In what ways do economic inequalities influence social and environmental issues? Flashcards
Economic development exerts a strong influence on environmental and social inequalities between and within countries. In newly industrialising countries (NICs) such as China and Brazil, the priority is …
economic growth
Rapid industrialisation increases..
GDP and exports, and provides jobs and wealth needed to raise incomes and invest in economic and social infrastructure.
The post-industrial economies of MEDCs create fewer environmental and social negative externalities. Moreover, MEDCs can afford to give environmental and social issues, which influence the quality of life…
much greater priority.
Causes of air pollution
Vehicle fumes and particulates, industry, heating
Causes of water pollution
Run-off from streets, household waste disposal, sewage disposal, agricultural chemicals and waste
Causes of solid pollution
Packaging, litter, ‘throw away’ society, organic waste
Causes of noise pollution
Traffic, domestic noise, workplace and factory noise
Causes of visual pollution
Very personal view of what is ugly e.g. wind farms, pylons
Causes of thermal pollution
Buildings store heat during the day, waste heat, traffic, people, machines
Causes of light pollution
Building, traffic, street lights
Causes of radiation pollution
Background and also from X-ray machines and leaks from nuclear power plant stations
Effects of air pollution
- Increased respiratory problems e.g. asthma
- Acid deposition – weathering of buildings
- Cancer
Effects of water pollution
- Eutrophication
- Disease outbreaks
- Cancer
- Smell
- Damage to wildlife
Effects of solid pollution
- Eyesore
- Attracts vermin – disease
- Fire risk
- Damage to wildlife
- Water contamination
Effects of noise pollution
- Hearing damage
- Loss of sleep and increased stress
- Decreased concentration
- Nuisance - violence
Effects of visual pollution
- Stress
* Psychological effects
Effects of thermal pollution
- Creates urban heat island
* Increased stress
Effects of light pollution
- Disruption of wildlife
* Psychological - ‘loss of the stars’
Effects of radiation pollution
- Cancer
* Birth defects and mutations
Mexico City - NIC basic facts
8th richest urban conglomeration in the world, 211th most polluted
London - MEDC basic facts
102 of 215 in order of pollution
What are the physical causes of pollution in Mexico City?
- In a high altitude basin
- Cold air forms inversion layer
What are the economic causes of pollution in Mexico City?
- Rapid industrialisation – 50,000 factories
- Increase in traffic – 3.5 million vehicles (many ageing)
What are the social causes of pollution in Mexico City?
- Overcrowded – more than 6.3 people per household
- High population growth – more than 20 million
- Poor-quality housing – shanties (3 million without sewage facilities)
