Case Study: Air Pollution and Impacts Flashcards
What is the name of this case study?
China Linfen
Where is Linfen, Geographically?
- In the Shanxi province of China
- In the northern Province
- Inland
- Around 20.2km^2
- Along the banks of the Fen River
Linfen Background Information/Introduction
Used to be known for its rich agriculture/ exotic plants/ nutrient-rich soil and fields of tulips.
Now, one of the most polluted cities in the world.
1798- the coal mine was discovered
Its economic backbone consists of coal, electric power, and manufacturing which results in large quantities of pollution
How does topography worsen the impacts of Air pollution?
The city is located in a valley
- minimal presence of winds
- pollution stays within the valley (smog trap)
- particles are trapped in a smog cloud
- CO2 and NOx
- Microclimate is created
- temperatures only vary +- 2*C
The Story of Industrialization
1978 the first coal mine was discovered, people sought employment so discovery of mines increased and burning of coal increased. The burning coal:
- Sulfur dioxide
- Particulate matter
Emitted into air, pollution gets worse
This entire process was known around the reigon, travel into linfen was expanded
Cause and effect of transportation
Employment opportunities spread around the region
- demand for employment (both sides)
- rapid urban growth
- people now travel into the region from Yung Cheng and Changzhi
- This increases the particle emission and increases the size of the smog cloud
-Industrialization caused increased motorization
What examples of motorization resulted from industrialization -> transport
- cars(into city)
- trucks(transport)
- cranes(digging)
Explain the cycle/continuum
more and more workers
more cars
more congested areas
This all contributes to:
- noise pollution
- factory pollution
Increased heat due to grey infrastructure
- air pollution creates toxic water/air
- kills agriculture -> reduces cooling
- reduces oxygen levels
Microclimate
Serious health issues
Effects on people
- decreased quality of life
- increase in temperatures(uncomfortable)
Noise pollution- stress, anxiety, less sleep
In correlation with crazy long work hours - coronary heart disease
Air pollution- lung cancer
- stress, anxiety, less sleep
- difficult breathing
What personal choices make the pollution worse?
Coal stoves
Chemical fertilizers
No recycling
Toxic Waste- Hazardous
All these toxins are released into the air
-acidified air pH, acid rain
- re-implements toxins into plants
Solutions
- solar energy
- afforestation
- natural fertilizer (POOP)
- exterior coal mines
- implement public transport
- banning coal stoves
- public awareness, waste management
