Pollution and Conservation:

How can conservation strategies help reduce water pollution in developing

countries?

In partial completion of Vinschool Smart City (908)

Ryan

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Vinschool Smart City

Introduction (91)
Imagine a world where clear rivers run free, the air is breathable and the
forests are full of vegetation and wildlife. This vision would never come true if we
don't try our best to minimise the effects of pollution. Pollution is a global crisis that is
affecting the ecosystem and human health. Conservation strategies can offer
solutions that can reduce pollution and provide sustainability. Globally, pollution
contributes to climate change and health problems. This report will explore how
conservation strategies can help reduce pollution and protect the environment for
future generations.

Global Perspective (124)

Pollution is a global threat because it causes severe environmental and health
problems. According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution causes about
seven million premature deaths annually (WHO, 2024). One of the biggest causes of
air pollution globally is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases harmful gases, such
as carbon dioxide, that cause global warming and respiratory diseases
(Understanding Global Change, 2025). Similarly, industrial emissions release toxic
chemicals into the air and water, which pollutes the environment and makes climate
change worse. Also, deforestation is also a cause as it reduces the amount of
plants, which are needed to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is a
gas that creates global warming (Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development
Authority, 2025). All of these causes show how human activity can harm both people
and the environment.

National Perspective (161)

Vietnam faces severe air pollution that is dramatically harming the health of its
citizens. Vietnam is ranked as one of the most air polluted countries in the world,
with many of its big cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City, far exceeding the safe limits
which had been set by the World Health Organisation (IQAir, 2023). One big cause
of this issue is traffic emissions. With more vehicles getting used everyday, the
emissions would just start building up faster. Vehicles release harmful gases that can
lead to respiratory diseases (European Environment Agency, 2022). Vehicles usually
release small particulate matter, which can penetrate into the bloodstream and lungs.
This not only leads to respiratory diseases but also cardiovascular diseases.
Urbanisation also worsens air pollution as construction sites release a lot of dust.
Also, open burning is also a major cause as it releases a lot of thick smoke and
gases into the air, which worsens the air quality. Together, these causes contribute to
the country's growing air pollution.
Comparing perspectives (98)
Both global and national perspectives on pollution have similarities, as they
are mostly caused by emissions and cause health problems. Additionally, both levels
aim to reduce pollution. However globally, pollution is more related to deforestation
and industrial activities, while in Vietnam, it is usually caused more by urbanisation
and open burning. Globally, the consequences of pollution are more towards climate
change while in Vietnam, it is more towards health problems. Both perspectives
show the importance of human responsibility in preventing further damage, also
showing that small actions at the local level can contribute to a positive change
globally.

Course of Action (109)

Promoting reforestation is an effective solution to combat climate change,
help the ecosystem and enhance biodiversity. Reforestation removes carbon dioxide
through photosynthesis and prevents further greenhouse gas emissions by reducing
forest degradation (Climate Impact Partners, 2025). A reforestation program in
Vietnam could focus on planting native plants in forested areas. There had been a
similar effort called India’s Green India Mission, which had successfully restored
forest areas (Government of India Press Information Bureau, 2017). The
reforestation program could seek help from NGOs for funding or private landowners
for planting sites. For sustainability, the program can include long term monitoring,
such as tracking a tree’s growth rate. Early implementation is crucial as delaying
action would worsen the effects of climate change (NASA, 2024).

Source Evaluation (151)

This paragraph would evaluate two sources used in the research. Both of the
sources are very credible, reliable and relevant to the topic, which is climate change.
The first source, which is from the World Health Organisation, is reliable due to the
organisation's status as a globally recognised authority on public health. It presents
accurate and up to date statistics which have been based on scientific research,
which ensures that it is neutral and evidence based. The second source, which is
from the United Nations, is also very credible as it shows information from well
known and trusted organisations such as the World Health Organisation. It discusses
the global response of climate change and also about the adoption of renewable
energy sources. Also, both of these sources provide strong evidence that supports
the importance of conservation. Altogether, the two of these sources support my
research by providing trustworthy and reliable data.

Conclusion (174)
In conclusion, this essay talked about how conservation strategies can
effectively reduce air pollution on a national and global scale. Pollution is an issue
that affects human health and ecosystems. While researching for this essay, I found
out that in both Vietnam and globally, pollution is mainly caused by industrial
emissions and deforestation. One effective conservation strategy to help reduce
pollution is reforestation, as it helps absorb carbon dioxide and help with the
ecosystem. Research from one of the sources made by the United Nations
influenced my perspective the most as it showed how renewable energy and
restoration can make a good change. One thing that surprised me was that about
seven million people die every year from air pollution, which in my opinion, is very
concerning. This essay has taught me that even a small change can make a big
difference and that awareness is one of the biggest steps to make a positive change.
Writing this essay has helped me learn a lot and it also changed my perspective
about climate change.

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