Category: Pollution

Atmospheric pollution is the existence of dangerous gases, solids or liquids in the atmosphere (Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). Atmospheric pollution occurs as a result of various types of noxious wastes.

Particulate matter, the first type, comprises of liquid and solid aerosols suspended in air. This occurs as a result of hazardous industrial processes and burning coal. It speeds up the erosion of construction materials and the decomposition of metals which destructs the human respiratory system by introducing poisonous materials into the system.

The minute particles cause ailments such as: lung cancer, bronchial asthma and emphysema among others.
Sulphur oxides, the second type, mainly come from burning coal and manufacturing industries. The nature of acidity of the sulphur oxides causes harm to human beings, plant life and other materials on the earths surface.

Carbon monoxide, the third type of pollutant, is a colourless gas which people have no guard against. Haemoglobin, present in blood, mixes with carbon monoxide and transports less oxygen to the body tissues posing a risk of health and heart effects. A number of health issues originate from the exhaust fumes seeping out from automobiles. Hundreds of Americans lose their lives as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

Hydrocarbons, the fourth type, are chemical complexes made up of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons come up from vehicles powered with gasoline and industrial procedures. Hydrocarbons are emitted when power in the engine burns up incompletely. Whenever hydrocarbons get in touch with sunlight, they create ground level ozone, a chief ingredient in the creation of smog. Ground level ozone damages lungs, causes eye irritation as well as general respiratory problems.

The final type is nitrogen oxides which originate from high-temperature ignition, for instance in electric power plants, motor car engines and general use of fuel. Nitrogen oxide adds to acidity during the production and precipitation of chemical fog. Nitrogen oxide is however hazardous as it springs severe illness and demise even in cases of short periods of exposure.

Description of the Problem

Atmospheric pollution is an environmental problem that has to do with contaminants in the air. Atmospheric pollution leads to several health and environmental problems. The world is getting hotter, making people to suffer. Each day, a common person inhales almost twenty thousand litres of air. Each time we inhale we risk drawing in hazardous chemicals that have made their way into the atmosphere. Atmospheric pollution includes all pollutants found in the air. These hazardous substances can exist in the type of gases or particles.

Atmospheric pollution can occur both in and out-of-doors. It poses health risks like emphysema, cancer and asthma. It also leads to the exhaustion of the ozone layer which causes the melting of ice caps as well as global warming. Up to the industrial age, the air was rather clean. Afterwards, the use of vents and the burning of coal added many pollutants in the air. The amplified use of fossil fuels nowadays also contributes to this.

If pollution goes on as badly as it is currently, the O-Zone layer will be run down adequately to allow ultra violet waves into the earth leading to skin cancer and other issues associated with the ultra violet rays.

Since ozone layer protects the earth from dangerous ultraviolet radiation, ozone exhaustion is believed to cause high number of skin cancer cases in nations like Australia and Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the Montreal Protocol which constrained the emission of artificial pollutants like the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) would direct ozone layers recuperation by 2050 (Sunyer, 2001).

Smog is a blend of many contaminants, primarily particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Ozone is produced from nitrogen oxides and volatile organic composites. During summers, most people get exposed to ground-level ozone absorptions that are greater than the present national ambient quality of air objective of eighty two parts per billion in one hour (Goss et al., 2004). In the United States, the key sources of nitrogen oxides are industries, transport sector, and use of fossil fuels as a source of energy.

Non-artificial sources of nitrogen oxides are usually insignificant. The chief sources of artificial volatile organic composites are petroleum and solvents. While non-artificial sources of volatile organic composites (chiefly from plants) are 5.5 times artificial sources, it is significant to note that locally, in crowded smog-affected areas, volatile organic composite emissions tend to rule during ozone events.

Though ozone changes only a small number of regions, many big cities experience heights of particulate matter which are said to have major effects on human wellbeing. Particulates and ground-level ozone are related to a variety of bad health impacts, among them being respiratory problems, augmented emergency cases of illness and early death.

Nonliving and Living Factors that Contribute to or Are Affected by the Problem

Human beings are the major living factor that causes atmospheric pollution. This is so because human beings cut trees for use in industries and use fossil fuels as sources of energy. The rising earth population is also significantly associated to this matter. A large population causes pollution in that as the number of people increase, the demand for timber as a construction material increase, thus increasing deforestation.

Numerous forms of transport are available globally. So long as these forms of transport rely on fuel to run, they will forever emit pollutants. Exhausts from vehicles, aircrafts, and ships have become the main pollutants of the globe. If bikes and other non-fuelled modes of transports can be employed, the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could be reduced. Exhausts from cars weaken the o-zone layer. By not smouldering plastics or using fossil products, we can aid in preventing atmospheric pollution.

The altitude of oceans is normally elevated by global warming that occurs as a result of atmospheric pollution. The heightened levels of water ingest low land areas and islets which cause problems to humans, plants and other creatures that inhabit that area. Water coats plants inhibiting their growth. As a result, aquatic animals lack food and in severe cases, they die. Loss of plants and animals depress the whole ecosystem and particularly, the lives of human beings.

Furthermore, global warming augments the ocean temperatures, thus endangering the lives of ocean animals (Tuner, 1994). The most affected by this process is the algae. Algae manufacture food for the sea habitants by photosynthesis. It also acts as a meal to a many creatures like crabs, small fish and whales.

The loss of algae leads to malnourishment of other animals and consecutively the sea kingdom begins to die out. The emission of greenhouse gases raises temperatures which results to the drying of trees leaves. As a result, the forest burns since dry leaves easily catch fire. Green house gases also cause acid rain which is corrosive. It affects both plants and animals lives.

Positive or Negative Human Impacts

Human forces on forests like forestation can be helpful. However, deforestation can greatly impact the ecosystem as it raises the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Evaluation of Current Sustainability Strategies and Solution

At present, there are many luminous sustainability strategies and solutions that have been started by several organizations, governments, firms and civic groups.

An example is the emphasis on use of solar energy as opposed to use of coal. Clean Air Acts was also established to safeguard the atmosphere against pollutants (Goss, 2004).

By making electric vehicles, pollution that occurs from gasoline powered vehicles can be reduced. Scientists and car makers have joined hands so as to establish how they can make cars that are powered by batteries or that use air to run (Turner, 1994). So far, these cars have not yet been released into the market as they are still being worked on. If these cars are released, then they will play a great role in prevention of atmospheric pollution.

Several attempts at reducing atmospheric pollution have been made. The Clean Air Acts was effectual for a short while. The Act illegalized the use of a number of polluting matters. However, this did not work since people did not adhere to it. Use of solar energy is another solution that has been tried.

This type of power is excellent because it is a substitute energy source to petroleum and other fossil fuels that contaminate the atmosphere. The only limitation to use of solar energy is that it is very expensive. However, it is broadly used universally.
Another effectual way of reducing air pollution would be the making of electric vehicles. The employment of these electric vehicles would entirely lessen the amount of pollution in the atmosphere caused by gasoline motorized vehicles.

These vehicles can be run on batteries as a replacement for gasoline and other fuels. Although solar cars appear to be very pragmatic, they would be very costly to build up. The major variation amid solar and electrical power is that solar vehicles would be more costly to construct. The potential of creating a cost efficient electric vehicle is to a large extent more sensible than creating a cost efficient solar vehicle.

By creating ecologically secure and reasonably priced electric vehicles, the extent of pollution due to gasoline powered cars would lessen. Devoid of making these adjustments, the world will go on to heat up at a yearly rate of more than two degrees, which will lead to the melting of ice caps (Holland & Reid, 1965). In case this takes place, the water will mount up to 200 feet, down pouring a large portion of the earth.

