jueves, 22 de noviembre de 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM



ADVANCED ENGLISH II

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM 







MARITZA LOPEZ
MERLY TATIANA COY
YOERLY MURCIA
MAGDA HERNANDEZ

GROUP 11


22 OF NOVEMBER 2018

Introduction


INTRODUCTION



Environmental problems are universal. We can observe that there is a staggering pressure on global resources. Population is constantly raising while the awareness is constantly decreasing. Air pollution, water pollution among others are the result of lack Education on environment endangers our health and our future.  Toxic gases emitted by factories, traffic jam, burning forests affect our earth  and is causing damage. Today, is the moment of  finding a way to solve social and environmental problems and learn to live sustainably, in this way begins to become important the term of Education for Sustainable Development playing an important role in the society since it has been used since the end of the 20th century together to meet concerns about environmental education.  (Jari Kukkonen, 2012)...

In the recent times, air pollution has been a rising concern among people all across the globe with pollution, at times, leading to thick veil of smog over developed cities; Air pollution is a mixture of natural and man-made substances in the air we breathe. It refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole.

It is probably one of the most dangerous anthropogenic effects on the environment, since we cannot control the air we breathe (though we may be able to control the quality of drinking water, food, etc.).

The Air Pollution in the Cities


AIR POLLUTION IN THE CITIES


Most cities world-wide suffer from serious air-quality problems, which have received increasing attention in the past decade. A major probable reason for the air-quality problems is urban population growth, combined with change in land use due to increasing urban areas. Air quality in cities is the result of a complex interaction between natural and anthropogenic environmental conditions. Air pollution in cities is a serious environmental problem especially in the developing countries. The air pollution path of the urban atmosphere consists of emission and transmission of air pollutants resulting in the ambient air pollution.

             “Emission of air pollutants is caused by di!erent anthropogenic processes which can be categorised into the source groups motor traffic, industry, power plants, trade, and domestic fuel...Hence, it follows that motor vehicle traffc seems to be the most important  motor traffic is a major source of air pollution...As cities expand, more people will drive more vehicles over greater distances and for longer time. Emissions of air pollutants by motor traffic depends on diferent factors such as traffic density, driving habits or ratio of automobiles to trucks (Fig. 2)...Dispersion and dilution of air pollutants are strongly influenced by meteorological conditions, especially by wind direction, wind speed, turbulence, and atmospheric stability. Topographical siting and urban structures. Chemical reactions also depend on ambient weather conditions because they are influenced by shortwave radiation, air temperature, and air humidity. Along with chemical reactions, dispersion and dilution processes result in ambient air pollution which shows concentrations of diferent substances varying with regard to time and space..."(Mayer, H. (1999). Air pollution in cities. Atmospheric environment, 33(24-25), 4029-4037)

Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of the air pollution path in the atmosphere

ALTERNATIVE MEASURE FOR OUR CITY

Lack of social commitment on the levels of pollution produced by the cars and their concentration distributed in the urban territory, requires making the pertinent measurements and studies in order to take specific measures.
In the sector of the city of Pitalito - Huila, the use for vehicles (at least those of public service) of a gas catalyst, which controls their emission into the environment, is mandatory. This measure must be thoroughly studied by the local Transit and Transportation office, so that the appropriate mechanisms and incentives for its implementation and control are created, mainly in old vehicles, private vehicles and those that arrive on a temporary basis. to the municipality. It is proposed as a pertinent measure that the municipality obliges the owners and drivers of the vehicles to carry a synchronization certificate with a validity no longer than six (6) months, which will be issued in an authorized establishment; however, the final approval of this measure must be sanctioned by the Municipal Council.


sources





AIR POLLUTION SOURCES



The main cause for air pollution is through the burning of different fuels such as coal, oil and gases. When they burn, there is a combustion effect that contaminates the environment. In general, the industrial sector and the different means of transport are mainly responsible for producing significant quantities of these fuels. Other causes that also affect the air are the aerosols that leave polluting particles suspended in the air for long periods of time. The misplaced garbage and some restaurants produce substances that also pollute the air that circulates. Atomic radiation is one of the causes that are most avoided because the radioactive particles can remain in the air for a long time contaminating plants and water, which will then be consumed by humans and can cause cancer and genetic mutations.
Air pollution comes from different sources. Sometimes natural processes such as volcanic eruptions produce a series of particles including ash that produce carbon monoxide. Most of the problem of air pollution comes from the human hand through the industries and vehicles that generate oxides of nitrogen, sulfur and carbon monoxide. Aerosols and gases that can be filtered from refrigeration equipment, paint and other solvents are also sources of contamination.

