“Ours”, it is a GLOBAL ecosystem

A news article taken from The Straits Time (2015).

Based on the news article above, developing countries like India, is unwilling to make environmental pledge as it could sacrifice their growth. According to world reports, India is currently the third biggest-polluters. However, the Environmental Minister presented the world a choice: which is getting the developed countries to provide the money and technology for India to cut down significant amount of gas emissions.

Recently, I attended a policy seminar for one of my modules that I am taking. The speaker talked about the environmental challenges India. In India, adequate environmental restoration and safeguards is not readily recognized and this can be seen from the efforts taken to resolve the polluted environment. The main reason for this non-recognition is due to a mistaken Ideology. Its source tracks back to the content Business Schools would teach, where the financial leverage is achieved by reduce tax burdens by increasing debt liability. Hence, economics is taught as though nature does not matter but in fact, in reality, an economy cannot exist without nature.

“Growth first and the environment later” is the mindset of policy makers in India who are dominantly economists. Some of them take reference to the Environmental Kuznets Curve and observed that with economic growth, pollution/emission rates would increase but will diminish after a threshold level of income. Again, this also is supported by the “Growth first and the environment later” concept. However, the speaker emphasized that a fundamental issue of sink capacity is disregarded. There is a cumulative damage to environmental sinks but it is also not accounted because of the assumption that global environmental sinks are finite.

In the past, scientific information regarding on the global environment is limited and thus, the problems were classified as “theirs” and “ours”. Today, this barrier is removed, the environmental problems are linked in every part of the world. Hence, it should be categorized as “ours”, that is a global ecosystems.

Therefore, based on the seminar topic, I feel that India shouldn’t throw the entire responsibility on the world to help cut down gas emissions. The Earth’s ecosystem is shared by everyone and thus, India also have the responsibility to ensure appropriate measures are taken to cut down gas emissions. Apart from that, the leaders also need to understand that in order to achieve economic growth, environmental sustainability will need to be included as well.

Cited Source:

Thampapillai, D. J. (2007). Meeting the environmental challenges of China and India: Towards innovative policy formation, JOAAG, Vol. 2. No. 1

Innovative Design to Combat Air pollution

In continuation to my first post on “A twist in Fashion to Combat Air Pollution“, the masks has become a necessity especially during severe haze events. Since the last few episodes of haze events in Singapore, there are several key points that we can improve on. For instance, the correct and proper usage of N95 mask. There has been many users complaining the discomforts and unfitting N95 masks. Therefore, ST-Engineering subsidiary Innosparks created an improved design of the N95 mask which provides better ventilation and also a better fit for children.

Known as the Air+Smart Mask, it is launched on 13 March 2015 at Watson outlets in Singapore. According to many users, the N95 mask is uncomfortable as it traps moisture while breathing through the mask and thus, many would remove the mask. However, a representative from ST-Engineering stress the importance of keeping the mask on at all costs as one would lose their protection if the mask is taken off. Hence, the new mask has a micro-ventilator fitted at the side that extracts heat, moisture and accumulated CO₂ out of the mask so that it is cool and fresh within. In addition, the device is rechargeable and thus, it is reusable.

A news article taken from The Straits Time (2015).

Further more, the product is claimed to have a better fit as the masks are available in 3 sizes, large, medium and small, with adjustable straps. Hence, children who usually have difficultly fitting the N95 mask, is able to receive effective protection from the Smart Masks. A short video on the product is as follows:

To conclude, I think it is much more practical to create innovative design of masks that can help in protecting one’s health, rather than creating masks that are just for aesthetic purposes.

Accidental disasters that change the people’s life – but they do not have a choice and can’t end it.

An accidental release of air pollutants can cause major health impacts for the people who are staying there. These vulnerable people do not have a choice, it is where their homes are. Besides, where can they go? Usually, such accidents would claim hundreds to thousands of precious lives. It is unfortunate, but to those victims who survived, their future is uncertain. The effects of exposure to air pollutants may have long-term consequences which include, genetic disorders, depressions, associated diseases, and disabilities. It may not be as bad if the pain and suffering is shortened by death, but those who had to continue living are being “punished” even though it was not their fault.

Recently, I have watched a short film on a tragic industrial disaster that occurred in 1984 in Bhopal (India). The following is a summary of the event.