The worlds ecosystem can be compared to a web. It is extremely delicate and relies on all of its strings to uphold stableness. If the atmosphere is polluted it interrupts the web by making a discrepancy.

Sustainability Plan

My plan for reducing atmospheric pollution in my community is to build up an education plan on atmospheric pollution reduction activities and their importance, schedule a presentation day and time, invite community participants, and research on the effects of air pollution.

First, I will research on the roots, effects and potential ways of reducing air pollution. The research will incorporate the short term and long term impacts of the types of energy that are frequently used by the society members, explore the various alternative sources of energy, and note human actions that can lessen atmospheric pollution.

Next I will schedule a day when I can present a brief report on the findings of the research to the community. I will also educate the community members on possible ways of reducing air pollution with an aim of ensuring that each member in the society is conversant with the role that he or she can play in reducing atmospheric pollution. Some of these roles could include: recycling materials, reducing the use of non-reusable paper products, utilizing firewood efficiently, and using forest products economically. I will also work together with media owners to ensure that they publicize my reports on causes, effects and way of reducing air pollution.

Since most members in my community work during the day, I will schedule most activities to take place in the evenings. The mitigation process will be ongoing.

Required Government, Societal, and Global Support

Owners of factories and businesses can play a great role in reducing atmospheric pollution, since most air pollutants results from manufacturing industries.

The government must also initiate policies aimed at regulating the amounts of hydrocarbons emitted in the atmosphere, especially by industries. The industries can regulate the amounts of hydrocarbons released in the atmosphere by purchasing relevant equipment.

The government should pass a regulation on use of such equipment within businesses and factories. Such equipment should satisfy all these four conditions: have an ionizing radiation, have a flame burner and have an acceptor that contacts the waste gases in crosscurrents. Like other laws, if a single condition is absent then the business or factory should be heavily fined. In such a case, the government can order the business or factory to satisfy the lacking condition in a fortnight, failure to which will lead to closure.

It is important that our governments take action right away. By doing so, the owners of factories and businesses will come to terms with the impacts of atmospheric pollution that they cause. All this will be aimed at preventing or reducing chances of causing harm to others by way of atmospheric pollution. This will consequently benefit a country in that billions of money used on health problems posed by atmospheric pollution will be saved.

Benefits and Challenges for My plan

If the community supports my plan, there will be reduced levels of atmospheric pollution. However, since the practicability of my plan relies on the will of the people, if the people do not see sense in it then it will definitely not be effective.

Another challenge is that most members in my community belong to the working class. Thus, the only time that I can reach them is during evenings, when they could be tired as well.

References

Environmental Protection Agency (2011). Air pollution: basic Information. Web.

Goss, C.H., Newsom, S., Jonathan S. & Kaufman, J. (2004). Effect of ambient air pollution on pulmonary exacerbations and lung function in cystic fibrosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 169 (7), 816821.

Holland, W. & Reid, D. (1965).The urban factor in chronic bronchitis. New York: Oxford University Press

Sunyer, J. (2001). Urban air pollution and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review. European Respiratory Journal, 17, 10241033

Turner, D.B. (1994). Workbook of atmospheric dispersion estimates: an introduction to dispersion modelling. 2nd ed. London: Sage

It is a common scientific belief that life started in the oceans. The ocean is also the largest habitants and home to a large number of organisms. Over the years, the ocean has been exposed to a lot of pollution. Marine pollution denotes the introduction of harmful materials or chemicals in our oceans which may disrupt the marine ecosystem, cause other harmful effects to marine life or change the chemical properties of the water. This pollution may be from natural processes or as a result of human activities. Marine pollution from natural process mainly involves the deposition of materials in the ocean during volcanic activities.

Marine pollution has however been attributed to human activities. During the beginning of the industrial revolution, most people believed that since the oceans comprised a very large area, they had unlimited ability to disperse and dilute pollutants thus it was impossible for marine pollution to occur (Garrison, 2009). This belief led man to use the ocean as a dump site. Nuclear materials, chemicals, and other man made waste all found their way to the ocean. By the time people started noticing, a lot of pollution had occurred and a problem had started developing.

Marine pollution due to human activities mainly occurs in the form of direct discharge into the ocean, atmospheric pollution and runoff due to rain (Ahnert & Borowski, 2000). Direct discharge occurs when harmful materials are directly introduced (dumped) into the ocean. Oil spills, dumping of radioactive waste and sewage into the ocean are but some of the few ways direct discharge occurs. Oil spills have become one of the modern means of direct pollution.

The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and the recent Deep Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in the largest oil spills in U.S. history (Robertson, 2010). Oil spills not only introduced chemicals into the ocean but also formed a layer restricting the flow of oxygen into the ocean thereby killing a lot of marine wildlife. Dumping of sewage into the oceans occurs all over the world slowly changing the PH of the oceans as well as changing the chemical composition of the water.

Surface runoff has also been one of the major routes of marine pollution. Materials collected from land are introduced into rivers during rainy seasons and find their way into our oceans. Fertilizers, plastic debris and waste from paved roads are just but examples introduced into the oceans through surface runoff (Garrison, 2009). Fertilizers introduce chemicals such as nitrogen that result in algae blooms responsible for low oxygen content in the oceans.

Plastic debris is non-biodegradable and can last for a very long time in the ocean. The final means of marine pollution is through atmospheric pollution. Air pollution caused by introduction of chemicals into the atmosphere results in acid rain thereby adding chemicals into the ocean thus changing the chemical composition of the ocean (Ahnert & Borowski, 2000).

Marine pollution has become one of the major concerns in the modern world. Man has realized that the oceans are a precious resource and it is our responsibility to maintain this resource as well as to ensure sustainability. Marine pollution can be solved through the institution of international laws banning deposition of harmful materials into the ocean (Grigg & Kiwala, 1970). Another means of curbing this pollution is by stopping agricultural activities on river banks and restricting deep sea mining and oil extraction.

The steps taken to control air pollution is a positive step in the right direction but more has to be done to stop air pollution such as reducing carbon waste from automobiles, and seeking alternative energy sources and reducing the use of fossil fuels. The oceans are the source of life and they may be the reason life ends on earth. It is our responsibility to ensure that we rectify what we have caused and protect our precious resource.

Reference

Ahnert, A., & Borowski, C. (2000). Environmental risk assessment of anthropogenic activity in the deep sea. Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Stress & Recovery, 7(4), 299. Web.

Garrison, T. (2009). Essentials of Oceanography (5^th ed.) Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Web.

Grigg, W. and Kiwala, R. (1970). Some ecological effects of discharged wastes on marine life. California Department of Fish and Game, vol 56: 145-155. Web.

Robertson, C. (2010). Estimates Suggest Spill Is Biggest in U.S. History. The New York Times. Web.

Introduction

The Ganges is one of the most important rivers in the history of humanity as well as in the life of Indian people. It is the cradle of civilization, and it remains one of the sacred destinations of worship (Das and Tamminga 1648). The river accounts for a quarter of the countrys water resources (Das and Tamminga 1650). It also sustains around 40% of the Indian population. This population density, industrial development and cultural peculiarities of India have led to the significant pollution of the river. It is necessary to note that the government has undertaken numerous steps to address the issue. Nonetheless, this effort has been quite unsuccessful due to such factors as the failure to involve all the stakeholders.

Steps Undertaken

As for the measures to improve the situation, in 1985, the Indian government launched the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) aimed at diminishing the rivers pollution (Das and Tamminga 1655). The major focus of the program was made on the industries and sewage. Certain attention was also paid to the problem of the pollution through the exposure of improperly cremated corpse.

A number of electric crematoriums were established. There were many court cases that resulted in significant penalties for many companies. The sewage system was also improved significantly. However, the problem was not resolved completely, and GPA II was developed. The new program is more holistic as it addresses such factors as religious and cultural.

