Research Paper
In the article “The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region”, Hotz (2007) writes, “Asia’s growing air pollution – billowing plumes of soot, smog and wood smoke – is making the Pacific region cloudier and stormier, disrupting winter weather patterns along the West Coast and into the Arctic, researchers reported Monday.” It is absolutely not the only article which reveals the relationship between the Pacific storms and Asian air pollution and the gravity of Asian air pollution in recent years; more and more scientists and researchers have warned people of this problem since twenty or thirty years ago. However, each year the news about Asian air pollution seems to worsen. That means the struggle that has been made by countries along the Pacific Ocean is still not far enough or fast enough. Nowhere is the issue of reducing Asian air pollution is a topic in great demand; therefore, many environmentalists point out there is a number of problems due to Asian air pollution that are becoming more and more serious around us.
Information which is from the official statistics that were collected by NASA and the National Science Foundation shows the amount of deep convective clouds has increased. (Hotz, 2007). But the question is: where is Asian air pollution from? According to Hotz (2007), “Satellite measurements reveal that high-altitude storm clouds over the northern Pacific have increased up to 50% over the last 20 years as new factories, vehicles and power plants in China and India spew growing amounts of microscopic pollutant particles into the air” (para. 5). Obviously, the extreme economic growth, motor vehicles and population, the use of nonrewable energy, and the long-term governments’ ignorance play a key role in Asian air pollution.
We should be full aware of the seriousness of Asian air pollution. First, according to Hotz (2007), there is a close connection between Asian air pollution and the Pacific storms: the more Asian air pollution there is, the stronger, more frequent, more energetic, and more destructive the Pacific storms will be. Second, Hotz in his article also writes: “Carried on prevailing winds, the industrial outpouring of dust, sulfur, carbon grit and trace metals from booming Asian economies is having an intercontinental cloud-seeding effect, the researchers reported in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences”. It is not only the problem for Asian countries, but also can cause international climatic anomalies. Next, part of the causes of the problem is from the economy, but it also can negatively influence the economy; as Casey (2006, para. 7) says in the article “Leaders Call for Pollution Fight”: “Pollution is having an economic effect. China recently estimated that bad air was cutting into its growth, and Hong Kong expressed fears that pollution drifting over from China is scaring off investors and tourists.” In addition, Asian air pollution is the primary criminal of many diseases such as cardiopulmonary and respiratory illness; there is a steady increase in the number of deaths because of air pollution, as well as a rise in disease. (Casey, 2006a).
Because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all countries around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globe.
To begin with, Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and clean up as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit. Most governments in these countries consider these economics as their first tasks; it is really a shortsight. Because of the industrial civilization in the recent centuries, the developments of human society directly lead to the carbon dioxide and the process gases’ content in the atmosphere all the time. Similar to industrial cities in developed countries in the past, several polluted cities in developing countries are in the process of producing and suffering from air pollution. According to Fuller (2006, para. 9), “Even after impressive improvement to air quality over the past decade, New Delhi and Beijing, symbol of the rise of the region’s two giant economies, face a gargantuan task in improving the quality of their air. Policy in these countries has identified pollution as a potential break in the stunning growth of recent years.” The degree of pollution in the Pacific region mostly likes to depend on the density of population and the amount of industry as Asian developing countries pay more attention to economic booms. We will see obviously the advantages of reducing air pollution if China and India can control their populations, and less developed countries in that area can focus on environmental conditions. Therefore, governments in the Pacific region’s countries have to change their primary national plan to protect our air.
Second, Asian countries must reduce the amount of power-driven vehicles because power-driven vehicles bring a high density of pollution dust. People who own such vehicles think that just their one or two cannot cause a big problem, but they are wrong. The number of vehicles in China will rise by as much as 15 times in 30 years to more than 190 million, while the growth will be 13 times in India; thus, the amount of carbon dioxide from transportation will be expected to grow by 3.4 times in China and 5.8 times in India, and there is still no sign of vehicles growing slowly, (Casey, 2006, b). As a consequence of the exploded population and the flourishing economy in such Asian less developed countries, motor vehicles and private cars increased dramatically. The large amount of the use of power-driven vehicles can produces much carbon dioxide, photochemical smog, acid deposition and other chemical toxic gases that can destroy atmosphere a lot. In “Boom Undercut Pollution Cleanup”, Casey states “Delegates called on governments for more spending on public transport projects such as bus ways in Indonesia or newly designed roadways to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians that are being considered in India” (2006, para. 11). Asian developing countries, especially China and India, should limit the use of power-driven vehicles.
