Evaluating the Potential Impact of Global Warming on the UAE Residential Buildings
In the article called Evaluating the Potential Impact of Global Warming on the UAE Residential Buildings, the author focuses on the negative consequences of global warming on the situation in the United Arab Emirates (Radhi, 2009). The effects specifically concern the built environment and the requirements for energy use in buildings with air-conditioning. The hot climate in the country also negatively contributes to problem-solving. In the study, the focus is made on Al-Ain city to discuss and evaluate energy use, as well as investigate the patterns of energy consumption. The given evaluation is necessary for defining and outlining the most efficient strategies for reducing and preventing the influence of climate changes on the overall meteorological and environmental situation in the city.
The paper pays attention to residential buildings to state that global temperature increase influences a higher level of energy consumption. Specifically, provided the temperature in the city raises by almost 6 %, the energy consumption will also augment by 23.5 %. Carbon-dioxide emissions could be significantly higher during the next several decades. The results of the study demonstrate that the new design of energy consumption system, including thermal mass and thermal insulation, is indispensable to reducing the effects of global warming whereas glazing systems and window areas are advantageous and highly sensitive to the new climatic conditions. Additionally, new systems can reduce the amount of net carbon dioxide emissions.
The paper provides an extensive account of climatic, chemical, and engineering processes that contribute to the problem of environmental pollution in the United Arab Emirates, and, therefore, the article is of great use for further research studies in the field.
Indoor Air Pollutants and Health in the United Arab Emirates
The article under analysis is called Indoor Air Pollutants and Health in the United Arab Emirates and is dedicated to the evaluation of the impact of indoor air pollutants on health in the United Arab Emirates (Yeatts et al. 2012). Additionally, it discusses the lack of research on the health-risks of unstable environmental situations in the region, particularly in countries with a low level of economic development. The authors aim to provide data on multiple factors of indoor air exposure through population-based research of indoor air pollutants and their influence on the physical wellbeing of Arabian people. The research premises on a cross-sectional study that defines 628 households in the UAE and such indoor air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide.
Further in the article, the scholars also pay closer attention to the connection between health-related disorders and indoor air exposures to define such symptoms as wheezing, asthma, and speech-restricting wheeze. There is also a positive correlation between the above-enumerated air pollutants and other respiratory symptoms, including difficulty with breathing, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Additionally, tobacco smoking has been discovered as one of the precursors of the increased ratio of air pollution in the Middle East region. The scholars provide a valuable note concerning related research in the field to support the validity of their study. In conclusion, the authors have highlighted a variety of indoor air pollutants in a densely populated region. The small percentage of the participants has proved the positive correlation between respiratory syndromes and the high foci of chemical substances emitted into the air. The importance of the research consists of developing a strong scientific foundation for further studies in the field of healthcare and environmental pollution.
The burden of Disease Attributed to Anthropogenic Air Pollution in the United Arab Emirates: Estimates Based on Observed Air Quality
The main topic of the article called Burden of Disease Attributed to Anthropogenic Air Pollution in the United Arab Emirates: Estimates Based on Observed Air Quality focuses on the influence of particulate matter and ozone on the development of diseases in the United Arab Emirates, a promising and economically prosperous country which attains much importance to the environmental challenges (Li et al., 2010). This is of particular concern to the problems with proper air quality management. Insufficient control of air quality is predetermined by ambient measurement for air pollutants reduction, degraded visibility, and problems with media spread. Vehicle traffic and excess energy use are also among the leading precursors of inappropriate air quality.
To research the problem, the scholars refer to a mixed-method approach to diagnose the environment and define the previously considered correlations between the burden of disease and related environmental problems. By summarizing the evidence on the ecological situation and habits pursued by the population in the UAE, the authors introduce several equations and hypotheses that need to be proved and validated. The estimation relies on the degree of pollution that premises on the observed air quality data. The estimates have proved the evident connection between lethal outcomes and premature deaths related to the exposure rates of particulate matter and ozone. Despite the inaccuracies in the estimations, the article has provided several conclusions. Specifically, it has been discovered that ambient hair pollution has caused a great number of deaths in the country in 2007. Additionally, the research has found that PM leads to much more serious lethal outcomes as compared to ozone. Therefore, the article introduces valuable information that could be used for further research on the influence of air pollution on the increasing number of diseases.
UAE at the Forefront of Economic Protection
The article under consideration is called UAE at the Forefront of Economic Protection and is dedicated to the new legal regulations imposed on the production and impact of chemical substances used in agriculture to prevent water and air pollution (UAE at the Forefront of Economic Protection 2002). The UAE government has introduced legal restrictions to control the emission of dangerous gases into the air. Additionally, the law reinforces the regulations prohibiting the utilization of 57 insecticides applied in agriculture. The legal system also encourages using natural substances and imposes limits on the production of chemical substances in the region. Import of chemicals is also banned on the territory of the UAE. Instead, the government focuses more on planting and cultivating various kinds of substances. A series of regulations have been created to control the shipment processes, which can prevent the emission of oil into the sea. All these regulations ensure the country’s substantial growth and development, as well as improve the ecological situation.
At the beginning of the article, the paper refers to the background information explaining the current changes in the legal regulations. Specific attention is given to the analysis of the UN General Assembly in 1972 when the World Environment Day has been established to raise the population awareness of the ecological situation and take measures to improve the ecology of the region. UN Environment Program has also been launched to regulate environmental issues. Further discussion resorts to the estimation of various agreements and conferences devoted to the consideration of recent shifts in managing air pollution issues in the United Arab Emirates. The newly concluded contracts have promoted new perspectives for enhancing climate conditions and developing agriculture.
References
Li, Y., Gibson, J. M., Jat, P., Puggioni, G., Hasan, M., West, J., Vizuete, W., et al. (2010). Burden of Disease Attributed to Anthropogenic Air Pollution in the United Arab Emirates: Estimates Based on Observed Air Quality Data. Science of Total Environment. 400, 5784-5793.
Radhi, H. (2009). Evaluating the Potential Impact of Global Warming on the UAE Residential Buildings – A Contribution to Reduce the CO2 emissions. Building and Environment. 44, 2451-2462.
UAE at the Forefront of Economic Protection. (2002). UAE Interact. Web.
Yeatts, K. B., El-Sadig, M., Leith, D., Kalsbeek, W., Al-Maskari, F., Couper, D. et al. (2012). Indoor Air Pollutants and Health in the United Arab Emirates. Environmental Health Perspectives. 120(5), 687-694.
ASHP is recognized as a national-level agency that is committed to functioning collaboratively and as a multisector to control the pollution crisis within the United States and its impact on the economy and people’s health. The organization seeks to run its goals for the benefit of the general public and especially older adults with weak immune systems and who can develop cardiovascular diseases. The organization promotes a green environment by advocating for low carbon emissions and a socially inclusive and resource-efficient economy. To the organization, the road to a green economy requires advocating for a macroeconomic approach in the promotion of sustainable economic growth. The organization demonstrates the approaches that promote the green economy in the US as well. Land and water bodies will also be impacted by the rate of the greening of the sectors of energy, for instance, reduced rate of emission of greenhouse gases.
Practices that Make ASHP an Earth-Friendly Organization
The organization encourages as many companies and industries as possible to consider venturing on the eco journey. Some of the most preferred sources include geothermal systems, relying on solar panels and wind turbines. With the introduction of bottle recycling machines where bottles are deposited and, in turn, one is paid. The organization has been mobilizing and creating awareness of these machines and where they are found. The organization makes awareness concerning the effects of greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, and other nonbiodegradable products on aquatic life as well. This is important as there exist certain levels of environmental conditions by which aquatic life survives. Lastly, paid staff and volunteers always engage in environmental conservation through tree planting and discouraging deforestation.
The promotion of organic farming is a good strategy as it ensures that there are no synthetic fertilizers used that are nonbiodegradable and are likely to cause land, water, and air pollution. The pollution pauses dangers to aquatic life and as well to human beings. ASHP encourages its members to minimize carbon emissions by relaying or traveling on bicycles from home to work. This strategy that is possible will be of significance, especially in urban areas where there is usually a high number of automobiles. Setting up home-based plants is one way to ensure that green initiative is possible as well. Home-based plants play significant importance that ranges from the beauty of the landscape to the purification of the air.
Mission Statement for the Organization
The organization is aiming towards engaging several creative individuals within and outside America. These individuals include innovators and celebrities to help in channeling its aims.
ASHP will always act as an officially recognized organization through which commands are channeled, and the members are able to take action against individuals who still contribute to pollution.
The organization is geared toward the promotion of bringing various societal sectors, that include science, economics, business, and culture, together to push for the common goal of reduction of activities that leads to high emission of unfriendly wastes into the air.
The organization is purposed to inspire newly elected leaders to act as examples and lead the way in the promotion of a green economy that is sustainable for all American citizens.
The organization is concerned with the future state of America. It is concerned about whether it will continue to maintain the state of zero carbon emission. It is for these reasons that the organization empowers and educates the young individuals of the next generation.
