Everest has seen a significant increase in pollution resulting from human waste, climbers who die, and other litter. The pollution of Everest is extreme in areas where there is high human activity. Pollution has destroyed Everest’s view since climbers are not careful with the litter they carry up the mountain. If the issue is not adequately addressed soon, there is a likelihood that the tourist attraction site will be no more. This paper will highlight some of the practices that have been used in the past to address the pollution issue on Everest. It will also present a recommendation of policies and practices that can help to address the pollution of Everest. There is a need to address the pollution issue on Everest to ensure that the mountain retains its scenery and glory.
Suggested Practices and Policies
Guiding companies should identify responsible guides who will help to minimize the possibility of climbers littering the mountain. Guides should have adequate knowledge to ensure that all litter ends up in the perfect place and not the whole area (Jenkins). Guiding companies have to inform guides that their main responsibility is to eliminate the possibility of climbers and trekkers dumping waste wrongly. Responsible guides can also help keep track of the dead bodies on the mountain and aid in their retrieval. It would also be necessary to ensure that individuals allowed to climb the mountain have climbing skills. This will help enhance their climbing speed and limit the likelihood of deaths that also contribute to pollution.
A policy that can be put in place by Nepal to address the current state of pollution on Everest is limiting the number of climbers to the mountain. The glory of reaching the summit of Everest has acted as a motivator for people to climb the mountain in large numbers. The increase in the number of people climbing the mountain at a time has enhanced the pollution of the mountain. The high number of people enhances the likelihood of dead bodies due to congestion.
Limiting the number of climbers and trekkers will help to reduce waste and dead bodies on the mountain. The government of Nepal should emphasize the need for proper implementation of existing policies to address the pollution issue on Everest. This can be achieved through frequent monitoring of the mountain to check whether needed procedures and practices are followed (Francois 33). This can also help identify challenges and loopholes to create further improvements in waste management projects and policies. The government of Nepal should be at the forefront of managing the pollution problem on Everest.
Existing Practices and Policies
One of the practices in place to help address the pollution issue in Everest is the deposit initiative established by the Nepali government. Any person wanting to climb Everest has to deposit four thousand dollars which is refundable if they collect eight kilograms of waste in the process (National Geographic). The requirement specified for all climbers is estimated according to the average waste an individual can produce as they climb the mountain. The deposit specified for all climbers has motivated most of them to help in collecting the garbage dumped all over the mountain. Volunteers have also organized clean-up strategies to help collect garbage from the mountain in a defined period. The volunteers help retrieve cans, wrappings, plastics, and climbing gear by climbing the mountain to the highest level.
Bally, a Swiss luxury brand, has partnered with local Sherpas to clean the mountain and its base camps. According to Andrei, the partnership helped collect over two points two tons of waste material from Everest and the surrounding regions after forty-seven days. Climbers from Nepal and the Sherpas lead the garbage collection initiative to help preserve the mountain since they consider it to uphold spiritual and cultural heritage. The partnership between Bally, Nepali climbers, and the Sherpas has helped to reduce the garbage on the mountain.
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has also played a significant role in the cleanup of Everest and in raising awareness about the issue. SPCC has involved itself in the collection of litter on major trails and base camps. SPPC has also been in charge of installing seventy garbage collection bins and eliminating the importation of glass bottles. This has helped to reduce the waste that ends up on the mountain itself through proper disposal. The committee organizes annual clean-ups, and community training workshops and focuses on identifying new effective solutions that will help to address the issue adequately (Byers).
SPCC has also formed a partnership with Sagarmatha Nest, a non-profit organization that advocates for sustainable tourism activities. The partnership seeks to identify innovative approaches to waste management and recycling. Workshops have also been organized whereby artists use collected waste materials to make art. The initiatives started by SPCC have played a significant role in helping to reduce waste levels on Everest.
A biogas project has been established on Everest to help manage human waste on the mountain. The biogas project helps to eliminate human waste in a human-friendly way, thus positively impacting the environment. Human waste from the mountain was dumped before being treated hence a threat to the environment. This will help to reduce the impact of the mountain’s pollution on the population. The biogas digester is solar-powered and can work effectively even in high-altitude conditions.
It also has battery arrays that allow it to function even during the night when there is no sun. The biogas digester has its end product as methane that can be used in cooking, lighting, or even as fertilizer in farming activities (Scott). This shows that the digester will not only help to manage human waste on Everest but also has other benefits for those living near the mountain. The biogas digester has helped to address the issue of untreated human waste on the mountain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a need to address the pollution issue on Everest to ensure that the mountain retains its beautiful scenery and glory. It is necessary for guiding companies to ensure that guides are responsible enough to monitor and control the climbers to dump their waste appropriately. Guides can also help to keep track of and retrieve climbers who die on the mountain. The government of Nepal should also consider limiting the number of climbers on the mountain to reduce the rate of waste disposal.
The fewer the number of climbers, the easier it will be to manage waste materials. Currently, all climbers have to deposit a fee of four thousand dollars, which is refundable if one manages to collect eight kilograms of waste on their way up and down the mountain. A Swiss luxury brand has also partnered with Sherpas and climbers to clean up the mountain. SPCC has played a significant role in limiting pollution on Everest by collecting litter and installing garbage collection bins. A biogas digester has been established on the mountain to help manage untreated human waste.
Air pollution occurs when substances known as pollutants are in excess in the environment (What Is Air Pollution? n.d.). These substances are divided into two broad categories namely primary and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants include carbon IV oxide and sulfur IV oxide that are emitted directly into the air.
On the other hand, secondary pollutants result after primary pollutants have undergone through chemical effects/reactions. An example of secondary pollutants is photochemical smog that results when fossil fuels like gasoline react with oxides of nitrogen gas in the presence of sunlight.
This process produces numerous chemicals, which are hazardous and highly toxic. Automobiles greatly contribute to air pollution, as they release fumes into the atmosphere. They also pollutes environment indirectly through the industries that manufacture their body parts, disposal, and refueling. Moreover, there is pollution that comes during refining and distribution of car fuels.
Automobiles, like cars, produce chemical compounds such as carbon IV oxide, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. On the other front, other components of car air pollution include dirty air, smoke, and smog. They cause difficulties in breathing, watery eyes and upon inhalation increases the risk of lung cancer.
Cars also pollute land; for instance, when their tires wear out, the particles remain in the soil. Further, cars cause water pollution when particles from their tires are washed into streams. At car wash points, the dirt from these vehicles gets into rivers and lakes thus causing pollution (Cars and Air Pollution n.d.).
The effluents are directed into streams of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans and, finally, human beings use them for domestic consumption. From the two broad categories of pollutants, from cars, there are four classifications of the pollutants, which include the following: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or hydrocarbons, Carbon II Oxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX).
These chemicals have different lifespan while in the air (Car Pollution Facts n.d). For instance, some hang around for a few hours as others stay in air for thousands of years. The four classes of pollutants results when fuel, air, and spark interact/come together and water is released in the process.
Particulate Matters are particles from soot and metals. They are the reason behind the murky coloration in smog. In car air pollution, automobiles emit sulfur IV oxide, nitrogen oxides, and other hydrocarbons. Later, these pollutants react with other substances in the environment to form secondary pollutants. Hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone at the ground level. Notably, this reaction occurs in the presence of sunlight.
Ozone causes reduction in capacity of the lungs, choking, and coughing (Car Pollution Facts n.d). Nitrogen oxides always weaken the defenses of the body against respiratory diseases like influenza and pneumonia. Cars and trucks are the major emitters of carbon II oxide from combustion of gasoline. This gas is colourless, odourless, and very poisonous. Further, NO2 can prevent the flow of oxygen in the blood to other parts of the body like the brain.
Sulfur IV oxide (SO2) are produced when cars burn diesel, which are sulfur containing fuels. SO2 forms finer particles upon reacting with the environment hence causing great health risk to human population, animals, and plants. Additionally, car air pollution has toxics or hazardous air pollutants. They include benzene, 1, 3-butadiene, and acetaldehyde compounds (Cars, Trucks, & Air Pollution 2008). Again, CO2 that is emitted by cars causes global climate change.
Historically, car air pollution is a common phenomenon across valleys and cities worldwide. The coming up of large cities and towns led to rise of industries; for instance, the car manufacturing industries. These industries released waste products into the environment.
This trend continued until nature could not cope up with the level of wastes in the atmosphere. These emissions concentrate in regions where they are emitted and can lead to adverse effects to human beings. For example, in December 1952, London experienced a smog event, which created a toxic atmosphere; the occurrence consequently proclaimed about 4000 human lives (Gow & Pidwirny 1996).
Currently, there are so many automobiles under the transport sector. Therefore, they cause air pollution through emissions during operation. In addition, air pollution comes from the manufacturing industries as they continue to supply vehicles in order to meet the increasing market demand, the distribution, and manufacturing of cars’ fuels.
Markedly, the manufacturing companies aim at maximizing profits by increasing their market sales each year. Government agencies have also failed in controlling this trend, as they view it as a source of tax and revenue for their daily operations. However, these funds are again used in controlling environmental degradation; as a result, the whole process has no benefits but limitations. Any effect on the environment affects all humanity irrespective of the actors.
Therefore, stringent measures should be put in place to avert such scenarios from occurring. In China, most of its carbon dioxide emissions come from cars. At present, the cars are cleaner than they were 30 years ago (Car Pollution Facts n.d.). On the other hand, the pollution level is determined by the miles that a car covers in a day, but not the type of cars that one owns. Today there are still more cars that are driven for long distances.
