Acid Rain in China - Essay Example

Running head: Acid Rain in China Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 2 Acid Rain 4Effects of Acid Rain in China 6 Effects of Production/Business Activities on the Natural Environment 7 Use of water 9 Portable Water use in cleaning of: 9 Stores 9 Production halls 9 Vehicles 9 Toilets and other surfaces 9 Requires energy for supply 9 Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy 9 Water supplier activities 9 Involve the distribution of fresh water to various destinations 9 Utilization of energy 9 Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy 9 Water discharges 9 Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy 9 Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy (Sainsbury, 2005) 9 Use of Raw materials, energy and fuel 9 Environmental Management Tools 10 References 14 Abstract For a business to meet its present needs without compromising the future generations’ ability to meet their own needs, it needs to exhibit sustainable development, which is improving human life quality while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems. Sustainable development entails two main issues namely natural environment protection and conservation of natural resources. Where production or businesses fail to conserve natural resources or to protect natural environment, it results into severe crises. This paper gives a report on acid rain in China, particularly the type of industries/businesses that relates to it as well as its effects on natural environment. The report further points out the ways in which production or business activities affect the natural environment. Additionally, it focuses on “Green Marketing” as an Environmental Management tool that business companies in China should apply in order to reduce the negative effects of acid rain on the environment. Introduction Kahn & Yardley report that pollution problem in China has shattered all precedents the same way the scale and speed of her rise as an economic power lacks a clear parallel in history. Environmental degradation in China is now so severe with such stark repercussions domestically and internationally. They cite the Ministry of Health in China having said that public health is reeling and pollution has made cancer the leading death cause in China – they attribute hundreds of thousands of deaths that China experience each year to ambient air pollution alone. They also give a report that often, Chinese cities appear wrapped in a toxic gray shroud with only one percent of her five hundred and sixty million city dwellers breathing air that the European Union considers safe. Environmental wretchedness that some countries might consider catastrophic can seem ordinary in China including industrial cities where people seldom see the sun; children sickened or killed by local pollution forms such as lead poisoning or an algal red tides-swamped coastline that large ocean sections no longer sustain marine life. According to Kahn & Yardley, China is choking on its own accomplishment and although her economy is posting double-digit growth rates succession, the growth derives from a wobbling expansion of heavy urbanization and industry, which requires massive energy inputs, of which it obtains almost all from coal, which is the most readily available and dirtiest source. Acid rain involves the acidification of rain by airborne acids. Although natural sources such as decaying vegetation and volcanoes can produce these acids, relative to local and regional natural flows, emissions of acid rain chemical forerunners/precursors that are of human activities’ origin have become significant and an array of damages on the environment are attributable to these emissions. Mainly, such emissions stem from the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants as fuels – varying industrial processes, for instance coal and petroleum, plus natural gas. Article base.com reports that in China, coal is predominantly the major emitter of acid rain precursors and in particular, Sulphur dioxide gas. Another acid gas is Nitrogen dioxide, which is produced when a mixture of air and fuel becomes hot as in the emissions from internal combustion in engines of transportation trucks, commuter cars, sport-utility vehicles and industrial equipment. Although these two compounds have a minute effect in low doses, their consequences can become devastating to air in cities with loads of automobiles and numerous factories. Peterson & Ivars in their 1978 article indicate that coal supplies seventy percent of China’s energy needs, with over half of it being used in power plants for power generation and that China’s rainfall composition reflects her reliance on coal combustion to generate electricity as well as heating and cooking at homes. Generally, the available coal has high sulphur content and normally, they burn it in small stoves or furnaces devoid of pollution controls. In addition, with numerous sources that are low to the ground, pollution is kept near its origin. In 1978 for instance, in Guiyang City in China, compared to New York City’s levels, sulphate concentrations were approximately six times higher. Acid Rain Acid rain is a comprehensive term describing a mixture of dry and wet deposition from the atmosphere that contains amounts of sulphuric and nitric acids that are higher than normal amounts. Likewise, Hayes & Zarsky define acid rain as a lay term for a broadly recognized environmental affliction attributable to atmospheric chemical reactions of polluting species’ emissions, which include oxides of sulphur and nitrogen (SOx and NOx) compounds with oxygen and water. Acid rain occurs when these acidic gases react with oxygen, water and other chemicals in the atmosphere forming various acidic compounds – they result into a mild nitric acid and sulphuric acid solutions. Hayes & Zarsky explain that when power plants as well as other sources release nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, prevailing winds carry these compounds across national and state borders, at times over hundreds of miles. Nitrogen containing species and sulphur together with reactive hydrocarbons undergo mixing, elevation, reaction and ultimately fall back to the surface from the air. In the atmosphere, Sulphur dioxide either reacts fast with