In the daily activities of the organization, its leaders, members, or volunteers are supposed to act and conduct promotes its sustainable goals in line with the laws of the US.
Through powerful means of conveying messages, such as the use of arts, the organization constantly makes American citizens aware of the right things and activities that promote a green economy.
Volunteer Program
Costa Rica is recognized as a country in Central America that is rainforested and rugged. The country is served by the coastal lines of the Pacific and the Caribbean ocean. The volunteer team was to clean the beaches at their shallow depths. To avoid bad weather, summertime will be the best to conduct the clean-ups. The activities to be carried out include; the reduction of landfill waste. This should be done using burlap or canvas bags. The activity is meant to promote learning and acquisition of various skills in environmental conservation.
Types of Volunteer positions
The team of volunteers has to entail a group of both skilled and nonskilled personnel. The unskilled are expected to learn significant techniques from the individuals who are the members of the organization. The activities that are to be carried out will be costly since the program is to take one week. As of the moment, the organization has received the total required amount for the operation. Some of the fundraisers include environmental agencies such as the United Nations Environmental programs. Some of the money was raised by the organization.
A properly trained coach on marine conservation will aid in teaching the volunteers how reefs and beaches are cleaned, how maintenance tasks are carried out, how to participate in scientific scuba dives, and lastly, the coach will teach the volunteers how to take care of nurseries that re found underwater and how one may participate in the replanting process of the nursery plants.
Training Received by the Volunteers
When waste becomes too much in the ocean, this condition will likely lead to a lack of ocean aeration, which will lead to the growth of algae, creating an environment that is unfavorable for the survival of marine life. Additionally, a lack of oxygen in the water due to contamination, leading to the warming up of the water below and bleaching of the coral reefs, will then result. With the effects on the coral reefs, such as bleaching, marine animals are likely to starve to death. The coach will have to teach the volunteers how to dive and the precautions to take while underwater.
Recruitment Process
The clear, unified message is a great step in the recruitment process as it introduces the image of the organization to the public. The drafted message can be dispatched or published to the public through emails, posters that are catchy, or various websites. When using the organization’s website, registration is made easier, as preferred volunteers can join the program through the website.
Screening of the volunteers is a crucial step that should be considered to picking on the most preferred volunteers. There are some considerations that should be made that range from age, health, skills, and reputation or the conduct of the students.
Interviewing the volunteer is a significant process that helps in identifying individuals who specialize in certain roles, and they are able to do better in the identified sectors, for instance, divers.
Retainment of Volunteers
Good-performing volunteers can be retained in various ways that include; the selection and interviewing of potential volunteers who are ready to make changes within the organization.
Conducting onboarding in a specific and easy way among the volunteers is a great step that will create an easy work flow within the organization. Prior to the program, each volunteer should be made aware of the activities to be done at the beaches in Costa Rica.
The leader within the organization should involve the audience to share their experience working with the organization or in the same field. This strategy creates a bond among the volunteers.
Rewarding the volunteers is also another sensitive step that works to motivate the volunteers to continue working for the benefit of the organization.
How will the organisation be Financed
The World Bank (WB) Development Grant Facility (DGF) gives grants while focusing on civil development. Through this, the organization empowers the vulnerable and the marginalized. Because WB and DGF also support sustainable development, ASHP is a good avenue through which the WB can invest. The government of the US, in its sustainable goals, ASHP stands a chance to get the funding as it pushes for the zero carbon emission goal that should be met by 2035 as well. This funding is likely to be constant when the vision and the mission of the organization are realistic and achievable. Additionally, the government can always channel its resources when the organization is productive.
The company can get its funding through equity capital, which comes from the capital obtained from sales of the stocks of company.
Internal funds are a good form of capital as they supplement and facilitate the processes within the organization. Lastly, debt finance from various financial institutions will help the organization to finance various operations that are geared toward promoting a green economy.
How to Measure Success in the Organisation
An organizational image is a significant tool that portrays the opinion of the public on the contribution or the impact of the organization. How bets the organization conducts and manages its product is important in determining its success of the organization. The success of the organization can be recognized by proper management of the project; when a project is done on time and at minimal cost, the success or the outcome determines or contributes positively to the reputation of the organization. When employees within an organization are confident in whatever they are doing the organization, the success of the organization is considered to be way above average. Lastly, proper financial management is a clear sign that the organization’s coordination and transparency are at par.
Achieving and maintaining public and government trust is a great achievement that will ensure continued support for the organization. There are several reasons why the public, as well as the government or the agencies concerned with the environment, may believe in the organization. The reason is likely to be the progress that the organization has made ever since its existence. The organization is easily recognized by the certain unique features that give an impression of the organization. When the organization has achieved proper credit for certain innovations, that is a good reputation. The spread of the news on good repetition is significant in selling the brand image and, as a result, more sources of funds for carrying out various projects that are geared towards a green economy.
Marketing or Promotion of the Organisation
Events play a significant role in conveying information about the organization to several individuals. This happens in various ways. The individuals attending the events are able to be updated on the affairs, the aims, and the mission of the organization. After the functions, most volunteers may want to join such organizations, or investors and activists may show interest. Media advertisement is a great approach to spreading the news concerning the operation of the organization. This type of advertisement is favorable as it reaches a large audience at a targeted time. Lastly, charity work and posters are also significant as both create a memory of the organization and its activities.
SEO is meant to increase the number of individuals that visit the website to know the information concerning the organization. With the availability of stronger SEO components such as technical SEO, content or off-page and On-page SEO are responsible for better results. Emails can play a significant way in constantly reminding the public of the right activities of the organization and whether they are willing to join as volunteers. Various initiatives are possible means to promote the organization, and many will recognize their acts and develop an interest in being part of the organization. Celebrities can also contribute to the recognition of the organization by various individuals who may consider participating.
Types of Policies and Procedures
The organization discourages smoking among all its employees, especially when at the workplace. Smoking at the workplace is prohibited as it pauses dangers to others within the same organization as they may act as passive smokers. Code of conduct is recognized as privacy, and code conduct is a policy that must be adhered to by both parties, the employees and the employers. This rule outlines that there exist certain behaviors that are not allowed in the workplace, and everyone should professionally conduct themselves. ASHP management policies discourage its members from using social media for copyright violations, cyberbullying, or reputation issues. Discrimination policies, as outlined by the rules of the organization, are meant to discourage employees from practicing any form of racial discrimination or favoritism.
Through health and safety policy, employees within the organization are covered by the organization if, in any case, there is an occurrence of an accident at the workplace, for instance, during volunteer programs. The recruitment policy is meant to provide the requirement by the ASHP for one to be a member of the organization. The policy helps in the scrutinizing of the appropriate and the best candidates that can work per the mission of the organization. Indiscipline acts among the employees are highly discouraged, and that may lead to termination of the membership of the organization. Alcohol and drug abuse while at work is also a form of indiscipline that can lead to termination of membership.
Importance of the Policies and Procedures
With the smooth running of the organization, ASHP is able to ensure that its campaign, events, and other service delivery, especially those that are geared towards ensuring zero emission of carbon into the atmosphere. The policies will enable the organization’s employees to engage in various activities that are concerned with ensuring that land, water, and air are free of pollution, especially the carbon exhausts produced. Through that, it is possible to reduce devastating conditions. The organization must also ensure that its activities are within the rules and regulations of the component as well as the laws of the United States.
With the existing policies and procedures, the employer is able to easily solve any problems that arise since there exist solutions and steps to take in case of various problems. When the organization has got policies and procedures that are shared with each employee, there will be some state of stability and continuity within the organization as its workforce are not prone to errors that might cost the organization by any means. It is easier to come up with how the goals of the organization are to be executed when the problems that may hinder the activities are curbed.
Conclusion
ASHP is an organization that is determined to ensure that reduced pollution leads to reduced cardiovascular diseases among adult individuals. The organization has got missions that are geared towards zero carbon emission in America. The organization receives funding from various sectors for instance the world bank, the organization’s internal funding, debt loan from various financial institutions and investors, and activists. The policies are important in several ways that include fostering stability and continuing the organization’s work culture.
There was a big explosion on 21st April, 2011 at the Deepwater Horizon oil platform that is located at the Gulf of Mexico. The drilling of oil in the Gulf of Mexico is done by British Petroleum (BP). The explosion in the oil mine at the Gulf of Mexico triggered a huge fire that resulted to millions of gallons of oil being spilled into the Gulf Sea. The spillage of the oil in the sea raised a lot of concern from various groups.
Moreover the spillage was the oil triggered blames among various factions. The spillage of oil resulted to adverse effects to the nearby marine life. Therefore, ecological engineers were required to offer solutions on how the oil spillage can be effectively managed in order to control the spreading of the adverse ecological effects of the marine life. The author of the article emphasized the importance of addressing the ecological issues that were threatened by oil spillage at the Gulf of Mexico. The oil spillage resulted to propagation of marshes significantly which affected the surrounding beaches negatively.