As a result, they burn many gallons of fuel. This situation needs solutions to control. California and China, for example, use over 80 million gallons of gasoline per day. A 600-acre lake of two feet deep can be filled with 400 million gallons of gasoline. Traffic idling also leads to 8 million gallons usage of fuel.
Car air pollution have numerous effects that it posses to the entire environment. The first instance is the effect on the size of babies that mothers in car-polluted areas deliver. After birth, such children experience stunted growth syndrome. The pollutants reduce the sizes of babies in these regions; this leads to health complications and can result to early infant deaths (Car Pollution Facts n.d.).
It also leads to premature births; the situation that makes it difficult for such babies to survive. Therefore, car air pollution does not only affect already born human persons but also affect the unborn/fetus. This observable fact is very serious therefore should be addressed from all perspectives in order to ensure healthy lives for all. The emissions can also cause severe respiratory and neurological infections in human beings.
For example, the small particles from nitrogen oxides can easily penetrate the humans’ respiratory systems into the lungs. These toxic substances settle in the lungs and disrupt the normal flow of air in and out of the lungs. If this situation persists, human beings develop lung cancer.
Car air pollution has toxics or hazardous air pollutants: therefore, breathing polluted air increases the probability of contracting heart diseases, bronchitis, and asthma (King 2011). On the other aspect, CO gas can block the smooth flow of oxygen into the brain; consequently, leading to brain complications. Car air pollution also damages the neurons that are responsible for learning and memorization of ideas.
Noticeably, these effects are perilous. In the US, close to 80 people die per day due car air pollution, while in Europe, over 300 people die due to the same effect. Notably, these infections are due to car air pollution that the human population can control if they collectively decide to act.
Moreover, car air pollution causes global warming. Global warming involves the change in climatic conditions of a given area, that is, abnormal high temperatures during the day and extremely low temperatures during the night, severe droughts, flooding instances and melting of glaciers. These conditions arise when CO2 and other substances that trap heat are in the atmosphere.
They form a blanket-like structure that traps heat from the ground (King 2011). This continuous process increases the ground temperatures, as heat is unable to get into the outermost part of the atmosphere. This increase in heat waves, acidic oceans, and rising sea levels, clearly shows that global warming can disrupt the food chain.
This effect, then, leads to food insecurity, which is a basic need for all. Although cars can be comfortable and classy, their effects on the environment range wide to causing food insecurity. In addition, cars emit some particles that can get in contact with the ground and changes completely the acidity and alkalinity of the land. The change in pH of the soil makes it impossible for the continuous growth of crops (King 2011).
Evidently, the yield will greatly go down and even results to no yield. Again, agricultural lands will be rendered unproductive since the high acidity kills all the important organisms that support the growth of crops. Gases like sulfur IV oxide and nitrogen oxides cause acidic rain. This type of rain can kill living organisms in vegetations if it falls on their leaves and stem.
When the leaves are not available, plants cannot make their own food through photosynthesis (King 2011). The acidic nature withdraws water from all parts of the plants hence drying up. If this water falls on the skin of a human being, it forms a cold burn or scald due to withdrawal of water from the body.
In line with global warming, cars also emit bromine and chlorine-heavy substances that can deplete the ozone layer. The depletion enables ultraviolet rays to reach the earth surface. Further, there are fluids that cars use and are very toxic to humans for example, air-conditioning refrigerants and gasoline (King 2011). If disposed off wrongly, they get into the air and water systems. Coolants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have damaging effects on the ozone layer.
From the above discussion on the effects of car air pollution, it is essential to discuss vividly some of the solutions or mitigation measures that humans can adopt in order to avert/reduce these scenarios. Car air pollution ought to be controlled.
The whole world should ensure that their automobiles are electrified. Such vehicles do not release effluents into the atmosphere thereby maintaining the cleanliness of air. The National Aeronautics and Space Exploration (NASA) have tried to move towards this direction by making cars that use natural gas. The idea was initially meant to monitor the propelling of hydrogen in the Space Shuttle.
The automobile industry has borrowed the concept to develop the environmentally friendly cars. Besides, the engineers make the radial tires from larger chain materials thereby increasing their lifespan by over 10,000 miles (Lithium Battery Power Delivers Electric Vehicles to Market 2008). The purification of air and water using various methods helped in making them safe for human consumption. The effect reduced health problems that were posing a significant threat to the humankind, animals, and other properties/materials.
On the other front, using electricity will reduce overdependence on oil and even encourage continuous use of cleaner biofuels. Countries like Brazil and China have started using this technology and are saving billions of dollars that could have been spent at the gas pumps. In further reducing emissions, NASA has also developed vehicles powered by lithium batteries.
The fuel cell systems generate energy through electrochemical reaction. In this case, oxygen and hydrogen rich fuel coalesce to form water. Fuel cell systems provide opportunities that has outstanding benefits, including the non- combustion of fuel. Fuel cells eliminate greenhouse gases over the entire cycle. Hydrogen electrolysis is driven by renewable energy and therefore the degree of safety is highly enhanced.
The electric vehicles do not emit any effluent thus making them safer to the environment compared to other models. In the transportation sector, human beings can practice a culture of riding or walking to work, driving for short distances, or forgoing driving at least once a week. These practices help to reduce the amount of gas that is burnt during movements hence less oil will be used (Lithium Battery Power Delivers Electric Vehicles to Market 2008).
World governments should enact policies that ensure that the vehicle manufacturing industries supply the market with fuel-efficient cars. Such cars will use less gas to cover a given distance thereby improving the quality of air, ensuring public health protection, and reducing global warming emissions (Clean Vehicles 2012). The US federal government enacted a policy in 2002 that guides vehicle-manufacturing companies on the standards of vehicles that should be in the market until 2025.
Moreover, carbon dioxide in the air can be removed from the atmosphere through technological applications. Humankinds need to burn less coal, natural gas, and oil. The recycling of CO2 from the atmosphere is an idea of geo-engineering. Some of the companies that have ventured in this initiative include Kilimanjaro Energy, Global Thermostat, and Carbon Engineering. The latter industry is in Canada while the first two are in Columbia.
These industries remove CO2 from the air through chemical procedures (Gunther 2012). These startup companies also intend to find CO2 markets in the oil industries. Oil industries use liquefied CO2 to push oil remnants out of the barrel. In addition, these industries plans to build their carbon capture plants at a low cost of operation and construction. This innovative idea is similar to carbon credit, as they all intend to minimize emissions into the atmosphere.
There can be development of alternative sources of energy like wind, geothermal and solar. Along with this, there should be manufacturing of cleaner fuels. For example, using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol from fermented sugarcanes helps to minimize air pollution. This type of fuel, gasohol, is very friendly to the environment.
Apart from using food products, advanced biofuels can be obtained from agricultural wastes, grasses, and garbage. Cellulosic biofuels significantly reduce global warming emissions and provide a great opportunity for saving on oil (Transportation and Air Quality 2013). As the industries move towards producing an environmentally friendly fuel, there should be proper policies on disposal of used cars in order to minimize the cost of protecting the fauna and flora (Thumma 2000).
In addition, to ensure a clean environment, all humans should take the responsibility of monitoring their professional and personal lives. These solutions should start at an individual level for example by recycling wastes, reducing energy consumption, and decreasing CO2 emissions from cars. This initiative is not only for corporate or government bodies but also for individual persons living in the society.
In conclusion, the adverse effects of car air pollution imply that serious and achievable steps should be taken to eradicate this menace. It requires unraveled commitment from all the sectors, since an act by one person will affect everybody.
For example, while vehicle-manufacturing companies target high profits from their sales, they should understand the ethical implications of protecting the atmosphere. Their actions will definitely increase their cost of protecting the environment. Organizations should carry out mass education among the human population so that the people can own the whole conservation process.
Moreover, a clean environment will support the growth of forests and crops that will support the growing population. Human beings will also experience less health complications that could result from car air pollution like obesity and asthmatic conditions. Therefore, for all to benefit, environmental protection remains an inclusive affair.
References
Car Pollution Facts., EVsRoll. Web.
Cars and Air Pollution., Environment Protection Authority. Web.
Cars, Trucks, & Air Pollution 2008, UCS: Independent Science, Practical Solutions: Union of Concerned Scientists. Web.
Clean Vehicles 2012, UCS: Independent Science, Practical Solutions: Union of Concerned Scientists. Web.
Gow, T. & Pidwirny, M. 1996, Photochemical Smog, Brooks Site. Web.
Almost any human activity leads to air pollution and, as a result, smog formation in the atmosphere. In one of its air quality reports, the American Lung Association reported that air quality in Los Angeles carries an “F” rating for poor particulate and ozone air pollution (Cheung). The city is often covered with a yellow veil in the sky, so the problem of smog is an actual problem of the state.
It should be noted that smog is most often formed in large cities and places with developed industries since the activities of chemical and industrial enterprises cause especially great damage to the environment. Burning petroleum products, fuels, coal, peat, or wood also leads to air pollution. Photochemical processes in the O3 – NOx – H20 – RH (Formula 1) system is the main cause of the formation of photochemical smog, the components of which – peroxyacetyl nitrates (PAN) and ozone – are toxic to humans. Ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrates give the oxidative character to photochemical smog. Measurements made in Los Angeles show that the increase in ozone concentration is associated with a characteristic change in the relative content of NO2 and NO (Cheung). The deterioration of visibility during smog, the appearance of a bluish haze or whitish fog, is associated with the formation of aerosol particles during the oxidation of organic compounds.
Formula 1. Photochemical processes of smog formation
Being a strong oxidizing agent, ozone destroys many materials widely used in everyday life and production. The replacement of the latter is associated with an additional cost of natural and energy resources and, therefore, leads to a new round of increasing anthropogenic pressure on the environment. In addition, vehicle exhaust fumes and air pollution cause severe damage to air quality. However, along with human impact, geographical protection from wind also has a negative impact on air circulation.