Effects





Health Effects of Pollution


Air pollution is a significant problem globally that affects human health and well-being, ecosystem health, crops, climate, visibility and man-made materials. Even if you are healthy, you may feel symptoms temporarily if exposed to high levels of pollutants. Several scientific studies connect particle pollution exposure to a variety of health issues, which include: 

  • Respiratory system: Symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, followed by bronchoconstriction and dyspnea.
  • Cardiovascular system:  blood coagulation
  • Nervous system: memory disturbances sleep disorders, anger, fatigue, hand tremors, blurred vision, and slurred speech.
  • Urinary system: stone formation or nephrocalcinosis
  • Digestive system: increase in levels of certain enzymes in the blood as well as gastrointestinal and liver cáncer (Mandal, 2005).
  • Exposure during pregnancy: can affect the developing fetus.


Given the fundamental importance of ecosystems in climate change impacts and the significant roles that environmental factors play in human health, climate change and health research should also focus on the complex interplay between risk, location, and environmental conditions.
People living in cities are exposed to a greater extent, as a consequence of increased industrialization and demands for energy and motor vehicles. Occupational exposure is also an important factor that should be taken into consideration.

SOLUTIONS




POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS 



1. Minimize the Use of Fossil Fuel-Powered Automobiles.



As a leading contributor to air pollution, it only makes sense that a vehicle-based solution appears first on this list. One way to do this is by switching to a hybrid vehicle, or better yet, one that runs on fully electric.
Other ways include taking public transportation, carpooling with friends and colleagues, or even riding a bike to your destination.




2. Be Mindful of Energy Consumption.

When you’re leaving home, be sure to turn off the lights, TV, and any other electronic appliances.

Fossil fuel plants are a major cause of air pollutants, and the less energy you need, the less we have to rely on those plants to generate electricity.
This also means turning to energy efficient devices when possible. Fluorescent lightbulbs over the course of their lifespan can reduce energy consumption while adding significant savings to your pocket.


3. Become an Advocate for Clean Energy.

Every day, technology continues to advance that improves the efficiency and cost of clean energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal. These types of energy sources create much less air pollution.

Even nuclear is leaps and bounds better than traditional fossil fuel plants when it comes to air pollution.
Find ways to promote and educate the public on clean energy alternatives. A small contribution goes a long way in the grand scheme of things.



4. Recycle.
Ah, yes. Recycling. Another topic of heated debates. Wherever you stand on the matter, recycling can help reduce air pollution.

Instead of throwing away used containers and material, try reusing them or recycling them to be used again by someone else.

martes, 20 de noviembre de 2018

References

                                           


REFERENCES
                                          

Air pollution causes, effects, and solutions. (2016, December 14). Retrieved from: https://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/air-pollution-causes-effects-solutions/

Romero Placeres, Manuel, Diego Olite, Francisca, & Álvarez Toste, Mireya. (2006). Air pollution: its impact as a health problem. Revista Cubana de Higiene y Epidemiología, 44(2) Recuperado en 21 de noviembre de 2018, de http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1561-30032006000200008&lng=es&tlng=en.

Mayer, H. (1999). Air pollution in cities. Atmospheric environment33(24-25), 4029-4037. Retrieved from:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Helmut_Mayer/publication/223341518_Air_Pollution_in_Cities/links/59d7f0760f7e9b12b361292e/Air-Pollution-in-Cities.pdf

Kampa, M., & Castanas, E. (2008). Human health effects of air pollution. Environmental pollution, 151(2), 362-367.

Mandal, P.K., 2005. Dioxin: a review of its environmental effects and its aryl hydrocarbon receptor biology. J. Comp. Physiol. 175, 221 [B].
Jari Kukkonen, S. K. (2012). University Students’ Information Sources of Education for Sustainable Development Issues and Their Perceptions of Environmental Problems. Obtenido de http://bibliotecavirtual.unad.edu.co:2139/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=b8c26bd3-9f47-4c24-9848-5453ea8251e3%40pdc-v-sessmgr


Mayer, H. (1999). Air pollution in cities. Atmospheric environment33(24-25), 4029-4037. Retrieved from:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Helmut_Mayer/publication/223341518_Air_Pollution_in_Cities/links/59d7f0760f7e9b12b361292e/Air-Pollution-in-Cities.pdf