Paper Contents
Abstract
Environmental pollution has emerged as one of the most critical global challenges of the 21st century, with far-reaching consequences for human health, ecosystems, and sustainable development. The exponential rise in industrialization, urbanization, and population growth has resulted in unprecedented levels of air, water, soil, noise, light, and plastic pollution. These forms of pollution are intricately linked, intensifying climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic instability. This article provides a comprehensive review of pollution dynamics across global, South Asian, and Sri Lankan contexts. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the study examines sources, types, and consequences of pollution, focusing on impacts on human health and ecosystems, while also analyzing policy responses and sustainable solutions. Findings underscore that while global effortssuch as the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goalsare critical, region-specific approaches are equally necessary. In particular, South Asian countries face unique challenges due to rapid urbanization, weak governance, and limited infrastructure for pollution control. The article argues for integrated, science-based, and participatory approaches to pollution management, highlighting the importance of policy enforcement, technological innovation, and community engagement. Ultimately, mitigating pollution is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for safeguarding public health and ensuring socio-economic resilience.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 kosala kulathunga. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
