The Oligarch's disregard for the welfare of anyone or anything but themselves has proven quite hazardous to the environment. The Oligarch corporate heads, however, continue to deny any responsibility for the release of chemicals found to be killing huge numbers of amphibians. They were recently quoted as saying they "strive to preserve a healthy and attractive environment for their families". Nonetheless, amphibians throughout the world are in trouble!
             Over 200 species have been documented to be in decline in the last decade, 20 species are presumed extinct. Amphibians have been on this earth for over 300 million years and are extraordinary survivors. Why then are they now suffering so many extinctions? Scientists have recently proven the amphibians' immune responses have been depressed due to chemicals in their ecosystems. It is the question of how and where these toxic chemicals have made their way into the environment at the forefront of controversy.
             Chemicals make their way into the environment via many paths. Environmental pollution has, in fact, become a global problem. Industrial countries produce up to 90 percent of all hazardous waste, which includes industrial sludges, used batteries, toxic incinerator ash, and
             contaminated medical and military equipment. Illegal dumping, both at sea and on land is a growing concern. Cruise ships account for much hazardous dumping at sea such as garbage and human waste, as well as oil and chemical releases. Serious oil spills and other accidents also occur.
             Groundwater too has become contaminated. Groundwater lies almost everywhere below the earth's surface. More than two million cubic miles of fresh water is stored in the earth, and half of that is within a half mile of the surface. Because so much of our supply of fresh water comes from groundwater, polluted aquifers are a source of potential threat to the public health.
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