Moreover, developing countries should change the energy structure; even though governments and economists think new technology always costs more than nonrewable energy, it will save more in the future. As the author mentions in the article “World Energy Solutions … NASA-Researched Technology”, there is a successful company called World Energy Solutions, which “focus on energy conservation technologies and environmental sustainability” and develops its business on “lowering electrical, gas and water usage for commercial, government and residential facilities” (2007 para. 14). Burning large amounts of fossil fuel such as coal and oil in power plants, factories and for heating especially during the winter, people in Asian countries can cause the extreme air pollution. Scientists and researchers should try to change energy structure, either for production or consumption. Actually they have already got many great successes in tapping new energy sources. For example, new energy such as nuclear energy, wind, water, and solar energy is appearing more and more in our daily lives, and electricity has found wide application in some ways; yet the use of renewable energy is not enough for fixing the fundamental problem. An argument with some people who consider the new forms of energy to be much more expensive than traditional energy, as a forward-looking statement, it will save more in the future.
In addition, leaders in Asian countries should communicate and share information and achievement together during a certain time; environmental problems can be solved through policy. In some people’s opinions, Asian air pollution is a local problem; this is totally wrong. Since people all over the world live in the same sky above the entire earth, and the link between nations’ business and connection is so close today, Asian air pollution is not a local problem in certain countries any more; it is a global issue. According to Casey’s reports in “Leaders Call for Pollution Fight” recently, “Some 900 experts and government officials from 20 countries meeting in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta urged the region to impose tighter regulations on emissions, boost investment in public transportation, and introduce fuel efficiency standards to tackle air pollution” (2006, para. 2). Because each Asian country has responsibility to improve air quality, enabling closer international cooperation is necessary, and governments should have conversations regularly. People in different areas can discuss plans together, and many reach consensus on some events. As opposed to dealing with the issue by themselves, Asian countries should combine efforts through policy.
Even though it seems people should no longer ignore the air problem in the Pacific region because of all of these terrible facts above, there are still some opponents who make contributions to giving negative effects to events about improving the air quality. According to Casey (2006, b), many governments of the Pacific region’s big cities are doing little to enforce laws or establish effective steps to solve the problem. They are wrong, because they are the pivot of the whole issue; it is should not be their thoughts. Moreover, arguing with environmentalists, economists see economy as the most important thing for the nation and even for the globe; they agree with protecting the environment, but developing economy is the first task; no matter how serious the environmental problem will be, we should have unlimited economic growth to improve people’s life quality. However, these economists did not see the benefit of sustainable thought. In addition, sometimes governments can have the knowledge of how horrible the situation is, and how important it is to solve it, on the other hand; the condition also makes people be afraid that our struggle is not helpful. Communities in conversations that discuss Asian air pollution rarely expect to produce any significant agreements, (Casey, 2006, a). The negative attitude is not useful for improving Asian air pollution, and what is worse, it can make a detrimental effect that tells people it is too late or not necessary to clean up our atmosphere.
In conclusion, it is very clear that Asian air pollution is due to manmade reasons; we should ignore the voice that is negative toward the environment, and address the issue as soon as possible. First, it is time that Asian less developed countries should slow down their steps for seeking the speed of economic growth. Next, governments can reduce the number of power-driven vehicles by imposing heavy taxes on cars, consumption and providing more perfect public transportation systems. Also, both current situations and modern trends require nations to use energy that is clean and renewable. Finally, it is necessary to have closer communication between each country to improving our common living environment. Opponents to improve Asian air claim that we should develop economics despite the situation of environment, and now is too late to take measures to fight the bad air pollution. Without a doubt, their opinion is wrong because all of the conditions of the Pacific storms, our social long-term development, and human health require us to spare no expense to improve Asian air pollution from now on. Due to the fact that we can not pay for the fiddler if nature retaliates against us, we should continue to struggle in the battle with Asian air pollution. Because the seriousness of Asian air current situation, each country in the Pacific region, even the whole globe, should address the issue immediately. This is the only way that for our future generation can see our pretty blue sky.
References
Casey, M. (2006 a, December 13). Leaders Call for Pollution Fight. Associated Press Online. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Casey, M. (2006 b, December 15). Boom Undercuts Pollution Cleanup. Associated Press Online. Retrieved June 15, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Fuller, T. (2006, December 16). Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S. The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2007, from Lexis Nexis.
Hotz, R. (2007, March 6). The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31,2007, from LexisNexis.
World Energy Solutions, Inc. Continues to Make Strides in the Development of Clean Air Technology Company Foresees Bright Future in Purifying Air With NASA-Researched Technology. (2007, May, 30). PrimeNewswire. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Which is Your Way, Asian Countries?
Outline
Thesis: Because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all countries around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globe.
I. Introduce (Hook)
A. Hotz (2007), “Asia’s growing air pollution – billowing plums of soot, smog…”
B. Asian air pollution is an issue.
C. People should no longer ignore the problem that is becoming more and more serious around us.
1. Asian air pollution has a close connection with Pacific storms, Hotz (2007).
2. Asian air pollution can cause international climatic anomalies and disasters; for example…
3. Asian air pollution is the main reason of variety countries’ economic losses due to the abnormal climate change.
4. Asian air pollution is the primary criminal of many diseases.
II. Background
A. Where is Asian air pollution from?
1. Huge Asian cities like Beijing and New Delhi; produce and suffer from…Fuller (2006).
B. How are Asian countries producing air pollution?
1. giant economy
2. motor vehicles and population
3. nonrewable energy; burn fuel fossil
4. ignorance
C. Who argues about reducing Asian air pollution in several ways?
1. Governments in this region are doing little to enforce lows or establish effective steps, (Casey, 2006).
2. Economists see economy as the most important thing instead of environment, they agree with protecting environment, but developing economy is the first task.