The History of the City of Benares

It is necessary to note that the environment program failed as it did not take into account the major peculiarities of the people living along the river. The city of Benares plays an essential role in the impact of the population on the river pollution. Apart from being an important industrial location, the city is a sacred place for millions of people. The ancient name of the place is Varanasi (Davies and Mates 236). It is also known as an important cremation location and the place where the genesis of the universe occurred and where the corpse of creation will burn at times end (qtd. in Davies and Mates 236). Therefore, millions of pilgrims visit this site annually. Clearly, this contributes to the problem of pollution.

These people come to the city to cleanse in the waters of Ganges. People also bring flowers and sweets to give their gifts to the gods. Hindu people bathe in the river to purify themselves. They also take the water in their hands and pour it back to the river as an offering to the gods as well as their ancestors (Davies and Mates 236). People also take some water with them to use in various rituals at home.

The Hindu Cremation Ritual

Another significant problem that leads to further pollution of the river is the Hindu cremation ritual. As has been mentioned above, Hindus believe that waters of Ganges purify, and people cleanse corpses of their close ones before cremating them (Davies and Mates 236). The ashes of cremated people are thrown into the river as it is believed that this is the way to further life cycle.

Conclusion

On balance, it is possible to note that the Ganges has played a central role in the life of Indian people and those who practice Hinduism. The city of Benares hosts around 40% of the Indian population and this density inevitably leads to pollution. Industries also contribute to environmental issues, but there is considerable effort to diminish their adverse impact. At that, religious beliefs and practices still cause a lot of trouble for the environmental situation in the area. The government should develop a strategy that would address these issues when developing measures to diminish the pollution of the river.

Works Cited

Das, Priyam, and Kenneth R. Tamminga. The Ganges and the GAP: An Assessment of Efforts to Clean a Sacred River. Sustainability 4.1 (2012): 1647-1668. Print.

Davies, Douglas J., and Lewis H. Mates. Encyclopedia of Cremation. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2010. Print

Externalities are market imperfections that are caused by the inability of the market to bring about justice to every action. In this case, the externality being talked about is that of pollution through various harmful elements such as mercury, dust from Africa, haze, and ozone from factories and power plants in Asia and Mexico. The externality is detrimental to the health of U.S citizens. Harmful elements are produced in other countries outside the U.S and find their way into the U.S. According to Lewin, the atmosphere has no boundaries, and there is no way the U.S can restrict their deposit in the country (207).

The U.S has restricted the emission of harmful gases and other substances in the country. However, the marginal social cost that U.S. citizens incur due to the pollution of their atmosphere and environment is high. For instance, the country incurs high healthcare costs resulting from the settlement of dust from the Gobi desert in Africa, and China, among other countries, settles in the U.S. Dust contains microscopic particles that when inhaled go directly into the lungs hence causing poor health conditions and death (Lewin 221).

Los Angeles is one of the potential danger spots in which inhabitants smoke dirty air. The Federal government is the U.S. has moved fast to limit the number of emissions from the factories and industries. In the U.S., this is because a substantial amount of pollution is from U.S. industries. The government has enacted legislation that aims at reducing power plant emissions in the U.S. by 61% by 2015. However, it has been argued that an increase in imported pollution in the country could derail efforts to restore natural visibility in places such as the Glen Canyon National Recreation area in Arizona.

Major steps undertaken include the treaty that was signed between the U.S. and Canada in the year 2000 to help the two countries reduce the emission of ozone-forming gases. However, the U.S has opposed the signing of a treaty that could help reduce the emission of mercury from coal power plants. In order to clean up pollution in national parks, the U.S. would like to incorporate other countries, although there have been no global treaties signed (Hirschey 215).

Works Cited

Hirschey, Mark. Management economics. 12 Edn. Ohio, OH: Cengage Learning. 2008. Learner. Demand, 2010. Web.

Lewin, Peter. Pollution Externalities: Social Cost and Strict Liability. Cato Journal, 2.1 1982: 205-229.

Rostow, Walter. The Strategies of Economic Growth. 2 Edn, London: Cambridge University Press, 1971.

Indoor air pollution refers to the introduction of toxic substances mainly from the use of domestic fuels into our families. Indoor air pollution has become a major global challenge more so in the sub-Saharan African countries where the cost of alternative fuels has ever been on the increase. Indoor pollution is also associated with poor sanitation in the environment. In highly industrialized countries like Japan the scenario is even complicated as most individuals are likely to suffer from related ailments like cancer, etc. indoor pollution is interestingly becoming a major area in research as different world agencies on health are drawing their attention to it. (Indoor and outdoor air pollution, 2009)

Indoor, pollution causes life-threatening ailments including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and other lower respiratory infections. Its the responsibility of the world health organization to ensure that the world at large is informed on the latest development concerning these ailments. Indoor pollution and related conditions are a big burden to the already suffering world according to the reports of the world health organization that its the 8th most important risk factor and is perceived to contribute to 2.7% of the worlds burden of disease. (Indoor and outdoor air pollution, 2009)

Countries like Guatemala and Nepal should give priority to adopting the use of improved stoves, kerosene, and gas. These forms of fuel are not only environmentally friendly but are also cost-effective. The current global economic trend requires careful cost-benefit analysis so that one is not financially confused. Their government should also be on the forefront for championing the importance of sanitation and the dangers of a polluted environment. This should be adequately communicated to every citizen at all times. This should be done in conjunction with the world health organization as they are a ware that the energy system in most third world countries is inadequate so there should be an alternative that will be advantageous to both the poor and the rich. (Environmental protection agency, 2009)

The people of Guatemala are actually poor. Poverty has become one of the biggest global challenges to our economies. In poor countries there are so many humanitarian organizations going round to help improve the living conditions of the local individuals. These are mainly non-governmental organizations that are charitable that specializes in giving donations to the less fortunate. It would be more convenient to use these organizations to champion this idea of low cost sanitation.

Their responsibility will be to explain to the individuals the associated benefits and dangers of poor sanitation and to persuade them to adopt this idea in their daily endeavors in life. The only thing that may appear to be a stumbling block for the people of Nepal to invest into their low cost of sanitation is whether they can be able to get sufficient resource and the public attitude. These are people who are already with little income. Otherwise it would be very important to use other agencies to reach them. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1989)

Conclusion

Indoor pollution is a big threat to the human health. Even though life has become so difficult especially in the third world countries, attention should be paid to the severally available alternatives for fuels. We are a ware that the major cause of indoor pollution is mainly our domestic methods of cooking. With the increasing cost of life the use of charcoal, coal and other related sources of fuel will remain common in the arena of many people. (Environmental protection agency, 2009)

List of references

Environmental protection agency, (2009), indoor air pollution. Web.

Indoor and outdoor air pollution, (2009). Web.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (1989), Office of Air and Radiation. Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality, Volume II: Assessment and Control of Indoor Air Pollution, pp. I, 4-14. EPA 400-1-89-001C.

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate strategies for promoting positive environmental behavior in Columbus, Ohio, using an environmental problem, air pollution. Air pollution could be a problem in Columbus, OH. Fortunately, most of the time, the City of Columbus has a safe level of outdoor air quality for the general population (City of Columbus, Ohio, 2014). Nevertheless, there are some air pollutants, including small particle matters, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, among others in the atmospheric air. These foreign elements pose serious health challenges to high risks groups, including individuals with asthma, people with heart or lung disease or physically active people who exercise outdoors when air quality is poor (City of Columbus, Ohio, 2014).