Long-term exposure to smog causes respiratory problems, damages the cardiovascular and circulatory systems, weakens the immune system, and causes poor overall health. It leads to the emergence of various diseases, faster aging of the body, and death of people (Air quality). First of all, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases suffer from smog (Children and air pollution). Moreover, a mixture of sulfur oxides, toxic substances, and harmful tiny particles negatively affects the biological world as well. The soil becomes less productive and fertile in areas where smog often occurs. Additionally, it negatively affects the animal world, especially domestic animals in the range of smog.
Improving air quality is the responsibility of governments and the private sector. The authorities can take specific actions, including implementing a comprehensive air quality and climate change policy or refusing cars running on gasoline and diesel fuel. However, one should not rely only on the state, and one can do a lot oneself. Simple actions such as using public transport, cycling, reducing household waste, and much more will reduce emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Los Angeles currently has some of the worst air quality in the US, and smog is the most common problem in the state. It is formed when two factors appear simultaneously: special atmospheric conditions and air pollution directly related to human activities. Although the state carries out a significant part of the fight against air pollution and smog, residents can also positively impact by changing their lifestyles.
Plastics pollution is among the greatest threats to the oceans on earth. It has been found out that plastic make up about ninety percent of all litter that float on the surface of oceans, with about forty six thousand bits of plastic within every square mile (“Plastic Pollution” 1).
The reason for having the large amount of plastic in our oceans is that, plastic does not undergo biodegradation, like other forms of trash; but it instead photo-degrades with light from the sun, disintegrating into more and more little pieces, “but they never really disappear” (“Plastic Pollution” 1). The pieces of plastic are consumed by the living organisms that are found in the ocean. They may also disintegrate in to plastic dust, which is microscopic.
The plastics are as well swept by the ocean currents, and they land in spinning vortexes referred to as ocean gyres (“Plastic Pollution” 1). It is reported that the North Pacific Gyre located off the Californian Coast is “home to the Great Pacific Garbage patch” (“Plastic Pollution” 1). This is the biggest marine garbage site in the whole world. The floating plastic mass is two times as big as Texas and has pieces of plastic that outnumber ocean life by a ratio of 6:1 and it is not possible to completely clean up these sites (“Plastic Pollution” 1).
Plastics pose a great danger to the life of all ocean living organisms; be they small or big ones. More than one hundred thousand sea mammals as well as one million birds in the sea die annually and their deaths result from eating plastic materials or getting entangled in these materials (“Plastic Pollution” 1). It is also important to point out that it takes about seven hundred years for the plastics to completely degrade.
This implies that even if an initiative was taken to put a halt to the use of plastics, these materials will still be there for a large number of generations, continuing to pose a threat to the human as well as marine life. However, in spite of these, there is possibility of taking particular actions to effectively deal with this problem. This paper is going to present a discussion on effects of plastic ocean pollution on marine life in the U.S.
The paper is specifically going to look at how plastic ocean pollution comes about and how it affects the ocean life. The measures that are aimed at dealing with this problem are also going to be looked at. The paper will be considering some of the examples related to this problem from even other parts of the world. The conclusion section is going to present a summary of the main points in the discussion.
Ocean Plastic Pollution and its Effects on Ocean Life
The amount of the ocean debris is now constantly escalating in all the oceans on earth. The research conducted by the Algalita Marine Research Foundation presented findings which indicated that from the year 1997 up to 2007, there was an increase in the amount of the plastic debris in the “Central Pacific Gyre” by five times, “where the baseline in 1997 showed plastic pieces outnumbered plankton on the ocean surface 6:1” (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution”1).
Elsewhere, off the coast of Japan, the amount of the floating plastic particles increased by ten times in a period of one decade, beginning from the 70s up to the 80s. This amount then started increasing ten times in every after about three years in the course of the 1990s (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution”1).
It is also reported that the amount of debris increased 100 fold in the Southern Ocean at the beginning of the 1990s (Copello and Quintara 1514). This rise in the amount of the debris took place at a similar period during which the global plastic fiber production had increased by four times (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution”1).
When the plastics enter into the ocean they injure and kill the sea animals including the fish, sea mammals and seabirds. Ocean plastic pollution has had a great impact on a minimum of two hundred and sixty seven species across the world and these include forty three percent of all of the sea mammal species, eighty six percent of the total number of species of the sea turtles and forty four percent of the total number of the species of seabirds (Laist 99).
The common impact has been death which has been resulting from entanglement, ingestion and infection among others (Laist 99). It is also reported that, in the year 2010, “a California grey whale washed up dead on the shores of the Puget Sound” (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution” p.1). Indications were given by autopsies that this animal’s stomach had several things which included, over twenty plastic bags, surgical gloves, golf ball and a pair of pants among other things (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution” 1).
The seabirds that usually obtain their food from the surface of the ocean are particularly vulnerable to swallowing the floating plastic debris. The mature seabirds engage in feeding these plastic particles to their young ones and this adversely affects the survival and growth of these chicks (Hannah 1).
Some research gave out findings which indicated that about ninety eight percent of the chicks that had been sampled during the research, had plastic in their body and the amount of the plastic that was being swallowed was ever increasing in the course of time (Auman 240).
Since insistent organic pollutants within the ocean environment get attached on the plastic debris’ surface, it has been established that the ocean floating plastics build up these pollutants and carry them through the sea currents (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution”1).
The moving and floating debris do facilitate transportation of the invasive ocean species as well (David 808). On an increasing level, studies give an indication that the ocean organisms that take in plastics that are coated with poisonous materials can have these substances get absorbed into their body systems (David 808).
The plastic debris is contributing towards having the human food chain getting polluted. For instance, in research conducted in the ‘Pacific Gyre” by researchers on a voyage in the year 2008, it was found that fish are taking in plastic particles. Out of the six hundred and seventy two fish that were caught in the course of the voyage, about thirty five percent of them had swallowed plastic particles (The Problem of marine plastic pollution” 1).
Following a study that was conducted in North Carolina coast in which one thousand and thirty three seabirds were collected, the findings indicated that “individuals from 55% of the species recorded had plastic particles in their guts” (Derraik 846). These researchers got evidence which showed that some of the birds from the sea chose specific colors as well as shapes of the plastics, possibly mistaking these materials for some prey items (Derraik 845).
It has also been found that the sea birds that have ingested large amounts of plastics experience a decrease in the amount of food consumed and this limits their capacity “to lay down fat deposits, thus reducing fitness” (Derraik 845). Other negative effects that are brought by the ingestion of the plastic materials include reduced feeding stimulus, reproductive failure, blocking of the secretion of the gastric enzyme and delayed ovulation among other effects (Derraik 845).
Moreover, among the small birds and fish, ingesting plastic debris can cause a reduction in the food uptake, and may bring about internal injuries and eventually death as result of damages made on the intestinal tract (Derraik 848). However, the level of harm will vary from one species to the other.
Dealing With Plastic Ocean Pollution
Efforts have been made to put in place international legislation aimed at promoting conservation of oceans. For instance, there was setting up of the “1972 Convention of the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and other Matter”(Derraik 847).
Perhaps the most significant legislation put in place to deal with the escalating problem regarding ocean pollution is the “1978 Protocol to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships” (Derraik 847). This legislation had recognition that the vessels present a major and manageable cause of pollution into the ocean environment (Derraik 847).
The “Annex V of MARPOL” is found to be the main worldwide authority that controls ocean debris ship sources. It became effective beginning from the year 1988. It “restricts at sea discharge of garbage and bans at sea disposal of plastics and synthetic materials such as ropes, fishing nets, and plastic garbage bags with limited exceptions” (Derraik 847).
Of greater significance, Annex V is applicable to all of the watercraft, the small leisure vessels included. It is reported that over seventy nine nations across the world have engaged in ratifying the Annex V. The signatory nations are supposed to take appropriate initiatives to ensure that they undertake its complete implementation (Derraik 848).
However, there is still widespread ignoring of legislation and estimates are made that, ships dispose of about six and a half million tones of the plastics each year (Derraik 848). For instance, taking the case in Australia, it was found out that about thirty percent of the ships did not fulfil MARPOL regulations on discarding plastics. The legislation that is put in place at the national level can actually also be very helpful.
The individual nations can turn out to be effectual through their own legislation (Derraik 848). This may involve laws that call for having degradability measures or which support recycling. In the United States of America, the 1987 “Plastics Pollution Research and Control Act” (Derraik 848) did not just take up Annex V, but broadened its use to the United States vessels as well.
The ocean carriers are supposed to take up these regulations that forbid discarding the plastic materials at the ocean. However, the greatest hardship when considering legislation is to essentially undertake its enforcement in the world’s oceans, which is a very large area. Therefore, it is important that the nations that are neighbours work jointly so that they can make sure that there is compliance with Annex V by all the vessels (Derraik 848).
The plastics sector in the United States of America, through the guidance provided by ACC (American Chemical Council), engages in spending large amounts of money every year in order to persuade the people who make policies as well as the people living in such places as California, that the solutions to the problem of plastic ocean pollution is found in the anti-litter crusades which attribute the liability “for marine debris on individual behavior” (The Problem of marine plastic pollution” 1).
However, they have just committed small amounts of money to the public education but a large amount to supporting polices which promote higher levels of plastics utilization (The Problem of marine plastic pollution”1).
As on one hand increasing public education with an aim of preventing littering is of great importance, on the other hand, suitable litter management fails to deal with the unsustainable utilization of the resources which are involved in the production of “packaging and single use disposable goods” (“The Problem of marine plastic pollution” 1).