The city of Bhopal is located in the central of India with about 850,000 people during that time. During that period, the local people sustained themselves mainly through normal agriculture until 1950s, the international agriculture era began. The Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) that was created in 1934 started promoting the use of new seeds and pesticides to yield the maximum harvest so to meet the world’s food production demand. In order to reap the most profits from the sale of pesticides, a new factory was constructed in Bhopal. Some of the reasons it was build there were because, there are lesser costs and it was easier to get clearance from the authorities. In the beginning, the new factory was warmly welcomed by the locals as it provides them an opportunity to be employed there. The manufactured pesticide contains a highly reactive material known as methyl isocyanate (MIC). This is categorised as Hazardous Air pollutants (HAPs) designatd by U.S. EPA, and believed to cause adverse health and/or environmental effects which also needs to be mandated for review every 5 years. It was reported that the factory workers were not educated on MIC and are unaware of its potential dangers. Furthermore, there was no emergency plans or measures in place in the event of a leak.

As the years went by, business were not as good as before. Thus, the UCIL began to cut down supply of pesticides and dismissed almost half of their workers. The change affect the remaining workers, as they had to work harder and longer every shift. Therefore, there was lesser monitoring activities, inspections and maintenance in the factory. The frightening disaster happened at night and I believe that in the people’s memory, it will continue to be a nightmare. Before the accident, one of the workers was doing his routines, that is cleaning the MIC pipes. However, as the worker was not well-trained, a deadly mistake was made which caused the washing water to seep into the MIC pipe. The matter was escalated as the cooler that was supposed to keep the MIC pipe stable was switched off. Thus, the reaction between MIC and water continues and it increases the temperature inside the pipe rapidly. In the end, the threshold met and the poison gas started to leak. Along with the windy winds at night, the gas quickly spread to the communities and settlements nearby. Not aware of what it is exactly, the people in Bhopal started to run but we know that the best solution is to stay indoors with all windows and doors sealed. Therefore, about 8000 were killed mostly due to choking in gas clouds according to reports.

The aftermath of the leak, death rates continue to climb and those were due to injuries inflicted during the chaos. Until today, the people in Bhopal still suffer from the effects of MIC. Even though there was compensation made, it was insignificant as compared to the lifetime injuries and suffering the locals have to go through. In the end, the UCC’s CEO managed to escape the arrest in India and fled back to home country with mindset of not returning again.

Conclude: In my opinion, the Bhopal disaster was unfortunate. All the contributing factors like the time and location of the accident, emergency response, medical infrastructure, etc, have resulted an accident that was poorly managed. This makes it important for the Bhopal government to set up medical facilities and keep updated on medical practices. Today, the people in Bhopal are fighting to keep the memory of the 1984 disaster and there is organisation (i.e. ICJB) and campaigns (i.e. Sweep Dow Chemicals) set up to hold their anniversary. Apart from that, it also helps the people to use it as a tool to get justice in the endless disaster.

A photo of the factory. Take from: http://www.dw.de/bhopal-an-endless-disaster/a-18106607

A comic of UCC being haunted by the people who died in the disaster. Taken from: http://www.slideshare.net/ketanwadodkar/air-pollution-episodes-and-disasters

A photo of present campaigns in Bhopal, people getting justice. Taken from: http://matrixleaks.blogspot.sg/2012_02_01_archive.html

Opposing View Points in Air Pollution.

View point 1: Clean coal technology CAN reduce CO2 emission
— By Robert S. Giglio

• Views that clean coal technology could reduce CO2 emissions from coal-fires power plant.
• The method is to focus on reducing environmental impacts while improving technologies so that there are long-term solutions for reducing CO2 emissions.
• CCS refers to Capturing Carbon dioxide from Coal-fired power plants. The process involves compressing it and storing it underground, in deep-saline aquifers or other geologic formations.
• Governmental supports through giving incentives for investing in Zero-carbon coal facilities + developing coal-fired plants with CCS.

To achieve Zero net carbon dioxide emission, a unique combustion process known as Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFBs) reactors are used to burn biomass fuels. Biomass are considered carbon neutral because it absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and releases the same carbon back to the atmosphere when burned. Hence there is no surplus.

According to the author, the CFBs technology provides a solution from strictly relying on coal as a fuel source to a combination of coal + biomass to meet their large power demands. Furthermore, the combination ratio is flexible, meaning that more biomass can be use as a substitute when its available and relying back on coal when biomass is not available.

View point 2: Clean coal technology WILL NOT reduce air pollution
— By Jeff Biggers

• Views that clean coal is never more dangerous to our public health.
• It is true that many governments are calling for more funds to be used in reducing carbon emissions from coal burning power plants. However, the priorities are always shifting. The investments pumped into more practical technology such as solar energy, hydrogen fuel and home energy efficiency.

