Pollution （6do encyclopedia）

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Pollution is the presence or introduction into the environment of substances or materials that cause harm or discomfort to living organisms. Pollution can come from natural and human-made sources, and it can affect air, water, and soil.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, including gases, particulate matter, and biological molecules. These substances can come from natural sources such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and pollen, or human-made sources such as transportation, industrial activities, and power generation.

Particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometers in size (PM2.5) is particularly harmful to human health as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are also harmful pollutants in the air that can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain. The major sources of these pollutants are transportation and industrial activities.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is the presence or introduction of substances that harm living organisms or make water unfit for human use. Water can become polluted from natural sources, such as agricultural runoff and soil erosion, or human-made sources, such as industrial discharges, sewage, and oil spills.

One of the most harmful pollutants in water is lead, which can leach into water from pipes and plumbing fixtures. Lead consumption can cause developmental and learning disabilities in children. Microplastics, which are small synthetic particles that do not decay easily and can be found in toothpaste, clothing, and personal care products, also pollute water and can harm aquatic organisms.

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution occurs when chemicals or other substances are introduced into the soil, which can harm plant and animal life. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in agriculture and industrial activities can cause soil pollution, as well as sewage and landfill waste.

Heavy metal pollutants, such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic, can accumulate in the soil over time and pose a risk to human health. Soil pollution can also harm crops and reduce soil fertility, which can lead to food scarcity and economic hardship for farmers.

Effects of Pollution

Pollution can have numerous effects on the environment and human health. In addition to respiratory problems from air pollution, there are many other health impacts, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reproductive problems. Water pollution can lead to the spread of diseases, harm aquatic life, and make water unfit for human use. Soil pollution can lead to food scarcity, harm crops, and damage ecosystems.

Pollution can also have economic consequences, such as lost productivity due to illness, the cost of cleaning up polluted areas, and damage to infrastructure from storms and flooding. It can also harm tourist industries and decrease property values in polluted areas.

Prevention and Solutions

There are many different approaches to preventing and solving pollution, including regulations, sustainability practices, and technological innovations.

Governments around the world have implemented regulations to limit the release of pollutants from industrial and transportation sources, such as requiring the use of emissions controls and mandating cleaner energy sources. Society as a whole can adopt sustainability practices, such as switching to renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and conserving water.

Innovations in technology can also play a role in limiting pollution, such as developing cleaner energy sources and transportation options, and improving wastewater treatment systems. Scientists are also developing new materials that break down more quickly in the environment, which can reduce the amount of plastic waste.

Conclusion

Pollution is a significant issue facing society today that affects the environment and human health. With concerted efforts from governments, individuals, and businesses, we can work towards reducing pollution, protecting the environment, and creating a healthy and sustainable future.

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UN lays out blueprint to reduce plastic waste 80% by 2040

Reuters

23-05-16 15:22

https://cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/VLGSTXZU3JJCVAB6TOTHBRV7HA.jpg（图片大于 4 MB）

According to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), existing technologies and major policy changes could reduce plastic pollution by 80% globally by 2040. This would be accomplished through strategic change in reorientation from recycling to alternative packaging. Measures supported by UNEP include reuse, recycling and reorientation of packaging materials with the report estimating government promotion of systems using refillable bottles could reduce plastic waste by 30% over the next 22 years. While some campaigners have said that the UNEP blueprint doesn’t go far enough, a second round of discussions in Paris next week on the subject are aiming for global agreements on production cuts and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies.