Strategies for promoting positive environmental behavior

It is imperative to recognize that air pollution due to human activities has increased cases of ill health and mortality, particularly in high-risk groups. It is, therefore, necessary to promote positive environmental behaviors by controlling the effects of air pollution or the number of foreign particles in the atmospheric air using a number of strategies (Barrett, 2012).

One method of combating air pollution in Columbus, OH, is to create social awareness about the effects of polluted air on human health. Creating social awareness among the public is an effective method of promoting positive environmental behavior. It allows the public to know the negative impacts of air pollution on the environment. Moreover, social awareness lets people understand how air pollution is a health risk and evaluate their own behaviors and effects on the environment.

Once people become aware of the harmful effects of air pollution on the environment and health, it is likely that they will adopt positive behaviors, reduce behaviors and activities that contribute to air pollution and lessen the release of foreign particles into the atmosphere.

Laws and regulations can also promote positive behaviors to reduce air pollution in Columbus, OH. The authority can take action against individuals and institutions that pollute the air. Laws and regulations of the city should support such actions. It would show that environmental pollution is a serious offense, and it, therefore, should be minimized. It is expected that action against air pollution would deter activities that lead to air pollution and promote positive behaviors.

On the other hand, incentives would reinforce positive behaviors in people. This strategy promotes positive behaviors among people who have realized the benefits of maintaining clean air. In addition, it would also ensure that other people adopt behaviors that protect the atmosphere from pollution. As a result, protecting air against pollution may become a habit among the public.

How positive and negative consequences can increase pro-environmental behavior

The positive and negative consequences of air pollution in Columbus, OH, can result in enhanced pro-environmental behavior among the public. While it is difficult to believe that the negative impacts of air pollution can result in pro-environmental behavior, this can happen when such consequences have noticeable detrimental impacts on public health and the environment. Generally, the negative impacts of air pollution have detrimental effects on the environment, increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the rate of climate change, and lead to poor health in humans and animals. For humans and other animals, air pollution has resulted in increased cases of morbidity and mortality, particularly among groups at high risks (Brunekreef & Holgate, 2002). Consequently, people have noted these negative impacts of air pollution and focused on promoting pro-environmental behavior. In this regard, the need to protect the air from pollution, protect human health, and mitigate the negative impacts of climate has facilitated such behaviors (Liao, Amar, Tagaris, & Russell, 2012). Today, there are environmental laws and regulations to ensure that individuals and organizations limit air pollution by complying with the set standards. In this regard, one can assert that people learn from the negative consequences of air pollution and change their behaviors to support environmental conservation.

Conversely, positive consequences on the environment can reinforce pro-environmental behavior. In this sense, people understand that controlling negative impacts of air pollution can result in positive outcomes such as clean air quality, reduced cases of morbidity and mortality, and low impacts on climate change. These outcomes encourage the public to behave in pro-environmental manners in order to reduce the hazardous effects of air pollution. In other words, positive messages and communications about the benefits of healthy environments promote pro-environmental behaviors among the public. Such positive behaviors are likely to persist into the future and ensure sustainable environments for future generations.

One positive and one negative example of how technological advances have impacted the environment

Technological advances have changed the way people interact with their environments. Most importantly, technology is critical in reducing the costs of extracting natural resources and enhancing efficiency. In fact, neoliberals believe that technological advances would provide alternatives or solutions to environmental challenges and therefore result in sustainability (Davidson, 2011). Technological advances have provided efficient means of reducing negative human activities, such as extraction of resources, on the environment. Consequently, people can extract resources with limited impacts on the environment. At the same time, they can also minimize air pollution. While there are positive impacts of technology advances, there are also its negative impacts on the environment.

For instance, the use of hydraulic fracking technology to extract shale gas in Columbus, Ohio, has reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. The previous technologies could not offer such advantages. However, some environmentalists have demanded a total ban on technology because of several complaints related to polluted drinking water from wells and its long-term impacts on the environment. Specifically, critics have linked the technology to contaminated water from fracture formations and other drilling activities. In addition, others have linked hydraulic fracking to the possibility of causing earthquakes following a series of earthquakes in Ohio (Stuart, 2014).

There are major reasons for supporting hydraulic fracking. First, hydraulic fracking involves the production of clean energy, which reduces the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Second, the technique relies on sophisticated technologies, which reduce risks associated with conventional drilling. Finally, the technique can boost the economy and create millions of jobs for Ohio and the US.

The use of hydraulic fracking technology to extract shale gas shows how technological advances can bring about positive and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, concerned parties must enhance their efforts to develop environmentally friendly technologies for extracting natural resources without harmful effects to humans and the environment.

The influence of environmental policies

Sound environmental policies can promote pro-environmental behaviors, while poorly formulated environmental policies could result in the environmental pollution in Columbus, OH. Environmental policies reflect the obligation to protect environments from destructive behaviors. People and institutions should comply with environmental policies. Environmental policies are meant to create change and reinforce pro-environment behaviors.

A number of policies could be detrimental to the environment because they may serve the interest of few while causing harm to majorities. Well-developed environmental policies have beneficial outcomes for society and sustainability. Lawmakers, policymakers, and individuals have critical roles in ensuring that policies are formulated and implemented to protect the environment and its inhabitants.

While there are state and federal laws, regulations, and policies on hydraulic fracking technologies, hydraulic fracking issues have continued to be controversial. For instance, environmental policies require oil and gas companies to disclose a list of toxic chemicals they use in the extraction of shale gas in Ohio, but this rarely happens (Smyth, 2012). The debate of hydraulic fracking in Ohio and other areas in the US shows how hydraulic fracking issues are controversial. As these debates rage on, the perceived detrimental effects of the technology continue on the environment.

Well-formulated environmental policies aim to create positive consequences on the environment through protection. Therefore, local, state, and federal authorities should implement environmental policies that specifically target hydraulic fracking technologies and their potential impacts on the environment. Such policies would influence shale gas drillers to change their behaviors and protect the environment and its inhabitants from their harmful activities.

Hydraulic fracking is a new technology for extracting shale gas. It shows that state and federal policies should change as new technologies, which could have positive or negative impacts on the environment, emerge.

Conclusion

This essay has evaluated strategies for promoting positive environmental behavior in Columbus, Ohio, using an environmental problem, air pollution. It shows that Columbus, OH, has relatively clean air. Nevertheless, there is a need to protect the environment from pollution through positive behavior change.

Social awareness, laws, regulations, and incentives may facilitate the adoption of pro-environment behaviors. While technological advances have positive impacts on the environment, they also present serious challenges to the environment and its inhabitants. Well-formulated and implemented environmental policies should protect the environment from detrimental activities and ensure positive outcomes. This would result in sustainable environments for the future generation.

References

Barrett, J. (2012). Air Pollution Intervention: Study Links Use of Face Masks to Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(3), A122. Web.

Brunekreef, B., & Holgate, S. (2002). Air pollution and health. Lancet, 360(9341), 1233-42.

City of Columbus, Ohio. (2014). Columbus Public Health Air Quality. Web.

Davidson, K. (2011). A Typology to Categorize the Ideologies of Actors in the Sustainable Development Debate. Sustainable Development, 22(1),1-14. Web.

Liao, K., Amar, P., Tagaris, E., & Russell, A. (2012). Development of risk-based air quality management strategies under impacts of climate change. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 62(5), 557-565.

Smyth, J. C. (2012). Ohio Fracking Rules Signed By Governor Kasich, But Debate Isnt Over. The Huffington Post. Web.

Stuart, H. (2014). Ohio Fracking Operation Halted Following Area Earthquakes. The Huffington Post. Web.