According to the author, many have forgotten the dirty realities of extracting coal from the earth but rather, fallen for the advancement in science and technology to achieve clean coal. Coal is never clean but deadly. More than 104000 miners in America have died in coal mines since 1900. Of which, 208000 have died due to black lung disease. Besides that, coal stripping has destroyed over 1 million acres of forests, 1000 miles of water bodies and its surrounding communities. Tons of explosives are also used in mining which cause harm to many communities. Therefore, coal is never clean.

My view point: 

In my opinion, I do not deny the use of advancement in technology as solution for Zero carbon emissions. I think it is important that more research should be funded to ensure the inventions are cleaner and safer for the environment as well as for the human health. New technology is needed as this can remove some pressure off natural resource like coal, since the demand for it as a primary energy source is very high. In addition, once the reliance on coal is reduced, coal mining activities may not be as much needed as before. Hence, with small-scaled mining, worker’s welfare and safety can be better taken care off and at the same time, using less destructive methods to mine coal when meeting the demand is not a factor anymore.

However, I do agree that some higher authorities may have been blinded by the economic growth and thus, shifting environmental health as the second priority. Therefore, the public can play a part to remind their governments the importance of environmental health since it also affects their health as well. This will then serve as a constant reminder for higher authorities to understand that the country’s economy is largely depended by its people. Hence, ensuring safe and healthy communities would in hand, provide greater returns.

Cited sources:

Gerdes, L. (2011). Pollution (pp. 91-102). Detroit [Mich.: Greenhaven Press.

The great air pollution disasters – 3 major history episodes

1. Meuse River Valley: 1930

A photo of the heavily polluted river valley in Eastern Belgium. Taken from http://www.slideshare.net/DavidRiceJr/air-qualtiy-managementtoolkit

A photo of current Meused river valley. Taken from: http://www.mountainproject.com/v/106672604

The air pollution occurred in the eastern belgium, at a river valley that was heavily industrialised with many air pollutants. Sources were from power stations, factories, domestic burning of coal for keeping households warm. The episode happened mainly due to meteorological conditions as well as the topography of the area. During that period, there was a combination of low temperate and wind speeds. The formation of fog creates an air shed which facilitated a variety of chemical reaction in the atmosphere. At the same time, the present weather was very cold which promoted more burning of coal in homes to keep warm. The buildup of air pollutants accumulated in the valley and its concentration caused a sudden increase of human deaths and illness, especially the vulnerable communities such as the elderly and the young.

2. Donora Pennsylvania: 1948

A photo of heavily polluted Monongahela river valley. Taken from: http://www.calu.edu/business-community/teaching-primary-sources/donora-digital-collection/smog-smoke/index.htm

A photo of the current Monongahela river valley. Taken from: http://pawatersheds.org/2013/02/pennsylvanians-choose-monongahela-as-river-of-the-year/

Similar to the incident mentioned before, the second air pollution episode took place at a valley that was heavily industrialised. Known as the Monongahela river valley, the area is populated with people of Donora and Webster. Driven also by meteorological conditions and geographical location, the incident began due to cool, low wind speed and heavy fog. It was recorded that the fog had an irritating pungent smell of sulfur dioxide. The effects of air pollutants affected many people and farm animals which caused adverse health conditions at the time of the event.

3. London: 1952

A photo of the heavily polluted Thames River in London. Taken from: http://www.pri.org/stories/2012-12-05/londons-great-smog-1952

A photo of the current Thames River in London. Taken from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paddle_Steamers_on_the_River_Thames,_London_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1776325.jpg

Noted as the most severe air pollution disaster in history, the incident took place over 4 days in London. Again, the geographical location of London lies in a wide valley that was heavily populated (8.6 million people). During that period, emitted air pollutants were trapped in the air inversion layer of the atmosphere (about 100m above ground level). The fog and smoke when combined together is known as “smog”, that decreases visibility on the ground and interfered with traffic and pedestrians.

Conclusion

All 3 air pollution disasters mentioned above have similar drivers. Which include, meteorological conditions, geographical location of the disasters and its associated health effects. Out of the 3 episodes, the Meuse river valley and Monongahela river valley both did not have any air-sampling data taken at the time except for last air pollution event in London. Therefore, because there were air-samples available, the episode triggered the British Clean Air Act (1956). The Act controlled the use of soft coal for heating purposes in domestic houses and also regulations in Britain as well as other countries.  On top of that, after the 3 air pollution disasters, the public became aware and concern which pushed their government for more research and legislation into preventing similar disasters from happening in future.

