Final answer:
Environmental issues cause a reduction in the quality of life, adverse effects on human and planetary health, and impacts to economic and social systems. They require immediate action for sustainable resource management and reduced human impact to protect the health and welfare of all life on the planet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impacts of environmental issues are far-reaching and diverse, with consequences that echo throughout our ecosystem and societies. These impacts include a reduction in the quality of life due to poor air and water quality, as well as adverse effects on human health. Economic and social systems also suffer as a result of environmental degradation, where continued industrial activities have led to the contamination of essential resources like water and soil, thereby threatening food security and biodiversity. Climate change, largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions, brings about shifts in weather patterns, requiring significant adaptation in agriculture, water management, and infrastructure. All these changes necessitate the urgent transition toward sustainable practices to reduce the human impact and ensure the flourishing of diverse life and cultures.