A look at regulatory efforts for fighting airpollution in the Ann Arbor region of Michigan and the implications of these regulations for fighting airpollution throughout the country.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 151.95
Abstract This paper discusses the regulatory environment for airpollution and its control in the Ann Arbor region, noting that Ann Arbor is key to the fight against airpollution through the actions of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in the city. The organization provides a technical review of the issue and of the technical and regulatory issues involved in controlling emissions to reduce airpollution.
From the Paper "Air pollution affects the Ann Arbor region as it does other major cities, and Ann Arbor is also key to the fight against air pollution through the actions of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in the city. The organization provides a technical review of the issue and of the technical and regulatory issues involved in controlling emissions to reduce air pollution. This organization and researchers at the University of Michigan provide recommendations, expertise, and analysis for various governmental organizations at different levels across the country to address the regulatory issues raised by air pollution and the need to reduce it and its effects."
Abstract This essay deals with a number of economic issues raised by airpollution in developed and developing countries. The general argument is that although developed and developing countries have similar issues to deal with when it comes to airpollution, there are also important differences between the developed and developing countries in terms of airpollution. The paper goes on to say that the first major difference was the sources of airpollution. In developed countries airpollution mostly comes from motor vehicles like car, trucks and SUVs. In developing countries airpollution is coming from industrialization, car use and increasing energy consumption. In both developed and developing countries airpollution is a by-product of other economic activities.
Abstract This essay deals with how airpollution will significantly affect the next generation. Airpollution is connected to all kinds of problems, including global warming, which poses a serious threat to the environment.
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of airpollution and climate change in Ontario especially Toronto. The author emphases the use of statistics especially correlations. The paper relates the adequacy of the Montreal Protocol and makes policies recommendations.
From the Paper "There is a great deal of evidence that human activity is resulting in serious pollution of the environment. It is clear that "industrial activities, such as mining, are directly responsible for much of the pollution that degrades the environment" (Ayres, 2003, p. 1). Industrial flows such as heavy metals are harmful to the environment, and when toxic substances build up, they can interfere with biological processes. The damage done by corporate pollution is particularly observed in air quality and in climatic change. The other main source of smog consists of automobile emissions."
Abstract The paper examines Toronto and Seoul, South Korea and their airpollution problems as a result of growth and development in their respective countries. The paper explains that the main source of airpollution is cars and trucks. The paper also discusses how Toronto has emphasized public transit as a solution, while the government of Seoul has emphasized new technologies and the development of new methods of public transportation.
Outline:
Introduction
Toronto
Seoul
From the Paper "The city of Toronto, with a population of 2.4 million people, lies at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area; an urban region with a total population of 4.6 million people. When environmental scientists and geographers discuss environmental questions for Toronto it is often necessary to take into consideration the megacity as a whole for issues of pollution and environmental impact are felt region-wide in such a sprawling urban environment. Indeed, as was noted in the urban cross-section that was conducted which compared and contrasted two urban forms in Toronto, the phenomenon of urban sprawl is a primary characteristic of the urban forms in Toronto. Moreover, transportation infrastructures were identified as key determinants of the urban forms in both the northern Toronto and downtown core areas, with the primary difference being the increased role of public transit in the downtown core."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of airpollution in Mexico city. The paper covers topics relevant to the problem such as the nature of Mexico city, the condition of the air, health problems associated with airpollution and possible solutions to these problems.
From the Paper "Urbanization in developing countries can have a number of negative consequences on both the environment and human health. For example, in the article "Air Quality Policy in Developing Countries", Jane Vise Hall argues that air pollution is a major health concern in developing countries. According to Hall between 300,000 to 700,000 people die from the effects of breathing unsafe air. The sources of air pollution in developing countries are a combination of increased motorized vehicle use and the use of coal and other inefficient fuels for cooking and heating."
This brief, yet concise, paper examines the lack of regulations and enforcement capabilities in Buenos Aires which are the main contributing factors in the high levels of airpollution in the city.
Abstract The writer of this paper describes the escalating airpollution problem in Buenos Aires, mostly due to the increase in poorly maintained automobiles that are permitted to operate. This paper examines the increase in mortality rates due to respiratory and circulatory diseases which are a direct result of declining air quality. This paper also discusses the various strategies that the government and environmental groups are considering instituting in the Argentinean capital, which include spot controlling of diesel vehicles as well as a training and awareness campaign.
