Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (Answer in 150 words)

Volcanism in 2021 illustrated how eruptions are geographically concentrated along plate boundaries and can produce both hazards and ecological renewal.

Occurrences

• La Soufrière erupted in St Vincent and the Grenadines; Cumbre Vieja erupted in La Palma, Canary Islands.
• Nyiragongo erupted near Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Mount Etna remained highly active in Italy.
• Indonesia’s volcanoes, including Semeru, also experienced significant eruptive activity.

Regional environmental impact

• Lava, ash, pyroclastic material and lahars destroyed settlements, cropland, roads and habitats.
• Ash impaired aviation, air quality, water quality and livestock health; sulphur gases caused respiratory stress and short-term cooling locally.
• New landforms and ash can eventually enrich soils, while ecological succession begins after disturbance.

Risk depends on exposure and preparedness. Monitoring, exclusion zones, evacuation plans and resilient infrastructure convert scientific warning into reduced mortality.