Project_Mitigation_Strategies_Sci_275

Atmospheric pollution is a very serious issue that has, not been affectively addressed in decades. There have been proposals on how to eliminate air pollution, but those ideas have always been viewed as unrealistic. Leaders of developed countries only, consider the high cost, of affectively reducing pollution, by limiting the use of fossil fuels. They do not view any immediate need to reduce pollution; their inaction disallows the planet to recover slowly, from the damage that has already been done. My essay will effectively describe the causes of this issue, and recommend effective solutions to ratify the situation. These solutions will deal with need to reduce the use of non-renewable energy resources; and incorporate the use of renewable energy. This plan will outline an idea, to use both types of energy sources, renewable energy will be used 70% to 30% for non-renewable energy. This reduction alone will reduce the percentage of global air pollution. Finally, this essay will close with the need to promote energy conservation, and tie the need in with other pollution issues that cause global warming. Natural Causes Air pollution is the release of chemicals, or other substances that pose a risk, to animals and humans. Air pollution is also a natural occurrence, which dates back to the age of the dinosaurs. Volcano eruptions, forest fires, vegetation, deforestation, decay processes in soil, and agriculture; are just some of the, natural causes associated, with airborne pollution. Human Causes Population growth is a leading human factor, which contributes to pollution. The growing population will exhaust all energy resources. At the start of the population growth there were several factors that allowed it to grow. The introduction, of the industrial revolution, advances in farming, and agriculture were created. With these advances food and other goods are now affordable. This allowed families not to be concerned about family size, they could afford more children. Advances in education especially nutrition and medicine, have helped raise the mortality rate. Human activities, like releasing chemicals have negative effects, on the stratosphere, a layer surrounding earth. The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) from aerosol cans, cooling systems and refrigerator equipment removes some of the ozone, causing "holes"; to open up in this layer and allowing the radiation to reach the earth. Ultraviolet radiation is known to cause skin cancer and has damaging effects on plants and wildlife. (ibl.gov, 2009) Pollution is broken down into two categories primary and secondary. However, our focus will be in the primary category, which consists of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, and hydrocarbons these five sources are leading causes of global warming. Particulate matter is microscopic particles that are suspended in air they can be either liquid or solid. Very small particles can stay in the airborne for weeks and even years, before they settle out of the atmosphere. Particulate matter includes soil particles, soot, lead, asbestos, sea salt, and sulfuric acid droplets. Particulate matter scatters and absorbs sunlight, reducing visibility. Urban areas receive less sunlight than rural areas, partly as a result of greater quantities of particulate matter in the air. Particulate matter corrodes metals, erodes buildings and works of sculpture when the air is humid, and soils clothing and draperies. (Chapter 8 Air and Air pollution) Nitrogen Oxide is chemical gas that is formed when oxygen interacts with nitrogen, to produce energy sources. Nitrogen oxides prohibit plant growth and, when inhaled, create health problems such as asthma. (Chapter 8 Air and Air pollution) Sulfur Oxide, is a chemical reaction, caused when sulfur intermixes with oxygen. Sulfur Oxide, is a non-flammable gas that has a strong odor, and is a primary air pollutant. Carbon Oxides are the gases carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless, gas produced in larger quantities, than any other atmospheric pollutant, except carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and reduces the blood's ability to transport oxygen. Carbon dioxide, is also colorless, odorless, and tasteless and is associated with global warming. (Chapter 8 Air and Air Pollution) Hydrocarbons are natural elements, which only contain hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons are very diverse these elements can be combined to form very dangerous chemicals, which can be solid, liquid, or gas. In either case emissions from products produced from hydrocarbons emit dangerous amounts of pollution. Methane, and benzene, are by products of hydrocarbons and are linked to global warming. Carbon Dioxide is created whenever fossil fuels are burned. Carbon dioxide that is produced is due to human activities and is greater than the amount plants are able to convert back to oxygen. Deforestation makes this