Undoubtedly, pollution is fast becoming an alarming threat for us at present. Owing to uncontrolled pollution is severely impacting ecosystems, human health, and most importantly, the overall well-being of our planet. Of course, for the sake of development urbanization, industrialization, and expansion of humans are necessary. However, the unplanned execution of each of the above is one of the primary reasons that has made all forms of pollution reach such high levels.
Recent news highlighted, how some cities are reeling under air pollution, and it is even making it difficult for the residents to breathe properly. Considering the grave consequences, effective pollution control tactics have become indispensable. Navigating the complicated issue of environmental management challenges is easier said than done. For implementing measures to check it, the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates sound policies, regulations, public awareness, and technology becomes imperative. Companies in developed countries, Osterman for instance, can be a great example, as it has adopted measures to stop pollution during its varied operations. Here are some highlights on the process of tackling pollution by executing the right steps.
Understanding the scope of pollution
All of us are now aware, that the threats related to pollution are no longer an issue that is limited to a specific region, and it has become a global problem. Quite expected, long-term exposure to pollution has detrimental consequences. Air pollution tops the list, and presently, it is extending beyond the cities and affecting rural areas too. The presence of particulate matter and toxic gases, which are emitted from factories in the cities, along with power plants and vehicles can wreak havoc on human health. To make matters worse, declining air quality is also contributing to climate change. Ecosystems are reeling under it and we are already witnessing the effects over the last few years. Air pollution is threatening biodiversity, agriculture, and of course human health worldwide.
The second in the list is water pollution. Developing countries in particular are the worst affected by this aforementioned issue. Here again, the main culprits are the industries that dispose of harmful chemicals in the water. Furthermore, agricultural wastes, untreated sewage, and disposing of plastics are some of the other factors leading to water pollution. Plastic debris in oceans is posing severe challenges for marine life and ecosystem. Despite several warnings to stop using plastic, people seem to be paying deaf ears to the warnings, not realizing the long-term effects. Gradually, the main source of life, i.e. drinking water will become unusable, and affect aquatic habitats too.
Lastly, soil pollution is another aspect of this category. Although a lot is being discussed on the issues of air and water pollution, the issue of soil pollution is often overlooked. However, it is equally crucial, as degraded soil quality will have a direct impact on agriculture produce and environmental sustainability. The presence of heavy metals, pesticides, along industrial pollutants is often found in soils. Each of these items can contaminate crops and groundwater. Furthermore, lack of knowledge on the proper land use practices often leads to erosion, loss of fertile land, and many far-reaching consequences, affecting agriculture and land management.
Use of technology for tackling pollution
Technology can come to the rescue in tackling pollution. Some of the leading countries are showing the way it is done already. The introduction of waste management has become possible owing to the advanced recycling technologies. Waste generation can now be efficiently managed, and it addresses the concerns of land pollution to a great extent. However, before implementing the above strategies, governments and industries should start using methods that would generate less waste and do not affect the land quality. Then again, by addressing the root causes of waste generation like overconsumption, educating consumers on their usage patterns, and land use soil pollution can be checked considerably.
Here we must understand that despite technologies being a promising solution to pollution, their effectiveness depends largely on how well industries adopt them. Technological advancements can help harness renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and water power. However, it requires implementing accurate infrastructure and policies to overcome the barriers that may arise and use these technologies efficiently. The biggest challenge would be making these technologies affordable for everyone.
Technology can also play a big hand in addressing the issue of air quality. The development of green infrastructure is surely one such option. Recently, we have witnessed some countries focusing primarily on green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban green spaces. Each of these places is equipped to tap rainwater, improve the surrounding air quality, and regulate the heat generated in the urban areas. By embracing such nature-friendly solutions cities can overcome the challenges of air pollution to a great extent. Here again, the main hurdle becomes the cost factor, as it might not be affordable for everyone to invest in such green infrastructure. Thus, it all boils down to the accessibility and affordability of such technology-powered practices.
Implementation of strict policies
As you can understand, technological innovations can help significantly in regulating pollution; their implementation must be backed by supportive policies. Governments need to step up and make strict regulations directing industries to adhere to these policies. The priority is on steps to combat various forms of pollution government agencies have to penetrate the remote areas to execute the policy frameworks successfully. Furthermore, governments can also impose strict rules on industries known for emitting toxic wastes, and those that generate debris out of their activities. Violators should be liable to pay hefty fines and even imprisoned for their acts. If necessary, governments can help various organizations to fund them for installing technologies to control pollution. Mass awareness campaigns through social media, schools, and educating employees can also help in this aspect.
Imposing taxes
Regulatory authorities can collaborate with governments and introduce carbon taxes, to minimize the ill effects of industry pollution. Industries that come up with out-of-the-box ideas for channeling their wastes to something productive can be rewarded too. Such policies can encourage everyone to try and innovate means to keep a check on their carbon footprints. Furthermore, the revenue generation from violators can be utilized in clean energy projects, climate adaptation measures, and social welfare programs. The idea is to utilize newer and better means to overcome the threat of pollution. Of course, things cannot change overnight. But, every country needs to initiate these measures and soon the threat looming large on us will be over.
Public awareness and participation
As we mentioned earlier, the message of combating pollution needs to reach everyone. Educating the common public on rising pollution levels, their effect on the environment, and loss of biodiversity is one of the key features for tackling the threats of various pollution. Here again, governments can introduce steps and transfer the responsibility to the citizens to report incidents of places producing toxic waste. It can also help significantly if regular community-based initiatives such as environment cleaning, beach cleaning, and sustainable projects are put into place. When we succeed in overcoming the local environmental challenges, it will gradually transform into a habit and pass on to others, making the environment free of pollution.
Challenges and opportunities
So far, the efforts of pollution control have gained some momentum in several countries. Still, a lot needs to be done owing to the challenges that come in between. As mentioned earlier, economic challenge is the biggest problem for developing nations. Not everyone can embrace technologies designated to overcome pollution, as it is too costly for them. In such places, regulatory authorities have to come up with different ideas and find ways of minimizing pollution. Environmental laws must be in place though, and offenders must get penalized. Environmental management tools can be made affordable for industries and they can work significantly in reducing pollution. As more companies start using these tools, the production of such tools will increase, making them more affordable for everyone.
Wrapping it up
Indeed, the need of the hour is to develop pollution control measures to make the earth a better place to live in. It is essential for everyone to join hands to fight the threat. Governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals, everyone needs to contribute in this aspect. Technology can play a major role in this aspect, and it should be backed with supportive policies. Social media is currently the most powerful way to reach out to people. Thus, it can be utilized to good effect and be used as a platform to raise public awareness.