Question

Mostly everyone would agree that pollution is undesirable. But cleaner environment requires higher production costs and a lower level of output. It is difficult though to measure the value on the health, environmental, and aesthetic benefits resulting from a cleaner environment. The health effects associated with the release of various chemicals into the air or water are often not fully understood. While the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and global warming is the subject of a great deal of scientific speculation and study, precise measurements of the expected environmental damage are not yet available. It is also not easy to place a value on the aesthetic pleasure that individuals may experience knowing that the air and water surrounding them is cleaner. The energy giant Royal Dutch Shell have reached its oil production peak in 2019. Now the company’s focus now is on shifting to renewables and reducing its carbon footprint through green technologies.

Did you know that veryday household items such as toothpaste, shaving foam, deodorant, perfume and furniture polish contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause pollution? VOCs react with sunlight to form ozone pollution. This escapes into the environment and gets trapped in our house or apartment, causing pollution in our homes. VOCs interact with other chemicals to form tiny particles in the air causing health problems. Define the term externalities. Discuss the negative externalities of highly productive metropolitan areas, such as pollution and congestion. Discuss pros and cons of anti-pollution regulations and recycling.
On a good note, NASA finds that COVD-19 has drastically reduced China’s air pollution due to closing factories and reduced number of cars on the road.What effect did Covid-19 had on the United States pollusion levels?

Companies and scientists are working together to move away from plastic as it has been a big problem for the environment and a deadly threat to wildlife and humans for decades. It takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down. Recently scientists have developed a form of biodegradable, compostable plastic. The process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes into the plastic during the production process. When these enzymes are exposed to heat and water, they eat away at the plastic and reduce it to lactic acid. This provides nutrients for the soil when composted. Another initiative comes from Coca-Cola. The company ranked as the world’s number one plastic polluter in 2019 and decided to make a switch to paper bottles. What other initiatives do you know about or can propose to increase the quality of air, water and life?

Write about 300 words

Answer 1

Externalities refer to the unintended consequences of economic activities that affect third parties. In the context of pollution, negative externalities refer to the negative effects that a company's production or consumption of goods and services has on society or the environment. For example, a factory that produces a lot of air pollution may not have to bear the full cost of that pollution, as the negative effects are felt by the people living nearby or downwind from the factory. This can lead to overproduction of goods that cause pollution, as the costs of pollution are not fully reflected in the price of the goods.

Highly productive metropolitan areas often experience negative externalities such as pollution and congestion. The concentration of industries and the high level of economic activity in these areas can lead to increased air and water pollution, as well as traffic congestion. These negative externalities can have serious consequences for public health and the environment. For example, air pollution can lead to respiratory problems, while water pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems and reduce the availability of clean drinking water.

There are both pros and cons to implementing anti-pollution regulations and recycling programs. On the pro side, these measures can help reduce the negative externalities associated with economic activity, such as pollution and resource depletion. They can also create jobs and stimulate the development of new technologies and industries. On the con side, implementing anti-pollution regulations and recycling programs can be expensive, and may increase the cost of goods and services. They may also be met with resistance from businesses that are unwilling to change their practices or invest in new technologies.

The impact of COVID-19 on pollution levels in the United States has been varied. During the initial lockdowns, there was a noticeable reduction in air pollution in some areas due to the decrease in vehicle traffic and industrial activity. However, as lockdown measures have been relaxed and economic activity has resumed, pollution levels have returned to pre-pandemic levels in many places. Additionally, the pandemic has led to increased waste generation, as people have used more disposable products, such as single-use masks and gloves, to protect against the virus.

There are many initiatives that can be undertaken to increase the quality of air, water, and life. Some examples include:

Implementing and enforcing strong anti-pollution regulations, such as limits on emissions from industrial sources and stricter fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.

Promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Encouraging the use of public transportation, walking, and biking to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

Developing and promoting the use of environmentally friendly products, such as biodegradable plastics and organic products.

Implementing recycling programs to reduce waste and promote the reuse of resources.

Planting trees and other vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improve air quality.

Protecting natural habitats and promoting conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems.

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