Pollution Control Proposal
This proposal is submitted to the office of the City Mayor and to the office of the City Council for the purpose of establishing an environmental program that will address the issue of air pollution in the city. This proposal shall include a background on pollution and the rationale for establishing a pollution-mitigation program as well as the costs and benefits of the implementation of such a program. The proposal concludes with an indicative listing of affirmative steps leading to an approval and implementation of the proposed pollution control program.
Background
Air pollution is a serious concern in the world and is becoming a very serious issue in the city. Air pollution a direct result of increased activities within the city. With more people putting up business, more families buying homes, and a greater demand for resources such as electricity, water and new land, it is no surprise that economic progress has fueled the rise of environmental issues as well as economic yields.
One of the objectives of the City is to ensure the quality of life of its residents. The quality of life includes health and ensuring that health-related quality of life is maintained is an important metric that makes a city competitive and sustainable. Health related quality of life includes physical, mental, emotional and social aspects and involves measuring levels of satisfaction of members of the community . The level of air pollution is an important component of health related quality of life and is an important concern for city officials if the city envisions itself to be a highly livable, sustainable and progressive destination for businesses and residential communities.
Proposed Program to Reduce Air Pollution
The proposed program involves three main corrective actions. These high-level actions can be implemented in a variety of ways. The first high-level recommendation is to establish a program that will reduce the use of motor vehicles. Studies have shown that the use of motor vehicles and specifically the continued use of fossil fuel combustion technology is the largest contributor of air pollution in the world . Therefore, reducing the amount of motor vehicles on the road would directly lead to a reduction in the levels of pollutants emitted to the atmosphere. There are many ways to reduce the amount of motor vehicles on the road while still addressing transportation requirements of the city. In many Asian countries for example, the heavy taxation on the purchase of motor vehicles is implemented and is coupled with a very low cost of the use of trains for commuters. Countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong have implemented sophisticated train systems that would take anyone literally anywhere within the city. These countries also levy a heavy tax on the purchase of motor vehicles, making it almost prohibitive to lower-income groups . Another way of doing so is by limiting the number of vehicles that families can own or by prohibiting some types of motor vehicles on public express ways at specific times within the day. A successful campaign that involves motor vehicle reduction will decrease the amount of carbon dioxide dumped in the air, which will translate to better air quality.
Another way of improving air quality is through the reduction of the use of industrial machineries that are hinged on fossil fuels. This includes the use of large factories for the generation of electricity using coal, bunker or diesel fuel. The use of renewable energy resources, such as hydro power, solar, wind or biomass fuels will increase energy security by ensuring that power is made available using domestic resources, will increase employment opportunities for local skilled workers, and will save the economy from costly importation while helping improve air quality.
Finally, a third air pollution program that can be implemented is through urban greening. There are many modern designs that incorporate the use of natural greeneries and energy efficiency methods that would help reduce the need for power and electricity. With a reduced demand for power, there will be less pollution emitted to the atmosphere, while softening the urban landscape. This green strategy includes ensuring that there is a an implementable amount of open space to built-up area proportion, providing incentives for green roofing and energy efficiency measures, and compulsory participation in urban greening such as tree planting along roads, un-used open spaces and sloped areas.
Costs and Benefits
The costs and benefits of these programs are highlighted in the table below.
Conclusion
The general strategies proposed herewith would directly result in a reduction in the amount of pollutants that are emitted to the atmosphere and may result in a significant economic gain for the city. With these general strategies, the city will become more livable, sustainable and attractive to live and invest in.
References
Healthy People. (2014, December 25). Health-Related Quality of Life and Well-Being. Retrieved from Healthy People: http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Health-Related-Quality-of-Life-and-Well-Being
EPA Victoria. (n.d.). Air Pollution. Retrieved December 29, 2014, from Environmental Protection Agency - Victoria: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/air/aq4kids/cars.asp
Chia, N.-C., Tsui, A. K., & Whalley, J. (2003). Taxes and Traffic in Asian Cities: Ownership and use taxes on Autos in Singapore. Retrieved December 29, 2014, from Economics UWO: http://economics.uwo.ca/research/department_working_papers_docs/wp2003/wp2003_5.pdf