Table of Contents:
Sources of AirPollution In Buenos Aires Emissions of Pollutants in Buenos Aires Air Quality Monitoring in Buenos Aires Conclusions
References
From the Paper "In 1988 estimated emissions of particulates were 68,000 tons per annum, stationary sources being responsible for 96% of emissions in the early eighties. These sources were given 5 years to comply with strict guidelines aimed at reducing emissions. The imposed reductions have been met by industry, however the particulate problem remains. Probably caused by the fleet of poorly maintained diesels. To resolve this problem several measures have been introduced including Spot control of diesel vehicles, certification of distributed diesel oils and a training and awareness campaign especially for truck, taxi and bus owners."
Abstract This paper looks at how the major sources of airpollution are transportation engines, power and heat generation, industrial processes, and the burning of solid waste. It discusses how it has been been a growing problem since the advent of the Industrial Revolution and how the health problems from particulates and other pollutants in the air can be severe. In particular, it looks at how, since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, the United States has made significant strides in the control of airpollution.
Outline:
What Is AirPollution?
History of AirPollution What Substances Pollute Our Air?
Health Problems
Status of AirPollution in the U. S. Today
Future Directions
Conclusion
From the Paper "By many accounts, ozone presents the most serious air quality problem in the United States. Ozone is not a particulate. However, particulates released into the atmosphere help create excess ozone. Ozone is formed by the interaction of ultraviolet rays of the sun and nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sometimes called hydrocarbons. This reaction is called "phytochemical" and cannot occur without polluting emissions from power plants, industrial plants, and internal combustion engines from cars, trucks, and construction machinery (Whitman, 2005). Other sources include commonly used chemical compounds such as those used in paint or in dry cleaning plants (Whitman, 2005). These problems are often aggravated by summer's heat, and contribute to thousands of deaths every year in the United States (Whitman, 2005). "
Abstract This paper presents findings stating that China has the highest annual incidence of early deaths attributed to airpollution. It provides information and tables from studies that explain this finding, concluding with the statement that China must continue to address this problem and seek a solution to reduce airpollution.
Outline:
Introduction
Atmospheric Pollution in China
AirPollution's effect on Health
Invisible Export of China
Government Response
Solutions and Recommendations
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "From all appearances the economic success of China is secured, as China's economy is the fastest growing in the entire world however, unfortunately, China also has the highest annual incidence of early deaths stated to be attributed to air pollution. The National Geographic report entitled: "Chinese Air Pollution Deadliest in World" states that a World Health Organization (WHO) report "estimates that diseases triggered by indoor and outdoor pollution kills 656,000 Chinese citizens each year, and polluted drinking water kills another 95,600." (Holder, 2007) Pollutants which damage the air quality are inclusive of sulfur dioxide, particulate matter - a mixture of extremely small particles and water droplets- ozone, and nitrogen dioxide." (Holder, 2007) According to Holden's (2007) report: 'China accounts for roughly one-third of the global total for these pollutants..."
Abstract This paper argues that the growing incidences of asthma, cancer, global warming, and the greenhouse effect prove that strategies being used to combat airpollution are not working. The paper concludes that we need to derive new strategies for powering our industries and transportation, since our dependency on pollution-rich fossil fuels will eventually make our planet uninhabitable.
From the Paper "The fact that the World Health Organization and the United Nations have limited resources and regulatory power make it difficult, if not completely impossible, to stop a third world nation from implementing highly inefficient industries in an attempt to grow and prosper. Whole economies like that of the Soviet Union and China function completely on outdated technologies and fuel efficiencies. There is no global authority in place to tell China to stop misusing oil rations. As long as the United States continues to sell Hummers that get an unbelievable eight miles to a gallon in many instances, we as a nation are in no position to regulate anything".
Abstract This paper discusses the increased level of airpollution in Houston, Texas that has occurred in recent years. The paper attempts to identify the extent of the airpollution problem in Houston today and what factors contribute to its existing levels. A review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature, as well as governmental sources, to this end is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "In their recent essay, "Perceived Risk and Citizen Preferences," Gerber and Neeley (2005) report that, "Harris County is located in the eastern part of the state and includes the City of Houston, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, with correspondingly high levels of crime and the dubious honor of surpassing Los Angeles several years ago as having the poorest air quality in the country." In reality, though, Houston faces many of the same problems as other large cities around the world, but in some cases, these problems are especially pronounced there. For example, weather conditions in Houston are extreme, and the vast majority of businesses and many homes are air-conditioned out of necessity. According to Cherni (2002), "High temperatures and unbearable humidity reign for more than six months of the year; average temperatures range between 56oF and 76oF, with a relative humidity of 76 percent. To facilitate life in this climate, most buildings are air-conditioned. Houston's population cocoons itself from the heat within artificially air-conditioned buildings; indeed air conditioning has played an important role in the city." In fact, the hot season in Houston generally lasts from May until October, and while other large metropolitan areas also experience higher summer mean temperatures, there are few suffer from the inordinately high humidity levels that characterize the Houston area. In this regard, Thomas and Murray (1991) report that although commercial air conditioning was first introduced into Houston in 1923, the majority of business locations were equipped with air-conditioning following the end of World War II. According to Cherni, "Central air conditioning was an essential factor in attracting business to Houston. Homes, cars and schools were air-conditioned in the 1950s and 1960s, followed by other specialized sites in the 1970s. By the mid-1970s, the middle and upper classes had almost completely insulated themselves from the four to five months of severe summer heat and humidity."