The pollution of the beaches can result to great degradation of the beaches which can trigger negative consequences to the tourist activities along the affected beaches. Therefore, there was an urgent need for the implementation of appropriate strategies by ecological engineers in order to leverage the ecological effects of the oil spillage. One effective method for managing the oil spillage aftermath was the use of Self-designing ecosystem approach.
Article Two
The spillage of oil in the sea can have great negative impacts to marine life living in the affected water. The oil spillage in the sea can result to the death of sea animals as well as plants that thrive in the water because of the dangerous chemicals that are contained in the oil. The author proposes collaboration of efforts from physicists, biologist as well as those who have specialized in chemistry. This collaboration of experts will help to come up with appropriate solutions that will effectively help to manage the menace created by the oil spillage.
Putting dispersants on the water surface is a good move in the management of the oil spillage. The dispersers will help to facilitate about 50-98% breaking up of the spilled oil. The breaking down of the oil into smaller droplets will enable the metabolism of the oil into harmless components.
Article Three
Hazard Forum was founded in order to offer an interdisciplinary perspective for the study of disasters. The author claims that the Hazard Forum is beneficial in the management of engineering disasters. The forum have played an important role in its mission of enlightening the public about risk, while at the same time pursuing its work on the assessment of hazardous events, dissemination of lessons learned as well as backing of risk reduction strategies.
The Forum believes that decisions as well as deliberations processes that concern the evaluation and management of risks should not be left to risk professionals only, but all stakeholders should be involved. Subsequently, the perspectives and believes of the general public should also be considered. The Forum believes that it has a major duty to play in encouraging an open, timely and active discussion about the engineering disasters as well as making sure that there exist robust, relevant, free and accessible information to all. The Forum uses the strategy of arranging meetings which are referred as Evening Events that entail a discussion of specific topics related to risk in meeting its objectives.
Article four
The ecological engineers were successful in establishing effective strategy to address the spilled oil. The approach that was implemented as a responsive strategy of the spilled oil was grouped under the category of the economic and responsive criteria. The approach used the strategy of physicochemical evolution of oil slicks. Zhixia & Fengqi (2011) posit that, a multi period mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model was developed for improving resolving such risks.
This model works together with an oil weathering model that takes into account the oil properties that comprises of the amount of oil spilled, hydrodynamics as well as the prevailing weather and sea conditions. The oil spill response- planning model predicts the most favourable time, trajectory of the oil slick’s volume, area, transportation, usage levels of response resources, oil spill cleanup schedule as well as coastal protection plan. Subsequently, the multi-objective optimization model was calculated with the constraint method to give a Pareto-optimal curve. Two examples based on realistic oil spill incidents were calculated to illustrate the application of this model.
The results showed that small changes in the response time span can lead to significant alterations in the total cost and the resultant response operations. These results helped in the prediction of the best simultaneously consideration responsiveness and economics in the oil spill response planning.
Conclusion
This study gave an overview of what will entail my final report. The overview also explained the social, economical as well as environmental consequences of the oil spillage in Mexico Gulf. The discussion ended by outlining an appropriate ecological engineering strategy that is needed in order to effectively clean up the spilled oil in the Mexico Gulf. The subsequent report will expound on these issues to greater extents.
List of Reference
Zhixia, Z. & Fengqi, Y., 2011, Oil spill response planning with consideration of physicochemical evolution of the oil slick: A multiobjective optimization approach, Computers & Chemical Engineering, 35, (8), 1614-1630.
The connection between diseases of the lungs and environmental conditions, such as air quality, is a crucial research question to improve disease prevention. Ecological studies are helpful in addressing such topics but involve the risks of the ecological fallacy or incorrect generalizations. The problem above could be investigated by designing a multi-group ecological study to explore correlations between lung disease prevalence and average Air Quality Index (AQI) scores at the state level.
Designing a Study to Research the Lung Disease and Air Pollution Problem
To design a study in order to explore the link between lung disease and air pollution, it would be possible to follow a four-step process started by identifying the level or unit of analysis. With the assigned problem, giving preference to the city/county level could produce results with limited generalizability, whereas analyzing the U.S. population as a whole would reduce the room for comparison. The level of the state would be preferable, forming over fifty groups to be compared.
Step two would center on identifying the suitable ecological study design among the available options. The three approaches prevalent in ecological research include mixed, time-trend, and multiple-group designs (Aerts et al., 2020; Ferreira et al., 2019). A time-trend design could be challenging to implement as it would require keeping track of lung disease and air pollution dynamics. It could be difficult to locate disorder prevalence data for periods of time shorter than a year for all populations involved in the analysis. A mixed design would involve time-focused and group-focused comparisons. With the selected unit of analysis, the state, this design would lead to extremely effort-intensive endeavors and overcomplicated analytical procedures. In contrast, a multiple-group design would be more suitable to proceed with the chosen unit of analysis and identify whether people in the U.S. states with higher air pollution rates are more likely to develop lung disorders. Thus, the hypothetical study would focus on inter-group comparisons, with each state’s population representing a separate group.
Within the frame of the next stage, the sources of trustworthy information on the hypothetical exposure (air pollution) and outcome (lung disease incidence) will be selected, and the outcome will be further specified. The AQI reported by AirNow (n.d.) measures air pollution levels on a scale from 0 to 500, where values exceeding 50 indicate air conditions that create health risks for pollution-sensitive populations. The AQI is calculated for each U.S. location and state individually with reference to five separate pollutants, including tropospheric ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide (AirNow, n.d.). The outcome could be presented by lung diseases of different etiology connected to air quality, for instance, asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Lipfert & Wyzga, 2019; Mutlu & Peker, 2019). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a reliable source of state-specific data on such conditions (CDC, 2022). Therefore, AQI values and disease prevalence data from the CDC would offer credible exposure and outcome data for separate states.
The final stage of the study planning process would revolve around specifying data sets to be analyzed with reference to correlations. State-specific AQI results may change relatively quickly due to atmospheric instability. Also, it is notable that COPD does not develop immediately after harmful exposures, which is also true for the other two selected conditions (Okui & Park, 2021). To account for these factors, it would be reasonable to measure the exposure component as the average AQI value for each state during one year, for instance, 2022. The suitable outcome data could then be derived from the CDC’s disease prevalence reports for the three conditions that would specify the prevalence rate for each condition in each state as of the end of 2022.
The Ecological Fallacy in the Specified Situation
The ecological inference fallacy might come into play as the researcher’s inability to identify individual cases in which the correlation does not exist. Firstly, if the correlation between pollution levels and lung disease prevalence is strong and positive, one will probably conclude that it is strong in each case. However, it is hypothetically possible that the most polluted states happen to have more citizens prone to lung disease for reasons unrelated to ecology. Secondly, state-specific disease prevalence data does not capture citizens’ inter-state and international migration. For instance, an individual might develop a lung condition after exposure to polluted air in a state with a poor environmental situation and then change the place of residence to seek treatment in another state. This person might eventually get diagnosed with a more serious condition at this second location. Another possible source of the fallacy is international migration from poorer countries. If more immigrants from countries with relatively poor air quality come to U.S. states with the best AQI results, this will artificially increase the state’s disease prevalence rate. Therefore, there can be different barriers to making correct assumptions based on non-individual data.
Conclusion
Finally, ecological research to explore how air pollution affects the exposed population’s respiratory health could be designed as a multi-group study with each U.S. state’s population as a separate group. The analysis of correlations between higher AQI scores and higher asthma, lung cancer, and COPD prevalence rates using data for separate U.S. states could help to add to previous research on the predictors of lung disease. Nevertheless, each state’s population might be heterogeneous in actual pollutant exposure and baseline health, which could give rise to incorrect inferences.