Nowadays, a rapidly growing human population is one of the most serious threats to the worlds environment. Knoxville, Tennessee is experiencing this problem right now. The City Council worries that population growth may create a number of negative environmental, social, and economic outcomes like infrastructure deterioration or air and water quality decline. Statistics shows that, in 2010, the population was about 179,000 people, and, in 2013, it reaches the mark of 183,270 people (United States Census Bureau, 2014). It is necessary to address some pollution management issues and think about the measures to reduce pollution rates and help people survive any kind of environmental problems.

In case the City Council offers financial support in about $20 million, it is possible to create an appropriate solution for Knoxville and improve the rapid population growth problems. The following measures are chosen: pollution control legislation of point sources ($3mln), encouragement of alternative transportation, walking and bicycle use ($5mln), promotion of fuel-efficient cars ($7mln), and establishment of green spaces or some urban forestry ($5mln).

Knoxville has one of the best employment forecasts in the USA. It has powerful transportation facilities and low cost of living. Unfortunately, it makes this city taking the leading positions in the dirty list (Flory, 2011). Pollution control legislation for point sources can help to maintain appropriate environmental conditions, reduce carbon emission, and avoid the degradation of ecosystems. A legislative framework proves that all pollution control should be dependent upon some engineering and technological facilities. Legislation should work on the two main principles  pollution prevention (to reduce the number of polluting products) and pollution control principles integration (to create a team that analyzes pollution impacts). A new pollution control law should provide the society with a kind of environmental duty, civil law enforcement, and penalties for environmental offenses. People should be aware of their responsibilities. Though many technological organizations may be not satisfied with the necessity to install expensive devices, they should take a risk to avoid possible expenses in the future because of penalties.

Encouragement of alternative transportation, walking, and bicycle can help to reduce air pollution rates considerably. Employees should have a good stimulus to go to work walking or bicycling. It may be achieved by the creation of beautiful roads, walking through which may influence workers mood and behavior, the access to additional vocation days, and cash rewards. Some organizations may refuse the idea to spend more money on their workers; still, legal penalties may be used to make the employers try.

The promotion of fuel-efficient cars is another measure that can be taken in Knoxville. The need of appropriate organizations specialized in creating such cars can make many stakeholders invest their money into new attractive ideas and help other organizations find alternative transportation means. It is possible to create special public fuel-efficient buses and offer employees some discounts.

Finally, the establishment of special green spaces and urban forestry is a good idea to reduce carbon emission and show the society the beauty of the environment they get a chance to live in. People should have an access to clean and specially-organized places for resting. The implementation of certain behavioral rules and norms is necessary. 24/7 security will gain control over such territories and take responsibilities for all possible violations. Such people should be properly prepared for their work. The City Council should encourage a good educational program where environmental issues, psychological approaches, and management details will be discussed. To achieve this, it is necessary to find out trade-offs with the already developed educational system and offer them a new effective idea for development and promotion of ecosystem health.

Considering the above-mentioned measures and their impacts on the environment, the idea of the statement about the balance between the effectiveness of environmental measures and the public reaction towards them becomes clear. It is wrong and useless to improve the environment without an appropriate public support. The way of how people react on the measures defines the quality of all innovations. People have to comprehend their roles in the city they live and understand that their awareness or, vice versa, a kind of apathy will influence their future and the future of their children. So, the balance between measure and reactions should be kept.

Reference List

Flory, J. (2011). Air pollution lands Knoxville on dirty list. Knoxville News Sentinel. Web.

United States Census Bureau. (2014). State & Country QuickFacts: Knoxville, Tennessee. Web.

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a major concern in most industrialized nations. While a number of green energy solutions are already in place, it is apparent that heavy emitters of environmental pollutants still face the challenge of cutting down emission quarters. Proactive and pragmatic measures are necessary in order to curb environmental degradation through pollution. For instance, a case study of the current pollution levels in China reveals that the country is struggling with the management of hazy weather.

Some environmental pressure groups are calling for a total environmental revolution in China owing to the negative impacts of hazy weather. Green energy solutions come in handy in the management of air pollution in China. Nonetheless, active public participation in the improvement of air quality is also possible. For instance, encouraging individuals to embrace public transport has the potential to cut down toxic gaseous emissions from vehicles. Besides, policy formulation and enforcement should be the epitome of mitigation measures against urban pollution in China.

China needs environmental revolution

Air pollution is a growing challenge in modern China. The characteristic hazy weather can be managed by adopting a number of environmental conservation measures. While the government is keen in instituting strict measures to alleviate air pollution, a participatory approach is necessary. What solutions can help China manage the hazy weather? This brief essay explores a number of solutions that China can adopt to address the challenges posed by the hazy weather.

Watering a garden is one of the latest and most advanced measures that an industrialized nation like China can adopt to manage the prevailing hazy weather. The recent geo-engineering research proposes radical measures that can minimize hazy weather. Although the method appears simpler than the magnitude of the problem, environmental scientists argue that it has the much-needed potential to manage weather characterized by haze. The same approach for watering a garden is employed in this method. In order to achieve the desired results, water is evenly sprayed into the affected atmosphere using large sprinklers loaded with large water tanks.

Large amounts of water sprinkled on top of buildings and towers tend to wash away aerosols and other particles present in the immediate atmosphere. The robust industrial growth of China over the past four decades is largely responsible for the massive air pollution experienced today. Heating, traffic, and coal-based energy are some of the core sources of air pollution that lead to hazy weather. This implies that controlling or managing air pollution of this type might not be an easy task at all. Vallero (2014) asserts that more than 90% of the degradation of methane is by oxidation, mainly by reactions with hydroxyl radical& (8).

Water simulates various categories of precipitation that naturally exists in the atmosphere. According to Yu (2014), gaseous pollutants and aerosols present in the atmosphere are the major cause of a hazy weather experienced in major cities in China. It is possible to scavenge such pollutants from the atmosphere using natural forms of precipitation. Both chemical and natural forms of water can be used in this procedure. However, pure water is highly recommended in order to avoid other unforeseen side effects of chemical substances. In any case, natural precipitation has the ability to wash away major air pollutants from the atmosphere. The exiting water shortage cannot be made worse because used water can still be recycled.

A hazy atmosphere is usually loaded with fine particles. It is possible to clear quite a large amount of such particles within a very short duration depending on the procedure used to spray water. Yu (2014) observes that if you can spend half an hour watering your garden, you can also spend 30 minutes watering your ambient atmosphere to keep the air clean with this technique (114). As it stands now, extensive research activities are underway to devise the most effective methods for delivering water to target atmospheres.

Ling (2013) suggests policy priority in the management of a hazy weather. Emission from diesel engines are mainly comprised of burnt fossil fuels. In particular, oxides of nitrogen are emitted from diesel exhaust fumes and freely disposed into the immediate atmosphere. Other harmful oxides include those of sulfur and hydrogen. Before the close of 2010, sulfur oxide emission was at its utmost point. China also consumes a lot of coal as an alternative source of generating energy.

According to Ling (2013), despite Chinas massive coal consumption, we can now observe some emission curves at their inflection point towards a downward shift (par. 6). One of the policy measures proposed by the Chinese government is the desulfurization of facilities that handle components of sulfur. The same facilities can also be reconstructed or upgraded in order to meet the minimum safety standards.

Facilities that process sulfur and nitrogen are prone in the emission of toxic oxides into the atmosphere. If these facilities can be modified in such a way that the gaseous pollutants do not find their way out, then it can be a more practical method of reducing atmospheric haze. Another policy measure currently in place is the reduction of nitrogen oxide emission by at least 10 percent in the next one year.

Oxides of nitrogen are mainly emitted through vehicle exhaust fumes. Policy suggestions are currently targeting emission reduction from vehicles through the exhaust fumes pipes. However, the battle against pollution and haze-related problems cannot be won by merely considering exhaust control. Ling (2013) is of the opinion that more coordinated efforts should be considered in the management of air pollution.