Moreover, while the quantity of the disposable products as well as packaging goes on increasing, managing litter by offering public education and cleaning up of the streets as well as waterway calls for having substantial and constant financing. Ensuring there is prevention of the creation of disposable products, to the highest level possible, cuts down the expenditure on litter management. Prevention is found to be good for the environment as well as being cost-effective (The Problem of marine plastic pollution”, 1).
It is also important to point out that education is a very strong tool that can be used in dealing with the problem of ocean pollution, especially when discussions about this problem is carried out in schools. The young people may not just engage in changing habits without any difficulties, but they would as well be in a position to transfer the awareness they have acquired to their family members as well as to the community at large.
In this case, they will be serving as being agents of change. Because the sources of pollution that are land-based offer greater inputs of plastics into the seas, in case a community turns out to have awareness about the problem, this can indeed bring in a great difference. Education holds great power that can not be undermined in any way and it can play a more important role towards realizing positive results than applying stringent laws, like the one applied in New York, referred to as “Suffolk County Plastic Law” (Derraik 848).
This law prohibited some “retail food packaging” but the law did not succeed in bringing down the level of the roadside as well as beach litter (Derraik 848). Financial incentives may also be required and it is pointed out that “no effort to conserve biological diversity is realistic outside the economics and public policies that drive the modern world” (Derraik 848).
There also exist some aspects that are more complex regarding plastic ocean pollution. Since it could be viewed as being “side-effects” of advancement, the nations that are going through economic development and growth will look for their growth share, exerting more “pressure on the environment” (Derraik 848).
There is no likelihood that nations like those ones would engage in taking any measure to bring down the level of utilizing plastics as well as their disposal in the sea water, if such a move would negatively affect any short-term economic benefit they my acquire. This is true especially when it is considered that even the developed countries themselves do not care and are even still not able to show compliance with Annex V requirements (Derraik 848).
One way of dealing with this problem effectively is by setting up and using the photodegradable as well as biodegradable plastics. For instance, the Navy of the United States of America engaged in working on a biopolymer that was very promising for “the fabrication of marine-disposable trash bags” (Derraik 848).
However, it is unlucky that the impact of the ultimate degradation products of these materials is yet to be known; there is a risk of replacing one problem with another (Derraik 848). Therefore researches were being conducted, for instance, with an intention of monitoring polymer degradation in “natural waters under real-life conditions…and assess the impact of degradation products on estuarine benthos” (Derraik 848).
Conclusion
Plastic ocean pollution currently poses a great danger to marine life. Plastics are widely used across the world and they now easily find their way into the ocean or they are sometimes dumped directly by ships. Plastic form just about ninety percent of all litter which float on the oceans’ surface. Large amounts of plastics exist because these materials do not undergo biodegradation, like other forms of wastes.
At the present, the amount of the ocean debris is ever increasing in all the available oceans. When plastics find their way into the ocean, they bring in adverse effects to the marine life including fish, sea mammals and seabirds; through either injuring them or even killing them. In the case of the occurrence of death to these animals, this commonly results from entanglement, ingestion and infection.
Since ocean pollution in general, and plastic ocean pollution specifically, is turning out to be a big problem on an increasing level, there is need to take appropriate measures to deal with it effectively. One of the measures that need to be taken is that, ocean carriers need to obey all the international as well as national laws which prohibit discarding the plastic materials at the ocean.
The problem here is that, oceans touch a number of countries and one country can not be able to achieve its goal of avoiding plastic ocean pollution alone. The neighboring nations need to come together and operate as a team, and especially in regard with complying with Annex V. Moreover, there is need to educate people about how important it is to avoid plastic ocean pollution in order to save the marine life. Educating the young people in school can actually be helpful.
These young people can be used as agents of change when they are encouraged to go out and pass the message to the wider community. The power that education holds is far much greater than the strict laws that may be put in place and can help in dealing with this problem more effectively.
Works Cited
Auman, Heidi, et al. “Plastic ingestion by Laysan Albatross Chicks on Sand Island, Midway Atoll, in 1994 and 1995.” Albatross Biology and Conservation, 1.1 (1997): 239-244. Print.
Copello, Sofia and Quintara Flavio. “Marine Debris Ingestion by Southern Giant Petrels and its Potential Relationships with Fisheries in the Southern Ocean.” Marine Debris Bulletin, 46 (2003): 1513-1515. Print.
David Barnes, “Biodiversity: Invasions by Marine Life on Plastic Debris.” Nature, 6883.1 (2002): 808-809. Print.
Derraik, Jose G. “The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review.” Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44.1 (2002): 842 – 852. Print.
Hannah Nevins et al, “Seabirds as indicators of plastic pollution in the North Pacific,” presented at the Plastic Debris, Rivers to Sea Conference. 2005, Redondo Beach, California. Plastic Debris Project.
Laist, David. “Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records,” in Coe, J.M. Rogers, D.B. (eds), Marine Debris: Sources, Impacts, and Solutions: New York: Springer-Verlag, 1997. Pp. 99-139. Print.
Water is a kind of chemical substance that is very important for all living things. Initially, water resources are the main source of water which is said to be a need for living things, most especially human beings. The utilization of water includes agricultural purposes, which serve as the main food for the plants, industrial purposes, a basic need in every household, and a lot more for environmental activities (Wolf, 2001).
However, damages caused by various factors make the water polluted. Unfortunately, this issue became a wide concern for the whole world today. Though for the fact that planet earth is abundant with water and almost two-thirds of the planet is made up of water still it is viewed that in future years, a shortage of water may come to arise. A major problem that life on earth will face because the proper use of water today is disregarded, and indeed pollution is the main issue.
The governments of different countries have tried to exert a lot of effort to be able to solve the problems regarding water pollution. Several kinds of pollutants are threatening the supply of water worldwide, just like, for example, in the underdeveloped countries that give out harmful materials that would harm the environment (Wolf, 2001). One citation is the raw sewage material that China, Iran, and India are discharging for their products.
More often than not, the pharmaceutical companies sometimes dump their toxic on water, especially on rivers, and just let it flow. Another thing to consider is the usual throwing of garbage in the water near anybody’s residence is a little contributor, but it has a big impact on the whole totality of the water resources. Pollutants come in different kinds and different ways. Thus, most of the damages are created by human beings that do not realize to suffer at the end of the day (Marks, 2001).
Discussion
Description of the problem
Consequently, the main problem here is to establish a plan to be able to help minimize water pollution though in a small community. All big things should start in a small thing, and thus the common dilemma of the concerned people with regard to the water pollution should start on every individual’s discipline. So in this paper, a plan will be developed in order to come out with a specific solution for the prevention of water pollution and how to manage the use of water to be able to save the resources for the next generation.
Factors that contribute and affected by the problem
Firstly, it was mentioned earlier that the primary cause of water pollution is the toxic materials that large industries, as well as large countries, are discharged. For a more specific example, the harmful and toxic materials that factories are emancipating through their construction of various products that actually are not environment-friendly substances.
Obviously, the main factors that are widely affected by water pollution are the lives of people, animals, and the environment. Food and water are two of the major primary needs of the living things here on earth. Sadly, according to the global coverage figures of 2002, out of every ten people, five of them are connected to a direct piped for the water supply. Three of which are using customized water supply like a protected tank just for the benefit of the users at home, while the remaining two does not have any water faucets at home. And generally, four out of ten people are living in the world without any appropriate cleanliness.
Furthermore, aside from the shortage of clean water due to the pollution of clean water that is supposed to be used by the people, animals are also affected by the main problem. Of course, every living thing here on earth needs water in order to survive, as well as plants. Come to think of it, if plants die because they will not be sustained by water accordingly, people and animals will also die because the plants serve as the primary source of food in the food chain. Therefore, if one little thing is affected, all follow.
Negative human impacts
Evidently, water pollution is a deadly matter to give a full concern before it grows into a permanent problem for all people. Actually, water pollution is said to bring about 14,000 mortality rates per day, and this is because of the contaminated water that they drink at home and outside. Also, it is viewed that the sewages of the not progressive countries can attack many people because of the harmful effects they have. The skin can be damaged and may have skin irritations and asthma because of the oil spills on rivers and other water resources that people swim.
Shortage of water and its pollution can cause many kinds of diseases such as diarrhea which is due to the contamination of water. Another negative human impact is the occurrence of heat strokes most especially on tropical countries that suffers from hot temperature. Usually, lack of water intake causes this kind of problem and leads to a possible death of the person. Animals may also suffer from this kind of problem though (Marks, 2001).
Evaluation of current sustainability strategies and solutions
Basically, the promotion and advocacy for starting up the solution inside each home is the main solution to be considered in order to fix this kind of problem in water resources. If people will cooperate for a better environment, there will be no problem because the problem just circulates between the cause and effect. The cause is the people or the users of the object while the effects will be determined and faced by the people too. Starting to minimise the abuse of water at home can be a very good way of treating the shortage of water resources. Also, being observant and keen concerned person will automatically lessen the causes of pollutants of the environment.
Sustainability plan
Action items
The main resolution to the water pollution problem is developing a program in the community that will help educate the neighborhood about the harmful effects of water pollution and other consequences that the people will face in the future.
Also, the program will have sessions wherein activities will be promoted to be able to build a close interaction between the participants and open up their minds about the harmful things the whole community is currently engage into. The leader will put up an organisation wherein the members should help present the goals or mission and vision which will come out into a regular agenda talking about the different factors regarding the water resources, pollution and contamination of water, invite people from the departments about water resources, invite more participants from the community and develop more strategies and background on the hazards of water pollution as well as the its shortage.