Okui, T., & Park, J. (2021). Geographical differences and their associated factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality in Japan: An ecological study using nationwide data. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24), 1-10. Web.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standards are the regulations or policies that are adopted by states to ensure the safety of the environment. Furthermore, this body is concerned with ensuring pollution free air. There are several strategies that this organization takes to ensure that producing companies respect pollution prevention strategies and practice safe production that protect the environment from pollution. National Ambient Air Quality Standards is closely related with other companies that strive to ensure a safe environment. One of the organizations that National Ambient Air Quality Standards is closely associated with is EPA and the 1970 Clean Air Act (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Generally, National Ambient Air Quality Standards is closely related to these organizations because they also strive to ensure the establishment of a safe and healthy environment. There are common pollutants that states have ambient air quality standards enforced, for instance, they include carbon monoxide, airborne particulate matter, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Different countries have established different policies to assist in the regulation of the six pollutants in their environment, for instance, the United States. The United States have adopted a policy aimed at controlling the effects of carbon monoxide by ensuring there are air cleaners to reduce the level of carbon monoxide in the air every eight hours (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
According to the contents of section 6.2 in chapter 6, the author has discussed and highlighted the constituents of polluted air. Generally, the discussion has extensively presented factors that compose polluted air. Polluted air is not safe for human health in the ecosystem. Air plays an important role in the growth, development and survival of organisms in an ecosystem (Jeffries, McClean, & Brown, 2009). Basically, the author has indicated that polluted air contains coarse particles and carbon monoxide among other dangerous and harmful substances in the air. Although the components listed by the author are common knowledge, there are certain contents of the chapter that are amazing, for instance, major toxic components of urban air. Before reading this chapter, I was never informed that the urban air is more harmful than the rural air pollution (Jeffries, McClean, & Brown, 2009). Moreover, I never had the knowledge that air pollution could be caused by some biological components too. Additionally, I was not aware that there are coarse particles in air pollution. Therefore, this information has enhanced my knowledge of air pollution. The author considers ultrafine particles as excessively fine particles in the chapter or those that easily pollute the environment. Finally, the author has indicated that red blood cells combine with carbon monoxide to produce carbon hemoglobin (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Pollution is a problem in the real world. Pollution has led to decreased life quality and affected the coexistence of organisms in the ecosystem. The case study explains or highlights real world pollution using food stalls from India, China and Malay. The sampling site for this case study was a university, which is a learning institution. This is a good choice because it can enable effective and appropriate sampling since learning institutions are effective in data sampling due to extensive and frequent research on topics. This has improved the quality of the data collected and sampled. Moreover, the food stalls are located in the same court, but without conditioned air. The site of the sampling site is effective because it will allow easy access to relevant information and comparison of the collected data from the respective samples (Jeffries, McClean, & Brown, 2009). Moreover, it will enable drawing realistic and reliable conclusions. There were several items that were sampled by the researcher, for instance, the concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). There were three elements of PAH that were sampled; they include fluorine, pyrene, naphthalene and chrysene among others. Type of cooking may be harmful to the environment and leads to air pollution. According to the author, deep frying is harmful and may lead to air pollution because it causes the highest average concentration of PM2.5. Therefore, individuals must consider the type of cooking to engage in to protect the environment from pollution (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Biomass is one of the renewable sources of energy utilized by several companies in different countries in the globe currently. Basically, biomass is derived from living organisms in the ecosystem. Biomass is an important source of energy and used by states to promote safety in the air or reduce air pollution. There are several sources of biomass that are globally recognized, for instance, biomass is generated from oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. The largest source of biomass according to environmental experts is wood, for example, forest residues. Forests residues such as tree trumps and dead tress among others produce biomass. India is one of the states that utilize biomass to reduce air pollution caused by production industries in the country (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). There are several roles of biomass in India, for instance, use in production, especially among companies in the country. Biomass in India provides 32% of the energy required for production. Although biomass is considered safe, it produces harmful substance in the air if burnt. These substances produced from biomass are more harmful than those produced by coal. Burning biomass produce harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, carbon monoxide, mercury and particulate matter among other hazardous substances that pollute the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
There are several substances that are produced in the air through natural processes, for instance, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide among others. The most common or abundant substances in the air are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These substances are produced differently in the air, but they are harmful to organisms because they compromise the survival of organisms in the environment. Basically, carbon monoxide is mainly produced by the respiration of human beings. Carbon monoxide is dangerous as headache although it is mainly produced by living organisms such as human beings (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Moreover, carbon monoxide can hinder the transportation of oxygen in the respiratory system through the carboxyl hemoglobin formation. Generally, carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless and is mainly produced through the hydrocarbon combustion. This gas is commonly produced indoors by stoves, heaters and kerosene among others. Secondly, sulfur dioxide is produced by emissions of substances such as kerosene, combustion of fossil fuels or any other substance that contains sulfur. Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas that has a pungent odor. Generally, sulfur dioxide can be detected at 0.5 ppm. On the other hand, nitrogen dioxide is produced through the combustion of nitrogen substances. Therefore, considering the nature, characteristics and effects of these substances on the living organisms in the ecosystem, they are harmful towards comfortable existence of living organisms (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
The authors have extensively compared and discussed biomass and LPG. There are several reasons why LPG and biomass have been extensively discussed by the authors. However, the main reason is their importance towards environmental protection, especially air pollution. Generally, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) can be used by organizations to safely produce, while protecting the environment from pollution. Therefore, the authors have compared the two based on the likely benefits on environmental conservation and likely effects of the two sources of energy. Biomass is an important and essential source of energy in the environment. However, it affects women, especially the menstrual cycle. Biomass can alter or change the menstrual cycle of women due to the substances or gas it emits on the environment (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). These gasses compromise menstrual cycles because it may delay or change the menstrual cycle in women. Moreover, biomass has effects on the weight of newborn babies. Gasses emitted from biomass may cause growth retardation and increased malformations among pregnant women, which leads to the birth of low weight children. Biomass is important towards improving and reducing air pollution but it also affects the living organisms in the environment. Generally, it affects the menstrual cycle because it may alter or prolong the process, and lead to the birth of low weight children (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
In the recent past, building techniques have been improved to address the changing needs of human beings. Generally, sick building syndrome is an element that has led to the construction of buildings that are less problematic and addresses the needs of living organisms occupying buildings, for instance, human beings (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Generally, sick building syndromes are the effects that building occupants may face. These effects are on the health of occupants, and may lead to discomfort or illness. The most common sick building syndrome is building related illness.
These discomforts are associated with the amount of time that individual occupants spend on respective buildings. There are several symptoms that are associated with the discomforts from a building, for example, nausea, throat irritation, itchy or dry skin and dizziness among others. These effects compromise the life status of building occupants in the globe and must be addressed to ensure the safety of building occupation (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Generally, sick building syndrome is caused by the lack of adequate and appropriate ventilation of buildings. This leads to pollution of air within buildings, which lead to these syndromes. However, addressing these syndromes is not easy considering the nature and magnitude of the effects. Therefore, the most appropriate strategy that can be used to address this challenge is ensuring adequate ventilation among buildings built (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are one of the groups of harmful substances that can affect the life of organisms in the atmosphere or ecosystems. Generally, these substances are contained in different elements or factors in the ecosystem. Although these substances are absorbed by several body organs, the most common organs that absorb these substances are vegetation, water, soil and air. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons substances or components are harmful for the organisms in the ecosystem (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Generally, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons can affect the well being of human beings in the ecosystem. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons can intoxicate air, which may affect the transportation of oxygen in the body.
Lack of effective oxygen transportation among human beings can affect quality living. Therefore, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are harmful to the health of other organisms too. However, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are harmful to human health because it pollutes the air. Air pollution affects the quality of life of human beings because it compromises healthy living. There are several substances composing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, which are referred to as components, for instance BaP. Generally, BaP is the most abundant component of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and are frequently referred to as best known moral compound from the group of the authors. This is due to the fact that this component contains the most harmful and the largest component of the substance (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
There are several elements that affect the environment and compromise the quality and safe existence of organisms in the environment. Furthermore, these substances are classified differently in the ecosystem. Oxidative stress is an element that can be caused by the stretch of oxygen and carbon in the atmosphere. This leads to the ineffective flow of oxygen in the body system. According to the illustration given by the author on oxidative stress using a rat, the author states that HO-1 may be used to act as an oxidant marker and associated with the exposure of PM in the process (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Moreover, this process can be used in the induction of injury. The DNA is one of the most important aspects of human beings that should not be destroyed by any substances in the environment. Destruction of this factor or substance in the human system may lead to inability to identify an individual. Generally, reactive oxygen agencies can damage the DNA due to the nature and effects of reactive oxygen on mitochondria and DNA (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Particulate matter is harmful to the health of human beings in the global environment. Generally, particulate matter may lead to the destruction of the respiratory system. Moreover, it may lead to the ineffective flow of oxygen in living organisms. This can lead to early deaths among human beings. Urban is one of the most populated areas globally according to the authors. Urban environments are highly polluted due to the economic activities, mainly production executed in urban areas. Urban areas are prone to air pollution, and this has contributed to the decreased life expectancy period. Air pollution in urban areas has contributed to the decrease in life expectancy (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Generally, air pollution can reduce life expectancy by 15 years, which is negatively affecting quality life status. Particle size is important in enhancing the quality of health among human beings. Generally, particle size leads to negative health effects such as early deaths, ineffective oxygen flow in the body and slow growth among others. These substances are harmful to the health of human beings and should be addressed to ensure quality life and improved life status (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Different chemicals have different formulas. These formulas are scientifically used to identify and group chemicals in the globe. Moreover, the chemical formulas are derived from the names of respective chemicals because scientists constitute chemicals through mixing of different chemicals to come up with the complete chemical (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Anthracene is one of the chemicals that are made up of different chemical components. There is increasing discussion on anthracene, especially solubility. This is due to the fact that it does not easily dissolve in water or it is insoluble in water.
