ENVIRONMENTALISM AND ECOLOGISM

Abstract

Air quality is defined by the relative abundance of pollutants such as suspended particulate matter; gases such as NO2, SO2, CO2, CO, and CH4; volatile organic compounds; polyaromatic hydrocarbon; and heavy metals (Ni, Cd, As, Pb, etc.). Air quality is not only a critical factor in determining human health but also a critical regulator of plant growth and development. These pollutants have a cascading effect on agriculture. Some of the primary pollutants, like SO2, NOX, and ozone, have the effect of reducing photosynthesis and energy metabolism as well as producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to raising the temperature of the canopy and interfering with the plants' ability to absorb water and nutrients, pollution from aerosols and particulate matter also results in decreased transpiration. The phenomenon known as "global dimming," which occurs when photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) reaches the earth's surface or the vegetation canopy at a reduced intensity, is also primarily caused by air pollution. This lowers the capacity of the stressed vegetation for gas exchange, carboxylation, and net assimilation. Temperature and precipitation are another two important aspects of how climate change is influencing agriculture. This review paper will discuss the significant effects of global dimming and air pollution on agriculture in a changing climate and on worldwide population health.