Fire should not be used as a tool for clearing. It is vividly understood that any combustion activity generates heat and oxides of carbon. The latter products are equally responsible for the hazy weather characteristics experienced in mega cities in China. On the same note, land tenure and allocations should be left to policy makers. Besides, policy makers have begun to value changes in greenhouse gas emissions in regulatory decisions (Waldhoff, Anthoff, Rose & Tol 2014, p.2).

Land allocation and the period within which parcels of land are held by individuals or organizations also contribute towards air pollution. For instance, the government should not over-allocate land for industrial purposes at the expense of environmental pollution. In addition, the physical site characteristics should be compatible with land use activities. Wieczorek, Ditch and Bill (2011, 07) are categorical that firewater runoff carries with it numerous contaminants&that may pose a health risk or cause ecological harm (775).

The curative actions are applicable in areas that regularly exceed permissible levels of air quality. The adoption of remedial measures in air pollution should cut across the board. In other words, a mixture of pollution control methods is necessary in effective management of the hazy weather in China. Measures assumed by the Chinese government aim at reducing the emission of pollutants by improving purification systems or enhancing the conditions of dispersion of pollutants.

It is prudent to mention that remedial action is an effective system to solve the challenge of local air pollution. However, remedial measures might not be the best approach to use owing to the fact that the problem of air pollution is transferable to another medium because contaminants captured must deposit themselves somewhere. Hence, decontaminating the atmosphere might lead to pollution of water and soil. Moreover, the operation of cleaning equipment consumes raw materials and generates energy, which leads to air pollution in other areas.

In order to avoid further pollution of the environment, it is necessary to resort to the application of clean techniques that do not generate a lot of heat energy and other harmful gaseous products. The techniques adopted should attack the problem of pollution at source. Better still, technical development of more efficient processes in the use of raw materials and energy resources can be yet another alternative.

Some of the methods of preventing pollution at the source include product reformulation, process modification and recycling or recovery of products obtained. The above technologies are now fully developed and their applications in the case of plants operations cannot always be technical or economically feasible. Since fuel use is often the main source of air pollution, a very effective pollution control measure is crucial. Regulation of characteristics, qualities and conditions of use of various solid and liquid fuels should be a priority area when it comes to environmental conservation.

As already hinted out, another possible approach to reduce local air pollution is to improve the dispersion of pollutants using the self-purification capacity of the atmosphere. Raising the height of the chimneys of stationary sources, or changing how gases are channeled out from source. For instance, the output temperature of the gaseous products can be controlled to minimum levels. On the way of getting rid of large amounts of pollutants has been an issue of extensive discussion in recent years since pollutants discharged at high altitude can be trapped in relatively stable areas of the atmosphere and later transported long distances to cause harmful phenomena such as acid rain.

Preventive measures of air pollution are also effective in the control and management of hazy weather in China. Some of these measures include urban planning, previous studies of environmental impact assessment and efficient utilization of energy resources through a saving program.

Many of the air pollution problems that affect large cities in China could have been avoided or at least mitigated, through appropriate planning of the urban structure as well as the location of activities and industrial estates. Poor planning constraints the available resources Assuming that the main sources of air pollution in urban China are vehicles, domestic heating and industrial emissions, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of these problems by undertaking a coordinated series of preventive measures aimed at reducing emissions such as encouraging the use of fuels with low pollutant levels and clean technologies as well as proper planning of road traffic.

Conclusion

In recap, air pollution in China is a major environmental concern that requires concerted effort for successful management. Sprinkling water on the affected atmosphere, application of technological innovations to vehicles, and urban management plans are some of the measures that the Chinese government can put in place to minimize the hazy weather. Creating buffer zones where vegetation grows between industrial and residential areas can also mitigate against air pollution. Needles to say, there is urgent need to cut down the consumption of coal and other fossil fuels in the generation of energy. Members of the public should also be encouraged to use public transport effort in the inner cities instead of private cars that jam the roads and cause heavy traffic and pollution.

References

Ling, X. (2013). Tracking down Chinas Haze Pollution. Web.

Vallero, D. (2014). Fundamentals of Air Pollution. London: Elsevier Inc.

Waldhoff, S., Anthoff, D., Rose, S., & Tol, R. S. J. (2014). The marginal damage costs of different greenhouse gases: An application of FUND. Economics, 8(31), 1-33.

Wieczorek, C. J., Ditch, B., & Bill, R. G. (2011, 07). Environmental impact of automatic fire sprinklers: Part 2. experimental study. Fire Technology, 47, 765-779.

Yu, S. (2014). Water spray geoengineering to clean air pollution for mitigating haze in Chinas cities. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 12(1), 109-116.

Introduction

As the worlds nations continue to scale the heights of development, they inevitably have to grapple with the negative side of the advancements realized therein. Among such consequences is the problem of environmental pollution. The battle against environmental pollution has brought together international bodies, governments at the national level, and organizations within countries. However, the trends indicate that the harder the battle is fought, the more serious the issues of concern become.

Environmental pollution is a multifaceted concept that is constituted by a plethora of independent aspects. One of these aspects, which continue to dominate debates across the entire world, is noise pollution. As cities expand to accommodate their ever-increasing activities, so does noise from all sorts of sources increase. This essay examines noise pollution and distinguishes it from sound pollution with a focus on urban traffic noise.

Noise Pollution in Perspective

Existing literature is awash with different approaches to the definition of noise and consequently noise pollution. However, of importance is that the approach notwithstanding, noise bears one characteristic that qualifies any sound to be considered as noise. It tends to impair communication between two parties (Schafer, 1994). In other words, noise is any sound that irritates ears and by doing so, hinders ears from capturing projected sound adequately. In light of this insight, noise pollution is thus the existence of sounds that combine to inflict pain on ears continuously, thus causing discomfort to the listener. This assertion means that in a polluted acoustic environment, any two parties wishing to communicate will do so under some level of strain and the chances of the message being distorted are very high.

Noise pollution has been found to have several adverse effects on the health and well-being of man. Its effects range from damaging ears to have a causal effect on some complex health conditions that have been witnessed in some people. To begin with, noise pollution causes reduced working efficiency as noted by Kryter (1970).

When two groups of people are placed in noisy and non-noisy environments and assigned the same tasks, those in a quieter environment will tend to be slightly more productive than those in a noisy environment. This aspect could be attributed to the fact that noise pollution causes distraction and as such, slows down a worker in a noisy environment. The distraction in most cases is undesirable, but the victims cannot help it since they have to divide their attention to a given extent between the noise and the task. The disparity could be up to 12% improved efficiency for those working in a generally quiet environment (Kryter, 1970).

In addition to affecting the efficiency of a worker, noise can also affect the reaction time of an individual to visual stimuli (Kryter, 1970). If noise is persistently availed and the individual is presented with visual stimuli to react to, the noise may cause the individual to lengthen the reaction time, the individual may also react too fast to such stimuli or get used to the noise and not be affected at all (Kryter, 1970).

The three instances of noise affecting the reaction of the individual may not be desirable during certain circumstances. An individuals ability to react to stimuli should not be interfered with in any way. The danger posed by altering an individuals reaction time can be appreciated better in circumstances where the stimulus that necessitates the reaction can cause fatal injury to the victim. The victim may end up suffering serious injuries or dying prematurely.

Besides these two, noise also has an effect on the learning of an individual so that it distracts the individual in a way that s/he is not able to learn, as would be the case in a quiet environment. In a study by Kryter (1970), the individuals used a lot of muscular effort, and their breathing was accelerated too in the presence of noise, as compared to quiet environments.