3. Communities: negative attitude, don’t think conversations are helpful, (Casey, 2006).
III. Thesis: Because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all countries around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globle.
IV. Main Arguments
A. Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and cleanup as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit.
1. current situation
2. effects
3. solutions
B.Asian countries’ governments must reduce the amount of motor vehicles and population because motors bring high density of population dust and the population is the most serious problem that Asian development is facing.
1.current situation
2. effects
3. solutions
C. Developing countries should change the energy structure, even though new technology always costs more than nonrewable energy, it will save more in the future.
1.current situation
2. effects
3. solutions
D. Leaders in Asian countries should communicate and share information and achievement together during a certain time; environmental problems can be solved through policy.
1. current situation
2. effects
3. advices
E. arguments:
1. Governments in this region are doing little to enforce lows or establish effective steps, (Casey, 2006). + Arguments
2.Economists see economy as the most important thing instead of environment. they agree with protecting environment, but developing economy is the first task. + Arguments
3. Communities: negative attitude, don’t think conversations are helpful, (Casey, 2006). + Arguments
V. Conclusion
A. Four solutions
B. Advantages of reducing Asian air pollution for now.
C. We should continue to struggle against Asian air pollution.
D. Restatement of thesis.
Thesis: Because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all countries around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globe.
I. Introduce (Hook)
A. Hotz (2007), “Asia’s growing air pollution – billowing plums of soot, smog…”
B. Asian air pollution is an issue.
C. People should no longer ignore the problem that is becoming more and more serious around us.
1. Asian air pollution has a close connection with Pacific storms, Hotz (2007).
2. Asian air pollution can cause international climatic anomalies and disasters; for example…
3. Asian air pollution is the main reason of variety countries’ economic losses due to the abnormal climate change.
4. Asian air pollution is the primary criminal of many diseases.
II. Background
A. Where is Asian air pollution from?
1. Huge Asian cities like Beijing and New Delhi; produce and suffer from…Fuller (2006).
B. How are Asian countries producing air pollution?
1. giant economy
2. motor vehicles and population
3. nonrewable energy; burn fuel fossil
4. ignorance
C. Who argues about reducing Asian air pollution in several ways?
1. Governments in this region are doing little to enforce lows or establish effective steps, (Casey, 2006).
2. Economists see economy as the most important thing instead of environment, they agree with protecting environment, but developing economy is the first task.
3. Communities: negative attitude, don’t think conversations are helpful, (Casey, 2006).
III. Thesis: Because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all countries around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globle.
IV. Main Arguments
A. Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and cleanup as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit.
1. current situation
2. effects
3. solutions
B.Asian countries’ governments must reduce the amount of motor vehicles and population because motors bring high density of population dust and the population is the most serious problem that Asian development is facing.
1.current situation
2. effects
3. solutions
C. Developing countries should change the energy structure, even though new technology always costs more than nonrewable energy, it will save more in the future.
1.current situation
2. effects
3. solutions
D. Leaders in Asian countries should communicate and share information and achievement together during a certain time; environmental problems can be solved through policy.
1. current situation
2. effects
3. advices
E. arguments:
1. Governments in this region are doing little to enforce lows or establish effective steps, (Casey, 2006). + Arguments
2.Economists see economy as the most important thing instead of environment. they agree with protecting environment, but developing economy is the first task. + Arguments
3. Communities: negative attitude, don’t think conversations are helpful, (Casey, 2006). + Arguments
V. Conclusion
A. Four solutions
B. Advantages of reducing Asian air pollution for now.
C. We should continue to struggle against Asian air pollution.
D. Restatement of thesis.
Which is Your Way, Asian Countries?
Research Proposal
I became interested in the relationship between Asian air pollution and Pacific storms, and how serious the problem of Asian air pollution is, because of the reasons below: first, I’m an Asian, obviously, and I care about environmental issues, especially in my hometown; second, it is the first time that I knew about so many environmental problems on our planet, and it shocked me very much; finally, it’s a topic in great demand that we must find the balance of economic development and environmental protection. For now, it is important to face the problem of the problem of air pollution in Asian areas. According to Hotz (2007), developing countries which are along the Pacific Ocean focus on a fast rate of industrial development; they produce a lot of chemical pollutants into the air. Under the influence of Asian instensified air pollution, there are a lot of other problems caused directly or indirectly in many branches of modern society. The negative effects are obvious, especially in many Asian huge cities; “the dirtiest of the major cities, ranked by micrograms of particles of pollution dust per cubic meter, was Beijing, at 142. By comparison, Paris averages around 22 micrograms, London 24 and New York 27. The WHO guideline is 20” (“Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S.”, 2006, para. 6). Also, not only in Asian huge cities, but also more and more horrible intercontinental natural phenomena exist: more thunderstorms and rainfall are created by thick clouds in winter, the western coast of the U.S can be affected by the air during the spring or summer, the melting of polar ice packs accelerates, and fierce downpours will occur instead of warm showers in a particular purposes. (Hotz, 2007). Moreover, due to Asian air pollution, human health has been threatened by disease, such as respiratory, cancer and other potentially deadly illnesses. And outdoor air pollution in Asia causes 530,000 premature deaths every year (Fuller, 2006). Truly, the problem of Asian air pollution is more serious than we imagined.