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of airpollution on a person's health. The paper focuses primarily on the issue of respiratory ailments and heart disease in elderly patients. The paper also takes a look at indoor ventilation which can help in the prevention of such diseases.
From the Paper "The study found that current federal standards were not strict enough regarding air particles and grit in the environment. But what can elderly women, like the women do to improve their immediate health environment? Self-care is critical, even for the elderly, according to Orem's model of nursing which maintains: "a requirement for nursing exists when a person is unable to maintain for him/herself self-care action which is therapeutic in sustaining life and health," such as recovering from disease and injury or coping with the effects of an illness (Goodwin, 1990, citing Orem, 197 1: 1). In Orem's model, the nurse-patient relationship is unbalanced in the sense that the patient has a need for the nurse and the nurse must step in with her ability and meet that need but the relationship between nurse and patient is always complimentary. The nurse must act to help the patient assume responsibility for health-related self-care to the maximum degree possible (Goodwin, 1990)."
Abstract This paper examines the necessity and results of the Motor Vehicle AirPollution Control Act of 1965. It looks at the affluent American culture of the 1960s that created emission control regulations, which generally requires that auto exhaust gases have to be cleaner than ambient air. The paper argues both sides of the age-old debate of the environment versus economics.
From the Paper "Since World War II, the growth of industrialization skyrocketed. The industrialization growth caused more and more environmental problems. In 1952, a London "fog" killed three thousand (3,000) people in a few days. (Sullivan, p.12) Los Angeles smoke and fog or smog was already famous among the American people during that time. Attention needed to be paid to the growing environmental problems."
Abstract In this article the writer notes that in the early 21st century, the megacities of the developing world are facing an unprecedented series of environmental pressures. These are all ultimately due to the rapidly accelerating growth and development of such urban areas, whose immense populations and industries are negatively impacting local and regional environments on a significant scale. The writer argues that, while the poor of these cities face many challenges as a result of development - from poor nutrition to poor sanitation, airpollution and housing crises, the unsafe water supplies of these cities is the most urgent problem that they face.
From the Paper "Scholars studying the issue of safe water supplies in the mega cities of the developing world agree that the nature of this development problem is shaped by its context. In this regard, there are two primary factors that we must consider. First, the development of the mega cities of the developing world is radically different than the development of mega cities in the developed world as in the latter case development was gradual, while in the former it is accelerated. Thus, while cities such as New York had a century to develop water systems to cope with growth, the cities of the developing world have had only a generation. Consider, for example, the fact that the population of Mexico City in 1950 was 3.1 million, and a generation later, in 1980, was 13.4 million. The second primary factor is that while in the developed world mega cities their economies grew in close parallel to the growth of the cities' populations, in the developing world this connection is far more uncertain."
This paper compares the urban pollution problems of Toronto and Beijing by evaluating the consequences of different environmental forms and how each city is addressing this pollution.
Abstract This paper explains that Beijing is very much a heavy industrial city dominated by fuel and material processing facilities with a high population density although signs of western-style suburbanization are appearing. The author points out that Toronto, which is cleaner and less dependent upon massive industrial works, is well-known for carefully weighing the implications of various urban design proposals upon local communities and has a less dense population; however, this city has the problem of more local vehicles causing far too much greenhouse emission. The paper stresses that China is not doing its part to combat global warming. The paper concludes that Beijing's infrastructure pales alongside Toronto's because its mass as a global "mega-city" makes it difficult for city planners to construct a city capable of comfortably accommodating its population.
From the Paper "At this juncture, it is appropriate to look more closely at Toronto in terms of its urban build form and in terms of commonplace life-style activities in the city that have some environmental impact. Unsurprisingly, the habitation density in the outer part of the city is much lesser than it is within the interior. The buildings are more widely-spaced and more diminutive in height; there are also many plazas and these plazas tend to have small retail stores within their embrace that accommodate almost all of the needs of a local inhabitant. Finally, there is plenty of "green space" in this area."
Tags: suburbanization, greenhouse gas, vehicles industry mega-city