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/un-lays-out-blueprint-reduce-plastic-waste-80-by-2040-2023-05-16/

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No time to waste in cutting plastic pollution, UN warns ahead of treaty talks

RFI

23-05-16 15:14

Governments that change policies to move from a single-use system to a circular economy with real recycling could cut plastic use by half and reduce waste by more than 80% by 2040, according to a report from the UN Environment Programme. The analysis also showed that plastic could undermine efforts to limit carbon emissions to 1.5C under the Paris Agreement due to its inherent large carbon footprint. The report's authors said significant shifts are needed in deposit-return and packaging-takeback schemes and to limit polymer use in production to make recycling easier. Governments and companies need to put these shifts in place before plastic waste climbs from 238 million metric tonnes in 2020 to 408 million metric tonnes by 2040, they said, posing grave risks to visiting and local tourist areas, fisheries and wildlife.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230516-no-time-to-waste-in-cutting-plastic-pollution-un-warns-ahead-of-treaty-talks

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Poison playground as firefighters recall hosing down kids with toxic foam

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-17 01:56

The risk assessed investigation into potentially toxic firefighting foam chemicals at New South Wales Fire and Rescue's (FRNSW) 334 fire stations is "woefully inadequate", according to firefighters unions. Just eight sites have been tested, leaving unclear the extent of potential contamination around the state. PFAS chemicals were used in the foam for firefighting and were also spread around public parks and sporting fields, with firefighters also hosing down children at community events. A landmark legal settlement for affected communities saw the Commonwealth agree to pay AUD132.7m ($96.1m) in damages.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/poison-playground-as-firefighters-recall-hosing-down-kids-with-toxic-foam-20230517-p5d91o.html

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Wildfires made Calgary the most polluted city on Earth. Here’s how air pollution harms our health

The Toronto Star

23-05-17 01:37

Calgary briefly overtook Lahore, Pakistan as the world's most heavily polluted city on Tuesday after Alberta’s wildfires caused the city to max out Canada’s Air Quality Health Index. Parts of the city recorded fine, toxic particles in excess of 500 micrograms per cubic metre at their peak, more than five times the level found in Lahore, currently 2022’s most polluted city. Air pollution is linked to the development of conditions including neurological disorders like dementia, heart disease, lung disease and assorted cancers. Jeffrey Brook, an air quality expert and assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, considers that traffic and industry are the main contributors to air pollution in Canada, but wildfires are emerging as the main contributor because of the volume of particulates they emit. Smoke from wildfire contains particularly high levels of particulates and is responsible for approximately 20% of Canada’s annual PM 2.5 emissions.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/05/16/wildfires-made-calgary-the-most-polluted-city-on-earth-heres-how-air-pollution-harms-our-health.html

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Will today's crisp bags wash ashore in 60 years?

BBC

23-05-17 00:40

Old litter on a beach near Great Yarmouth has highlighted the problem of single-use plastic, with pre-decimalisation crisp packets from the 1960s among the items discovered. Experts and crisp manufacturers say that change is necessary, with Fairfield Farm Crisps commit to plastic reduction. The company has trialled one-ply packaging, a move from three-ply to two-ply and a reduction in weight thickness. However, it has encountered difficulties using compostable bags, which can be rejected by some authorities, while recyclable bags are not always recycled. The cost and shorter shelf-life of cellulose packaging pose additional issues.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-65608851

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Will washed up wrappers ever be a thing of the past?

BBC

23-05-17 08:24

A holiday home owner discovered decades-old litter on a Norfolk beach, including pre-decimalisation crisp packets. The longevity of single-use plastics raises concerns about the prospect of the current generation’s plastic trash returning to shore in 60 years’ time. Both crisp manufacturers and environmental experts are working to address the problem, with Fairfields Farm Crisps opting for biodegradable and thinner carbon-zero packaging and Walkers pledging to use 100% recycled or renewable content by 2030. Compostable packaging presents a solution, however the cost could put makers out of business. A compostable Two Farmers bag costs 12.5 pence compared with 1.6 pence for a standard bag.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-65608851

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Global Plastics Treaty Will Test Japan’s Clean Image