The solubility of a substance in water is determined by the components of the respective chemical or substance. Soluble substances easily dissolve in water and form a uniform mixture. There are certain components that do not dissolve in water. If these substances contained in a substance leads to insolubility of a substance. However, there are measures that can be taken to increase the solubility of a substance (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Generally, anthracene is not soluble in water because of its components derived considering its chemical formula or symbol. Although anthracene is insoluble in water, this can be enhanced and its solubility increased through the addition of soluble substances in the substance. Therefore, solubility of anthracene can be enhanced through the addition of soluble substances (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Sulfur dioxide is one of the most common gasses in the atmosphere. The gas requires devices to be detected and controlled. The controlling sulfur dioxide is important towards ensuring safety in the environment. Although there are several devices that are used in detecting sulfur dioxide in the air, the most common device that may be used due to its efficiency and effectiveness is Serinus 50 Sulfur Dioxide analyzer (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). This device is appropriate because it analyzes the quantity of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. This device is used in detecting the concentration of sulfur dioxide, and it sounds an alarm based on the amount of sulfur dioxide that has been determined by the operator of the device based on the equipment guidelines. This device is appropriate and effective because it is affordable due to the cost of the device. Compared to other available devices serving the same purposes at the same level of accuracy, it is convenient and the most appropriate (Jeffries, McClean, & Brown, 2009). This instrument is accurate and serves its function adequately. However, there are other models of devices that can be used in detecting the amount or concentration of sulfur dioxide in the environment. The following devices can be used in determining the amount or concentration of sulfur dioxide, Bacharach PCA 2 combustion gas analyzer, BW Gas Alert Clip Extreme 2 and Drager Safety Gas Pac 7000 among others.
Carbon monoxide is one of the most harmful gases in the atmosphere. Basically, it leads to death of living organisms and compromises the status of life, especially among human beings. There are several strategies that have been adopted to ensure effective and appropriate control of the gas amount on the atmosphere. Organizations and companies utilize several devices to determine the amount of carbon monoxide in the environment. This allows such organizations and companies to respond appropriately to the effects of the amount of carbon monoxide present in the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). The most common devices used in the detection of the amount of carbon monoxide in the air include, Drager Pac, Bacharach Monoxor III Carbon detector and Extech Digital Carbon Monoxide detector among others. These devices are listed on website. Furthermore, there are certain devices that can be used to determine the actual amount of carbon monoxide in the air or carbon monoxide concentration, for instance, breathe carbon monoxide. This device measures the amount of carbon monoxide exhaled by an individual per million individuals. It functions using electrochemical gas sensor. It also incorporates sound warnings to specify the level of concentration of carbon monoxide in the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Monitoring carbon monoxide in the air is one of the most challenging aspects in most cities and urban places. This is due to the number of activities in cities and urban that leads to the production of carbon monoxide in the air. Generally, carbon monoxide is produced through the combustion of substances such as carbon matter among others. In the cities and urban areas, carbon monoxide is mainly produced from companies and households. There are strategies that can be adopted and applied through legislations to ensure reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). The strategies that cities and urban authorities should develop to control the amount of carbon monoxide in the air is encouraging the use of safe production methods and discouraging burning of substances that may produce carbon monoxide in households. Moreover, introduction of fuels that do not produce carbon monoxide should be encouraged to ensure that the environment is safe (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Carbon monoxide is common in the air between cities and urban areas, controlling the amounts in air are almost impossible because households contribute to the production too. Therefore, introduction of safe fuels that do not produce carbon monoxide, and the introduction of safe production method are important towards the reduction of carbon monoxide in the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Particulate matter sampling is an important element in the process of measuring environmental matter. The environmental matter is the components that constitutes the environment and defines the safety of the environment. There are several elements that influence particulate matter in the atmosphere, for instance, humidity. Humidity affects particulate matter in several ways during the sampling process, for instance, decrease the amount. Humidity affects the determination of the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere, which does not allow experts to determine the actual amount of particulate matter on air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). There are several strategies and methods that are used to determine particulate matter in the atmosphere. The strategies or methods vary in accuracy due to the equipments and principles of measurements used by each. The most common method used is the direct mass measurement technique, which involves direct measurement of the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere and sampling. This method is frequently used because it is not complex, and easy to understand (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
There are different types of dispersion models that pollute the air. These models differ and have different advantages and disadvantages. The most common dispersion models are box model, Gaussian puff model, Gaussian plume model, Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, Eulerian model and Lagrangian model (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Box model is considered as a basic dispersion model because it is based on the balance of mass. However, the chemistry involved is complex. Secondly, the Gaussian plume model is a dispersion model based on the horizontal and vertical distribution of the plume, but under steady-state. This model only considers pollutants’ advection and diffusion.
This model is not effective because it does not consider the time taken to travel to receptors by pollutants. Furthermore, they are not suited for modeling of regional particulates, and its equation cannot calculate the effects or recirculation that may be caused by the intersection. The Gaussian puff model is a dispersion model that is used in approximating continuous emissions. This model can handle spatial and temporal variations. Furthermore, Lagrangian model is an approach that is used in particles’ fluid properties study following trajectory. This method is best suited for stationery and homogenous conditions. Moreover, Eulerian model is a method used in studying the properties of a fluid at fixed points in the space. Additionally, EFD model is a method that is used in studying fluid flow (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
There are different classes of atmospheric stability described by the author in the book. These classes represent different levels of concentration of pollutants in the air. The classes of atmospheric stability described by the authors are A, B, C, D, E and F. Generally, classes a and B represents instability, classes C and D represents neutrality and classes E and F represents stability. The stability in the atmosphere is used to determine pollutant concentrations, which is important towards the determination of a control or measure to curb the situation (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Modeling methods are used to determine air pollution. There are several models that have been developed and each are applied in different areas, for instance, neural network models and fuzzy logic-based models. Generally, the modeling methods that are used in fuzzy logic-based and neural networks are deterministic and statistical models (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Basically, statistical models predict the observations concentration. Similarly, deterministic model is used in determining the concentration of pollutants. Generally, deterministic and statistical models can be used as parameter estimators because they assist in the calculation of the concentration of pollutants in the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
Eulerian and Lagrangian dispersion models are closely related and classified together. Moreover, there are certain methods that are common in this model, for instance, GATOR, CIT, CALGRID, AERO and UHMA. Generally, GATOR is used in the calculation of aerosols and gas dispersion in urban-scale. It either uses stationary or moving size dynamic particles. It is also used in calculating solar irradiance. Secondly, UHMA focuses on aerosol dynamic treatment. It also focuses on the growth and formation of new particles. Furthermore, CIT is a model used in determining or measuring the chemistry and dispersion in air sheds, and it incorporates aerosol model (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Moreover, CALGRID is a model based on UAM-IV, but with horizontal advection improvements. This model is used in the calculation of atmospheric stability. This model can also be used to measure the concentration of inert and reactive gasses on an hourly basis. The model uses photochemical mechanisms in performing the above functions. Finally, AERO model is a method used in the determination of aerosol concentration in air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
There are several economic theories that have been developed in the past to assist in enhancing environmental safety and health status of human beings and other organisms in the ecosystem. The most recent strategies that have been developed are ecological economics and green economics. Green economics is one of the most recent and effective strategy used by environmentalists in improving environmental safety. Generally, the strategy developed through the increased need to protect the environment by ensuring green environment. A greener environment is important towards ensuring clean and safe air according to this strategy. The strategy developed through ensuring growth of more trees and protection of forests and natural resources such as grass (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Although green economics and the ecological economics are one of the most recent theories used in the protection of the environment, they are different in several aspects, for instance, common thought. According to the ecological economic strategy, the most important aspect that should be protected to enhance the safety of the environment is the ecology. On the other hand, green economics strategy aims at preserving the green organisms in the ecosystem towards a safer environment. However, these strategies are similar in the sense that they aim at preserving the components of the ecosystem towards a safer and healthy environment (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
There are several substances in the air that should be controlled to reduce air pollution. The quantity of these substances in the air leads to pollution of the air. However, reduction of such substances leads to safer environments. The most abundant gasses in the air are carbon monoxides and sulfur dioxides. These substances should be reduced, removed or their presence controlled in the air to reduce air pollution and increase environmental safety. There are several strategies or methods that can be used to reduce carbon monoxide in the air and remove sulfur dioxide in the air and minimize air pollution (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010). Carbon monoxide can be reduced in the air by planting more trees in the environment. Plants control the amount of carbon monoxide in the air because it is utilized in the process of food synthesis. This will lead to the utilization of carbon monoxide and reduction in emission. Secondly, eradicating the burning of carbon matter and other substances that produce carbon monoxide such as waste. Burning litters increases the amount of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere and reduced practices can lead to the reduction in the amount of the substance in the air. Sulfur dioxide can also be decreased in the air by avoiding the increased combustion of sulfur substances in the air because it leads to increased sulfur dioxide in the air (Gurjar, Molina, & Ojha, 2010).
References
Gurjar, B. R., Molina, L. T., & Ojha, C. S. (2010). Air Pollution: Health and Environmental Impacts. New York: Taylor & Francis Group.
Jeffries, D., McClean, F., & Brown, L. (2009). Environmental Pollution and Health Impacts. London: Cengage Learning.
Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide are examples of air pollutants, which cause major damages to the environment. These pollutants are associated with many health problems that affect the respiratory organs. They also affect properties contributing to rusting of metal in vehicles and roofing materials.
They are classified as air pollutants because they affect the air. Carbon monoxide, which is processed by plants, is a hazardous substance emitted to the environment. Thus, it is classified as a primary pollutant because it is the most common pollutants in the environment. Carbon monoxide causes suffocation when inhaled in large quantities (Donald, 2001).
This happens in most cases, especially where people use coal to warm their houses. Carbon monoxide is emitted when coal burns in oxygen. Once emitted in abundance, it leads to death through suffocation. However, this happens when its release in the environment is relatively high.
For example, a house which lacks sufficient air circulation can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate thus affecting the occupants. In the environment, the impact of carbon monoxide is felt overtime, since it leads to respiratory problems. Consequently, Nitrogen oxide also constitutes primary pollutant.
This owe to the fact that, its production is in mass. The main sources of Nitrogen oxide emissions are; power plants and motor vehicles. Nitrogen oxide gas is produced by plants during the process of the nitrogen cycle, and despite being a pollutant; its production cannot be regulated.
In relation to the layers of the atmosphere, these two gases contribute to the destruction of the Ozone layer. The destruction takes place in such a way that it cannot be felt or noticed. However, prolonged process causes global warming. Nitrogen oxide, for example, is produced on a daily basis from plants, and thus, it cannot be controlled.
Consequently, products manufactured from industries emit these gases. The gas emitted diffuses into the environment, producing effects such as; corrosion of Ozone layers of the atmosphere which shelters the earth from dangerous rays of the sun (Donald, 2001).
The excessive emission of sun rays results in the development of skin problems brought about by ultra- violet rays, a good example of a problem caused by this phenomenon is the being skin cancer. Skin Cancer and related cases have increased sharply in the current years.
Water pollutants
The most common water pollutants include; pesticides and chlorine. Pesticides get into the water systems when they are being applied to plants. These substances are swept by rain water into water bodies, absorbed into the soil, and in some cases, find their way through soil layers to the underground water (Parks, 2007).
However, the latter option might take a longer duration of continuous usage. Chlorine is believed to be a solution to contaminated water, but in the real sense, it pollutes the water by introducing chemicals. When chlorine interacts with decomposing vegetation, it results in toxic substances considered to form part of the causal agents of cancer.
Consequently, pesticides also play a destructive role to aquatic life. The damages they cause include; suffocating the breeding eggs, and poisoning the plants and animals that thrive in the sea or other water bodies (Parks, 2007).
Chlorine, on the other hand, leads to the formation of chloroform when it interacts with the dead and decomposing plants in water. The normal use of chloroform is to suffocate animals that are being used in experiments. When chlorine is used in a mild form, it serves as a drug that induces the coma, before an operation is conducted.
Reference List
Donald, R. L. (2001). Air pollution. New York: Children’s Press.
Parks, P. J. (2007). Water pollution. Detroit: KidHaven Press.
New studies detail the consequences of our overuse of plastic, but there are fairly simple ways to reduce personal plastic waste. People need to be conscious of their purchases and reduce overall consumption of plastic, such as shopping bags or bottled beverages. It is recommended to bring one’s own bag made of cotton or other reusable materials when shopping. Simultaneously, it is advisable to stop using disposable beverage cups because most paper or plastic cups are not reusable or biodegradable. In an article entitled “The Effects of Plastic Pollution on Aquatic Life,” published in 2017, medical researcher Banerjee Byapti (1) estimates that 280 million tons of produced plastic end up in landfills and oceans yearly. This means the issue is negatively affecting the global environment and could harm marine habitats such as turtles. This essay will focus on the effect of plastic on aquatic species and recommendations for waste reduction via the improvement of personal habits.
Plastic waste is harmful to the environment and affects species of various habitats. Plastic is accumulated in our environment due to improper disposal or shipping spills, and each year, the scope of pollution is increasing. Animals suffer from the presence of plastic in their ecosystem due to injuries or attempts at ingestion. For instance, sea turtles often misjudge plastic bags as jellyfish, which is a primary food source for these animals, and approximately 52% of all sea turtles have eaten plastic (Wilcox, 1). The danger of such statistics lies in the fact that for such animals, there is a 22% chance of death from the ingestion of a single plastic piece (Wilcox, 4). Perhaps, 10% of the entire sea turtle population might be in danger of extinction. However, they are not the only ones, as over 1200 aquatic species are influenced by plastic debris (Bhagwat, 1). Therefore, drastic changes need to be brought to light to reduce plastic presence globally.
The start of major changes should be done from the social perception of plastic waste. According to one theory, consumers purchase more plastic because they believe it can be recycled (Guillot). Recycling has gained popularity over the past few years, but there are two sides to the story: the plastic manufacturers and the consumers who purchase plastic. On the one hand, the sector assures a consistent supply of new materials by encouraging recycling and aiding in the development of infrastructure for plastic recycling (Guillot). On the other hand, if consumers can convince themselves that their waste will be recycled, it may act as a justification for the purchase of packaged and disposable plastic goods (Guillot). People become willing to purchase plastic because it can be recycled as more people become aware of recycling. However, this attitude is dangerous and may promote harmful social practices that negatively impact the environment.
The awareness of personal plastic consumption needs to be increased for the reduction of domestic usage. People may start participating in the improvement of the environment by reducing their plastic imprint. For instance, one may switch to reusable products in order to cut down on single-use plastic products. This attitude enforces the purchase of reusable shopping bags, bottles, straws, and coffee cups. At the same time, personal avoidance of excessive food packaging, disposable plastic cutlery, and shopping bags is encouraged. Other tips may involve the prioritization of milk delivery systems and refill stations for detergents. These tips will help people to reduce the circulation of plastic in their lives.
In conclusion, the best method to protect the environment is to minimize the accumulation of plastic waste by recycling, composting, and careful consumption. However, people should not be encouraged to purchase such products due to the possibility of recycling as it will not resolve the ongoing problem. Plastic harms animals globally and often leads to their deaths; hence, its presence must be strictly controlled. It is possible to reduce the amount of waste we produce globally by changing personal habits into a plastic-free lifestyle and, in addition, altering our thinking to recognize that purchasing less plastic overall will result in a general decline in plastic manufacturing.
Efforts to control pollution have traditionally targeted point sources of pollution. Currently, most developed countries are focusing on controlling nonpoint sources of pollution (NPP). According to Segerson and Wu, control of NPP is always difficult due to their diffuse nature.1 In this context, observing the emission of pollutants is often difficult.
Consequently, policy instruments that target emission rates can not be effective in controlling NPP. In response to this challenge, alternative NPP control methods such as input taxes, ambient taxes and direct revelation have been proposed by economists.
Segerson and Wu assert that first best control measures for NPP can be achieved through the use of policy instruments that are characterized with flexible incentives. Developing the first best policy instruments involves the use of information about the characteristics of farms. Acquiring this information is likely to be very expensive and this limits the use of first-best instruments.
Second-best instruments enable policy makers to reduce information, as well as, transaction costs. However, the second-best instruments can not achieve the desired water quality at the least or minimum abetment cost. In countries such as the U.S, policies that encourage farmers to voluntarily adopt less harmful practices or to join voluntary programs that enhance water quality are used.
According to Segerson and Wu, the voluntary programs have had varying success, and therefore can not be relied on.2 Thus, Segerson and Wu conclude that voluntary programs and mandatory approaches cannot be used in isolation to achieve the desired reduction in agricultural NPP.
This implies that voluntary programs and mandatory approaches should be used as complementary policies. In this context, mandatory approaches have the potential of inducing famers to abate. The voluntary approaches, on the other hand, provide the flexibility required to meet environmental quality targets at lower costs.
Thus, Segerson and Wu propose the use of a combined approach which makes use of both the mandatory and voluntary approaches. They argue that the combined approach is more effective than the voluntary approach. It also involves less transaction costs as compared to a tax approach.
Segerson points out that best management practices can not be used to control surface NPP effectively. This is because best management practices do not facilitate flexibility and the use of cost-effective abetment strategies.
Segerson also notes that soil loss tax can not be effective in controlling agricultural NPP since it does not take into account the difference between discharges and the pollutant levels that cause damages.3
Segerson agrees with Wu and Segerson’s finding that the measures used to control point sources can not be used to control nonpoint sources due to the high costs involved in observing discharge and abatement levels. Additionally, Segerson asserts that it is not possible to infer the abatement and discharge levels based on the observed ambient pollutant levels, due to the following reasons.
First, the effect of any abatement level on environmental quality can not be determined with certainty due to the stochastic nature of the involved variables. Second, ambient levels are determined by the emissions caused by several individuals.
However, only the combined effects of such emissions can be observed, hence the difficulty in controlling NPP. Thus, Segerson proposes the use of an economic incentive approach that can be effective under uncertainty, as well as, monitoring difficulties.
In this case, rewards should be given when water quality exceeds some pre-determined standard. Penalties should be used when the water quality is substandard.