Order of action items
The order of items in the first step of the sustainability plan should comprise of the following; firstly, the leader should further do a research about the water pollution, and every little detail about the topic which will help people to realise and identify the problem in a narrower sense. Next is to develop a program that will scope the educational discussions of water pollution and apply the ideas from the researches. After constructing a program, the rendezvous or the time and place of the meeting should be set accordingly and finally, invitation of the participants in the community or perhaps all the interested participants as long as they are willing to be educated about the major dilemma.
Action steps
To be able to make possible all the things written in the action items, the leader should actively participate in the Homeowner’s Association in the community and suggest that a program about the discussion of water pollution should be included on every month’s agenda. This should not only be taken once, but a continuous program to maintain the resolution about the problem. So, the basically, the leader should ask the help of the officers of the HOA to have a definite venue and time for the presentation of the program.
Timeline
The evaluation of time will be within the intervals of four to eight weeks for each action item. The researches should be conducted in six weeks and come out with a good output for the presentation. The development of the program should at least be in two to four weeks time and should be able to finalise all the details needed for the whole breakdown of the program. With the association of the officers of the HOA, in four weeks, the time and place should have been prepared and ready to use for the program. The invitation of the participants is ongoing.
Benefits and challenges of the plan
Benefits of the plan include the awareness of the people about water pollution, its effects and how it should be manage. The plan contributes to the solution of water pollution help save the environment most especially if all the members of the participants will e able to respond to the advocacy and campaign of being a concerned user of water resources. However, challenges of this plan comprises of being neglected by the individuals who do not have any interest in the proposed plan. Thus, it will be very difficult to convince those kinds of people in your community. Another challenge in this plan is how to find support from other sources that are willing to support the program and the plan in a continuous process.
Government, societal, and global support
Business firms are legible to sustain and extend their support for this kind of plan because primarily they contribute to the pollutants such as their discharge of toxic materials from the manufacture of their products. Indeed, business firms should be the first one to convince regarding the emancipation of hazardous materials. Government of the country should be the first one to contribute and help support programs like this. So the department which concerns the salvation of water resources is responsible for it.
Another support can be found in the Pollution Control Department, which aims to help improve the quality of water and helps maintain the promotion for the benefit of the water resources by giving help and supporting other programs of organizations like this (PCD, 2004). Lastly, support from community officials should be taken into account and be on the first list because they are the superiors of the decisions you may have with regard to the implementation of the program.
Conclusion
The sustainability plan can therefore make a big difference by spreading awareness in the world though it should start in a small community. The outcome of the plan is expected to have a positive effect and will benefit the survival of life in the world.
Thus, Water pollution is seen to be a problem not only today but also in the future as what the people depicts on how they manage and use the water resources unwisely. It’s going to be very difficult if people will let this problem grow into a more severe stage because water serves as a basic need for all living organisms on earth, including humans. It is said that humans can survive for a much longer time with the intake of water even though solid food is absent (Terry, 1996).
It is indeed amazing so proper use of water should be practiced first at home and as an individual; participate in all activities and organisations which aim to promote water for the sustainability of life of humans, animals, plants and perhaps other non-living things such as the machines that badly needs water in order to run. An example of this is a car, though it can be an air pollution contributor, there are innovations about the use of water to be able to run the engines of a car and make it environment- friendly for the benefit of all. People should be responsible enough to handle such things which will have consequences to be faced especially if those consequences will mean suffering for a wide range of population and also the next generation.
References
Marks, W. E. (2001). The Holy Order of Water: Healing Earth’s Waters and Ourselves. Bell Pond Books, Great Barrington, MA.
Wolf, A.T. “Water and Human Security.” Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education. 118. (2001): 29.
Pollution Control Department. (2004). Pollution Prevention and Mitigation policy 119- 2016. Web.
Terry, LA. (1996). “Water Pollution” Environmental Law Practice. vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 19-29.
Environmental health focuses on public health as a result of influences from natural and man-made environments (Friis 7). Quality of life is often influenced by external environmental stimuli that causes changes in the health aspect of human lives. For this reason, there has been an increased focus on the monitoring of external variables, such as the environment, in an effort to ensure an improved quality of life.
In the recent past, air quality has come under focus as a result of the environmental degradation experienced in many parts of the world. Terminal illnesses, such as a wide range of cancers, have been attributed to air pollution. This alarm has forced environmental scientists and researchers to explore the extent of harm to public health as a result of air pollution.
The increased attention to air quality is a recent development as people were previously not concerned about the quality of air in the atmosphere. However, owing to the harmful effects linked to air pollution, the status of the environment has received the attention it deserves.
Air pollution is primarily the result of carbon emissions that occur from burning fossil fuels. Owing to the dependence on fossil fuels to run industries as well as manage different means of transportation, poor air quality affects the majority of individuals in many countries (Mudakavi 33). The contamination that results from such processes uses the air as the medium. The fact that living organisms depend on air for survival makes air quality a major issue.
This environmental health issue is based on an accurate assessment of its role in the survival of living species. This situation is proven by the existence of the air quality index. The air quality index is a measuring tool that assesses the quality of air in the atmosphere through different color coded classifications (Abhishek and Colls 15).
The quality of air has gotten worse with industrial and economic development. The growth of industries such as the auto industry has brought to focus the effects of discharged pollutants (McGranahan and Murray 23).
Air pollution has adverse effects on human life as a result of illnesses such as cancer and asthma (Hollar 12). If this trend remains unchecked, the loss of human life will be catastrophic.
However, the public has taken notice of the dangerous effects of air pollution and has resorted to using and advocating for green technologies that are friendly to the environment. This development has led to the usage of clean energy such as solar, geothermal and wind energy.
The issue of air quality affects every individual since the premise of human life is based on the presence of oxygen that supports life. Prior to the assignment, I was aware of the principle of air pollution. However, undertaking further research on the topic brought the realization of the dangerous situation currently affecting the human race.
The views of air quality have changed from undertaking research on the topic. In this regard, one is able to realize that a clean environment is as a result of collective effort and every measure, regardless of how small it may seem, is vital for safe and clean air.
According to Howard County, hazards are identified based on the adverse effects on human health and the natural environment (par. 1). In addition, the assessment of the nature of hazards and the overall impact on the exposed population is made to analyze the extent of harm caused by the pollutants. In my community, the proximity to the highway poses an environmental hazard based on the fumes emitted by the large number of cars passing by the community.
Works Cited
Abhishek, Tiwary, and Colls, Jeremy. Air pollution: Measurement, modeling and mitigation. New York: Routledge Publishers, 2010. Print.
Friis, Robert. Essentials of Environmental Health. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2012. Print.
Hollar, Sherman. Poisoning Planet Earth: Pollution and Other Environmental Hazards. New York: Britannica Educational Pub. Association with Rosen Educational Services, 2012. Print.
Howard County. Howard County Health Department, 2015. Web.
McGranahan, Gordon, and Murray, Frank. Air Pollution and Health in Rapidly Developing Countries. London: Earthscan, 2003. Internet resource.
Mudakavi, Rajeev. Principles and Practices of Air Pollution Control and Analysis. New Delhi: I.K. International Publishing House, 2010. Print.
The book’s thesis is the hidden adverse effects of coal as a source of energy to the livelihood of human beings in the contemporary world. The book also focuses on the coal’s inadequacy to last for a long time in the future. Goodell argues that natural coal is the most cost-effective source of energy in the world as it produces mass-energy. On the other side, coal is the most dangerous source of energy. Coal mining has resulted in miners’ deaths through accidents.
Additionally, coal emits large quantities of waste gas, especially carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere thus causing the greenhouse effect. On the other hand, such energy production requires large quantities of water for cooling machines. However, in most cases, there are no gasification mechanisms to purify the water after getting into contact with carbonic and sulfuric compounds. Therefore, the wastewater is emitted to the natural environment thus causing water and ground pollution, which exposes humanity to deadly compounds.
Additionally, Goodell argues that the natural coal is diminishing quickly, but experts are misinforming Americans on the issue. The author points to the former President Bush’s statement that coal energy will heat American homes for more than 250 million years to come. Goodell argues that if that were the case, Americans would not be losing their homes and neighborhoods to the coal miners.
Hence, the available natural coal cannot last for more than the next 15 years. He argues that the dirty secret is kept to save face while trying to please the shareholders, who have invested in the sector. Particularly, some politicians have received benefits that buy their silence on the big problem facing the future of the US due to coal mining and energy production.
The book has credible information because the author gives pieces of evidence to support his claims and arguments. Coal mining and energy production emits large quantities of carbon dioxide and sulfuric compound gases to the atmosphere.
There is scientific evidence to support this argument and statistics that the sector contributes two-thirds of the carbon dioxide in the American atmosphere. Besides, the author does not rely on mere statistical data and evidence alone. On the contrary, he visited the coal mining sites where he witnessed the process and interacted with people who have suffered from carbon-related health conditions.
Moreover, the author looked into the coal mining and energy production in a broad spectrum by visiting India and China. These countries are heavily relying on the coal energy, and they have been experiencing greenhouse effects. The author argues that coal energy is dangerous to the future generations.
Therefore, it should be abandoned for other sources of energy that are more expensive, but safe for the life of the future generations. Unfortunately, the US wants to dominate the world economy, and thus it cannot abandon cheaper methods of energy production due to the fear that upcoming economies will overtake it.
The author cites the need to remain as the economic powerhouse as the ultimate driving force that makes the US defiant of adopting safe methods of energy production. He supports his arguments by giving financial figures comparing energy production using coal and natural gas. Hence, the government views it as an efficient method of saving money to keep the country ahead of other world economies. On the other hand, China is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia and the biggest threat to the American economy.
