Yes, definitely. With the industrial growth, especially in developing countries, there are more factories than ever before. These factories often lack proper pollution controls, leading to increased air and water pollution. Additionally, the number of vehicles on the roads has skyrocketed, contributing significantly to air pollution. Urbanization has also led to more waste production, and with the rise of technology, electronic waste has become a major environmental concern.

No, I believe that pollution levels are not necessarily higher now than in the past. Thanks to technological advancements, we now have access to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels. There's also a greater public awareness about the importance of recycling and proper waste management, which has helped decrease pollution. Moreover, stricter environmental laws have forced industries to cut down on emissions, and improvements in public transport systems have reduced the number of cars on the road.

It really depends on where you're looking. In many developed countries, pollution has actually decreased thanks to effective regulations and the adoption of cleaner technologies. However, in many developing countries, industrial growth has led to increased pollution. Efforts like the Paris Agreement show there is a global push to reduce pollution, but the effectiveness varies widely by country.