Paper Example on Sustainability Problem in Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China, and it is an economic, cultural and political center for the people. The Town serves as a transport hub and port of entry. Throughout the history, Beijing has the heart of politics which has attracted intrigue travelers which explore city's past and modern development style. According to Reitze & Environmental Law Institute, (2005), air pollution is one of the sustainability problems affecting this city because of convenient and fast transport due to the existence of Crisscross roads. This paper discusses the leading causes of air pollution and why it has become a sustainability problem.

Air pollution has remained to be an environmental challenge and life threat to Beijing City residents. The widespread air pollution in the city is attributed to output from enormous manufacturing economic boom which amplified wealth enabling most people to afford motor vehicles (Krupnick & World Bank, 1990).Vehicles exhaust tiny toxic particles which contribute to hazardous air pollution. Manufacturing industries in the city release the massive amount of organic compound, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide gases into the air affecting the quality of air.

Quality of life is determined by living in a pollution free environment. Air pollution has become a sustainable problem because it affects both human health and natural environment. The physiological and physical well-being is adversely affected by the kind of air we are exposed to (McCormack, 1971). Long-term exposure to polluted air does not only cause damage to the respiratory system but also creates severe conditions such as cancer and heart diseases. Beijing is notorious for its smog released from Coal burning factories which rely on outdated and insufficient technology making it the second highest danger level (Bouarar, Wang & Brasseur, 2017). For example, exposure to Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Oxide irritates the airways of lungs and causes lung diseases. Carbon monoxide, on the other hand, prevents up taking of oxygen by blood, reducing the supply of oxygen to the heart causing heart diseases (McCormack, 1971). The high rates of air pollution have shortened the lifespan of Beijing's citizens, caused lower birth rates and high adult's mortality from respiratory diseases. Emission and contaminants are carried across the Pacific Ocean to the western United States by the global winds known as Westerlies. These particles dissolve in water causing Ocean acidification which affects the aquatic life (Jun, 2016). It is so ironical that United State causes its Environmental Degradation through trading with China.

To deal with negative consequences of air pollution, the World Health Organization and Climate and Clean Air Coalition together with other agencies brought into board Breathe life initiative which aims at mobilizing individuals and cities to protect plants along with our health from the severe implication of air pollution (Steven, 2014). The city also should stick by Heavy Air Pollution Contingency Plan which gives warning based on air pollution level. The city also needs to reform to Government laws and Behaviors.

The proposed solutions have not been effective in ending air pollution problem because the Fundamental trade-off is not between economic development and environmental protection (Farrauto, Gulati & Heck, 2013). Nations tend to give more attention to economic prosperity at the expense of the environment. The government environmental laws fines are miniscule whereby the offending corporations prefer to pay the penalty rather than changing the business practice. There is no openness in reporting as Chinese's government prefer PM10 particles to PM particle (Jun, 2016).

In conclusion, air pollution in Beijing does not only affect the health of its citizens but also limits the future expansion of the city. Though contamination has escalated, there are possible solutions to curb the problem. A clean and healthy environment is a right of every individual; therefore the government should work closely with its citizens to help identify the source of pollution, consequences and develop reforms and regulations which create a healthier atmosphere for both the present and future generations.

References

Bouarar, I., Wang, X., & Brasseur, G. (2017). Air pollution in Eastern Asia: An Integrated Perspective. Cham: Springer.

Farrauto, R. J., Gulati, S. T., & Heck, R. M. (2013). Catalytic air pollution control: Commercial technology. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

Jun, M. (2016). The Economics of Air Pollution in China: Achieving Better and Cleaner Growth. La Vergne: Columbia University Press.

Krupnick, A. J., & World Bank. (1990). Issues in urban air pollution: Review of the Beijing case. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Policy Planning and Research Staff, Environment Dept.

McCormac, B. M. (1971). Introduction to the Scientific Study of Atmospheric Pollution. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Reitze, A. W., & Environmental Law Institute. (2005). Stationary source air pollution law. Washington, D.C: Environmental Law Institute.

Steven, (2014). Understanding Environmental Policy. Columbia University Press