Public Transport Systems and Pollution - Essay Example

Public Transport Systems and Pollution Introduction Pollution refers to the introduction of detrimental products or elements into the surrounding, also commonly known as the environment. It is classified as a global disaster that is not only a threat to the environment, but also the living things inclusive of man. The epidemic is associated with numerous problems such as global warming, mushrooming of chronic diseases such as cancer, climate change among other problems. It is classified into various types such as air pollution, water pollution, wastes pollution, sound pollution, and light pollution just to mention a few. Due to the interference with national balance, production of different raw materials that are used in the manufacturing industry are affected, which consequently constraints the industry. The issue of pollution, which is global and not regional is evident in all states across the globe, although some have taken significant steps to address the menace. This essay will deeply examine the issue of pollution laying special focus on the effects of pollution on the on human health and environment, fish stocks, forestry sectors of the economy. This essay will also discuss the relationship between public transport systems and pollution as well as focus on the cost of climate change. Nature of the Problem Air pollution has led to various adverse effects to forestry department and the industries in the sector. Pollutants that are known to cause much harm to trees are oxidants, fluorides, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and volatile hydrocarbons (Gifford, 2006, p. 60). Oxidants react with the sunlight to produce toxics such as peroxyl acetyl nitrate (PAN) and ozone that are harmful to the trees. Ozone is commonly found in the upper strata of the atmosphere but, is considered to be highly harmful once found near the ground. High levels of these greenhouse gases easily damages trees and can easily wipe out an entire forest, which poses a threat to the industries in the field. Pollutants resulting from sulphur dioxide arise as a result of burning oil or coal to produce energy. They are also formed during the extraction of ores and when manufacturing products. Other manmade chemicals such as herbicide, pesticides, and fertilizers do detriment trees. problem’s scientific origins and impacts Public transport systems have contributed to air pollution in a great way. Fuels used by the current means of transportation emit harmful chemicals once combusted with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide being very common. Mining undertakings are similarly key players in the issue of pollution. Extraction of ores and other minerals lead to emission of dust and poisonous gases into the atmosphere. It also leads to noise pollution especially if explosives are used to blast out ores. In addition, the left mines openings are highly scary, not appealing and leads to destruction of wildlife habitats. Particular impact on the particular business sector Air pollution significantly contaminates soils. It changes soil pH levels making the soil more acidic when sulfur and nitrogen dioxides in the air combines with moistness in the air to form acidic rain. Acidic rain refers to the type of precipitation that has high levels of hydrogen ions or simply acid, and damaging effects on trees. In addition, soil leaching is a common problem associated with air pollution. This occurs as vital plant nutrients such as potassium and calcium reacts with the acidic water hence being lost. Lack of these nutrients can highly disrupt photosynthesis and the process of cell formation. Moreover, acidic soils mobilize insoluble toxic metals like mercury and lead and aluminium hence forming ecological dead zones. Moreover, acidic rain as well as water pollution in general has led to a dramatic reduction in fish stock as more and more aquatic animals get depleted. Another common adverse effect of air pollution on forestry is physical damage (Gifford, 2006, p.55). Acid rain destroys plant leaves when they come into contact especially if the level of acidity is high. Once the leaves are damaged, the normal growth of the plant is radically affected the plant can no longer manufacture food. Nutrient leaching through the leaves is also a common occurrence that leads to nutrient deficiency especially if the rate of root nutrient absorption is slower than the one the leaves are losing nutrients. This effect weakens the trees and subjects them to easy attack by pest and diseases. It is important to note that air pollution is not only disastrous to the trees or forests, but also to the plant population on the floor as well as microorganisms responsible for nitrogen fixation. Global warming also plays a major part in depletion of forests. It is the persistent increase in temperature of the world. It reduces moistness in the forests hence making tree to die or wither. The issue of pollution not only affects the forestry department and industries in it but also the department of human health. Negative impacts of pollution on man health and the environment are wide-ranging. It is clear that excessive pollution has proven to be a threat to human health, animals, plants, trees and the wider environment in general. The effects might be long term or short term, mild or extremely dangerous like chronic diseases like cancer among other physical deformities. At times, the effects of pollution are underestimated and scientists, medics, and meteorologist are raising an alarm over the pandemic that is likely to have extremely disastrous effects on the coming generations. It causes behavioral and psychological disorders as well as physical disabilities at extreme