ABSTRACT
Environmental degradation has eaten deep into the earth's system, it deteriorates the environment through the depletion of resources which include all biotic and abiotic elements that form our surrounding. The major causes of environmental degradation are human activities which include industrialization, over population, deforestation to mention but a few. Although, there are natural occurrences which include fires, floods, droughts and rising temperatures. The natural occurrences are few and however human activities remain the major reasons for environmental degradation. Increase in the use automobiles and other industries process the number of poisonous gases like Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a colorless, bad smelling, toxic gas, which form part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as Sulfur Oxides (SOx). Others include Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), poisonous gases derived from nitrogen and oxygen combustion under high pressure and temperature, a composition of nitric oxide and smaller percentage of more poisonous nitrogen oxide; Carbon monoxide (CO) is another poisonous gas released from automobiles. Various world environmentalists including those from Nigeria have advocated action to address environmental degradation, however, the challenge of environmental degradation has remained. Environmental degradation is a serious global problem which has further contributed to the scarcity of resources in the society and makes it more vulnerable to waves, floods and drought. One notable implication of environmental degradation for social existence is that it usually disrupts the socioeconomic life of the human population who depend on natural resources for sustenance. Pollution is one of the consequences flowing from environmental degradation, it is divided into different categories; water, air, noise and land pollution. Water pollution for instance destroys the aesthetic values of water bodies, it also affect other qualities of water such as drinking, recreation, swimming; pollution generally is a major contribution to climate change. There have been various strategies to overcome environmental degradation and various legal frameworks have been established, both international and national laws. International Environmental Laws include the various conventions and protocols such as Kyoto Protocol, Bamako Convention and Basel Convention and African Charter on Human and Peoples Right. The national regulatory framework in Nigeria include National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act of 2007 to mention but a few. Nigeria is not the only country that experiences environmental degradation, other countries include United Kingdom, Australia, China and United States of America to mention but a few. The United Kingdom (UK) with over 67 million population and technologically advancement suffers from environmental degradation. According to the United Kingdom National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA) grazing, air pollution and the forces of climatic change have significantly affected the mountainous regions of the UK, this is due to climatic change, rising sea water, temperatures and exploitation of marine resources within the UK marine ecosystems. This assesses also the environmental challenges in United Kingdom and strategies adopted in addressing the menace to draw useful lessons for Nigeria.
