Air pollution refers to a specific mixture of gases and solid particles in the air. Pollen, dust, chemicals from factories and car emissions can be suspended as the particles. The issue of air pollution seems to have evident effects on the environment and it is critical to explore this topic for the purpose of coming up with possible solutions. This essay aims to discuss the issue of air pollution and how it attempts to influence the environment negatively.
Effects on the Environment
Certain gas releases into the atmosphere and air pollution possess the capability to negatively influence the environment. A particular kind of air pollution occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) gas tends to add to the air. Mitchell " Popham (2008) pertinently pointed out that the release of an excessive amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is considered one of the key causes of global warming. It is a noteworthy point to consider that this process tends to hamper the carbon cycle’s balance and eventually impacts the environment.
According to Welsch (2006), the ozone layer assists in protecting us from detrimental rays that come out from the sun. The layer tends to get damaged from the air pollution, including CFCs from spray cans and methane gas from livestock. There is a need to determine that the depletion of ozone focuses on damaging numerous materials on earth and hence a threat to the environment. Another critical aspect that needs to be considered is the acid rain. It is generated when specific gases, including sulfur dioxide, become high in the atmosphere. Cohen et al., (2005) explored that the wind is able to blow such gases and they seem to be washed out from the air if it rains. This type of rain is referred to as acid rain and possesses the capability to kill fish and cause damage to forests. One of the positive indicated by Nowak, Crane " Stevens (2006) is that air pollution has enhanced in the region of the United States after the implementation of the Clean Air Act.
Figure 1 US and China Air Pollution Stats (source: Statista, 2015)
The above figure clearly indicates the levels of air pollution in the region of the United States and China. The highest level of air pollution can be observed in the region of Bakersfield, CA. This chart indicates the need for coming up with alternatives that aim to decrease air pollution and make the environment healthy.
Global Climate Change
The atmosphere of Earth comprises of a soft balance of gases (naturally occurring), which focuses on trapping some amount of the heat of sun near the surface of Earth. This is called the ‘greenhouse effect’ and aims to make the temperature of Earth stable. However, Karl et al., (2009) highlighted that humans have actively focused on disturbing the natural balance through enabling the production of a large number of greenhouse gases, including methane and carbon dioxide. Eventually, the atmosphere of earth appears that it traps more amount of the sun’s heat, enabling a rise in the average temperature of Earth. This phenomenon is called global warming. Zehr (2016) argued that global warming possesses the capability to affect human health, water resources, agriculture, coastal areas, wildlife and forests.
Figure 2 Global Warming continues to rise (source: Zehr, 2016)
From the above figure, it is clearly indicated that global warming has continued to rise. This rise has eventually impacted the whole of the environment and has led to the initiation of certain negative elements.
Impact on Wildlife
Toxic pollutants on surface waters or soils, in the air, can influence wildlife in numerous ways. Animals are able to experience health issues if they tend to be exposed to air toxics’ concentrations over time. Bhatta (2010) clearly highlighted that air pollution leads to reproductive failure, birth defects and various diseases in animals. Some of the harmful air pollutants tend to be of concern within the aquatic ecosystems. Such pollutants tend to be gathered in sediments and can be biomagnified within animals’ tissues.
How to deal with the issue
One of the significant activities that must be considered by every person is that less energy including gasoline or electricity should be used, as it can assist in reducing air pollution. An ordinary person can simply remember to turn off lights when he/she is leaving the room and it is important to not leave the computer or TV on in case of not using them. It is further vital to utilize energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. One must also remember to select cleaners that are environment-friendly. In this way, air pollution can be dealt with up to a certain degree. Moreover, the government should concentrate on creating awareness about global warming. Reducing transportation emissions can be a great way to enable happier and healthier environment and life. The slogan regarding reducing air pollution should be “Waste less, consume less and enjoy life more”.
References
Bhatta, B. (2010). Causes and consequences of urban growth and sprawl. In Analysis of urban growth and sprawl from remote sensing data (pp. 17-36). Germany: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Cohen, A. J., Ross Anderson, H., Ostro, B., Pandey, K. D., Krzyzanowski, M., Künzli, N., ... " Smith, K. (2005). The global burden of disease due to outdoor air pollution. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 68(13-14), 1301-1307.
Karl, T. R., Melillo, J. M., Peterson, T. C., " Hassol, S. J. (Eds.). (2009). Global climate change impacts in the United States. United States: Cambridge University Press.
Mitchell, R., " Popham, F. (2008). Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population study. The Lancet, 372(9650), 1655-1660.
Nowak, D. J., Crane, D. E., " Stevens, J. C. (2006). Air pollution removal by urban trees and shrubs in the United States. Urban forestry " urban greening, 4(3-4), 115-123.
Statitsta (2015). Air Pollution Levels in Perspective: China And The US. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/chart/3161/air-pollution-levels-in-perspective/
Welsch, H. (2006). Environment and happiness: Valuation of air pollution using life satisfaction data. Ecological economics, 58(4), 801-813.
Zehr, S. C. (2016). Public representations of scientific uncertainty about global climate change. Public Understanding of Science.