hydroxyl radicals producing Sulphur trioxide, which in turn reacts with water forming sulphuric acid or may be shifted hundreds of kilometres downwind prior to such reaction. While some may drop directly onto the surface, some may undergo absorption in clouds forming sulphuric acid through diverse chemical pathways in the liquid phase. Further, this acid may be injected into the gas phase through evaporation or removed through precipitation. The term ‘acid rain’ envelops dry and wet deposition of gaseous sulphur dioxide onto ecosystems. Wet deposition denotes fog, snow and acidic rain. In case the acid chemicals present in the air are carried into regions where the weather is wet, the acids may fall to the ground as mist, fog, snow or rain. Dry deposition involves the acid chemicals being blown into areas with dry weather They may become integrated into smoke or dust and through dry deposition; fall to the ground sticking to the ground, trees, cars, homes and buildings among others. Approximately half of the acidity present in the atmosphere falls back to earth via dry deposition. Ramon reports that: Acid rain resulting from sulphur dioxide emission affected a third of land mass of China in the year 2005, posing a menace to food safety. Although majority of new power stations have equipment for stripping sulphur from smoke, their usage level is low. China burns over 2 billion metric tons of coal per year to yield about eighty per cent of its electricity China leads the world in emissions of sulphur dioxide, which is responsible for causing acid rain. According to official figures, Sulphur dioxide discharges from industry and power plants increased by twenty-seven percent from the year 2000 to 2005 reaching twenty-five and a half million metric tons. Only thirty percent of projects had been checked in some counties for compliance with pollution controls prior to being granted construction licenses. Almost half of the companies failed to perform required control measures of emission, those that passed environmental appraisals included. Tarko records that between 2000 and 2005, sulphur dioxide discharge in China rose by twenty-seven percent to twenty-five million tonnes This makes the country a top emitter of the pollutant in the world China’s sulphur dioxide emissions were two times the acceptable limit. Acid rain in China now affects one-third of her landmass, threatening the quality of soil and food safety. Zijun states that: In the year 2005, of the 696 cities and counties under air-quality monitoring, more than half were hit by acid rain with some cities receiving all of their rain as acid rain. Although the quality of air in some areas of China has improved because of adjustments in the energy structure of the nation and vehicle emissions standards that are stricter, the quality of forty percent of urban air remains below even national standards of second-grade, portraying various levels of pollutants. Inhalable particulate matter and Sulphur dioxide are the two major acid rain-causing substances. In 2005, over twenty-five million sulphur-dioxide tons belched from China’s coking plants and coal-fired power. The desulfurization facilities in these coking plants have a combined capacity of fifty-three million kilowatts, which represents only fourteen percent of total installed capacity In the North-Eastern China, a province called Shanxi, which is famous for its local coking industry, generated over eighty million tons of coke in 2005 thereby emitting high levels of sulphurous compounds. Coke is a solid carbon residue that is used in steel making. Of the more than six hundred and eighty coking enterprises all over the province, only sixty-five have applied for environmental protection assessment and consent Currently, only thirty of these (approximately five percent of all coking enterprises) meet the national sulphur emission standards. Most world organizations lay the blame for the mounting pollution on poor enforcement in addition to a crude economic growth mode. The majority’s view is that even after promising a shift to clean development, China is failing to tame pollution. The China’s crucial task is defining the scope, subjects, techniques and compensation standards through lawmaking and setting up a transfer system of payment that will be favourable to ecological protection. Effects of Acid Rain in China Acid rain is a severe environmental crisis because it is harmful to water life such as in streams and lakes as well as to plant life. Causes streams and lakes acidification and contributes to the damage of numerous sensitive forest soils and trees Hastens the decay of paints and building materials Irreplaceable statues, sculptures and buildings that are part of China’s cultural heritage Affects several animals and plants as it flows over and through the ground – several factors determine the potency of the effects. The acidity of the water The involved soils’ chemistry and buffering capacity The types of trees, fish and other living things that depend on the water Destroys or diminishes fish populations in lakes or flowing water Alters the rate of nutrient leaching from soils and biomass Enhances uptake of heavy metals like cadmium Affects soil fungi and bacteria Aggravates other pre-existing stresses like contamination by pesticide Has major consequences for commercial and cultural values Tourism Agriculture Forests Has also resulted into large-scale forest degradation In the event of dry gases and particles deposition, rainstorms can wash them from these surfaces Leads to increased runoff Makes the resulting mixture more acidic Before falling to the earth gaseous oxides of nitrogen and sulphur and their particulate matter derivatives, nitrates and sulphates: Contribute to degradation of visibility Impact public health Acid rain is not an ‘individual’ problem as it closely relates with land use, urban, transport, energy as well as other socioeconomic issues. It interrelates with other ecosystems stresses, which in terms of fertility, sunlight among others are already poorly endowed and on species at their natural range’s limits (Hayes & Zarsky, 1995). Effects of Production/Business Activities on the Natural Environment Production/business, either directly or indirectly, affects natural environment in many ways. While some