Question

How does the environment play a role on health?

Select a developed country and a developing country. What environmental health issues do these countries have in common? How do they differ, and why?

Select an environmental health concern and think of what advances could be made in the next 25 years to improve/prevent/eliminate it. On the other hand, if we ignore it, what damage could be done?

In what regions of the world would the burden from household air pollution be the greatest? Why?

Answer 1

As mankind and economics evolves, sustainable development is one of the top goals for most economies across the globe. It is important that we use alternative techniques of production which will help us in growing while maintaining balance in the environment as well.

The following are specific answers to the case as follows: -

1) Role of Environment on Health

Environment has a big role to play on the health of human beings. Water and Air pollution and all other similar sources such as noise pollute the area and have long lasting effects on the wellbeing and economic activity that takes place in the country.

For example, in areas of China and India, the cities are so polluted that they have been declared unsafe for human population during few months.

Air pollution for an example reduces lung function and can lead to long term problems such as asthma, sinus etc. Water pollution can also lead to poisoning, diseases amongst others.

2) For the purpose of analysing the case, we have chosen the United States and India to be the country of our choice. Both these countries are in severe distress when it comes to managing air pollution. India sees a heavy inclination towards unhealthy air quality as winters approach. Same is the case with the United States. People in Bulk population areas are heavily effected and face serious issues of air pollution such as respiratory problems.

The key differences are how, both these countries are currently handling the situations at their ends. United States is on the verge of developing critical technology for fuel which is a major component of air pollution. They have the infrastructural requirements to use electric vehicles more often which can reduce air pollution to a large extent. On the contrary India is developing and most of its population lives in areas such as New Delhi and Mumbai.

The pressure which India faces is that most areas which are populated face sever air pollution whereas others are fine. On the contrary United States sees a more wide spread issue as the development is present in most parts of the country.

Therefore, in India it is over dependency on certain developed states which is causing the issue and is not being tackled properly. While with the United States this is a widespread issue, but yet is seeing good amount of action from the government.

Part 3)

For the purpose of answering the case, we have chosen Air pollution which is a major hazard for one and all. In the next 25 years I believe that all vehicular traffic will become electric and will source its energy requirements through sources such as Water, Solar and Air in place of traditional fuel. This will help in reducing the environmental impact of travel.

If this is not implemented, we would soon see cases like that in China and India, wherein in cities such as Beijing and New Delhi the Air turned hazardous in almost all parts of the world. This will cause humans to die out much more quickly and will stall economic growth of one and all kinds respectively.

Part 4)

In my opinion the household air pollution would be highest in countries such as China and India. These countries are densely populated and still use primitive ways to fuel their needs. The population in these countries will soon surpass rest of the world which would lead to an even increasing demand for domestic fuel among other uses.

Therefore, due to the over population and lack of capital funding for alternative renewable resources, these two countries would be the largest source of household air pollution respectively.

Please feel free to ask your doubts in the comments section if any.