Overview
The cost of reducing environmental risks to human health is great, but the cost of the risks themselves are even greater, in illness, lost productivity, and mortality. This truth makes it very important to weigh the value and effectiveness of mitigation strategies aimed at environmental challenges.
Instructions
Complete a 4-5 page paper using the following instructions:
Select and research a specific environmental challenge resulting from climate change. Explain the characteristics of the environmental challenge, including its geographic scope, key stakeholders, economic costs, and health impacts.
Explain how climate change has created or worsened this environmental challenge. Support your explanation with references.
Evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts by comparing two examples related to this environmental challenge.
Use at least four sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
Evaluate sources of environmental risk from energy production, manufacturing, and food production for their impact on population health.
Assess strategies used to mitigate the negative effects of environmental hazards on population health.
Guide On Rating System
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Introduction
Climate change is a global environmental challenge that has far-reaching impacts. One specific environmental challenge resulting from climate change is the rise in air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Air pollution poses significant health risks to individuals, leading to various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of air pollution resulting from climate change, the ways in which climate change has worsened this challenge, and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
Environmental Challenge: Air Pollution
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air, which can be in the form of gases, particulate matter, or biological materials. It is a significant environmental challenge with a global scope, affecting both developed and developing countries. One of the key characteristics of air pollution is its impact on human health. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. It is estimated that air pollution causes millions of premature deaths worldwide and leads to lost productivity due to illness.
Air pollution has economic costs associated with healthcare expenditures, loss of productivity, and decreased quality of life. The healthcare costs related to air pollution are substantial, as individuals affected by respiratory diseases require medical care, medication, and treatment. Additionally, the loss of productivity due to illness and premature deaths has a significant economic impact on countries and communities. Furthermore, air pollution also affects the environment, contributing to climate change and damaging ecosystems.
Climate Change and Air Pollution
Climate change has played a significant role in worsening air pollution. One way climate change has contributed to increased air pollution is through the intensification of weather patterns such as droughts and heatwaves. Droughts and heatwaves result in wildfires, which release large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air. These wildfires contribute to the overall air pollution levels and pose immediate health risks to individuals living in the affected areas.
Another way climate change worsens air pollution is through the alteration of atmospheric conditions. Climate change leads to changes in temperature, humidity, and wind patterns, which can affect the movement and dispersion of air pollutants. These changes in atmospheric conditions can result in the accumulation and stagnation of air pollutants, leading to increased levels of pollution in certain areas.
Mitigation Efforts: A Comparison
Efforts to mitigate air pollution resulting from climate change can vary in their effectiveness. Two examples of mitigation efforts related to air pollution are the implementation of stricter emission standards and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
Stricter emission standards have been implemented in many countries to reduce the release of harmful pollutants from vehicles, factories, and power plants. These standards aim to limit the amount of pollutants emitted into the air, thereby reducing the overall air pollution levels. For example, the European Union has set strict limits on the emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from vehicles. While these emission standards have been effective in reducing air pollution levels in some areas, enforcement and compliance can be challenging.
Promoting renewable energy sources is another effective mitigation strategy for reducing air pollution. By transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, carbon dioxide emissions can be significantly reduced. This reduction in carbon emissions has direct benefits for air quality, as carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In addition to reducing air pollution, the use of renewable energy sources also has other environmental and economic benefits.
Conclusion
Climate change exacerbates the environmental challenge of air pollution, leading to significant health and economic consequences. Efforts to mitigate air pollution must be prioritized to protect human health and minimize the costs associated with pollution-related illnesses. Stricter emission standards and the promotion of renewable energy sources are two effective mitigation strategies that can be implemented to reduce air pollution. However, it is crucial to continuously evaluate and improve these strategies to ensure their effectiveness in addressing the complex challenge of air pollution resulting from climate change.
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