developments, such as the WHO campaign [ 52 ] to mobilize people to bring air pollution to safe levels, or the 2016 presidential election and resulting changes at the EPA, could have influenced the coverage. For example, the salient new efforts made by the WHO to convince the public and policymakers of the disastrous effects of air pollution by branding it “the silent killer” might have increased the amount of threat reporting in newspapers. We also did not investigate weather forecasts. Currently, weather reports can communicate threats from air pollution, but do not include behavioral recommendations. Hence, it is possible that the negative coping effects as postulated by the EPPM are more likely to happen. Lastly, our work analyzed air pollution communication using a top-down approach. This risk message model perspective [ 20 ], in which the audience passively receives information, is a simplified view of the communication process. While the message components we examined are essential requirements for individual behavior change, future research should take into consideration additional communication factors, including participatory communication components, that are salient for change [ 21 ].

5. Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that reporting about air pollution in newspapers is not conducive to risk-reducing behavior. Newspapers mostly fail to report on the health impacts air pollution can have. Moreover, there needs to be a better balance between threat and efficacy information—especially effective precautionary measures that individuals can take—in the reporting about air pollution. Given the large impact air pollution has on the SJV, and the impact of local news on public opinion and the local policy agenda, more health-promoting news stories about air pollution would be beneficial. Health promotion efforts should consider the information in the media environment, and develop strategies to enhance the air pollution information environment. Health promotion efforts, such as the breath air campaign by the WHO, might mobilize people into action by increasing the amount of threat information available. However, to neutralize potential undesirable effects, campaigns would do well to provide efficacy information on how to reduce individual risk associated with air pollution. The current reliance on conventional sources of information by journalists might forestall the understanding of complex issues, such as air pollution. Air pollution reporting would benefit from more diverse, expert and impartial sources. News coverage of air pollution consistently misses opportunities to raise environmental health literacy. Health promotion efforts should consider using news media strategically to increase environmental health literacy.

Acknowledgments

We thank J. Wallander and A.V. Song for their expert advice. We thank Nadia Alazzeh, Jacqueline Diaz, Kimberly Huynh, Natalie Pena Marquez and Yesenia Villa for their coding efforts.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.R. and A.S.R.; methodology, S.R. and A.S.R.; software, S.R.; formal analysis, S.R.; writing—original draft, S.R.; writing—review and editing, S.R. and A.S.R.; visualization, S.R.; supervision, A.S.R.; funding acquisition, A.S.R.; All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

A.S.R. was supported by the National Institutes of Health through grants P30DK092924 and K01CA190659.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.