This study clearly shows that noise may have a non-desirable effect on the speed of learning because even if an individual learns, there is a time difference in the individual learning from a quiet environment and the one in a noisy one. Fast learners are considered intelligent, and most education systems tend to favor such individuals. The effect of noise can thus lead to the classification of some individuals as being less intelligent when in actual sense they are victims of a noise-polluted environment.

Kryter (1970) further noted that noise affected the intelligence of an individual so that when an intelligence test score was taken in a noisy environment, it had a detrimental effect on the results. This observation can be attributed to the fact that noise interferes with the ability to concentrate, as would be the case in a quiet surrounding. Studies carried out to find out if the noise had a bearing on the mental and muscular effort exerted while undertaking a task also indicated that there was a negative effect (Kryter, 1970).

There was an increase in speed by up to 4.3% for typists working in relatively quiet environments and what is more surprising is that they consumed less oxygen by up to 19% less than their counterparts working in a noisy environment (Kryter, 1970). Although some indications suggested otherwise, it was notably clear that noise indeed had an effect on the muscular and mental effort exerted to accomplish a task.

These examples are clear testimonies to the effect that noise can have on human beings. Although there are instances of noise showing a positive effect, the magnitude of such effects is negligible, if compared to the cases in its negative effects (OECD, 1991). However, an important point to note is that whether the effects are negative, which is mostly the case, or positive, studies demonstrate beyond any doubt that noise pollution will, in one way or another, affect an individuals perception of his or her surroundings and that is not desirable.

The distinction between Noise and Sound Pollution

The preceding parts of the essay extensively dealt with noise pollution, but at this point, there is a need to develop a clear distinction between these two concepts. Sound refers to stimulation caused in ears by the vibration of any surrounding medium. Sound pollution is thus any departure of this sensation from its desirable quality. Based on the manner in which the two terms are used in everyday activities, it is almost impossible to alienate one from the other, yet the two terms mean two distinct things. Therefore, noise is a type of sound whose effect is always undesirable to a listener. In reference to traffic, not all forms of sound produced by traffic can be classified as noise. Only those that in one way or another cause discomfort to individuals ears qualify as noise.

This essay is focused on traffic noise in urban settings; therefore, it is important to understand the various forms of sounds that emanate from traffic and what qualifies them as noise pollution from the onset. It should be clear at this point that it is not possible to mention noise without touching on sound because noise is a certain type of sound, but one can easily examine sound without necessarily touching on noise. This distinction should help in the succeeding part of the deliberations of this essay.

In an urban setting, traffic is inevitable for motorists are part of the economy of any setting. Some cities have attempted to tackle the problem of excessive numbers of motor vehicles by touting bicycles as alternatives with considerable success. However, this move is not possible everywhere; therefore, traffic noise will always be a problem to be solved. Among the many forms of sound produced by vehicles, the following can be classified as noise; the honking of horns, the squealing of tires, sirens, raving engines, and banging doors among others. These examples do not exhaust the list, but outline some of the most common sounds that emanate from traffic.

Several reasons underscore why sounds can be classified as noise and thus eventually cause noise pollution. The unexpectedness of a particular form of sound may qualify it as noise due to the annoying effect that this scenario causes the listener (Kryter, 1970). When a driver suddenly steps on the brake pedal to avert an impending accident, the squealing of tires may cause an annoying effect to a listener who may not be watching the scene, and s/he is thus caught off-guard by the sound. The case may be slightly different for a person who watches the scene from beginning to end because for him or she, the squealing of the tires is registered in mind as being necessary under such circumstances. The distinction between sound and noise is thus evident in the perception of the same sound by the two individuals.

The intensity and loudness of a sound qualify it as noise even in circumstances where it is clearly known that it is necessary. A police or ambulance siren may be anticipated at any time, but still, it irritates people due to its intensity and loudness. The loudness is necessary for traffic to clear the way, especially in the case of an ambulance, but this element makes it more undesirable to the listener. The more intense a sound is, the more irritating it is (Rosen et al., 1962). When the sound of an ambulance siren is compounded by the rave of its engine and honking horns, the sounds form a typical scenario of traffic noise in an urban setting, and this is what forms noise pollution from traffic.

In addition to these two, another quality of sound that makes it qualify as noise and thus pollute the acoustic environment is its inappropriateness (Truax, 2001). In an environment where quietness and calm are desired, when there is penetration by sound from a given source, it is immediately considered noise, and thus it serves to pollute that environment. This scenario happens when the peace and quietness that initially prevailed are destabilized by the sudden presence of undesired sound.

A good example of this scenario is in school or library buildings that are proximate to roads. Although the designers incorporate sound absorbing elements to muffle any noise that may interfere with students or readers, sound may still penetrate as noise to cause disturbance and discomfort based on its loudness and intensity. The idea of the inappropriateness of the sound in these settings stems from the fact that these places require total quietness so that when a tire squeal gets to the ear of a learner who is trying to internalize a concept; it tends to draw the learners attention to an unnecessary occurrence.

This discussion clearly indicates that noise pollution occurs when a non-desired sound penetrates a given acoustic space but fails to give instances in which it can be said that sound pollution has occurred. At this point, sound pollution shall thus be briefly put into perspective. In reference to traffic noise, it may not be possible to construct the idea of sound pollution clearly, for the way traffic sounds come out is not anyones concern. Sound pollution can clearly be examined under conditions where the quality of a sound being produced is of concern to the listener; for instance, in music. In music, a singer, a producer, and a listener are all concerned with the quality of the sound produced. This assertion means that anything that affects the sound so that it does not come out as it should is polluting the sound.

This can best be understood from a mechanical perspective where the sound is viewed as the wave. Therefore, when there is interference with the wavelength or amplitude of a sound wave in any way, it changes from how it is expected to sound to a different form of sound, which may not be desirable by a listener. This scenario underscores how sound pollution takes place. It can be seen that sound and noise pollution are two distinct concepts, but what should be noted even at this point is that the polluted sound becomes noise.

Conclusion

Urban traffic noise may not necessarily cause any form of sound pollution because no one pays attention to the difference between how certain sounds should come out and how they do come out. The quality of sound seems to matter only in music and other instances such as auditions where the quality of an individuals vocals determines his or her suitability for a particular task. The case is different in normal life situations where the quality of sound does not matter because it seems not to add any value to the acoustic environment. For instance, a tire squeal may not concern anyone at all apart from the fact that it may announce an emergency of some sort.

When a vehicle suddenly stops, it implies that either an accident has occurred or it nearly occurred. The quality of the sound produced by the tire squeal may not concern anyone at all. Traffic noise thus exclusively amounts to noise pollution in any environment including habitually noisy environments. However, ways of reducing the risk posed by noise pollution to human health should be sought because whether in a habitually noisy environment or a quiet one, noise pollution still affects human health. Polluted sound translates to noise, which makes it equally dangerous to human health, and thus it should be avoided.

Reference List

Kryter, K. (1970). The effects of noise on man. New York, NY: Academic Press. Web.

OECD. (1991). Fighting noise in the nineties. Paris, France: OECD Publications. Web.

Rosen, S., Bergman, M., Plester, D., El-Mofty, A., & Satti, M. (1962). Presbycusis study in a relatively noise free population in the Sudan. The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 71, 727-43. Web.

Schafer, R. M. (1994).The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World. Rochester, VA: Destiny Books. Web.

Truax, B. (2001). Acoustic Communication. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. Web.

Introduction

Air pollution is one of the most important problems and one of the most urgent issues of the modern society all over the world. Some cities in the developed countries pose a major threat to the ecological situation in the whole country. The city of Los Angeles leads to several issues within the United States of America. Air pollution in the city remains one of the major social challenges affecting the residents. The high air pollution incidences have been associated with the two most important causes.