Cited Sources:

Phalen, R. (2013). Introduction to air pollution science: A public health perspective (pp. 5-8). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Smoke through designs in cigarettes

Electronic Cigarette (E-cigarette) have recently become a substitute for traditional cigarettes. To many people, it is claimed to be a “healthier alternative” and also a tool to help smokers quit smoking. Apart from that, E-cigarette have become a popular substitute in countries that enforced restrictions of traditional tobacco cigarettes in indoor areas. It is said to be “healthy” as E-cigarettes does not contain tobacco and thus, it does not emit smoke like traditional cigarettes. However, it does emit “vapor” as claimed on the products packaging, but it is not “vapor” but rather aerosols. According to researchers, emissions from E-cigarettes not only contains aerosols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFP) are also released from an E-cigarette. Furthermore, tests analysis also showed evidences of metals, or chemicals, leaching into the vapor before emitted into the air.

Cross section of e-cigarette components. Taken from: T. R. McAuley, P. K. Hopke, J. Zhao, and S. Babaian. (2012).

When compared with tobacco cigarettes, emission from E-cigarette contain fewer toxic components. Therefore, it is said to be less harmful to users as well as by-standers. However, such comparison is not accurate as the level of toxicity is dependent on exposure level. On top of that, emissions may also contribute to indoor air pollutant.

Health risks for users: Nicotine is additive and it is used in E-cigarettes. Besides that, it can contribute to cardiovascular disease and also function as tumor promoter. When exposed to nicotine long-term, abnormal brain development will be a consequence.

Health risks for non-users: Even though the level of nicotine and aerosols particles emitted from E-cigarettes is lower than traditional cigarette emissions, it is still unknown that lower levels of exposure to aerosols would mean lesser toxicity. However, as I have discussed in earlier posts, duration of exposure is the key even if the concentration of pollutant is lower. Thus, frequent low and short-term levels of UFP can result in inflammatory processes and increased risk of respiratory disease or even death.

To conclude, research in this area is still limited. However, it is clear that the emissions from E-Cigarettes are not just “vapor” as claimed. These emissions can be potential pollutants of indoor air pollution.

Cited Sources:

Grana, R., Benowitz, N., & Glantz, S. A. (2014). E-Cigarettes: A Scientific Review. Circulation, 129(19), 1972–1986. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.007667

Electronic nicotine delivery systems. (2014, January 1). Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/gb/fctc/PDF/cop6/FCTC_COP6_10-en.pdf

Geiss, O., Bianchi, I., Barahona, F., Barrero-Moreno, J. (2014). Characterisation of mainstream and passive vapours emitted by selected electronic cigarettes, International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, Volume 218, Issue 1, Pages 169-180, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.10.001.

T. R. McAuley, P. K. Hopke, J. Zhao, and S. Babaian. (2012). Comparison of the effects of e-cigarette vapor and cigarette smoke on indoor air quality, Inhalation Toxicology, Volume 24, No. 12, Pages 850 –857,
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08958378.2012.724728.

Why does implementation on air pollution seem so problematic?

History misconceptions?
I am not sure about this, but it is said that the policies today are drafted according to the China’s Confucian roots about: man’s use of the Earth resources. Therefore, these words of wisdom may have been the cause of environmental issues today as it is not just because of the policy choices made, but also the attitudes, approaches, and institutions that have evolved over time.

China’s economy
In the past, smoke emitted from industries represented that the economy is thriving and thus was referred as a good prospect. However, the current development in China’s economy come with the expense of the environment as well as human health.

Legacy of decentralization 
As the economy develops, China started reformation where industries began to diffuse into provinces. These industries brought their development ideas learnt in cities and put them into use at rural locations. However, not all areas receive the same treatment. Some wealthier regions are regulated under proactive officials who resort to selfish means so as to tackle their own environmental needs or economic incentives. Whereas other poorer regions continues to lag far behind.

Local governments
Environmental policies in some regions are difficult to be enforced at local level. The officials may not be trained or have the capabilities for the particular position. There are instances where officials attempt to “close BOTH eyes” on polluting industry because they fear being interfered with economic growth and being blamed the responsible for losing other’s rice bowl (employment).

Weak initiatives and enforcement
It is known that the Chinese leaders has been ambitious with regards to the country’s development. This of course does not leave out their ambitious environmental laws & initiatives. With too much planning and considerations taking place, policy implementation therefore become inconsistent as the environmental bureaucracy is generally weak. Recently, the leaders realized the need for external assistance to control polluting industries as there are corrupted officials within local governments. Thus, the leaders extended their power of enforcement to organisation but there are reports that showed the organisations also face constraints. For instance, in Beijing, there is an amendment to China’s protection law that restricts organisation/groups from suing polluting industries.