Diplomat

23-05-17 12:36

Japan’s position towards a new global plastics treaty, due to be discussed in May and June 2021 in Paris, emphasizes marine litter rather than strict recycling policy and regulation of plastic production. Although Japan is clean and tidy in appearance, its methods of keeping the streets clean are ineffective and environmentally harmful. Only 22% of Japan’s plastic is actually recycled, with the majority being incinerated under the banner of thermal recycling, adding to fossil carbon emissions causing global warming. Furthermore, 40% of the plastic that is recycled in Japan is exported, primarily to countries that lack adequate waste disposal facilities such as landfills, such as Malaysia. Despite this, Japan’s published position on the treaty prioritizes marine litter, rather than tighter regulation and practises regarding plastic production. A stronger approach towards plastic production and use is needed, involving recycling, reduction targets and agreed-upon global rules instead of voluntary measures.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/global-plastics-treaty-will-test-japans-clean-image/

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Plans to cut sewage pollution in England hit by rising costs

Financial Times

23-05-17 12:20

Regulator Ofwat has increased demands for water companies in England and Wales to invest more into sewage infrastructure, following public pressure to reduce pollution levels in rivers, lakes, and seas. Despite paying out £1.4bn in dividends last year, water providers have been slow behind on spending targets with only three-fifths of the £2.2bn allocated to wastewater infrastructure for 2025 having actually been spent. The increased demand comes just as construction, finance, energy and labour costs are rising, which threatens the delivery of desired investment. Last month, Ofwat made the proposal to reapportion £1.6bn of expenditure planned for 2025 to 2030 to the next two financial years. More than £1bn of this is aimed at reducing the number of annual average spills from storm overflows, which was 301,091 recorded in 2022. The UK’s investment in water infrastructure is also reported to be lagging behind Europe.

https://www.ft.com/content/3e6fae0a-22b2-4641-a209-41598713fbb0

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Water companies apologise for sewage spills and promise to invest £10bn to reduce them

Telegraph

23-05-17 22:32

Water industry body Water UK has apologised and promised sweeping improvement to UK sewage systems, in response to several environmental groups' campaigns. Decades of underinvestment in water systems have led to sewage being dumped in rivers and waterways hundreds of thousands of times annually in what the BBC has described as a “sewage crisis”. A £10bn ($12.6bn) plan includes the installation of water storage tanks to replace those overburdened by population expansion, as well as ponds to replace outdated concrete. The improvements will be paid for through customer bills. The plan is expected to reduce last year’s spills of 300,000 by 10%.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/17/water-companies-sorry-sewage-spills-first-time-10bn/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Can biodiversity funds help investors protect wildlife?

Financial Times

23-05-18 04:25

The launch of new funds, such as Axa and Fidelity, have been following the discussion on climate change with the inclusion of another issue in sustainable investment. There is a growing consensus among asset managers that biodiversity must be included in the sustainability conversation. Event at the UN have seen a series of goals implemented to combat the decrease of biodiversity caused by land and sea use, deforestation, pollution and invasive alien species. Currently, there is a gap in quantifiable metrics related to biodiversity, making it difficult for corporate strategies to integrate biodiversity. The lack of available data is making it challenging for funds to measure their performance and track where they are making a difference with their investments. Due to the complexities in biodiversity measures, some analysts are exclusively targeting solutions providers in just four key areas.

https://www.ft.com/content/9249e556-a017-4c94-8aec-d69661143707

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Water bills will rise ‘for a century’ to stop sewage leaking into rivers and seas, companies admit

Telegraph

23-05-18 11:19

UK household water bills could rise for up to a century thanks to £10bn investment from the water industry to overhaul the sewage system. Ruth Kelly, the chairman of Water UK, stated there will be "modest upward pressure" on bills to fund the work aimed at reducing sewage flows into rivers and waterways. Pressure groups have criticised the plans as inadequate, as they will only reduce spills by just over 10% compared to 2019 figures. The full details of the proposals, which will include the installation of huge water storage tanks, will be published this summer. The costs will, ultimately, be born by customers, as investment from investors will only be upfront.

