Technology as an Aide to Developing Cleaner Solutions in Environment Essay

Technology as an Aide to Developing Cleaner Solutions in Environment - Essay Example Big bold measures are needed to make a difference now. New technology is the medium that will help address the issue of environmental issues from a "prevention" perspective rather than a "solution". Both developed and developing countries air pollution is a common hazard. While acid rain is more common in developed nations, serious air pollution is more common in the developing nations. Millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are released into the atmosphere by industry and vehicles. These gases react with rain, mist, snow etc and fall as acid rain, far removed point of origin being transported by winds that blow. Air pollution is considered to be worst in Canada, USA, Central and northern Europe. Other pollutants include volatile organic compounds or VOC, associated with vehicle emissions like ammonia and ozone forming near surface of earth fuelled by the combination of nitrogen oxides and voc. Lead pollution has been curbed in developed nations but the leaded petrol still being sold affects developing nations. 450000 tonnes of lead released by humans every year, vehicle exhausts being a major cause. Pollution of our water resources is another area of concern. The numerous bodies of water are now big dumping grounds. 83% of all marine pollution is from land-based activities. Agricultural pesticides and herbicides, domestic and industrial sewage with toxic oils, human waste and radioactive wastes have contributed to declining water quality. Accidental oil seepage from refineries adds to the pollution and upsets the very fragile marine life and ecosystem. Sellafield, UK and Cap de la Hague, France has been blamed for local deaths and sickness due to polluted water. Unclean water kills 25 million people in developing nations every year at least three fifths of them being children. Third world countries that do not have enough potable water force people to draw water from contaminated sources that harbour pathogens, or carriers of disease. The increase i n population around the world has heralded a burst of numerous problems. Their increasing need for food and housing has accelerated the degradation of the soil and forest resources. To cater to the volumes of food needed to support the exploding population due to industrialized nations and automations, the use of pesticide and toxins in agriculture has become widespread. As more and more pesticides are used, these "super pests" develop more resistance and stronger pesticides are needed, increasing land contamination and contributing to a vicious cycle. This population and the industries catering to them also generate staggering amount of wastes. Uncontrolled waste presents environmental and health risks. Managing this waste gives rise to a