Environmental Pollution Overview
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jannataraj289Environmental Pollution Overview
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Powered by AICultural attitudes towards pollution in Bangladesh, as highlighted in the document, reflect a certain level of acceptance or indifference to environmental hazards. Many people perceive noise from social events and vehicular noise as entertainment rather than pollution, indicating a lack of awareness about the health risks. Similarly, the casual disposal of waste into water bodies and the continuation of illegal activities like running outdated factories and kilns point to an ingrained cultural disregard for environmental consequences .
The consequences of water pollution in Bangladesh include the degradation of valuable water resources, affecting both environment and human health. Primary causes include the disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies, such as the dumping of plastic and dead bodies into the Buriganga River, along with agricultural activities where farmers use chemicals without scientific knowledge. This misuse leads to water contamination and poses severe threats to aquatic ecosystems and potable water supplies .
To address the illegal and polluting activities of brickyards in Bangladesh, it's essential to enforce existing environmental regulations strictly. Despite the regulations, out of 7,086 kilns, 4,505 operate without environmental clearance, demonstrating a lack of enforcement. Proposals likely include increasing inspections, imposing fines, and eventual shutdowns of non-compliant operations to reduce emissions and protect public health .
Poverty in Bangladesh contributes to soil pollution as economically disadvantaged individuals often resort to environmentally harmful practices to meet their needs. Due to limited resources, people may dispose of plastic, polythene, and industrial waste improperly, directly onto soil, exacerbating pollution. Factory workers, driven by poverty, might overlook environmental standards, leading to harmful waste being mixed with soil. This lack of resources and awareness underscores how poverty aggravates environmental issues .
Air pollution in Dhaka city primarily occurs due to emissions from old and unfit vehicles, as well as industrial emissions. A significant portion of air pollution, particularly 10.4 percent in 2019, is attributed to motor vehicles that exceed permissible emission limits. Other major contributors include factories such as brickyards, oil refineries, and heavy machinery manufacturing units, which emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. Additionally, many kilns operate without environmental clearance, exacerbating the air quality issues .
Governmental actions in reducing air pollution in Bangladesh have been largely ineffective. Although there have been announcements about efforts to improve air quality, substantial progress is lacking. The continued prevalence of outdated vehicles and illegal industrial practices, particularly the operations of kilns without clearances, indicates a failure in enforcement and policy implementation. The government's inability to implement strict measures and the lack of visible improvements in air quality signify these actions' ineffectiveness .
Industrialisation in Bangladesh contributes to environmental pollution through the overuse of natural resources, improper waste management, and the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. It increases the number of vehicles and pressure on infrastructure, which leads to environmental degradation. While industrial activities drive economic development, they often result in significant environmental pollution, with the impacts including compromised air and water quality, public health issues, and loss of biodiversity .
Environmental volunteering is seen as a crucial component in combating pollution by raising awareness and taking proactive actions to reduce environmental degradation. The document suggests that alongside proper enforcement of laws, individual commitment as volunteers is necessary to diminish pollution. This involves activities like community clean-ups, educational programs to inform others about pollution's effects, and supporting legal enforcement to ensure policies are upheld .
The relationship between population growth and environmental pollution in Bangladesh is intrinsically linked. As the population increases, currently around 176.42 million with a 1.2% annual growth rate, the demand for food, land, and resources increases, leading to more pollution as people engage in various activities to survive. This growth exacerbates environmental degradation since the country's limited geographical space cannot support such a large population sustainably, contributing to pollution through overuse of resources and lack of proper waste management .
Noise pollution is harmful because it can lead to various health issues, including hearing loss and stress-related disorders. However, in Bangladesh, noise pollution is often not taken seriously; people perceive loud noises from social functions and vehicular horns as a normal part of life or even entertainment, rather than recognizing the potential adverse health effects associated with sound levels often exceeding 80 to 120 decibels .