levels, an aspect which requires more resources to be directed to the industry (Gifford, 2006, p. 10). Air pollution leads to numerous sicknesses such as asthma attack, respiratory diseases like coughing, bronchitis, and throat, eyes, nose and mouth irritation. It also has a close connection with developments of cardiovascular problems. The level of pollution severity relies on the pollutions amount, extent off disclosure, nature of pollutants, age of the receptor and the level of health of the receptor. This means that children are more susceptible to effects of air pollution than adults because they spend most time outside, have weak bodies and do not know how to protect themselves. On the other hand, water pollution leads to waterborne diseases like typhoid, amoebiasis, ascariasis, diarrhea, stomachache, and hookworm among others. Other conditions are associated with water polluted by chemicals like cancer, hormonal imbalance or problems, kidney, DNA and liver damage and destruction of the nervous system. Noise pollution leads to inefficiency of man, and this has been proved by studies whose results show that human efficiency increases with decrease in noise. Noises reduce concentration and contribute significantly to body fatigue with some controversial studies showing that sharp noises can lead to abortion in females. It also increases tension amongst people (Gifford, 2006, p. 35). There exist various effects of pollution to the general environment. Climatic change is among the major adversative effects of pollution. It is termed as a global crisis and immediate interventions have to be implemented in order to curb the problem before it gets out of hand. The levels of carbon dioxide have vividly increased due to industrialization and usage of fossil fuels. This increase has led to gradual increase in temperatures in the atmosphere and its effects are evidenced by melting of glaciers on mountaintops, disappearing of water bodies as well as seasonal changes. Chlorofluorocarbons and chloromethane also contributes to greenhouse effect. Scientists are predicting a rise in normal temperatures by roughly 2°C before the end of the century. If the change in temperatures will be immense, the level of water bodies such as oceans is likely to rise with roughly 0.5 and 2 meters (Gifford, 2006, p. 25). Another effect of pollution o the environment is acidic rainfall. However, this is covered under the effects of pollution on forestry. Soil and corrosion effects are also very common. Buildings among other manmade structures are easily damaged by pollution. This is contributed by presence of dirt as well as organisms that use polluted products. Roman Colloseum of London and Parthenon marble of Athens are good examples of effects of pollution on structures. The marble was transformed to gypsum as a result of reaction between smog and sulphur oxide (Gifford, 2006, p. 55). Exhaustion of ozone cover is similarly a major threat of pollution. The layer plays a big role in preventing the destructive ultra violets from reaching the ground. The layer has been radically becoming thin over time and it already has some punctures at some places like the South Pole. It is highly destroyed by chlorine emitted from chlorofluorocarbons. Continuous damaging of the layer will drastically reduce crop production as well as pose human beings to chronic diseases like skin cancer. Climate change has a surprisingly high cost. For instance, in USA year 2012, the taxpayers’ payment for insurance cover on crops was three times higher than what private insurers paid. In addition, more money was spent by the government in dealing with the impacts of climate change than the one expended on education. Statistics showed that 2012 was the costliest year in dealing with climate change disastrous in the American history. More than $139 billion was expended for compensating damages accrued as a result of climate change disasters. UN estimates that more than 1.3 billion dollars are likely to be spent yearly in combating climate change. The cost is likely to be higher in developed countries than in the developing countries since they do not have many industries that emit harmful substances to the environment. Outlook for the future Since the issue of pollution is global and affects all sections of the economy, either directly or indirectly, combined effort by the government of diverse states across the globe is necessary to curb the menace. Proper management of natural forests, planting more trees and management of industrial and human waste when implemented will provide a solution to the problems, with minor adjustments in the future to make it more effective. Conclusion In conclusion, pollution is a global concern that can be termed as an epidemic. It has led to numerous adverse effects to the environment, human life, and aquatic life among many others. Climate change and dramatic mushrooming of chronic diseases such as cancer are some of the problems associated with pollution that hit headlines on daily basis. Air pollution has led to damaging of forests as a result of acid rainfall that destroys plants leaves and ultimately killing them. Acidic rainfall and soil pollution are also major players in the reduction of fish stock as the level of pH in the water bodies changes hence becoming unsuitable for fish to live in. mining activities and public transport systems are some of the contributors of pollution. Fuels used by the means of mechanisms used produce harmful gases into the air as well as dust. Therefore, necessary measures have to be put in place as fast as possible in order to curb the issue of pollution that is tremendously growing. BibliographyTop of Form Gifford, C. (2006). Pollution. Chicago: Heinemann Library. Read More