In my paper, I plan on writing that because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all contains around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globe. First, Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and cleanup as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit. Next, Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and cleanup as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit. In addition, developing countries should change the energy structure; even though new technology always costs more than nonrewable energy, it will save more in the future. Finally, leaders in Asian countries should communicate and share information and achievement together during a certain time; environmental problems can be solved through policy.
I have found a variety of articles that give a lot of information about Asian air pollution, including the causes in different aspects, the current situation of Asian air quality, and the consequences that are implicated by this problem. I still need to find an article or a website about new inventions or new ways to solve the problem of Asian air pollution.
References
Casey, M. (2006 a, December 13). Leaders Call for Pollution Fight. Associated Press
Online. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Casey, M. (2006 b, December 15). Boom Undercuts Pollution Cleanup. Associated Press
Online. Retrieved June 15, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Fuller, T. (2006, December 16). Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities
faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S. The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2007, from Lexis Nexis.
Hotz, R. (2007, March 6). The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists
report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region. Los Angeles Times.
Retrieved May 31,2007, from LexisNexis.
World Energy Solutions, Inc. Continues to Make Strides in the Development of Clean
Air Technology Company Foresses Bright Future in Purifying Air With NASA-
Researched Technology. (2007, May, 30). PrimeNewswire. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from LexisNexis.
I became interested in the relationship between Asian air pollution and Pacific storms, and how serious the problem of Asian air pollution is, because of the reasons below: first, I’m an Asian, obviously, and I care about environmental issues, especially in my hometown; second, it is the first time that I knew about so many environmental problems on our planet, and it shocked me very much; finally, it’s a topic in great demand that we must find the balance of economic development and environmental protection. For now, it is important to face the problem of the problem of air pollution in Asian areas. According to Hotz (2007), developing countries which are along the Pacific Ocean focus on a fast rate of industrial development; they produce a lot of chemical pollutants into the air. Under the influence of Asian instensified air pollution, there are a lot of other problems caused directly or indirectly in many branches of modern society. The negative effects are obvious, especially in many Asian huge cities; “the dirtiest of the major cities, ranked by micrograms of particles of pollution dust per cubic meter, was Beijing, at 142. By comparison, Paris averages around 22 micrograms, London 24 and New York 27. The WHO guideline is 20” (“Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S.”, 2006, para. 6). Also, not only in Asian huge cities, but also more and more horrible intercontinental natural phenomena exist: more thunderstorms and rainfall are created by thick clouds in winter, the western coast of the U.S can be affected by the air during the spring or summer, the melting of polar ice packs accelerates, and fierce downpours will occur instead of warm showers in a particular purposes. (Hotz, 2007). Moreover, due to Asian air pollution, human health has been threatened by disease, such as respiratory, cancer and other potentially deadly illnesses. And outdoor air pollution in Asia causes 530,000 premature deaths every year (Fuller, 2006). Truly, the problem of Asian air pollution is more serious than we imagined.
In my paper, I plan on writing that because the solution of Asian air pollution should be put into action and allows no delay, Asian countries or even all contains around the world must address the issue of this problem that can affect the globe. First, Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and cleanup as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit. Next, Asian countries should set up a plan of environmental protection that includes prevention and cleanup as their primary event instead of seeking economic benefit. In addition, developing countries should change the energy structure; even though new technology always costs more than nonrewable energy, it will save more in the future. Finally, leaders in Asian countries should communicate and share information and achievement together during a certain time; environmental problems can be solved through policy.
I have found a variety of articles that give a lot of information about Asian air pollution, including the causes in different aspects, the current situation of Asian air quality, and the consequences that are implicated by this problem. I still need to find an article or a website about new inventions or new ways to solve the problem of Asian air pollution.
References
Casey, M. (2006 a, December 13). Leaders Call for Pollution Fight. Associated Press
Online. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Casey, M. (2006 b, December 15). Boom Undercuts Pollution Cleanup. Associated Press
Online. Retrieved June 15, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Fuller, T. (2006, December 16). Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities
faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S. The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2007, from Lexis Nexis.
Hotz, R. (2007, March 6). The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists
report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region. Los Angeles Times.
Retrieved May 31,2007, from LexisNexis.
