An environmental disaster is a disaster to the natural environment due to human activity.[2] It should not be confused with the separate concept of a natural disaster.
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In this case, the impact of humans' alteration of the ecosystem has led to widespread and/or long-lasting consequences.[3] It can include the deaths of animals (including humans) and plants, or severe disruption of human life, possibly requiring migration.[4]
Environmental disasters can have an effect on agriculture, biodiversity, the economy and human health. The causes include pollution, depletion of natural resources, industrial activity or agriculture.[5]