Since privatisation of the water industry in the 1990s, billions of pounds have been paid out in dividends and bonuses to water industry shareholders and managers. Building a new regulator, that would combine the roles of the pollution oversight of the Environment Agency with the economic regulation of Ofwat, has been floated by the Labour Party. The UK’s water industry has been faced with calls for renationalisation in the wake of the continued sewage crisis and the fact that only 14% of England’s rivers are categorised as ecologically healthy.

The UK environment spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, called for bans on bonuses for water company chief executives. He argued, “It is a kick in the teeth that customers are being asked to pay more in bills to clean up the water companies’ own mess, all while CEOs pocket massive bonuses. We need to see a ban on water company bosses being given multi-million pound payouts". Meanwhile, the musician and environmental campaigner, Feargal Sharkey, criticied Water UK for having “messed this up”. He suggested, “What they should be doing is, ‘we messed this up, we’re terribly sorry, we’re going to compensate you all, £10 billion, it is the least we could do for our customers, give you a refund."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/18/water-bills-rise-sewage-leak-overhaul-feargal-sharkey/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

UK water industry’s apology for sewage spills condemned as ‘vacuous’

Financial Times

23-05-18 08:19

Water UK, the trade body for utilities companies, has offered an apology for the dumping of large quantities of sewage in English and Welsh waterways and coastal waters, and confirmed a pledge to commit £10bn to cut sewage outflows. This amount will need to be approved by regulator Ofwat. Customers will pay through an increased charge on their bills. Singer Feargal Sharkey, who is leading a campaign against sewage pollution, condemned the plans. Around 20% of treated water is lost to leakages and just 16% of treated waters meet the minimum good ecological status standards. Yorkshire Water, South West Water and Thames Water chiefs declined bonus pay following recent public protests at cuts over sewage pollution.

https://www.ft.com/content/ca9efe66-6675-41f4-9150-e0c3022c1c52

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Water bills will rise ‘for a century’ to stop sewage leaking into rivers and seas, companies admit

Telegraph

23-05-18 11:19

UK household water bills could rise for up to a century thanks to £10bn investment from the water industry to overhaul the sewage system. Ruth Kelly, the chairman of Water UK, stated there will be "modest upward pressure" on bills to fund the work aimed at reducing sewage flows into rivers and waterways. Pressure groups have criticised the plans as inadequate, as they will only reduce spills by just over 10% compared to 2019 figures. The full details of the proposals, which will include the installation of huge water storage tanks, will be published this summer. The costs will, ultimately, be born by customers, as investment from investors will only be upfront.

Since privatisation of the water industry in the 1990s, billions of pounds have been paid out in dividends and bonuses to water industry shareholders and managers. Building a new regulator, that would combine the roles of the pollution oversight of the Environment Agency with the economic regulation of Ofwat, has been floated by the Labour Party. The UK’s water industry has been faced with calls for renationalisation in the wake of the continued sewage crisis and the fact that only 14% of England’s rivers are categorised as ecologically healthy.

The UK environment spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, called for bans on bonuses for water company chief executives. He argued, “It is a kick in the teeth that customers are being asked to pay more in bills to clean up the water companies’ own mess, all while CEOs pocket massive bonuses. We need to see a ban on water company bosses being given multi-million pound payouts". Meanwhile, the musician and environmental campaigner, Feargal Sharkey, criticied Water UK for having “messed this up”. He suggested, “What they should be doing is, ‘we messed this up, we’re terribly sorry, we’re going to compensate you all, £10 billion, it is the least we could do for our customers, give you a refund."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/18/water-bills-rise-sewage-leak-overhaul-feargal-sharkey/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