business activities affect the environment through dirt, damaging and by being dangerous, others affect it through being wasteful and polluting. Worse still, others are ‘silent destroyers’. Ways through which business/production activities affect the natural environment include: Emissions to air The use of energy in industries or in production/business driving machinery/engines For transportation of goods and business travel Emission of carbon dioxide Emission of other oxides of sulphur and nitrogen and their particulates Yields: Climatic alterations Air pollution Acidic precipitation Refrigeration of products in transit and on sale together with air conditioning Yields emissions Leads to climatic change Depletion of ozone layer Industrial manufacture of own-brand products Leads to emission of carbon dioxide Emission of other volatile organic compounds Causes climatic changes Businesses involving sale of fuel to customers Lead to emission of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen Emission of volatile organic compounds React causing acid rain. Agricultural production Leads to emission of methane gas Causes climate change Travel of customers to stores and employees to production/business premises Causes emission of carbon dioxide Causes climate change Production of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulates Causes environmental pollution and acid rain formation Organic waste to landfill sites Produces methane A climate change causative agent (Sainsbury, 2005). Use of water Portable Water use in cleaning of: Stores Production halls Vehicles Toilets and other surfaces Requires energy for supply Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy Water supplier activities Involve the distribution of fresh water to various destinations Utilization of energy Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy Water discharges Dilute chemicals Oil residues and fuels from vehicles Accidental spills Effluent to sewer from toilets and cleaning stores Contaminated water run-off to ground water and streams Cause habitat degradation. Necessitates the use of chemicals and energy to clean the water Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy Agricultural activities Farmers apply chemicals in farms Run-off water carries these chemicals down to rivers/water bodies Necessitates the use of chemicals and energy to clean the water Emission of acid rain-causing gases while generating energy (Sainsbury, 2005) Use of Raw materials, energy and fuel Materials and products use, both in construction and within the business Causes exploitation of natural resources Results into extraction and depletion of non-renewable natural resources Use of energy in businesses Requires use of fossil fuels Necessitates extraction and depletion non-renewable resources Transportation of goods together with business travel Requires non-renewable resources’ extraction and depletion Utilizes fossil fuels Own-brand products manufacture Uses natural resources Sale of fuel to customers Involves use of fossil fuels Necessitate extraction and depletion of non-renewable resources Poses a great threat to the natural environment (Sainsbury, 2005) Environmental Management Tools One of the Environmental Management tools that business companies should apply in order to reduce the negative environmental impacts is Green Marketing. This is the marketing of services and products deemed environmentally friendly and that make their marketers ‘environmentally responsible’. In effect, green marketing started in Europe in the early 1980s when companies in Europe began the sale of ‘green products’ including new types of disposable diapers, aerosols, batteries, detergents and other environmental friendly products. This form of manufacturing spread quickly and soon caught on to other parts of the world. Europe is leading the way in green marketing. In Italy for instance, Fiat leads the world in ‘Green’ cars - Fiat was one of the first European lead-free fuel car manufacturers and since the 1970s, it has been recycling 80% of its factory waste. A product or a package is considered Green if it features one or more of the following characteristics: If it is less toxic Is made of recyclable materials Contain reusable materials If it is more durable The U.S. Federal Trade Commission issued a set of advertising guidelines referred to as Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims. These guidelines define a green product as one that has: Reduced raw material and high recycled content Like aluminium cans Non-toxic material/non-polluting manufacture Like de-inking solvents No unnecessary animal testing and no impact on protected species Minimal packaging if any Low energy consumption during production, use or disposal Refillability/reuse when possible Disassembly system/post-consumer collection Remanufacturing capability Long useful life Upgrading capabilities The Union of concerned Scientists points out that China generates her electricity from fossil fuels’ combustion, which contributes toward acid rain and global climate change. Green marketing offers more environmental friendly sources of energy. Going green calls for taking measures that help conserve the natural environment. It offers various choices to humanity to help them avoid leaving environmentally harmful footprints in day-to-day activities. Adjustments on their mobility Taking public transportation instead of a personal car Taking the train instead of flying Buying a motor bike Less expensive Reduced carbon dioxide emission Oil generates relatively high levels of carbon dioxide and high levels of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, which lead to acid rain formation. Biking and walking Numerous physical and mental health benefits Improved stamina and strength, more endorphins, lower risk of disease, weight loss, reduced stress and vitamin D production Reduction of emissions by automotives Development of an environmentally superior gasoline formula Significantly reduces auto emissions without the need for new fuels and engines Maintaining vehicles regularly and servicing them near a service station Helps minimize their pollution output Manufacturing small engines for automobiles that ensure low-emission rates and excellent fuel economy (Courtenay, 2008) Use of renewable energy Wind