The geography of the United States is as diverse as it is big in
area. From the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico,
one finds mountain ranges, plains, forests, lakes, deserts,
coral reefs, coastlines and just about every other type of
environment. The country’s wildlife is also varied and abundant
with thousands of species of plants and animals, both big and
small. The US is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide.
This contributes to the country’s air pollution problems, such
as acid rain, as well as global warming. Other environmental
problems include freshwater and marine pollution from
agricultural runoff of pesticides and fertilizers, and
industrial discharge. Disposal of waste, including hazardous
waste, also presents a number of environmental challenges.