CAUSES OF NEGATIVE CHANGES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND MEASURES TO PREVENT THEM

Аннотация

This article discusses the negative changes in the atmosphere — that is, the deterioration of air composition — and the factors causing these changes. It also explores preventive measures, the reforms being implemented by international countries, the vital importance of air for humanity and all breathing creatures, and the role and significance of global cooperation in addressing this issue. Keywords: Atmosphere, air, oxygen, atmospheric air, biosphere, industrial enterprises, greenhouse gases, electric energy, green plants, carbon dioxide (CO₂), global cooperation. Introduction: In today's rapidly developing world, many things have been changing since the formation of the Earth's surface. Some of these changes include environmental transformations, the deterioration of air composition, the rise of modern constructions, the increase in modern technologies, and other similar developments. However, not every change is entirely safe or beneficial. At times, these changes can affect individuals, communities, regions, and even the entire human population. One such issue is "atmospheric pollution," which has now become one of the major global problems. The atmosphere (from Ancient Greek: ἀτμός – atmos – "vapor" and σφαῖρα – sphaira – "sphere") is the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth and rotates with it. The mass of the atmosphere is approximately 5.15 × 10¹⁵ tons, which is about one-millionth of the Earth’s total mass (5.977 × 10²¹ tons). Air is a natural mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, that makes up the Earth's atmosphere. Important geological processes occur on the Earth’s surface due to the interaction of air and water, which also play a vital role in forming weather and climate. Air is a crucial source of oxygen necessary for the survival of almost all living organisms (see: Aerobes, Respiration).Since ancient times, people have used the burning of fuel in the air to obtain the heat necessary for daily life and production needs. In the past, scientists considered air to be one of the fundamental elements of existence. The idea that air is an independent substance persisted until the end of the 18th century. Atmospheric air is the layer of air made up of various gases that surrounds the Earth. It serves as a source that ensures the balance of living organisms and other natural resources. Atmospheric air gives life to humanity and, more broadly, to all living beings. For this reason, it differs from other natural elements due to its unique properties. The composition of atmospheric air includes several gases, primarily nitrogen (78.1%), oxygen (20.9%), argon (0.9%), carbon dioxide (0.03%), as well as neon, helium, methane, krypton, hydrogen, and others. Air pollution occurs when pollutants are released into the atmosphere in violation of regulations, resulting in the concentration of toxic substances exceeding the maximum allowable levels. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is one of the main components of the Earth's atmosphere and plays a vital role in the biosphere and climate processes. In recent decades, problems associated with rising CO₂ levels in the 31 atmosphere have been linked to climate change and its increasing negative impacts.The atmosphere is our life shell, because it contains air, and air contains oxygen — an essential nutrient source for all living beings that breathe. What could be the reason for losing such a precious blessing that we rely on every second? Naturally, the causes stem from human needs. In other words, every benefit often comes with a cost. What we mean is that as long as humans live, they strive for innovations, and as a result, they may gain a lot, but also lose a lot. We can give examples of modern technologies that are leading to the negative transformation of the atmosphere, and we will be able to see how deeply this is affecting our lives: 1. Chemical Industry and Toxic Gases: The release of substances used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries—such as dioxins, benzene, and formaldehyde—into the air poses a serious threat not only to air quality but also to human health. 2. Photochemical Smog: Under the influence of sunlight, car and industrial emissions— especially nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons—react with each other to form ozone. This ground-level ozone creates smog that can harm human lungs. 3. Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) are increasing due to human activity. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. 4. Changes in Land Use: Urbanization and infrastructure development alter the surface of the Earth, which affects how heat is absorbed and released. These changes often contribute to temperature increases in the environment. 5. Radiation Pollution: Radioactive isotopes released during nuclear power plant accidents or nuclear tests can cause severe environmental and health problems. 6. Bi