However, China is relying heavily on coal as a source of energy, which explains why the Chinese cities are the most air polluted around the world. Visible fogginess in the cities is caused by air pollution from the mushrooming industries. According to the author, there is statistical evidence to support that more than two-thirds of pollutant gases are emitted by coal energy production industries. Hence, the growth of the economy in the contemporary world is being achieved at the expense of the atmospheric and environmental pollution.
According to the author, coal energy has caused numerous deaths both directly and indirectly. He supports this claim by figures whereby there have been more than 104,000 deaths of miners between 1900 and 2005.
These deaths are directly related to coal mining. However, indirectly related deaths are uncountable since hundreds of thousands have died from lung cancer and other related illnesses that are caused by carbon emissions. Besides, there is statistical evidence that coal energy production process emits more than two-thirds of the carbon dioxide, thus causing the greenhouse effect.
The government is defiant of saving the atmosphere from emissions from the coal energy production. According to the author, the government does not want to introduce policies that would compel the coal energy producing industries to install gasification machinery since they would lead to increased cost of energy.
This move is likely to have adverse economic effects, hence making the economy vulnerable to its fast-growing international counterparts. Therefore, the author concludes that the US is sacrificing the livelihood of the future generations to economic-related greed and interests of a few. He states, “The fatality rate in coal mining is almost 60 percent higher than it is in oil and gas extraction. For all that, mining coal probably takes a lot fewer lives than burning it” (Goodell 67).
The author’s arguments are convincing as apart from creating logic, he supports the argument with evidence. Therefore, this information would be of interest to criminologists. The field of criminology relies on facts given to support a claim. Therefore, since the author has given facts, it is necessary for the criminologists to adopt the arguments. I would recommend the book to friends, relatives, and other criminology students.
The book’s arguments affect human lives directly where coal energy puts people in a vulnerable position of exposure to carbonic and sulfuric-related deaths. Therefore, I would recommend my friends and relatives to read it. Additionally, the book is informative since after reading it, a person can hardly settle in areas that are very close to the mines and energy production. Therefore, it is important to recommend it to both friends and relatives for the sake of their health safety.
Besides, the book gives insight into what is likely to happen to the future generations and the reasons why the government cannot step in to save them from the hazardous atmosphere. Additionally, it is a crime for the lives of the majority put at risk at the expense of economic greed of a few. Thus, I would recommend the book to other criminology students.
The author, Jeff Goodell, was born in the Silicon Valley, and he is a fourth generation to his family after settling in that region. He started his writing career as a technical writer at Apple, and he has a BA in English from the University of California.
Early in his career, he worked for the New York City for 7 Days, which is an award-winning weekly magazine, where he operated as an investigative journalist for crimes and dirty politics. He later moved to the Rolling Stone where he worked as an editor and contributed to the writing of numerous subjects. He has also worked for various publications in the US, and he wrote his first book, The Cyberthief and the Samurai, in 1996. The masterpiece, Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future, was published in 2006 after carrying out an investigation for more than three years.
Knowledge about the author influences my opinion as a reader. In most cases, journalists do not have a reputation for becoming activists like the case of Goodell. However, one understands him for growing up in the Silicon Valley and being a descendant of coal miners. Moreover, he was inspired to investigate the coal mining industry after writing an article in the New York Times, which raised public reaction towards unanswered questions.
However, journalists are good investigators since their job enables them to acquire information easier as compared to other professionals. Hence, I am convinced that the author gave credible information. Besides, as a journalist he would strive save his career by writing what the readers would find truthful and convincing. Therefore, the information written in the book is found convincing by considering Goodell’s skills as a journalist and his ability to get facts on the issue.
Works Cited
Goodell, Jeff. Big Coal: The Dirty Secret behind America’s Energy Future, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007. Print.
Pollution usually causes a destabilization of the ecosystem through the intrusion of foreign materials into the environment. Pollution takes many forms, but some of the most common types of pollutants are chemicals, noise, heat, and energy (Spengler 9). These forms of pollutants affect the environment through air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. Current statistics around the globe estimate that about a billion people will be affected by pollution shortly (Blacks Smith institute 2).
Statistics advanced by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that a quarter of all dthe eaths in third world countries are caused by pollution and its effects on man’s natural habitat. Other international bodies and researchers estimate that about 40% of all annual global deaths are caused by polluting factors in the environment (Blacks Smith institute 1).
The effects of pollution to a human being manifests in several ways including contraction of diseases, poor neurological systems, improperly functioning body defense mechanisms and such effects (Blacks Smith institute 4). It is more disheartening to find that pollution greatly affects women and children who are most vulnerable to its effects.
Children have especially been identified to be more susceptible to pollution because they consume more food and breathe in more air when compared to their body mass (in comparison to adults).
Other effects of pollution are more extensive than previously thought but common facts about pollution state that pollution is strongly felt in developing countries, contribute to global warming, is reversible and is regarded as one of the worlds leading global killer (Blacks Smith institute 1). This study will to a far extent analyze the different types of pollution commonly caused by man’s activities. They include oil drilling (water pollution), car emissions (air pollution) and farming/methane gas (soil pollution).
Oil Drilling (Water Pollution)
There has been a common misconception that wastages from oil and gas drilling which happens in offshore oil drilling wells are safely diluted to harmless levels by a natural process of hydrolysis. However, against this misconception, mixing and dispersing does not occur and water pollution effects are still real. In other words, there is a continuous contamination of background water through oil and gas drilling which in turn has an effect of aquatic life and other microorganisms (Oil and Gas Forum 1).
Oil spills are currently some of the world’s known forms of water pollution although there are ongoing technological developments to control the adverse effects brought about by such calamities. During oil drilling, there is a significant amount of water which is extracted together with crude oil.
Water is also usually exerted in the reservoir to maintain extraction pressures and later, this water is re injected over and over until significant amounts of oil is extracted (Oil and Gas Forum 1). The older the drilling well is; the more water is injected. Most of the time, the extracted water is usually discharged into the water surface without proper consideration of environmental standards, thereby affecting aquatic life at sea.
The water produced in such processes is usually variant in chemical composition but the Oil and Gas Forum identify that such water contains “inorganic salts, heavy metals, solids, production chemicals, hydrocarbons, benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and on occasions naturally occurring radioactive material” (3). These elements together with the pure crude oil that spills onto the water usually have adverse effects on aquatic life and the ecosystem in general.
Car Emissions (Air Pollution)
Car emissions have contributed a great percentage of air pollution over the decades. The situation is much worse today because car manufacturers have adopted a trend of building bigger and more fuel consuming cars than ever before in the history of car manufacturing meaning that more car emissions are being witnessed and more pollution is taking place (Alpha 10). Despite the attempts to build more fuel efficient cars, car emissions have increased worldwide with the US being the biggest culprit in green house gas emissions (globally).
This has been majorly caused by the decision of many consumers to drive cars for longer distances to work. However, the improvement in road infrastructure has also contributed to increased car use. This decision is obviously wrong because the trend has had a significant impact on the economy and the health of people across the globe (Alpha 10).
Despite empirical studies showing that car emissions contribute greatly to air pollution, most governments and car manufacturers alike have not reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The US is currently estimated to be producing approximately 7 billion tones of carbon dioxide, an increase of 16% of car emission gases it produced in the past decade (Alpha 10). These gases have an unprecedented effect on car users and innocent by standers after they inhale toxic chemicals from toxic gases produced by cars.
To a great extent, air pollution caused by gas emissions has been noted to cause extensive climatic change (Alpha 11). These changes make human habitation quite difficult, with major health implications such as cancer, expected to surface in coming years. However, as much as car manufacturers and governments are to blame for the escalating levels of air pollution, a great deal of responsibility lies in-car users because we ought to reduce energy dependency to make the environment less polluted.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution has been majorly caused by man’s attempts to utilize the soil and make his life easier and much comfortable. Most often than not, soil pollution is brought about by contamination of chemicals into soil particles through herbicides and pesticides, mainly used in farming.
Also, efforts by man to seek greener forms of energy through the production of methane gas from cow dung are estimated to contribute a significant amount of soil pollution because it affects the pH in the soil as well as the organic content. Also, the production of methane warrants a high emission of carbon dioxide, which also contributes to soil pollution.
The ecological imbalance caused by soil pollution may have adverse and far-reaching implications on living micro organisms in the soil. Also, soil pollution affects the fertility of the soil, thereby reducing the level of yield a soil sample is supposed to give. The nutritional content is also bound to decrease, and the balance of flora and sauna existing in the soil is also bound to be reduced to a great extent in the event of soil pollution.
The level of salinity is also bound to be affected by the probability of the soil becoming unproductive and barren being more real. A change in the soil structure is also expected during events of soil pollution leading to the death of living microorganisms and the probable creation of toxic dust clouds that could possibly have an effect on human habitation in the area (Buzzle 3). Comprehensively soil pollution is caused by man’s activities in farming and methane production which are bound to affect the equilibrium of soil components.
Conclusion
Pollution is set to affect the environment and humans in many ways. Adverse air quality, for example, has been identified to be a possible cause for the development of respiratory diseases and cancer in humans while cardiovascular diseases, throat inflammatory diseases and chest complications are just a tip of the iceberg regarding the effects pollution can have on mankind. Oil spills which have been identified as one of the world’s leading causes of water pollution have also been identified to have the potential of causing skin irritation and rashes.
To curb the effects of pollution (either in terms of air, soil, or water pollution), every stakeholder needs to be brought on board to help in the initiative. It is not enough to point fingers at corporate entities while their operations are greatly fueled by the consumers’ demand for their products.