To conclude
The environment in China remains far below center priorities such as economic development and maintaining social stability. This is evident from the fact that the Chinese people have yet gain their basic rights to breath clean air, participate in decision-making process on China’s development that would affect their standard of living, and to get fair treatment/ justice when these rights are violated.

Cited Sources:
Beina, X. (2014, January 1). China’s Environmental Crisis. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/china/chinas-environmental-crisis/p12608

Economy, E. (2003, January 1). China’s Environmental Challenge: Political, Social and Economic Implications. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/china/chinas-environmental-challenge-political-social-economic-implications/p5573

The smog documentary.

Recently, this film has been gaining many people’s attention. The Chinese film explains about the country’s dense smog which has generated huge online response and discussion. Even though there was news reported that the film called “Under the Dome” was demanded to be removed from the internet, the new environmental minister (Chen Jining) was reported to have complimented the film. According to media reports, Chen Jining praised the film was comparable to the film by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.

The film begins with the speaker’s personal experience with her unborn daughter diagnosed with tumor which had to be removed after giving birth. The speaker talks about how ensuring her daughter’s health isn’t just after the surgery, but rather the battle against air pollution in China. In my opinion, I liked the way the speaker tries to convey the message of long-term exposure to poor air quality. Through the speaker’s personal experiences as well as combine research efforts with universities, I think she succeeded in drawing not just my attention but also the live audiences seated in front of her.

The speaker continues to talk on corruption of state-owned oil company which was reported to be the biggest target. Before the release of this film, the Chinese President (Xi Jiping) vowed to punish with an iron hand to any polluters who destroy the ecology or environment. He also pledged to advance the supervision over the Communist Party of China officials to build a clean government altogether.

Overall, I feel that this documentary is released timely in conjunction with the press conference on environmental protection. It has drawn up many attention around the world and hopefully, this would give pressure to the new environmental minister in ensuring appropriate actions are done to improve China’s air quality.

Are we prepared for transboundary pollution?

Yesterday, South Korea was hit by yellow dust. According to meteorologist, it was due to strong winds that picked up dusty air from the deserts in southern Mongolia and northern China. Local authorities have advised their citizens to stay indoors and to wear a mask if they had to go outdoors. (Click HERE to watch the news video)

Such natural event is unavoidable, but as learnt in lectures, dusts are capable to undergo chemical reactions with primary pollutants (those which are pumped into the atmosphere and pollute the air such as carbon monoxide from car exhaust). The resulting compounds are known as secondary pollutants and are toxic to us when inhaled into our respiratory systems.

After watching the news video, I realised that most people as seen in the video does not wear a proper mask. Majority wore surgical masks or clothed masks that were not meant for preventing fine air particles. Unlike in Singapore’s haze event, when air quality reached toxic levels, the authorities announced through different media platforms to inform the people to get proper N95 mask. There were also instructional videos on governmental websites that teaches people the correct way of wearing the mask. Furthermore, many volunteering organisations went to give out N95 masks to older residents who are definitely more vulnerable to extreme air quality.

Therefore, it is unlikely to be able to control air pollution when it has already happened. Combating air pollution at the point of contact may not be the best solution. However, having proper masks to prevent inhalation of fine particles are still important to our health especially for more vulnerable individuals.

Hazy Chinese New Year

Since February 15, the eastern parts of Singapore was filled with a burning smell and the air quality have also been hazy due to a fire in Malaysia. According to news reports, a landfill in Pasir Gudong, Johor caught fire and the Malaysian authorities are still trying to put out the fire. The Singapore National Environmental Agency (NEA) has offered assistance to Malaysian counterparts. However, the offer is not yet accepted. Referring to NEA’s online information on haze, the regional haze map showed several hotspot in Malaysia. As of 17:56, 17/02/2015, total hotspot count from the satellite is 16.

Hotspot Count Report taken from Meteorological Service Singapore

Hotspots Map. Taken from MSS

I stay in the east of Singapore and the presence of burning smell is definitely quite strong, especially in the early morning and late in the night. One thing I feel suspicious about the air quality on the pollutant standard index (PSI) generated from NEA is the reliability. From the NEA website, the 24-hr PSI readings is 53-55 ppm and 42 ppm for 3-hr PSI readings at 11 pm. However, even though I do not have a monitoring device, the air quality is definitely quite bad currently with the strong burning smell. Hence, I am unsure whether we can rely 100% on the generated PSI.

Hope that Malaysian counterparts would consider the help from Singapore and quickly put out the ongoing fire so as to avoid having a hazy CNY 2015!