Second-Hand Smog
Image from: http://www.dr.dk/NR/rdonlyres/DE81F260-F419-4DFD-B16A-2F4461198821/228962/6200603231203045.jpg
We all know China to be the most populated country in the world. However, the massive amounts of fumes and chemicals released into the air and water, because of the numerous Chinese residents, are taking their toll. As the economy is continually developing, the environmental control simply cannot keep up. China has set a goal to reduce pollution by 10% in the next five years, but are experiencing numerous setbacks. For example, due to hazardous chemicals such as sulfur dioxide being emitted into the air, acid rain results and causes danger to food safety. Acid rain ruins land used for agriculture, and food for wildlife. There seems to be no respite in sight of the release of these harmful chemicals, seeing as the amount of sulfur dioxide released from coal-fired power stations has risen 4.2% from this point last year. A Parliament official commented that all in all, the amount of sulfur dioxide released has risen 25% from 2000 to 2005, making China the number one emitter of the chemical.
Image from: http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/china.pollution.reut/story.hk.pollution.cnn.jpg
As you can see, this problem is not helping anyone. Though cities such as Hong Kong are important for the world economy, urban dwellers need to focus on methods to save what little plant and animal life exists in city life. This pollution not only affects plants and animals, but humans also. Who wants to breathe air heavily saturated in chemicals? Inhaling hazardous air can sometimes be as bad for you as smoking. Ever hear of second-hand smoke? It’s amazing how some of the most advanced countries in the world are some of the worst places to live in terms of your health.
Image from: http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/image_full/china/ch/photosvideos/photos/smog-in-hong-kong
Methods to consider to reduce pollutants:
* Take public transportation
* Carpool when possible
* Use automobiles only when walking is not an option
* Avoid using aerosols such as hairspray or bug repellent
* Avoid using pesticides
Source for article: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/china.pollution.reut/index.html