Shortle and Horan identified three problems in controlling NPP. The first problem is who to target with the NPP control policies. The second problem is how to define and measure compliance with regulations that control pollution.4
The third problem is how to facilitate changes in production, as well as, pollution control practices in order to realize the desired environmental quality using a given set of compliance measures. Shortle and Horan argues that NPP control measures should target individuals or entities directly liable for NPP emissions.
The control efforts should be based on the polluters’ contributions to ambient levels, as well as, the abatement costs. However, the unobservable nature of NPP emissions coupled with the large number of polluters creates a moral hazard problem. Consequently, targeting polluters on the basis of their contributions to ambient levels becomes complicated.
Increasing the number of individuals to be targeted by the pollution control measures can result into high monitoring, as well as, enforcement costs. Additionally, individuals who cause little or no pollution might be regulated, thereby “increasing costs without increasing benefits”.5
Reducing the number of individuals to be targeted, on the hand, reduces effectiveness and hinders cost-effective allocations. Shortle and Horan assert that compliance bases should be correlated with environmental conditions. They should also be enforceable and targetable.
Economic Instruments/ Measures used to Control NPP
Incentive Scheme Approach
Segerson proposed an incentive scheme that involves the use of rewards and penalties to control NPP emissions. According to Segerson, mechanisms that provide incentives should be used to enhance compliance with environmental regulations since NPP emissions are unobservable. In the context of a single polluter, the incentive scheme works as follows.
Assume x is the current ambient level in the stream while X is the desired standard level which is determined by the authorities. The actual ambient level, x, is determined by the abatement measures, as well as, random variables such as the weather or stream conditions.
The incentive scheme to be used to influence the ambient level can be in the form of compulsory payment, T(X). The amount to be paid depends on the difference between the actual ambient level (x) and the standard or the desired ambient level (X).
The payment scheme has two components, t and k, which are set by the authorities. The first component, t, can be a tax or subsidy whose value depends on the difference between x and X.6
A tax that is proportional to the difference between x and X is paid by the polluter when the ambient level is higher than the level set by the authorities. However, if the actual ambient level is lower than the level set by the authorities, the polluter receives a subsidy that is proportional to the difference between x and X.
The penalty, k, is imposed when x exceeds X. however, the value of the penalty is independent of the difference between x and X. The prices of inputs are normally fixed in the short run.
Thus, the two components, t and k, can be applied either in isolation or in combination in order to achieve the expected level of abatement. The ability to have different combinations of X, t and k in the short run provides the flexibility that enhances long-run efficiency.
In the case of multiple polluters, t and k should vary across polluters. The liability of each polluter is determined by the ambient levels caused by the entire group of polluters rather than individual contributions. The free-rider problem is addressed by the fact that paying for additional pollution does not distort the marginal incentives.
Voluntary Approach with Threat of Ambient Tax
Segerson and Wu proposed “a policy that combines voluntary approach to controlling nonpoint source pollution with a background threat of an ambient tax”.7 In this case, the ambient tax is to be used when the voluntary approaches fail to control nonpoint emissions.
Segerson and Wu argue that using a voluntary approach alongside a threat of ambient tax can facilitate cost-effective abatement. Additionally, this approach does not require information about the nature of pollution from each farm.
In the case of a single polluter, “if the tax is applied retroactively, then the voluntary cost-minimizing abatement is the unique optimal response to the policy if the cutoff level of pollution is set sufficiently low”.8 However, if a retroactive tax is used, the voluntary cost-minimizing abatement will be the unique optimal response for any level of pollution.
The cost-minimizing abatement can still be a SPNE even if the policy is applied among heterogeneous farmers. However, the equilibrium will not be unique if the tax is not used retroactively. This implies that a zero voluntary abatement will be an equilibrium position if the farmers are not willing to voluntarily undertake the required abatement on their own.
When the free-rider problem exists, equilibrium can still be achieved and the targeted level of abatement can be realized. However, the targeted abatement level can not be realized at minimum cost. “The zero voluntary abatement equilibrium and the free-riding equilibrium can be eliminated by threatening imposition of a retroactive tax”.9
In this case, the farmers who fail to meet the targeted level of abatement risk paying a retroactive tax. At equilibrium, the tax is not imposed and this eliminates the information costs. However, efficiency can be lost if the tax is not retroactive.
Emissions Proxies
Policies that are based on emissions proxies involve the use economic incentives, as well as, regulatory standards. These incentives and standards can target polluters’ production or pollution control practices.
However, a first-best allocation can not be achieved by applying a tax on unbiased estimators of emissions unless the conditions are very restrictive. A second-best incentive can be used to maximize socially desired net benefits.
Inputs and Practices
Shortle and Horan assert that input-based incentives can be used effectively to influence allocation of resources. Farmers tend to increase the use of inputs whose prices have reduced. Inputs whose prices have increased are often avoided by the farmers.
Responsiveness to input prices increases as technologies that encourage the use of cheap inputs are adopted by farmers. The desired environmental quality can be achieved by taxing inputs that enhance NPP emissions and subsidizing those that reduce NPP emissions.
The moral hazard problem occasioned by high cost of monitoring production, as well as, pollution control practices can be addressed as follows. The structure of the tax or subsidy can be modified by including incentives for farmers who accurately report their production, as well as, pollution control practices.
The tax base can also be reduced so that it includes only famers who can be easily observed. Additionally, the monitoring process can be restricted to a few input alternatives that can be easily observed.10
The difficulty in obtaining information on the cost of controlling pollution can be addressed by obtaining information from the polluters’ profits and environmental types.
Liability Rules
Using the liability rule involves suing a polluter for the damages incurred. The responsible polluter can then sue other polluters who contributed to the damages. The liabilities are imposed only when a suit is initiated and the ruling favors the aggrieved party. Thus, firms cannot be sure of being successfully sued. Liability rules are effective in controlling pollution caused by hazardous materials.
Point-Nonpoint Trading
This approach involves giving limited rights to point and nonpoint polluters to pollute. The polluters are then allowed to trade the rights to pollute in markets. Trading can be used to achieve the desired environmental quality at low social costs.
The polluters are given pollution permits which specify the acceptable emission level.11 Polluters with a higher marginal pollution control costs can buy the permits from polluters with lower marginal costs. Thus, polluters with low control costs will emit less while those with high costs will emit more.
Mixed Approach
This involves combining two or more approaches to control sources of NPP. According to Shortle and Horan, the mixed approach can help in addressing the information challenges associated with the control of NPP. Combining the input tax approach and the liability rules is an example of a mixed approach.
Effectiveness of the NPP control Measures
The incentive approach suggested by Segerson has the following advantages. First, it minimizes government interference with the activities of firms. The firms have the freedom to select the technique that can enable them to abate at the least cost.
This flexibility enables firms to achieve any level of abatement at the lowest cost.12 Second, the authorities do not have to continually monitor firms or to meter emissions. The cost and difficulty in monitoring ambient pollutant levels depend on the type of the pollutant.
These costs can be reduced by focusing monitoring efforts on a few sources that are likely to emit large amounts of pollutants. Additionally, monitoring can be done periodically, especially, in periods when emissions are likely to be very high. Third, cost-sharing mechanisms can be used in the short run to reduce the burden on polluters.
The parameters that determine the amounts to be paid can be adjusted accordingly so that the desired incentives are realized. Such adjustments will also ensure efficiency in the long-run. Finally, the incentive approach can be used to control many types of stochastic pollution since it focuses on environmental quality instead of emissions.
The weaknesses of the incentive approach include the following. First, determining the tax and subsidy parameters is often difficult due to insufficient information. Setting these parameters requires information about abatement costs; the damages caused by ambient pollution, and the contributions of each polluter to the ambient levels. Second, the incentive approach can lead to the use of discriminatory taxation which is illegal.
Segerson and Wu suggested an approach that combines a voluntary approach with a threat of an ambient tax. Using this approach to control NPP sources has the following merits. First, it is more efficient than a purely voluntary approach.
Second it is more efficient than a pure ambient tax approach. These merits are attributed to the opportunity given to polluters to meet the expected level of abatement voluntarily. This flexibility eliminates the need to impose the tax in equilibrium condition.13
Hence, the information costs are eliminated. The weakness of Segerson and Wu’s approach is that cost efficiency is not guaranteed if a retroactive tax can not be used.
The emissions proxies approach can not be used to obtain a first best allocation unless the conditions are highly restrictive. However, obtaining a highly restrictive condition can be very difficult. The liability rule proposed by Shortle and Horan has the following weakness.
First, the liability can only be imposed if the pullers are successfully sued. Thus, firms can not accurately determine the level of abatement to undertake since they are not sure of being sued successfully.
Second, suing the polluter for the damages caused by his emissions may be very expensive. The high cost of the litigation process may discourage individuals from claiming damages.
The main strength of the point-nonpoint trade approach is that the desired environmental quality or abatement level can be attained at low costs. Due to the low costs, many firms are likely to adopt the point-nonpoint trade as a technique for reducing NPP emissions.
