Question
Maintaining Terrestrial and Atmospheric Resources of Gamescape.
Complete Episode 3:
Resource: Gamescape Episode 3 and Ch. 8-11 in Visualizing Environmental Science.
As Newly elected Mayor of Sparksville, the town’s citizens are eager to hear what you plan on doing to promote the local economy while maintaining a high level of environmental air quality.
Write a 350- to -word speech for a Town Hall Meeting that addresses the following points:
State the current economic situation and the three choices that were available to the town of Sparksville.
Discuss how these three choices would impact water pollution and indoor and outdoor air pollution. Explain how each of the three choices could be a point and non-source of water and air pollution.
Describe how the air and water pollution generated from these sources can impact the health of Sparksville’s citizens, the local ecosystem, and the local economy. Include some potential solutions.
Explain why your decision addresses the key environmental challenges and is the optimal choice given this situation.
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Sample paper
Maintaining Terrestrial and Atmospheric Resources
As the new Mayor of Sparksville, it is an honor for me to discuss with you the current economic situation in Sparksville and my plans to promote the local economy while ensuring environmental pollution does not occur. As you are all aware, one of our major industries has shut down operations following bankruptcy. This town is in need of investment which can spur growth in the long run. There is need to revive the manufacturing sector in this town which have the capacity to generate thousands of jobs. The manufacturing sector is the pillar of all developed economies and major towns not only in the U.S. but across the world. In this town, we are looking at possibly investing in three sectors which will spur growth: oil refinery, furniture industry and a vehicle manufacturing.
Impact on water resources and indoor and outdoor air pollution
Each of these sectors may have dire consequences to our water resources and the quality of air if not properly managed. The oil refining industry produces effluents and emissions that can potentially damage our water resources and the quality of air. Oil refining consumes large quantities of water, and releases the same but as wastewater. This wastewater comprises of aerosols, solid wastes and other chemicals which can potentially damage our water resources, both underground and on the surface. Oil refineries also produce hazardous gases such as carbon dioxide which is an air pollutant (Singh, 2003).
In order to mitigate these negative effects, the oil refinery will adopt suitable preventive measures. For instance, wastewaters will be treated appropriately before being discharged into rivers. Harmful gases such as carbon dioxide will be filtered at the chimneys using methods such as scrubbing, bag filters and cyclones.
Related Paper: Managing Population Growth of Gamescape
Vehicle manufacturing also produces wastes and emissions which can be harmful to our water and air resources. According to Clark and Berners-Lee (2010), the entire process of producing a single car from mining to assembly produces about 17 tons of carbon dioxide. Vehicle manufacturing also causes VOC emissions which may be toxic and may lead to health complications. Waste materials from vehicle manufacturing disposed carelessly in landfills close to water sources may contaminate the water resources. To overcome the challenge of waste in landfills, the manufacturing plant will embrace recycling to keep the wastes low. Carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced through research and development to come up with new and more fuel efficient technologies.
The furniture industry has minimal direct impact on air and water resources. The furniture industry consumes minimal water compared to oil refining and vehicle manufacturing. In addition, there are no emissions which may impact the environment in a negative way. Nonetheless, the furniture industry calls for careful management of our ecosystem especially the forests. This will be achieved through proper tree harvesting practices and replanting of trees.
Air pollution from carbon dioxide gas causes acid rain which alters the pH of water bodies. As acidity increases in the water bodies, marine life is negatively impacted. This reduces the variety of species found in the water bodies. Carbon dioxide is also attributed to depletion of ozone layer, exposing humans to harmful radiation from the sun. This may lead to skin cancer. In addition, it is attributed to global warming and climate change. Release of pollutants in the water may adversely affect the health of individuals using the water by causing diseases (Singh, 2003).
My decisions in addressing these environmental issues are based on the most recent available research in tackling environmental pollution. They are in accordance with the federal as well as the environmental laws guiding management of waste and waste products.
References
Berners-Lee, M., & Clark, D. (2010, Sept. 23). What’s the carbon footprint of a new car? theguardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/green-living- blog/2010/sep/23/carbon-footprint-new-car
International Conference on Water and Environment, Singh, V. P., International Conference on Water and Environment, & WE-2003. (2003). Ground water pollution. New Delhi: Allied Publ.