For Locals, India’s Coal Rush Means a Black Future

Diplomat

23-05-18 15:01

India's coal reserves are so vast that they exceed internal demand and can even be exported. However, despite making green commitments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintains that India is ready to cut its emissions and to become a “lead player in the global green energy market" - a contradiction that is at odds with the reality on the ground. According to The Diplomat, as the demand for coal rapidly increases, losing the precious forests of Singrauli will be catastrophic and infrastructure needs to be built in this district, using renewable energy. Local Indigenous communities are left without jobs, land and livelihood and are left in the dark about mining projects being imposed.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/for-locals-indias-coal-rush-means-a-black-future/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

UK water companies told to put ‘consumers above profits’

Financial Times

23-05-18 19:19

The UK government has told water companies that any investment boost to cut sewage spills should not come at the expense of consumers. The comments followed Water UK’s acknowledgement that customers would foot the “modest” £10bn ($12.7bn) bill for the investment proposal, which has yet to be approved by regulator Ofwat. Ofwat says it will scrutinise the nature of the necessary investment, including how much represents new work, alongside the proposed impact on bills and shareholder and lender returns. In April, bills for average UK households increased by 7.5% to £448 a year.

https://www.ft.com/content/ab39faf3-aef8-4855-9208-53bad3a6b409

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Air pollution linked to ADHD in schoolkids, new study finds

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-18 19:00

Air pollution caused by factors such as bushfires is expected to worsen Sydney’s air pollution, as fine atmospheric particles have been linked to higher incidences of lung cancer, dementia, depression and ADHD. Recent studies including 164,000 Chinese schoolchildren found that for every 10 micrograms of particles smaller than 2.5 microns per cubic metre they were exposed to, children were 1.65 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. During 2019, a bad year for air pollution due to the Black Summer fires, Liverpool had 32 days when PM2.5 surpassed targets compared to Randwick’s 18.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/air-pollution-linked-to-adhd-in-schoolkids-new-study-finds-20230518-p5d9cl.html

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Why natural disasters seem worse than our most dire predictions

Japan Times

23-05-19 08:55

Despite climate change scientists keeping a close track on the progress of global warming and their predictions following suit, there are still those who were not warned of the specific impact that global warming can have, according to Bloomberg Opinion columnist, David Fickling. Part of the problem is how statistically driven the results were and the second part to how humans catastrophise data based on what is easiest to interpret. Fickling argues that "lay people" find it hard to comprehend how global warming, or melting ice in the Arctic, for example, could impact them on a more local level. Ultimately, scientists are unable at this point to provide the high-density forecasts necessary to create localised outcomes in response to global warming.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2023/05/19/commentary/world-commentary/understanding-climate-change/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Letters: Households should not have to pick up the bill for water companies’ failings

Telegraph

23-05-20 00:01

The water companies that pollute the UK’s waterways should waive their entitlement to dividends until the problem had been fixed, according to a letter from Roger Lounds, published in The Daily Telegraph. Lounds wrote that it was “appalling” that consumers rather than shareholders were faced with costs stemming from the pollution. Efforts by water firms to reduce incidents of sewage discharge had been inadequate, Lounds said, yet prices had continued to escalate. Costs had routinely been passed on to customers by the water companies, he argued, adding, “having taken responsibility for causing the problem, the water companies and their shareholders need to accept responsibility for putting things right”. In similar letters, readers blamed privatisation, poor sanitation infrastructure and a lack of action by local authorities for the level of pollution.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2023/05/20/letters-households-should-not-pay-for-water-company-failure/

[brief (簡報編譯)]

South London council scraps planned LTN after huge outcry from residents

Telegraph

23-05-20 18:00

Residents in Dulwich Village, south London, have dropped legal action against Southwark Council over plans to introduce a new low traffic neighbourhood (LTN), after the council scrapped the proposal. The proposal would have closed a junction between Turney Road and Dulwich Village, but did not include proposed exemptions for blue badge holders or people with mobility issues, leading to protests by local disabled groups. Southwark Council said it had experienced "limited support" for the proposal, with just 33% of 1,242 respondents favouring it.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/20/ltn-scrapped-dulwich-residents-win-southwark-labour/