situation even worse; because in areas that were once overpopulated, with plant life have now been destroyed. This whole process increases the amount of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide buildup reacts like a blanket, which encloses heat to the surface of earth. Small changes to the temperature, affect us all through changes in climate. The continuation of this process has the possibility, to melt polar ice caps, which would cause a sudden rise in global sea levels, and worldwide coastal flooding. Health Hazards Refineries, chemical plants, traffic, and other industries, create poor air quality, in rural and suburban areas. These pollutants are said to be harmless. However, there are cases of people becoming ill, from the pollution which is emitted from these sources. Particulate matter that is emitted from traffic has been associated with cardio respiratory conditions. Studies also show chronic air pollution is responsible for atherosclerosis. Although, studies have shown the affects of air pollution is diverse. Reasons for different reactions to air pollution are unclear. Air pollution creates different health conditions for those who have been overexposed. These conditions affect different systems within the human body. Cardiovascular disease is even more likely increasing the likelihood of cancer. These pollutants are also harmful to other life forms, such as plants, and animals. A large percentage of air pollution comes back to Earth, in the form of acid rain, which corrodes statues and buildings, destroys farmlands, and makes bodies of water unlivable for fish, plants and other animal life. Economic Factors A large majority of American energy companies are unwilling to disclose the financial risks of climate change. Although, the oil industry shows the widest disparity, in regard to reporting financial risks, this industry is not alone. Oil companies that are based in America depend on fossil fuels to operate. European companies are beginning to take control of the oil industry, because they rely solely on renewable energy technology, to run their operations. In the United States Electric companies have scored the lowest, because of their exclusive use of coal. Current Sustainability Plan Our current sustainability plan is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has met to draw a strategy in order to promote source reduction. EPA as administrator is given the authority to provide grants to the States to promote source reduction by businesses. The EPA also has mandated to establish a database that contains information on source reduction. Owners and operators of businesses that are required to file a toxic chemical release form must include a toxic reduction and recycling report. (EPA, 2009) The Environmental Protection Agency in addition to the voluntary reductions law; has also implemented amendments to the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act encourages cooperation, with other agencies in order to effectively reduce air pollution. Government agencies, now share information, with local, and state agencies, for the greater good, which is American pollution reduction. The EPA has provided funding for national research and development programs for prevention of air pollution. The EPA provides grants to aid air pollution prevention and control agencies. Industries that reduce their emission of toxics into the air by 90-95% can qualify for permit waivers. EPA may establish record keeping, inspections, and monitoring for all facilities that emit pollutants. (EPA.gov, 2009) Revised Plan The United States government should implement the use of renewable energy as our primary energy source. Winds, solar, bio fermentation, Hydro Electric Power, Geothermal Energy, have been around for a long time, however; the price to refine these techniques has been too high. The damage that has been done to the ozone layer can still be repaired, only if we are willing to reduce our use of fossil fuels. Our society cannot completely stop using fossil fuels but we can reduce the need to use them exclusively. We should build recycle centers, in small cities and towns; to reduce the amount of waste that is buried in land fields. Finally, governments should outlaw the use of clear cutting techniques. These techniques do not allow the soil to recover, making it hard to re-grow the trees that have been cut down. Our country must work with all nations to reduce the effects of air pollution. Air pollution must be viewed as a global problem not just a local one. Energy Conservation There are many things individuals can do to conserve energy in their home. Leave the central unit on; because it takes more energy to cool or heat the home when it is turned on and off. Installing blinds on windows, to prevent the sun from heating the house quickly, during the summer months. Individuals can open their blinds during the winter to let the natural sunlight heat the house. I suggest installing insulation, in the wall