World Energy Solutions, Inc. Continues to Make Strides in the Development of Clean
Air Technology Company Foresses Bright Future in Purifying Air With NASA-
Researched Technology. (2007, May, 30). PrimeNewswire. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from LexisNexis.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Beijing Tells the World
SIR #2
WW
Tom Leverett
In this article,“Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S.”, the author talks about the serious problems of air pollution in Asian areas, especially in many large cities, such as Beijing and New Delhi. Even though air pollution is a big problem in main cities in the world, the situation in urban areas gets more aggregated in Asia. And, the most harmful component in air pollution is microscopic dust which may be the important reason to cause respiratory disease, cancer and other potentially deadly illnesses. The author also mentions that “the dirtiest of the major cities, ranked by micrograms of particles of pollution dust per cubic meter, was Beijing, at 142. By comparison, Paris averages around 22 micrograms, London 24 and New York 27. The WHO guideline is 20.” Moreover, Dr. Michal Krzyzanowski, who is a regional Adviser and works in air quality and health field pointed that outdoor air pollution in Asia causes 530,000 premature deaths every year. Obviously, motor vehicles play the most important role in air pollution. They bring the high density of the pollution dust and affect people’s daily lives. However, some Asian cities have paid attention to this problem in recent decades. Tokyo city shows its success. “The Tokyo metropolitan area, with a population of 35 million, has pollution levels well below both the U.S and European standards” (Fuller, 2006). Indeed, the people in Asia are well aware that air pollution is a quite serious problem that needs to be solved. More and more cities in Asia, such as Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong, have tried to make a lot of effort to solve the situation of air pollution and to improve the quality of air today.
From this article, it seems that Beijing is the most serious city that produces and suffers from air pollution, but make it sound as if Beijing has no way to solve its problem. This is not true; we can improve air quality in Beijing through the government, some particular purposes and individuals.
To begin with, as the saying goes, “Let him who tied the bell on the tiger take it off.” The main point for solving the problem of air pollution in Beijing is depending on the government. If we want to win the battle against air pollution, effective steps have to be taken by the government; because despite the negative influence on the environment, the government developed industry in order to improve the economy in the past years. First, the government should concentrate on working out a program for both cleaning up and prevention. When there’s a comprehensive plan, it is necessary to lay down the rules. On the other hand, sometimes management by driving is not the best way to control the situation; the government should establish an excitation mechanism, and citizens’ classical attitudes about use and pollution should be dramatically changed by education. The “Day of car unused” is a good example in this form. National wealth depends to a high degree on a country’s productive potential, and productive potential cannot exist without sustainable environment; a sustainable environment relies on the government’s action.
Next, because of the special geographic entity and culture in Beijing, it will be more effective if we focus on some particular purposes. Beijing is located in North China; there are three huge deserts to the north of Beijing, with other elements such as wind direction, vegetation, temperature, and topography; each spring there is a lot of dust. Air pollution is worst over that period. If we can reduce the amount, degree and intensity of dust storms, the condition of air pollution can be improved markedly. Evidently, planting more trees is the easiest and cheapest way to decrease the influence of dust storms. Also, because of traditional customs, people in China burn a kind of special paper to dead relatives when we have important holidays. Air pollution dramatically increases because of flour dust that is caused by burning paper. Hence, if we can burn paper in machines or a place that is prescribed, we can not only keep the traditional customs, but also protect the air. To pay more attention to geographic entity and culture is the requirement to improve the current condition of the sky above Beijing.
Finally, population in Beijing is over 15 million; this horrific number means individual behavior is closely linked with air pollution. If the majority of Beijing citizens can correct their mistakes that damage air, and keep positive behaviors, we can see stellar results in a short time. For instance, new couples and people who buy new houses are interested in architectural decoration and finishing; during the entire process, they use many chemical products, some of which are toxic chemicals. The direct result is indoor air pollution. As air exchanges, chemical gas diffuses into the open air; this problem is more serious than the problem caused by dust or flour dust. But if we avoid using harmful chemical material or choose a simple architectural decoration, the situation will be better soon. There are many phenomena of individual behavior architectural decoration, and finishing such as private cars, and the consumption of energy in daily life; therefore, it won’t be a big deal if we begin with our neighbor.
In conclusion, the situation can be improved soon if the government can take some effective steps, people can focus on geographic entity and culture reasons in order to reduce air pollution, and individual behaviors can be corrected. Beijing is also struggling. Even though problems of air pollution that Beijing must face is still serious, we still can see some positive aspect in this “battle”. First, some principles for environmental control have been taken. Second, the daily report and forecast of the air quality is relased in the media such as CCTV. Moreover, government requires that there be no smoking in famous tourist resorts and hotels interrelated with the Olympic Games from next year. From this, we can believe we are going to do better.
Reference:
Fuller, T. (2006, December 16). Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S. The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2007, from Lexis Nexis.