The bulk of the responsibility in curbing pollution, of whatever nature, rests at the ground level because consumers have the power to seek more environmentally friendly products and reduce their reliance on oil energy and environmentally unfriendly substances.
Also, a huge responsibility lies on the government to enact important legislative laws to regulate the use of harmful chemical components like herbicides or pesticides that harm the environment. This collective effort is set to reduce air, water, and soil pollution to manageable levels that support the proper functioning of ecological systems.
Works Cited
Alpha. Cars, Trucks, Air Pollution and Health. 2010. Web.
Air pollution is a mixture of natural and manmade substances released into the atmosphere that causes damage to both living organisms and structures. Naturally, the air near the earth surface consists of 99.97 percent of four leading gases, that is Carbon (IV) Oxide (0.04 percent), molecular nitrogen (78 percent), argon (0.93 percent), and oxygen (20.94 percent) (Pack et al., 2018, p.2). Most of the gases that make the air are quite stable under the atmospheric pressure and temperature except for Carbon Dioxide, one of the major air pollutants that have been increasing by about 0.03 percent since the onset of the industrial revolution (Valler, 2016, p.1216). Therefore, the gradual increase of carbon dioxide gas in air composition makes it toxic for inhalation.
Air pollution can be categorized into two groups, indoor and outdoor pollution. The exposure to harmful particles released by burning fossils such as petroleum products and coal, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and chemical vapor as well as ground-level ozone outside an enclosed building is known as outdoor air pollution. On the other hand, indoor pollution involves exposure to harmful particles such as dust, pollen, and household chemicals as well as other toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, within an enclosed building.
The rate of air pollution in the world has increased gradually since the advent of the industrial revolution in the early 1800s. As the number of automobiles and petroleum-based machines continues to grow, the rate of emissions in the atmosphere continues to rise exponentially. According to the World Health Organization (2016b), more than 80 percent of people living in urban centers are exposed to air pollutants. More than 95 percent of cities in low and medium-income countries in the world do not meet the air quality standards set by WHO (World Health Organization, 2016a). Because of these worrying statistics, the World Health
Organizations categorises air pollution as the largest environmental health risk and one of the greatest global health hazards. Air pollution poses the most significant environmental health risk to humans and other living organisms. According to the World Health Organization (2016a), air pollution is responsible for more than seven million deaths annually. In other words, out of eight premature deaths, one is caused by the effects of air pollution.
The impact of air pollution is far-reaching and cuts across all regions as well as social and economic groups. However, some areas and individuals are likely to be affected more by the effects of air pollution than others. According to Schraufnagel et al. (2019), people living in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have higher exposure to air pollutants and, therefore, are more susceptible to air pollution health effects than those who live in other parts in the world. Pollution in the Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia has been on the rise in the last 15 years despite several measures placed by the government and other lobby groups to clean the air, particularly, in urban centres.
Air Pollution in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oil producers in the world, with possibly the most vibrant economy in the gulf region. The country is located in the desert where daytime temperatures are relatively higher than in most areas in the tropical and temperate areas, and therefore, many people spend more time in offices, shopping malls and residential areas than outdoor. As a result, people in Saudi Arabia are more susceptible to indoor than outdoor air pollution. In Saudi Arabia, air pollution is linked to three main factors.
First, Saudi Arabia is located in a desert region experiencing high temperatures and humidity as well as strong winds. Because of the hot climatic conditions and high-speed winds, the country experiences constant dust storms, which reduces the health quality of air and give rise to health hazards in inhabitants. Dust particles can lead to temporary blindness, vision impairment and various respiratory complications (Kim, Kabir and Kabir, 2015, p.137). Moreover, the dust storm may harbour different disease-causing pathogens such as bacteria that can cause infections in the respiratory systems of humans and animals.
Second, air pollution in Saudi Arabia is linked to increased use of automobiles, particularly, private transport systems. The hot conditions in the country make it difficult for people to use public transport systems to commute in cities; therefore, many people prefer private cars to public transport such as trains and buses. Moreover, the Arabian culture discourages women and children from sharing public places, making private vehicles the most suitable medium of transport. As the number of automobiles increases, the rate of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases emission also increases significantly, making air pollution in the country a growing concern.
Third, most people in Saudi Arabia prefer to remain indoors to working outdoors because of harsh weather conditions characterised by high temperatures and strong winds. As a result, household air pollution accounts for almost 50 per cent of the total pollution in the country, with an annual death toll slightly more than 1,400 (World Health Organization, 2016b). Most of the household pollutants are emitted from kitchen activities, second-hand smoke, infiltration from ambient sources, emission from household materials, overcrowding and burning incense. Because of high ambient temperatures that favour photochemical reactions, sulphur dioxide can be converted into particular sulphur matter, which is harmful when inhaled (Hamdan et al., 2018, p.74). Moreover, similar studies conducted in the United Arab Emirates, which is an adjacent country to Saudi Arabia, established that the burning of incense is the primary cause of indoor air pollution in the country.
Air pollution in Saudi Arabia has a severe social-economic effect on the populace health. According to the World Bank (2016), as of 2014, air pollution was responsible for more than 12,000 deaths annually, making it the most significant environmental health hazard in the Kingdom. A report by one of the famous media outlet in Saudi Arabia, Arabian Business (2018), stated that air pollution reduces the life expectancy of the Saudi’s population by 1.5 years averagely, which is six months higher than the global estimated rates of one year. The outdoor air in Saudi Arabia is estimated to have 2.5 microns of particulate matter that can cause various lung complications, heart attack, and stroke, cancers as well as other respiratory diseases.
Legislative and Administrative Framework on Environmental Issues in Saudi Stabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognises the fact that air pollution is a primary environmental health concern in the country. As such, the country has made significant steps to protect the environment and health of netizens through legislation and policies. The state passed three central legislations on the environment in 2012 to protect citizens from the increasing outdoor and household air pollution (Farahat, 2016, p.196). The policies were to protect the nation’s environment from toxic substances.
The first legislation was the Ambient Air Standard 2012, which established the responsibilities of Metrology and Environment president and set out limits for ambient air quality. The policy provides guidelines for maintenance and restoration of ambient air quality to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution and, in turn, elongate life expectancy in the Kingdom. The other environmental-related policy in Saudi Arabia is the Standard on Emission from Mobile Sources 2012, which regulated the number of emissions from mobile appliances such as agricultural machines, generators, and large earthmoving equipment. The policy sets out the limit values of emissions that manufacturers must not exceed. Moreover, this legislation exempted recreational vehicles but covered small and large petroleum and diesel engines.
Lastly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia passes the General Environmental Standard for Noise of 2012 legislation in March 2012 that introduced noise emission limits. The law regulated the level of noise from construction sites, motor vehicles, and other outdoor equipment. However, this policy exempted public transport systems such as commercial air crafts, trains, and helicopters as well as sports events and prayer calls.
Challenges of Communication Air Pollution Risk in Saudi Arabia
The public is major stakeholders in any government and must be informed about the various phenomenon that is affecting their lives directly or indirectly. When making critical decisions about public health, it is imperative to inform the general public at the outset because they are on the receiving end of every decision. Moreover, the success of government initiatives on public health heavily relies on the level of understanding by the public. Furthermore, the information relayed to the populace must be appropriately framed so that a lay audience can understand it. However, communicating the risk of air pollution and passing legislation on the topic is quite challenging because of two main reasons.
First, the deeply rooted religious and cultural beliefs make it difficult to communicate to pass certain information that contradicts the spiritual teachings. Saudi Arabian netizens are Muslim loyalists who would not take any information that is not in line with Muslim teaching and traditions. Therefore, the first message of communicating air pollution risk is to bypass the thin layer of religion to find the most suitable way of relaying the information without negatively (intentionally or not) touching on religion.
Second, Saudi Arabia being the largest oil producer in the world with the highest oil-related income on the continent, it would be challenging to communicate the dangers of air pollution, which is caused by the consumption of their main “product.” In this regard, changing the perception of the public is perhaps the greatest challenge of communicating the risks of having poor air quality to the public (Kelly and Fussell, 2015, p.638). Therefore, communicating air quality benefits and risks may not be effective because of the perception of people who feel that their business is at risk if the air pollution measures are implemented and those living in the rural areas who feel that they are safe from the threat.
Similarly, there are various challenges in developing legislation to reduce air pollution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary challenge of developing legislation on air pollution in the country is an overreliance on petroleum products due to their availability of low cost. Being the world’s largest producer, the cost of petrol and other petroleum products is relatively low, making it one of the most consumed products in the country. Since the country depends on the non-renewable source of energy, which is the primary cause of air pollution, it is challenging to develop policies to regulate the consumption of petroleum products without creating conflicts of interest.
Secondly, Saudi Arabian deep-rooted culture, which encourages large families and the burning of incenses, makes it difficult to develop air pollution regulations. The government of Saudi Arabia is yet to create a policy that would help in reducing indoor air pollution that is currently at high levels in the country. The Arabian culture also discourages the sharing of public places such as the public transport system, particularly for women, making it difficult for the government to reduce the number of motor vehicles on the roads through legislation as one of the most reliable methods of reducing air pollution.
This study recommends the use of a renewable source of energy as the source of electricity in households. As of 2015, 90 per cent of the electricity consumed in the country was generated by non-renewable sources (El-Sharkawy and Dahlawi, 2019, p.517). The use of renewable energy will not only improve the health standard in the country and consequently increase their life span but also enable the country to realize its sustainable development goals as set out by the United Nations. This study recommends that the use of green energy should not only be enshrined in the country’s constitutions but also included in its strategic objectives and vision 2030.
