Air Pollution Worsening - Annotated Bibliography Example

Abernethy, V. D. (1993). Population Politics: The Choices that Shape our Future. New York: Plenum Press. (chapter Framing the Issues) One of the major contributions to air pollution is the environmental damage caused by the need to support growing human populations that are stretching the boundaries of sustainable life on this planet. This is a particular issue in China where various measures, some very intrusive to private life, have been instituted. This book looks into the issue of population management. Dr. Abernathy examines the economic, sociocultural and agricultural factors that have led to unsustainable growth and the attempts that have been made to curb that growth. This is important to the current research because the number of people that must be supported contributes to the need for more energy and the pressing need of the country to provide for those energy needs. Bradley, Ray & Philip Jones. (1995). Climate Since AD 1500. New York: Routledge. (chapters 10 & 11) This book examines the various changes that have occurred in the climate of the planet since approximately the year 1500. It does so by examining the historical data that are available to us through avenues such as soil samples, plant life and core samples taken from the sea floor and in the ice caps. Log books and other forms of weather collection used throughout history have also been examined to paint a picture of how the climate has or has not changed in relation to historical events and introductions, such as the introduction of widespread coal burning as a source of energy. A few chapters in particular may be helpful to the present research because it reveals the prevailing climate conditions of China. One looks into the summer precipitation rates in several areas of China in the 18th century while another one looks into the summer temperatures of Beijing since 1724. This kind of information is useful in proving both that climate change is occurring and that it is closely linked to the activities of man. “China’s Health and Environment: Air Pollution and Health Effects.” World Resources Institute. Washington D.C., 1999. This article discusses specifically what types of particulates and other harmful air quality conditions are a problem in China. Unsurprisingly, the greatest problems hover over the country’s largest cities. The breakdown of what these harmful elements are and where they originate is provided in great detail as well as the regions in which each type of pollution is a particular problem. Areas of particular difficulty for elimination of pollution, such as industrial pollution, are indicated. Other areas where enforcement is particularly difficult, such as smaller or private sources of air pollution are also indicated as well as the degree to which they contribute to the problem. This article will be very helpful to the current research because it helps to identify exactly which chemicals are problems in China and where concentration is needed. “China Says Air Pollution Worsening.” Physorg. July 27, 2010. This is a recent article that gives quality information about the present state of air pollution in China right now. It compares data about air pollution in the cities now to data about air pollution in the cities less than five years ago. The primary causes of this rise in air pollution are listed as naturally-occurring sandstorms, which are partially the result of changing precipitation levels throughout various regions, industrial projects and increased numbers of cars on the road. This article helps to pinpoint where the problems of air pollution in China might be which helps to direct the discussion to areas that need to be improved. “400,000 People in China Die Prematurely From Air Pollution Annually.” Terra Daily. (October 25, 2005). This article reveals what elements in the air in China are contributing to the premature deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in Chinese cities and downwind of these cities. This reveals the great problem that air pollution is causing in this country and helps to reveal the elements that are causing the damage. These are the same elements that are leading to other environmental problems which is leading to the destruction of the world as we know it. This article will be very helpful to the present research because it is very specific on the problems that China is facing. Kelly, Mick. (2000). “The Causes of Climate Change.” Climatic Research Unit. This article explains the basic mechanics of climate change. Kelly provides information about how the earth is warmed and where greenhouse gasses play a part in the heating of the average earth temperatures. It is helpful to understand a greater depth of the debate about what is causing global warming and what that means. Natural causes of global warming such as increased sunlight or volcanic ash are acknowledged and discussed as contributing to the entire global system, including China, and explains in plain terms the weather events that affect the climate in China. This article will be helpful to the research to make sure the reader has the same definitions and a basic background in the factors at play. Pimentel, D. (1998). “Energy and Dollar Costs of Ethanol Production with Corn.” Hubbert Center Newsletter. Vol. 98, I. 2. M, King Hubbert Center for Petroleum Supply Studies. This article talks about the expense involved in one of the potential solutions to burning fossil fuels – ethanol. Ethanol is proposed as an alternative fuel source to diesel gasoline which is used in many larger vehicles such as trucks, tractors and even trains. One of the most popular ways of producing ethanol is as a corn product. This article talks about the relative merits of this form of fuel as a response to climate change determining whether it actually uses less natural resources or would actually reduce emissions in China. This is a helpful discussion to the current research because it offers a scientific perspective on possible solutions to air pollution in China. Rockwell, Richard, C. (1998). “From A Carbon Economy To A Mixed Economy: A Global Opportunity.” Consequences. Vol. 4, N. 1. Richard Rockwell explores the various ways in which humans have become dependent on activities that vastly increase the levels of carbon released into the air and why that is causing problems. One of the unique pieces of information that this article contributes is the idea of how the changing role of China in the world, as an increasingly developed nation, will have the effect of increasing carbon emissions even more. It also provides more detailed information about how greenhouse warming will affect China in terms of growing seasons and precipitation levels. Finally, it offers some discussion into different ways that the energy needs of growing and technologically developed societies might meet these energy needs without causing the same kinds of air pollution. This will help expand knowledge of the problems, implications and the possible solutions to air pollution in China. “Sharp CO2 Rise Divides Opinions.” (11 October 2004). BBC News International Version. Retrieved 31 July 2006 from This article discusses the debate regarding whether the atmospheric changes that are taking place on the planet are the result of human activity or natural processes. It introduces the two different sides of the issue and reveals the relationship between air pollution and global warming. The unique elements this article will contribute to the current research is the perspective of those saying that human activity is not a contributing factor to the environmental problems occurring in China or the changes that have taken place regarding growing seasons, population input, etc. This helps to address the counter-arguments that are brought forward by industry. Trenberth, Kevin E. “Global Warming: It’s Happening.” National Center for Atmospheric Research. (1997). March 10, 2008 Trenberth goes into greater detail about the arguments against the ideas of global warming and the available evidence that climate change is happening. This includes much more detail about the human elements contributing to global warming particularly in the area of air pollution. The way this article contributes to the present research is that it makes it possible to understand more information about what the arguments are against the problems of global warming. The people most against the concept that global warming is happening are the people in charge of industry and high pollutant-causing companies. If they can convince people that global warming isn’t happening, then they can more easily fight against regulations and restrictions on their current practices. This has a direct relation to air pollution both because air pollution contributes to global warming and because convincing others that global warming isn’t happening means greater air pollution might be allowed. Read More