WW
Tom Leverett
In this article,“Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S.”, the author talks about the serious problems of air pollution in Asian areas, especially in many large cities, such as Beijing and New Delhi. Even though air pollution is a big problem in main cities in the world, the situation in urban areas gets more aggregated in Asia. And, the most harmful component in air pollution is microscopic dust which may be the important reason to cause respiratory disease, cancer and other potentially deadly illnesses. The author also mentions that “the dirtiest of the major cities, ranked by micrograms of particles of pollution dust per cubic meter, was Beijing, at 142. By comparison, Paris averages around 22 micrograms, London 24 and New York 27. The WHO guideline is 20.” Moreover, Dr. Michal Krzyzanowski, who is a regional Adviser and works in air quality and health field pointed that outdoor air pollution in Asia causes 530,000 premature deaths every year. Obviously, motor vehicles play the most important role in air pollution. They bring the high density of the pollution dust and affect people’s daily lives. However, some Asian cities have paid attention to this problem in recent decades. Tokyo city shows its success. “The Tokyo metropolitan area, with a population of 35 million, has pollution levels well below both the U.S and European standards” (Fuller, 2006). Indeed, the people in Asia are well aware that air pollution is a quite serious problem that needs to be solved. More and more cities in Asia, such as Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong, have tried to make a lot of effort to solve the situation of air pollution and to improve the quality of air today.
From this article, it seems that Beijing is the most serious city that produces and suffers from air pollution, but make it sound as if Beijing has no way to solve its problem. This is not true; we can improve air quality in Beijing through the government, some particular purposes and individuals.
To begin with, as the saying goes, “Let him who tied the bell on the tiger take it off.” The main point for solving the problem of air pollution in Beijing is depending on the government. If we want to win the battle against air pollution, effective steps have to be taken by the government; because despite the negative influence on the environment, the government developed industry in order to improve the economy in the past years. First, the government should concentrate on working out a program for both cleaning up and prevention. When there’s a comprehensive plan, it is necessary to lay down the rules. On the other hand, sometimes management by driving is not the best way to control the situation; the government should establish an excitation mechanism, and citizens’ classical attitudes about use and pollution should be dramatically changed by education. The “Day of car unused” is a good example in this form. National wealth depends to a high degree on a country’s productive potential, and productive potential cannot exist without sustainable environment; a sustainable environment relies on the government’s action.
Next, because of the special geographic entity and culture in Beijing, it will be more effective if we focus on some particular purposes. Beijing is located in North China; there are three huge deserts to the north of Beijing, with other elements such as wind direction, vegetation, temperature, and topography; each spring there is a lot of dust. Air pollution is worst over that period. If we can reduce the amount, degree and intensity of dust storms, the condition of air pollution can be improved markedly. Evidently, planting more trees is the easiest and cheapest way to decrease the influence of dust storms. Also, because of traditional customs, people in China burn a kind of special paper to dead relatives when we have important holidays. Air pollution dramatically increases because of flour dust that is caused by burning paper. Hence, if we can burn paper in machines or a place that is prescribed, we can not only keep the traditional customs, but also protect the air. To pay more attention to geographic entity and culture is the requirement to improve the current condition of the sky above Beijing.
Finally, population in Beijing is over 15 million; this horrific number means individual behavior is closely linked with air pollution. If the majority of Beijing citizens can correct their mistakes that damage air, and keep positive behaviors, we can see stellar results in a short time. For instance, new couples and people who buy new houses are interested in architectural decoration and finishing; during the entire process, they use many chemical products, some of which are toxic chemicals. The direct result is indoor air pollution. As air exchanges, chemical gas diffuses into the open air; this problem is more serious than the problem caused by dust or flour dust. But if we avoid using harmful chemical material or choose a simple architectural decoration, the situation will be better soon. There are many phenomena of individual behavior architectural decoration, and finishing such as private cars, and the consumption of energy in daily life; therefore, it won’t be a big deal if we begin with our neighbor.
In conclusion, the situation can be improved soon if the government can take some effective steps, people can focus on geographic entity and culture reasons in order to reduce air pollution, and individual behaviors can be corrected. Beijing is also struggling. Even though problems of air pollution that Beijing must face is still serious, we still can see some positive aspect in this “battle”. First, some principles for environmental control have been taken. Second, the daily report and forecast of the air quality is relased in the media such as CCTV. Moreover, government requires that there be no smoking in famous tourist resorts and hotels interrelated with the Olympic Games from next year. From this, we can believe we are going to do better.
