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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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Home → Glossary → pollutants & waste

pollutants & waste

Substances including mining waste, chemical pesticides, sewage, oil, and plastics released into ecosystems by human activities that affect the quality of air, water, and soil, and the health of human and non-human populations.

Learn more about pollutants and waste.

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