and around hot water pipes. Insulation in the wall can reduce the amount of heat lost during the winter, and cold air lost in the summer. Insulation also can be reinforced around hot water pipes, which can reduce heat lost from the water, so that the temperature at the boiler can be decreased. Seal gaps at electrical outlets, and the frame of the doors and windows. Turn off and unplug any appliance not in use. Finally, install low energy consuming fluorescent lighting, instead of incandescent lighting. Our government can become more involved in energy conservation in many ways. America should focus more, on creating larger amounts of renewable energy. Our country should provide grants, tax rebates, and loans to make homes more efficient. The United States should be the leader in energy efficiency, because we use more energy than most developed and undeveloped countries. The conservation of energy is very important, because we want to make sure there is enough energy left, on this planet for future generations. Renewable energy is the best way to go, because we can reduce pollution, and slow down global warming. Action Items (in the correct order) Action Steps Timeline Invest in our nations scientist in order to create useable renewable energy Work with other countries that already use large percentages of renewable energy to redefine these types of energy in America. 1-2 months Pass laws to reward people for making their homes and businesses energy efficient Provide incentives for energy conservation programs (grants, loans, and tax breaks) 4-8 months Pass and enforce laws to punish industries and individuals for causing pollution. Require business and industries that to use a filtering process to reduce emissions. 8-12 months Provide funds to small cities and town to build recycle centers. Reduce the amount of trash that is buried in land fields. 13-18 months Pass new laws to only use clear cutting in emergency situations Make clear cutting illegal 18-24 months Reduce the use of non-renewable energy. Use proven renewable energy 80% and use non-renewable 20% this will reduce the emission from burning fossil fuels, and allow the planet to recover from global warming 24-26 months Initiate a summit Initiate a summit with all the nations (developed and un-developed)of the world, to encourage them to copy this plan to eliminate air pollution and CO2 emissions 27-30 months Benefits The benefits of this plan far outweigh the challenges. America will become a leader in the energy sector, and other countries will follow our lead. Home owners will benefit with this plan, because the government will aid in making their home energy efficient. Small towns and cities will benefit by being able to apply for aid to build recycle centers. Jobs will be created, in the renewable energy fields, these jobs will not have any expiration dates, because the energy we use will be plentiful. The countries that already use renewable energy will benefit, because they will be paid for their knowledge. Challenges A challenge to this plan is business and other industries will not appreciate being fined for polluting. Loggers will be limited to cutting down trees responsibly, possibly affecting their ability to survive within the industry. Business will not agree with the government requiring them to use a filtering process to limit emissions. References Environmental Protection Agency (2009). Mandates in Federal Statues. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/p2policy/provisions.htm Health and Energy (2007). Air Pollution Health Affects. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://healthandenergy.com/air_pollution_health_effects.htm Inquiry Based Learning (n.d.), Outdoor Air pollution, Retrieved April 3, 2009, from http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/Frames/pollution-outdoor-f.html Kennedy, K., Cheng, M. (2003). Population Growth and Society, Retrieved April 3, 2009, from Gale database. Langrish, J., Mills, N., Chan, J., Leseman, D., Aitken, P. Fokkens, Flemming R. Cassee, Jing Li, Ken Donaldson, David E. Newby, and Lixin Jiang. "Beneficial cardiovascular effects of reducing exposure to particulate air pollution with a simple facemask. (Research). Particle and Fibre Technology 6.8 (March 13, 2009): Gale database. Apollo Library. 4 Apr, 2009. Lindgren, Anna, Emilie Stroh, Peter Montnemery, Ulf Nihlen, Kristina Jakobsson, and Anna Axmon. "Traffic-related air pollution associated with prevalence of asthma and COPD/chronic bronchitis. A cross-sectional study in Southern Sweden. (Research)(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). International Journal of Health Geographics (8).2 (Jan 20, 2009): 2. Gale database. Apollo Library. 4 Apr. 2009 Socha, T. (2007). Air pollution Causes and Effects . Retrieved April 3, 2009, from http://www.healthandenergy.com/air_pollution_causes.htm Tropical Rainforests (2008). Air Pollution Causes. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/air-pollution-causes.html