However, designing a point-nonpoint trading system that can enhance environmental quality is often a challenge. The challenge is that trading in nonpoint sources can not be conducted on the basis of the actual amount of nonpoint emissions.14
The difficulty in observing the nonpoint emissions complicates the process of metering the amount of emission produced by each polluter. Finally, the mixed approach can help in achieving a first best solution for controlling nonpoint sources. Additionally, it can help in improving efficiency in reducing nonpoint emissions.
Conclusion
The difficulty in controlling nonpoint pollution is attributed to the fact that nonpoint emissions can not be easily observed.15 According to Segerson and Wu, monitoring nonpoint emissions involves high information, as well as, transactions costs. Thus, the approaches used to control point emissions are unsuitable for controlling nonpoint emissions.
Consequently, alternative approaches have been developed by economists to reduce pollution caused by nonpoint emissions. Some of the alternative approaches include the incentive scheme developed by Segerson. Segerson and Wu developed a mixed approach which combines a voluntary approach with a threat of an ambient tax.
In this approach, the ambient tax is only used when the polluter fails to voluntarily take the required level of abatement. The approaches proposed by Shortle and Horan include mixed approaches, point-nonpoint trading, emissions proxies, inputs and practices, as well as, ambient taxes and liability rules.
Even though most of these approaches can help in achieving first-best solutions for controlling nonpoint emissions, they also have weaknesses.
References
Segerson, Kathleen and Wu, JunJie. “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats.” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006): 165-184.
Segerson, Kathleen. “Uncertainty and Incentives for Nonpoint Pollution Control.” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 15, no. 1 (1988): 87-98.
Shortle, James and Horan, Richard. “The Economics of Nonpoint Pollution Control.” Journal of Economic Surveys 15, no. 3 (2001): 255-283.
Footnotes
Kathleen Segerson and JunJie Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006):165-184.
Kathleen Segerson and JunJie Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006):165-184.
Kathleen Segerson, “Uncertainty and Incentive for Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 15, no.1 (1988): 87-98.
James Shortle and Richard Horan, “The Economics of Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Economic Surveys 15, no. 3 (2001): 255-283.
James Shortle and Richard Horan, “The Economics of Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Economic Surveys 15, no. 3 (2001): 255-283.
Kathleen Segerson, “Uncertainty and Incentive for Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 15, no.1 (1988): 87-98.
Kathleen Segerson and JunJie Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006):165-184.
Kathleen Segerson and JunJie Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006):165-184.
Segerson and Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” 165-184.
James Shortle and Richard Horan, “The Economics of Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Economic Surveys 15, no. 3 (2001): 255-283.
Shortle and Richard, “The Economics of Nonpoint Pollution Control,” 255-283.
Kathleen Segerson, “Uncertainty and Incentive for Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 15, no.1 (1988): 87-98.
Kathleen Segerson and JunJie Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006):165-184.
James Shortle and Richard Horan, “The Economics of Nonpoint Pollution Control,” Journal of Economic Surveys 15, no. 3 (2001): 255-283.
Kathleen Segerson and JunJie Wu, “Nonpoint Pollution Control: Inducing First-Best Outcomes Through the Use of Threats,” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 51, no. 1 (2006):165-184.
The minimum standards for maintaining environmental quality while keeping costs at the minimal can be established by considering sources of emissions and their concentrations. These air pollutants may be acceptable to a given degree after which they become unacceptable due to the consequences they have on nature.
It is important to determine the extent at which a given pollution is negligible and above which the damages are intolerable. In this case, there is an “important condition that market equilibrium coincides with the least-cost solution for attaining any predetermined level of environmental quality and does so for any initial allocation of licenses among polluters” (Krupnick, Oates, and Van De Verg, 1983, p. 234).
When considering this approach in environmental management, optimal standards should be introduced to regulate the polluting activities and the concentration of emitters in a given region.
All the polluting entities, regardless of the degree of emission, are regarded as accommodating to the environment. This is only if they do not act in violation of the standard optical measure on environmental quality. This implies that the cost of pollution remains equal for all entities.
Therefore, it creates room for increased pollution activities in relatively clean areas at no extra cost. This allows license trading in regions that are least polluted thereby degrading the environment further.
This will lead to a disabled equilibrium that should exist between environmental quality and abatement costs. There are biases in this model towards minimizing costs and thus insensitive to the environmentalists (Krupnick, Oates, and Van De Verg, 1983).
McGartland’s extension on Krupnick’s perspective regarding standardizing the measure for environmental quality introduces a predetermined optimal measure in environmental quality. Both the environmentalists and polluters seek to improve the environment and reduce abatement costs.
This perspective addresses each region on its own aiming at improving air quality level by the current status. This is done by ensuring that the predetermined standards are not exceeded. Therefore, the environmental quality standards are not uniform.
However, they are dependent on each region’s level of environmental degradation. That way, those that are already good will not deteriorate to reach the optimal standard established. In this case, it is not the optimal standard of emissions in any region that is assessed.
However, it is the optical amount of emissions of a certain region that measure whether the quality of the environment is maintained (McGartland & Oates, 1985). Unlike Krunpick’s assertions, there is no equilibrium between costs and environmental damages, it seeks to reduce costs and protect the environment whichever is more gain.
Thus, environmental quality will be maintained, if not improved, because there is insignificant possibility of increasing polluting activities in a clean environment. This is because it violates the predetermined amounts of emissions despite having minimal activities when compared to others (McGartland & Oates, 1985).
The system for pollution offsets that Krunprick was introducing is only applicable if other measures are taken. These measures include the introduction of measurable extents to which a pollutant cannot be allowed to exceed; the partitioning of regions according to the amount of emissions; and determining the number of pollution activities any region can sustain.
Maintaining equilibrium between environmental quality and cost is not efficient if all the polluting entities are treated uniformly despite the amount of emissions and concentration in a certain region.
Therefore, to ensure that regions with good quality environment are not subjected to degradation at extra costs, trade permits should be introduced. Nevertheless, the permits should reflect the unique needs of each region, as opposed to the optimal, standard measure for environmental quality. This way pollutants experience minimal costs while the environment gains better quality.
Reference List
Krupnick, A.J., Oates, W.E. & Van De Verg, E. (1983). On Marketable Air-Pollution Permits: The Case for a System of Pollution Offsets. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 10, pp. 233-247.
McGartland, A.M. & Oates, W.E. (1985). Marketable Permits for the Prevention of Environmental Deterioration. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 12, pp. 207-228.
Thesis: Coal pollution in China has been a significant cause of environmental pollution-China being one of the largest coal producers in the world- therefore, necessitating the development of appropriate measures to reduce its severity.
The demand for economic growth as well as the ever-growing Chinese population has increased the demand for energy in China although Coal has been criticized as the cause of air pollution.
The dominant source of energy has been coal due to its affordability and availability. The emissions from its combustion are mainly in form of carbonic and nitrogen oxides, sulfur, and particles of heavy metals such as mercury. The emissions from the utilization of coal cause health since these substances are mainly water and air pollutants.
Acid rain has been the principal hazard resulting from the emissions from coal users.
The chemical combination of coal pollutants with water results in acid rain, which harms vegetation, aquatic animals, birds, and other biodiversities. This kind of rainfall affects agriculture as it makes the soils acidic, as farmers will have to spend more on liming the soils. Agricultural food products may sometimes contain mercury resulting from acidic rain, which causes health complications for both humans and animals.
The chief environmental concern of the century on global warming has been blamed on carbon dioxide emitted from the utilization of coal.
Carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere emits a high level of light energy from the sun while absorbing heat from the earth. This causes instability in its chemical component, which releases energy absorbed in form of heat energy to the earth. The pollutants cushion loss of heat from the earth to space, and subsequently, increasing the earth’s temperature. The ever-rising temperature results in global warming causing glaciers to melt and coastal flooding tsunamis.
China has been faced with severe water shortages caused by the long-term effects of coal pollution.
The persistent rise in temperatures leads to climate change, which causes droughts, sea level rises, and disruption of rainfall patterns. The accelerated desertification results in low amounts of rainfall received. Sea level rise causes tsunamis, which displaces people along coastal lines. Increase the cost of dealing with the effects of coal pollution such as the depletion of water resources, treatment of patients, and premature deaths.
Action needs to be taken to sustain human, animal, and plant life by reducing pollution in China although there have been immense challenges.
Despite the public outcry in the recent past, the Chinese laws have not served to reduce these effects of coal pollution. There has been a minimal implementation of the laws placed to curb the effects of coal pollution. The existing mistrust of the central authorities in addressing the utilization of coal has been a hindrance in the reduction of emissions.
Some of the solutions for the crucial problem in china have been incorporated.
Enforcement of these environmental laws has been hampered by political influences and corruption. With the increased adverse effects of coal pollution and the inept government authorities, new ways have to be devised to deal with coal pollution. New policies dealing with emissions should be enacted and violators brought to book to sustain a healthy environment.