The notable causes for air pollution in the city include the continuously expanding vehicle traffic and the escalating population levels. It is notable that air pollution has reached unreasonably high levels. Scientists have argued that the predicament of pollution in the city presents potential health impacts on the residents. The good thing about air pollution is that there are diverse strategies that are applicable in responding to the situation. The provision of robust public transportation systems and sustainable development of housing units are likely to minimize air pollution in the city. The rapid growth in the citys population presents diverse benefits.

Arguments and Counter Arguments

Los Angeles has topped in pollution for the last fourteen years even after the introduction of the Clean Air Act. The city presently experiences injurious air pollution for over fifty days annually. The consequences of the high levels of polluted air include asthma problems as well as other respiratory ailments for the residents (Codrington 327). Furthermore, the city has recorded escalated mortality rates, heart attacks, and stroke, because of the unhealthy air people breath. The air from the mountainous areas in Los Angeles and the onshore winds normally merge at the basin (Codrington 327).

This has created the basin areas of Los Angeles to act like a normal photochemical reaction point trapping the unhealthy emissions generated by the millions of Los Angeles residents. There are different aspects of the residents activities and practices, which have escalated the occurrence of highly dangerous air in the region (Codrington 326).

The use of private transport has been at the core of pollution challenges in Los Angeles. The increasing number of vehicles in the city has resulted in massive traffic jams (Downs 88). Furthermore, as the population of the city continues to escalate and without public transport policies, people are increasingly purchasing private cars to facilitate their mobility. The transport has become annoying and ineffective (Downs 88).

The escalation of congestion in the city has worsened the problem of air pollution because of the volume of unhealthy air emitted in the atmosphere (Downs 88). The gas emissions from the millions of vehicles in the city contain several particulate matters, which hasten pollution of the air. The situation has sometimes become so worse particularly during peak hours when residents move to different places for their daily engagements (Downs 88).

The occurrence of air pollution in the city is not entirely problematic, as some gains have been noted. There are advertisements that attempt to explain that solutions for air pollution are tenable (Downs 81). The relevant persons can employ diverse regulations to minimize the impacts of pollution. The Los Angeles administration can introduce high occupancy vehicles (HOVs) in the public transport system (Downs 81).

The HOVs can carry more people and eliminate traffic congestion on the roads. The introduction of a public transport system remains the best solution for traffic congestion in the city (Downs 81). Furthermore, the number of cars on the Los Angeles should worry about the residents. The technological advancements can provide solutions to the contribution of cars in escalating pollution (Downs 81).

It is notable that the application of regulations to control air pollution in the city has failed. This means that the administration may not rely on the regulations in future attempts to stop the problem of pollution. Both the administration and residents have had many debates about the introduction of public transport in the city (Downs 78). The debates started several decades back but are has not been easy to implement the suggestions. Furthermore, building additional infrastructure such as transit facilities and escalating the services in the available facilities have failed to contain the issue of traffic congestion (Downs 78). The notable regulatory processes envisioned to alleviate the problems associated with traffic congestion have failed. The introduction of cars emitting healthy gases has also failed to work. The residents have continued to purchase more cars thus escalating the problem (Downs 78).

The problem of pollution in the city has also been attributed to the escalating populations. However, the population may present diverse opportunities to the city. Population problems in the city may not reduce in the near future (Shyam, Verma, and Bhargava 9). The geographical location of the city to Mexico has facilitated constant arrival of Mexicans. Furthermore, the city has attracted many people because it provides the best joints for entertainment. The city also has excellent education and business institutions. The increase in the population has also escalated the number of cars on the roads (Shyam, Verma, and Bhargava 9). Therefore, higher populations in the city have escalated the economy and business opportunities in the area. The availability of cheap labor has attracted many industries to the region. It is notable that Los Angeles residents have not complained about the problem of pollution (Shyam, Verma, and Bhargava 9).

Indicatively, the high population has indeed presented more challenges to the transportation system in the city. It is not possible to argue that high population has generated more business opportunities. The businesses activities cannot supersede environmental concerns (Shyam, Verma, and Bhargava 9). The predicaments facing the city are likely to continue. The increased population of Mexicans arriving in the state of California is also not likely to cease. Therefore, the citys problems with pollution will continue to affect many.

The air pollution problem has also presented many opportunities through the different control strategies aimed at minimizing its impacts on the residents. The air contamination control processes have expanded employment opportunities (Chiras 420). The costs generated from the industry have also supported many important activities in the state. This is an indication that air pollution in the city provides certain benefits to the residents. This argument gives more attention to the outcomes of air pollution than to prevent it before its occurrence (Chiras 420). The argument also seems to be giving more attention to the opportunities presented by air pollution. These outcomes are insignificant because the aim of Los Angeles residents should work together for the realization of pollution free environment. The residents and the administration can work together by developing a mechanism for introducing public transport.

Air pollution control in the state remains crucial in the realization of improved ambiance. The activities aimed at minimizing emissions require the relevant authorities to make certain decisions. The Air Resources Board together with local air control committees normally adopts appropriate strategies. The board has taken leadership in pursuing diverse control strategies including technology to manage emissions (Chiras 420). The notable technologies include cleaner engines for point of source controls. The strategies also include treatment methods for emissions. This method requires that gases are treated at their point of source prior to emission into the environment (Chiras 420).

This also entails the application of catalysts for in the automobiles industry where certain products enable the emissions from vehicles to be neutralized before their release into the environment. The regulatory mechanisms require vehicle users to apply cleaner gasoline and diesel. Furthermore, people are encouraged to use less destructive alternative fuels (Chiras 420). It is notable that regulators employ strategies that target mobile sources of emissions to minimize the release of unhealthy gases.

The air pollution has been attributed to many diseases affecting the residents of Los Angeles. The much debate about pollution-related health predicaments has forced people to stop thinking about other human illnesses. It is notable that other illnesses that have a worse influence on peoples health than the pollution-related challenges (Chiras 414).

Pollution-related diseases include chronic illnesses and infectious ailments overshadowed some notable diseases. The arguments about other health predicaments faced by residents of Los Angeles should not emerge in this discussion (Chiras 414). The health challenges to the residents and should not attract other counterarguments. Air pollution is a challenging situation for the American people. The impacts of health problems associated with air pollution remains a big threat to the lives of many Los Angeles residents (Chiras 414).

The predicaments of air pollution in remaining a challenge for the residents of the city. The human activities have played a significant role in the destruction of the environment with private transport services and the ever-escalating population (Burchell 133).

The health problems associated with the impacts of traffic congestion in the city has been overwhelming. The proponents of the Los Angeles development model have continued to make their arguments for the situations. The proponents have been able to discuss the issue of vehicle population (Burchell 135). They have suggested that the high numbers of vehicles offer certain opportunities. The number of vehicles that causes traffic congestion can be reduced through the introduction of public transport, employing green transport activities, and adhering to regulatory provisions developed to facilitate the movement (Burchell 135). However, this paper argues that these arguments are more retrogressive and presents potential problems to the efforts to promote pollution control activities.

Conclusion

In summary, the air pollution problem in the city of Los Angeles has continued for many years. The challenges emerging from the situation are also evident in the environment. The high population of people in the city is identified as one of the causes of pollution. The increasing number of vehicles also causes traffic congestion. The fact that Los Angeles lacks public transport systems, thus making the use of private cars a common phenomenon. Supporters of the current situation in Los Angeles have argued that certain gains can be obtained from air pollution. This paper disagrees with the counter-arguments presented by the supporters.

Works Cited

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Chiras, Daniel D. Environmental Science. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2013. Print.

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