Reference:
Fuller, T. (2006, December 16). Asia losing in battle against air pollution; large cities faring far worse than those in Europe and U.S. The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2007, from Lexis Nexis.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Causes, effects and solutions
In, R, Hotz’s article “The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region”, he states that under the influence of Asian instensified air pollution, weather in the area along the Pacific Ocean has became worse in recent years. He points out that because developing countries such as India and China focus on the fast rate of industrial development, they produce a lot of chemical pollutants into the air; therefore, Hotz introduces the close connection between Asian air pollution and the Pacific storms: the more Asian air pollution, the stronger, more frequent, and more destructive the Pacific storms will be. Also, he says that there are many serious intercontinental climatic consequences that are implicated by the adverse situation of Asian air pollution and the Pacific storms. Climatic anomalies more and more appear in almost every corner of the world: more thunderstorms and rainfall are created by thick clouds in winter, the western coast of the U.S can be effected by the air during the spring or summer, the melting of polar ice packs accelerates, and fierce downpours will occur instead of warm showers in a particular purpose. Moreover, Hotz mentions that the Pacific pollution poses a grave threat to human health and plant life. In brief, in the article “The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region”, the author analyzes the reason and the current situation of climatologic change due to Asian air pollution and the Pacific storms.
It is apparent that this author’s idea is fundamentally right. We should meet problems head on as soon as possible. If we want to solve the problem of Asian air pollution, it is the first step that we should figure out causes, effects, and solutions of this environmental pollution.
First of all, it’s very certain that the man-made pollution source is the principal factor that caused the Asian air problems. These problems come through in people and governments’ behaviors in the developing countries in the Pacific’s region: the growing population, the increasing vehicles in use, and the industrial energy structure. Excessive population growth is an extremely serious problem facing the Pacific less developed countries. As we know, China and India hold one fifth of the world’s population; yet, there’s an axiom of the environment: the more people there are, the greater the demands and wastes on the earth’s resources. Also, Asian countries pay more attention to industrial booms, with maintaining economic development the main trend, and as a result of expanding economies, the amount of private cars will become increasingly steeper. As a direct consequence, more and more carbon dioxide and other chemical gases in the air are produced because of this social progress. Air pollution has existed in many Asian developing countries, hitting the environment of the Pacific region and affecting the world environment as well.
Next, the direct consequence that the air pollution leads to becomes more and more common and grave. Not only can it destroy the natural system, but also the Asian air pollution can influence human life and human activity directly or indirectly. First, less developed countries spew carbon dioxide, dust, grit and contaminants continuously into the air. The air pollution forms a protective layer above the earth surface so that it prevents heat lost; thus, global warming is beginning to increase. Due to global warming, climastic anomalies and natural disasters happen worldwide. Around the world, no matter where it is developed countries or less developed countries, they sustain losses from droughts due to the fact that there is less mean yearly rainfall than before and warmer winters. Furthermore, dangers to human health are overhanging; air pollution can lead to respiratory disease directly. What is worse, because of the polluted air and the warmer temperature, there is more and more serious infectious disease relating to viruses. For instance, the bird flu closely followed SARS to spread throughout China in just 4 years. Demonstrably, such a sudden, catastrophic result of environment and human health is the primary risk that must be avoided at all costs.
In addition, the solution of improving the quality of Asian air must be put into practice and allows of no delay; we should address the issue of Asian air pollution immediately by focusing on technology, policy and economic measures. To begin with, people should tap new energy sources instead of using coal as the basic power source in developing countries in the Pacific region. Even though there is some renewable and recyclable source such as natural gas has been used in some ways, we still need to put more new energy into service. Second, developing new energy is not enough. It will be more effective if technology is incorporated into policy. Every government should be dedicated to futher the event of reducing air pollution. Also, enabling closer international cooperation is necessary, and governments should have conversations regularly. Moreover, it’s true that the economic growth rate is important, especially for developing countries; however, environmental protections cannot be ignored at the same time. The sustainable development will be the trend in society; if the occasion arises, it must sacrifice some economic advantages in order to ensure environmental benefit. All of the environment, technology, policy and economic measure tie together. Trying to improve the situation of Asian air pollution, we can put emphasis on technology.
In conclusion, the first step to solve the problem of Asian air pollution is to analyze the causes, effects, and solutions of the significant environmental problem. First, the growing population, the increasing vehicles in use, and the industrial energy structure are the three main criminals of the Asian air pollution. Futhermore, this environmental pollution can influence both the natural system and human life and human activity. Finally, even though this problem is serious, we still can improve the situation by connecting environment with technology, policy and economic measure. There are more than a million people who died because of respiratory diseases and other disease related to air pollution every year; there are more and more icebergs disappearing in the South Pole and the North Pole; there are many endangered species that cannot be saved in time because of the change of global climate. If we are not fully aware of the gravity of the situation of Asian air pollution, it’s a certain destruction. It will take everybody’s effort to improve to improve the situation of air pollution.
Reference:
Hotz, R. (2007, March 6). The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31,2007, from LexisNexis.
It is apparent that this author’s idea is fundamentally right. We should meet problems head on as soon as possible. If we want to solve the problem of Asian air pollution, it is the first step that we should figure out causes, effects, and solutions of this environmental pollution.
