There is a growing awareness of the social issue of environmental pollution. Environmental pollution includes air, water, and soil. Environmental pollution is threating the world in which we all live. There is no individual group that is affected more than others. Individuals have the option to make choices and alternatives which would generate better outcomes than the destructive effects that it can cause. Understanding the dangers associated with environmental pollution and the solutions with can reduce the effects will aid individuals in doing their part to fix the problem.
Environmental pollution has a very broad definition due to the nature of the issue. “Environmental pollution is defined as the undesirable change in physical, chemical and biological characteristics of our air, land and water. As a result of over-population, rapid industrializations, and other human activities like agriculture and deforestation etc., earth became loaded with diverse pollutants that were released as by-products” (Sharma, np). The vast effects of pollution makes it difficult to determine the potential sollution.
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"Issue Of Environmental Pollution".
The issue of environmental pollution is a legal issue in some cases, and in some cases it falls under the consideration of being ethical. Due to the growing concerns of pollution, the government has stepped in to regulate business and individual situations to prevent the rapid damage that could occur from the pollution. “It is interesting to note that, as of 1990, there were around 65,000 different chemicals in the marketplace, i.e. potential environmental pollutants that were to be released into air, water and land on a regular basis.” (Gray, np). The estimation is that as of 2012, the number is much higher.
All individuals have important stake in the outcome of environmental pollution. Global warming and other environmental damages are challenging the way in which we live. The stakes in the outcome is having a safe environment to live in and for the future. The concerns are very important. The environmental pollution damage that has been done prior to knowing its effect has irreversible damages. The pros are clearly that finding a way to reduce environmental pollution will preserve the world in which we all live. It will reduce waste, pollutants in the air, and in the soil. The cons are it requires everyone to do their part, and it is difficult to get everyone on board when it comes to making a conscious effort to participate.
There are many potential solutions for the issue of environmental pollution. However, we have no power to control how business operate, and other large offenders who are aiding in the problem instead of the solution. It is important to look at we can do individually. The idea of reducing, reusing, and recycling is a very simple practice that individuals can do to make a difference. Making a conscious effort to turn off the lights and reduce the use of electricity is also important. The ethical implication of the solution is that there is no way to regulate who participates and who does not. It is important that individual know that their participation is their responsibility to prevent pollution.
The Utilitarian Approach is the option which produces the most good and does the least harm. It does not mandate government regulation, it is a personal position that allows individuals to consider what they can do to make a difference. They cannot reduce business emissions, or smog, or other issues, but they can reduce their own electricity use and reduce the amount of waste that overflows our landfills. The Rights Approach is the option which best respects the rights of all who have a stake. Individual involvement in reducing environmental pollution benefits everyone. The stakeholders are everyone who lives in the world and it is each individual’s responsibility to make sure it is livable in the future.
The Justice Approach is the option which treats people proportionately and equally. Preventing environmental pollution is a solution that treats all people equally. The damage that occurs affects all people proportionately and equally as well. The Common Good Approach is the approach with best serves the community as a whole, not just some members. As discussed earlier, environmental pollution effects all individuals equally.
The proposed solution to the environmental pollution issue is to education the majority on the idea of reduce, reuse, and recycle. “Do not throw away items that are of no use to you. In-fact reuse them for some other purpose. For e.g. you can use old jars to store cereals or pulses” (Particular Pollution, np). Another option is to turn off electricity when one is not using them. “Large amount of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity. You can save the environment from degradation by reducing the amount of fossil fuels to be burned” (Particular Pollution, np). The recommended solutions are cost effective and simple methods to reduce environmental waste. There are many concerns associated with personal responsibilities, ethics, and involvement of environmental pollution. The proposed solution is a small contribution with a very positive environmental impact.
- Gray, Irina. Environmental Pollution, Its Sources and Effects. 2008. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
- Particular Pollution? Conserve Energy Future. 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
- Sharma, Partha Das. Keeping the Environment Safer and Greener. 1 Sept. 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