El-Sharkawy, M.F. and Dahlawi, S.M. (2019) ‘Study the effectiveness of different actions and policies in improving urban air quality: Dammam City as a case study’, Journal of Taibah University for Science, 13(1), pp.514-521.
Farahat, A. (2016) ‘Air pollution in the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman): causes, effects, and aerosol categorization’, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9(3), p.196.
Hamdan, N.M. et al. (2018) ‘Size‐resolved analysis of fine and ultrafine fractions of indoor particulate matter using energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence and electron microscopy’, X‐Ray Spectrometry, 47(1), pp.72-78.
Kelly, F. and Fussell, J. (2015) ‘Air pollution and public health: emerging hazards and improved understanding of risk’, Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 37(4), pp.631-649.
Kim, K.H., Kabir, E. and Kabir, S. (2015) ‘A review on the human health impact of airborne particulate matter’, Environment International, 74, pp.136-143.
Pack et al. (2017) ‘Tracing the oxygen isotope composition of the upper Earth’s atmosphere using cosmic spherules’, Nature Communications, 8(1), pp.1-7.
Schraufnagel, D.E. et al. (2019) ‘Air pollution and noncommunicable diseases: a review by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies’. Environmental Committee, Part 2: air pollution and organ systems. Chest, 155(2), pp.417-426.
Global warming is one of the most important environmental issues in the world today (Aldy, Ley, & Parry, 2008). However, it is an issue that is inaccessible to millions of people around the world. It is inaccessible due to difficult to understand scientific terms. It is, therefore, important to consider simplifying the issue. One of the best ways is to explain that air pollution is a major contributor to the burgeoning problem of global warming.
Scientists and environmental protection agencies all over the world are in agreement that the root cause of global warming is the uncontrolled release of greenhouse gases (“GHG”) into the earth’s atmosphere (Aldy, Ley, & Parry, 2008). A closer examination of the nature of GHG will reveal that carbon dioxide is a critical factor in global warming.
Canadians must work hand-in-hand to reduce the emission of GHG into the atmosphere in order to contribute to the struggle against global warming. Astute environmentalists must work with policymakers to develop a solution package crafted using the principles of environmental justice.
Canada’s Struggle with Air Pollution
Canadian cities have been struggling with the effects of air pollution since the 19th century. However, in that time period, the fight to eradicate air pollution was not against crude oil and natural gas. The root cause of air pollution in the 19th century was against the smoke coming from the wood fire and coal fire. According to primary research documents, “for the first fifty years of its existence, Toronto was a wood-fuelled city” (Anderson, 2014). In addition, 19th century Toronto’s economy had an emphasis on locality.
There was a growing demand for food, and the farmers were able to meet the demand by clearing the nearby forest. The removal of the trees provided enough land area for farmers to till. At the same time, the land clearing converted forests into firewood.
As early as 1830, the growing population required about 100 acres of woodlands in order to sustain the habit of using firewood as the city’s primary fuel source. The city of Toronto started as the Town of York. In the year 1830, the Town of York only had 2,900 inhabitants. Four years later, the town had 9 200 inhabitants. The rapid growth compelled government officials to create the city of Toronto.
The consumption of firewood became increasingly unsustainable. There was a need to acquire new sources of energy. In 1848 city officials discovered that Toronto’s lighting system and firefighting department consumed 500 tons of coal per year (Anderson, 2014). The fire department needed coal as a reliable source of power in order to generate significant volumes of water for their fire fighting needs. The end result was a predictable environmental nightmare that created great amounts of smoke, ash, and foul odor.
There is photographic evidence to show how the city of Toronto suffered from the utilization of firewood and coal. In 1856 city officials hired the firm of Armstrong, Beere, & Hime in order to capture in photographs the beauty and grandeur of Toronto. The end goal was to persuade the British Colonial government to make Toronto the permanent capital of the country (Anderson, 2014).
But even with total freedom to choose the location for the shoot, and even with access to top of the line photo equipment, the photographers from Armstrong, Beere, & Hime submitted photos wherein almost half of the images showed buildings and landscapes obscured by haze (Anderson, 2014).
It is imperative to point out that the city of Toronto does not suffer from significant levels of fog. Therefore, there is another reason why the photographs had shown building vanishing in a haze. It was air pollution that significantly reduced visibility in the city. According to one report, “coils of smoke, belch from Edwardian factory chimneys and steam trains” (Anderson, 2014, p.3). In addition, puffs of smoke were emitted from the tailpipes of tin lizzies, steamboats, and domestic flues (Anderson, 2014).
The environmental protection counterparts of 19th century Toronto was able to solve the problem by introducing anti-pollution measures. At the same time, there was a major shift that was occurring in the use of fossil fuel to light up homes and provide heat during the winter season. The fight against smoke and haze was successful because of two major reasons.
First, businessmen and common folks had access to an alternative source of energy that does not produce significant amounts of smoke. When compared to firewood and coal, fuel sources from natural gas produced less visible evidence of smoke. In addition, technological advancements in the field of engineering enabled the creation of more efficient machines. Nevertheless, pollutants are still in the air.
Strength and Limitation of Environmental Justice
The consumption of petroleum products produced less smoke compared to wood-burning facilities in 19th century Toronto. However, this does not mean that the amount of unseen pollutants released into the air is less harmful.
It is, therefore, important to encourage every member of Canadian society to participate in the fight against global warming. The first application of Environmental Justice principles can be seen in the sensitivity to causal factors, and how one event causes a ripple effect that harms not only the people that are living nearby but also those that are residing several miles away.
It is, therefore, imperative to curb the emission of carbon dioxide from various sources of pollutants. A good example of the sources of pollutants is power plants, vehicular emissions, factories, and exhaust fumes coming from different types of machines requiring fossil fuels as primary sources of power.
The government must lead the way in the creation of policies that will bring about the reduction of pollutants in the atmosphere. At the same time, policymakers must develop incentives to encourage environmentally-friendly actions and discourages destructive practices.
Tough environmental laws can compel business owners to comply with existing standards. As a result, businessmen are encouraged to adopt energy-saving measures. They are also encouraged to implement strategies that will lower factory emissions.
The government will have to look into companies that use fleets of vehicles. Firms that are using significant numbers of vehicles are guilty of adding unnecessary carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. However, using the right incentives, these companies will have the capability to acquire appropriate technology to lower their carbon footprint.
A good example is Global Positioning Satellite devices that will help managers acquire accurate knowledge about the whereabouts of the vehicles. This particular technology can help trucking companies determine the speed of the vehicles and idling time. Therefore, the application of new policies regarding speed limits and engine idling can reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The next logical step is to introduce new laws that will drastically reduce the allowable GHG emissions from the tailpipes of vehicles. This is the point where environmental justice must come into play. In an ideal world, city officials will dictate higher standards of emission control, and the people will comply with the new policies. This means that older cars are no longer allowed to ply the streets of Toronto. The new policy regarding emissions also means that people are forced to buy new cars.
This is a problematic proposition if one will consider the importance of environmental justice. According to conservation experts: “environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies” (Environmental Protection Agency, 2014, p.1).
Therefore, policymakers must be sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by other people. The above-mentioned definition highlighted one of the strengths of environmental justice.
One of the major advantages of utilizing the environmental justice framework is that it compels policymakers not only to consider the scientific aspect of the problem but also the social aspect of it as well.
Without a doubt, reducing GHG emissions will help the environment. However, there are various stakeholders involved when it comes to preserving and protecting the environment. In this case, those who belong to the lower social classes will find it extremely difficult to comply with new emission standards. Policymakers must consult with them in order to find a way to resolve the problem.
Aside from reducing the emissions from the tailpipes of vehicles, government officials may consider the creation of renewable sources of energy, specifically those that do not rely on fossil fuels. One of the practical solutions is the creation of dams to harness the power of river systems. A dam is a proven mechanism in providing a stable source of electric power.
However, the creation of dams usually affects the communities that are living nearby. Adherence to the principles of environmental justice means that before any construction efforts are approved, the government must consider the needs, aspirations, and struggles of those who will be affected by the construction of the said dam.
Although it is important to apply the principles of environmental justice to all the discussions regarding environmental protection, it is also prudent to acknowledge that there are certain limitations to this point of view. First of all, it is a time-consuming process. A significant amount of time is needed to gather the opinion and feedback of native inhabitants. Secondly, it is a costly endeavor when it comes to the investment in resources to gather pertinent information.
But most of all, it is a costly undertaking when one considers the opportunity cost of delaying certain initiatives because a consensus has not been made. It is also important to consider the value of decisive action when confronted with an environmental problem that is as serious as global warming.
Conclusion
Global warming is a serious issue, and it is imperative that Canadians take it seriously. One of the best ways to deal with global warming is to deal with it through the local government. The creation of appropriate laws enabled city officials to remove the haze and the smog that made the city a less ideal place to live in. However, the aforementioned steps to reduce greenhouse gases must go through the environmental justice framework.
Forcing people to buy new cars and forcing them to adhere to new emission standards are examples of environmental injustice. These are examples of environmental injustice if failure to comply is due to their socio-economic status.
Forcing people to leave communal lands and hometowns, just to give way to the construction of dams, is also an example of environmental injustice. Policymakers and government representatives must work with affected stakeholders in order to develop laws that will not displace people or make life more difficult for them.
References
Aldy, J., Ley, E., & Parry, I. (2008). A tax-based approach to slowing global climate change. Resources for the Future, 1(1), 1-25.
Anderson R. (2014). Historical geography of smoke in Toronto. Web.
Anderson R. (2014). Toronto combustion history. Web.
