Final answer:
Both air and water pollution are mainly a result of human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels that cause air pollution and the runoff of harmful substances into water bodies causing water pollution. These actions lead to environmental damage and health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Air and water pollution are predominantly the consequences of human behavior rather than natural events. First, the majority of outdoor air pollution arises from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels are burned by power plants, vehicles, and various industrial processes, all of which release significant amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. This behavior leads to various detrimental environmental effects, including acid rain, global warming, and harmful air quality that affects human health.
Secondly, water pollution is often caused by human activities including the discharge of industrial waste, the runoff of pesticides and fertilizers from agriculture, and improper disposal of hazardous household substances. The infiltration of these contaminants into water systems significantly degrades the quality of water, making it harmful for human consumption and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, while natural events can contribute to pollution, it is human actions that are the primary drivers of these environmental issues.