energy Converts the power available in moving air into electricity Does not produce emissions Solar power Generate electricity by capturing the light and heat from the sun Does not produce emissions Geothermal energy Uses heat from inside the earth to make power Makes clean power Bio energy Energy from trees and plants – includes crops grown purposely for production of energy and organic wastes (such as wood residues from paper mills and methane from landfills). Reduces emissions if new plants replace harvested ones Hydroelectric power Captures the energy in falling water Does not produce emissions Can however have a moderately high or low effect on the environment depending on the site-specific factors: Water flow and quality maintenance Impacts on fish and other land use issues The government of China is working together with manufacturers in the attempt to lessen the emission levels of acid rain-causing pollutants. However, the government and manufacturers alone cannot solve the problem of acid rain in China. Agbata asserts that individuals as well have a role to play and can take many small steps or actions to help reduce the nitrogen oxide and sulphur in the air. Their biggest contribution in this matter is conserving energy. Conclusion The biggest challenge facing industries and businesses presently is effective waste reduction. If a product will end up being wasted to landfill at life end, it becomes not worth designing. Reducing production, utilization and disposal denotes that what businesses do not make, they do not need to recycle. Benefits of conservation of natural resources and natural environmental protection far outweighs the little gains that businesses can derive from failing to be devoted to these two courses of sustainable development. Innovative programs in the world today make it possible for all energy consumers that are environmentally conscious to uphold renewable energy directly through their participation in the ‘green’ power market. Any size or type of energy consumer in any market structure can tap the motivation to pay for the benefits of adding to renewable energy supplies. Green power is the answer to a cleaner and sustainable system of energy in China –power from the wind, sun, moving water and plants is a sustainable way to meet China’s energy needs as well as protecting the environment from the harmful effects of acid rain. For companies, green marketing increases consumer approval, cuts costs and provides significant international competitive advantages. The need for businesses to conserve the natural resources and to protect natural environment can never be overstated. Recommendations Since generation of electricity is the largest industrial polluter in China, the country should choose green power rather than generating electricity from fossil fuels’ combustion, which contributes towards acid rain and global climate change. This could make a big environmental difference by eradicating the ‘commonplace’ acid rain in China. China’s industrial plants should also go green by taking steps – both large and small, to reduce pollutants from leaving their flues. They should wash coal before use to decrease surface pollutants They should be committed to using only low sulphur containing coal. To eliminate sulphur compounds from coal combustion, they should also set up scrubbers. Individuals should go green by switching to other sources of energy, frequent use of public transportation and carpooling or walking when possible. They can also lower their electricity consummation by turning off computers, televisions and lights when not in use, using appliances that are energy efficient and leaving the household thermostat set steadily. China should adopt alternative sources of energy such as solar, hydropower and wind energy, which do not generate acid rain-causing pollutants. Environmental organizations should work harder in ensuring that the public is informed on what acid rain is, its causes and effects. This would ensure their active involvement in resolving the problem. Car manufacturing industries in China such as Fiat and General Motors should focus on manufacturing small engines for automobiles that ensure low-emission rates and excellent fuel economy Online shopping/transactions should be encouraged in China. This would reduce shoppers’ need to drive their cars to the malls. For example, if one is buying software or music, he or she may opt to download his or her purchase rather than having it shipped. This helps in avoiding the waste that comes from transporting the purchase. References Agbata, C.F. (n.d): A Few Simple Going Green Tips to Save Environment. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Few-Simple-Going-Green-Tips-to-Save-Environment&id=3462147 Courtenay, V. (2008): GM Shanghai Pushing ‘Drive to Green’ Marketing Campaign. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://wardsauto.com/ar/gm_shanghai_green/ Hayes, P., Zarsky, L. (1995): Acid Rain in a Regional Context. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.nautilus.org/archives/papers/enviro/acidrain.html Kahn. J., Yardley, J. (2007): As China Roars, Pollution Reaches Deadly Extremes. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/world/asia/26china.html Peterson & Ivars, (1978): Acid Rain in China. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Deja+vu:+acid+rain+in+China-a05053525 Ramon, (2006): China Environmental News Digest. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://china-environmental-news.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html Sainsbury, J. (2005): Corporate Responsibility Report: Performance in Detail: Environment: Effects register. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/files/reports/cr2005/index.asp?pageid=58 Tarko, V. (2006): Acid Rain Hits One-Third of China; In spite of governmental pledges to tackle ecological issues. Retrieved January 23, 2010 from http://news.softpedia.com/news/Acid-Rain-Hits-One-Third-of-China-34008.shtml Union of concerned Scientists, (2009): Buy Green Power. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/what_you_can_do/buy-green-power.html Zijun, L. (2006): Acid Rain Affects One-Third of China; Main Pollutants Are Sulfur Dioxide and Particulate Matter. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4496 Read More