First of all, it’s very certain that the man-made pollution source is the principal factor that caused the Asian air problems. These problems come through in people and governments’ behaviors in the developing countries in the Pacific’s region: the growing population, the increasing vehicles in use, and the industrial energy structure. Excessive population growth is an extremely serious problem facing the Pacific less developed countries. As we know, China and India hold one fifth of the world’s population; yet, there’s an axiom of the environment: the more people there are, the greater the demands and wastes on the earth’s resources. Also, Asian countries pay more attention to industrial booms, with maintaining economic development the main trend, and as a result of expanding economies, the amount of private cars will become increasingly steeper. As a direct consequence, more and more carbon dioxide and other chemical gases in the air are produced because of this social progress. Air pollution has existed in many Asian developing countries, hitting the environment of the Pacific region and affecting the world environment as well.
Next, the direct consequence that the air pollution leads to becomes more and more common and grave. Not only can it destroy the natural system, but also the Asian air pollution can influence human life and human activity directly or indirectly. First, less developed countries spew carbon dioxide, dust, grit and contaminants continuously into the air. The air pollution forms a protective layer above the earth surface so that it prevents heat lost; thus, global warming is beginning to increase. Due to global warming, climastic anomalies and natural disasters happen worldwide. Around the world, no matter where it is developed countries or less developed countries, they sustain losses from droughts due to the fact that there is less mean yearly rainfall than before and warmer winters. Furthermore, dangers to human health are overhanging; air pollution can lead to respiratory disease directly. What is worse, because of the polluted air and the warmer temperature, there is more and more serious infectious disease relating to viruses. For instance, the bird flu closely followed SARS to spread throughout China in just 4 years. Demonstrably, such a sudden, catastrophic result of environment and human health is the primary risk that must be avoided at all costs.
In addition, the solution of improving the quality of Asian air must be put into practice and allows of no delay; we should address the issue of Asian air pollution immediately by focusing on technology, policy and economic measures. To begin with, people should tap new energy sources instead of using coal as the basic power source in developing countries in the Pacific region. Even though there is some renewable and recyclable source such as natural gas has been used in some ways, we still need to put more new energy into service. Second, developing new energy is not enough. It will be more effective if technology is incorporated into policy. Every government should be dedicated to futher the event of reducing air pollution. Also, enabling closer international cooperation is necessary, and governments should have conversations regularly. Moreover, it’s true that the economic growth rate is important, especially for developing countries; however, environmental protections cannot be ignored at the same time. The sustainable development will be the trend in society; if the occasion arises, it must sacrifice some economic advantages in order to ensure environmental benefit. All of the environment, technology, policy and economic measure tie together. Trying to improve the situation of Asian air pollution, we can put emphasis on technology.
In conclusion, the first step to solve the problem of Asian air pollution is to analyze the causes, effects, and solutions of the significant environmental problem. First, the growing population, the increasing vehicles in use, and the industrial energy structure are the three main criminals of the Asian air pollution. Futhermore, this environmental pollution can influence both the natural system and human life and human activity. Finally, even though this problem is serious, we still can improve the situation by connecting environment with technology, policy and economic measure. There are more than a million people who died because of respiratory diseases and other disease related to air pollution every year; there are more and more icebergs disappearing in the South Pole and the North Pole; there are many endangered species that cannot be saved in time because of the change of global climate. If we are not fully aware of the gravity of the situation of Asian air pollution, it’s a certain destruction. It will take everybody’s effort to improve to improve the situation of air pollution.
Reference:
Hotz, R. (2007, March 6). The World; Asian air pollution affects our weather; Scientists report more clouds, stronger storms in the Pacific region. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 31,2007, from LexisNexis.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Just Enjoy Yourself
When making a call with home, my relatives always ask me such a classic question: are you already suited with the life in that small town since you got there from the flourishing and crowed city where you grew up? To tell the truth, I spent a long time trying to accept the new lifestyle that I rejected at first; yet, I have to say: I love to live in Carbondale now. I agree with that some people who say weekends here are very boring; sometimes I feel lonely and negative when each American student leaves and the town becomes empty. However, I have a silent and comfortable time at the same time. When I have free time, I always just take a soda and sit down in the shadows of trees that are close to my apartment. At that time, I can think about many things clearly and feel peaceful that I have never had this kind of experience before in China. Also, sometimes my friend drive me to some really pretty places around Carbondale, such as the small Grand Canyon and many lakes near here. I can feel all of the things that are natural around me: fresh air, smooth wind, various plants, and etc. My advice is simple but useful: just enjoy yourself in Carbondale, then people who expect a peaceful life will like it here for sure, and people who come from huge cities will have a special experience in Carbondale.
Missing Them
Since the first day I left home, I have known that I’m not the little princess that was protected by my father anymore; I had to deal with everything by myself in the future. It is so difficult for me to live in Carbondale for the first two months. My many habits must be changed in a short time; I must try to accept American food instead of my favorite Chinese food; I must do housework in a certain time without mom’s help. Even though all of them are fine for me, the most sad aspect of homesickness. I dreamed about my hometown every night; I couldn’t make a call to my relatives, because every time when I was talking to them, I was crying. But for now, I am the pride of my family, I have a lot of friends around me. Missing my family very much, I will be more brave and strong at the same time.
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