Pollution is a major worry in today’s modern world. Pollution comes in various forms, including air, water, and noise. Our quality of life will surely be impacted by pollution in our environment. Because of the effects of environmental contamination, our naturally beautiful world is becoming uglier. Pollution can also create a variety of health issues as well as other harmful consequences.
The most obvious or the most inevitable type of solution that is common in our country would be air and noise pollution. In fact, almost every other country would be facing the same thing because everything is becoming more urban these days.
From what we could tell, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there might have been a reduction in the rate of pollution. This is because there was a total lockdown. Vehicles on the road reduce, certain workspace stopped operating and all this might have caused a decline in pollution. But let’s be honest, pollution isn’t going to stay away forever. Recently, Covid-19 guidelines have been loosened and that means we are almost in the back-to-normal style.
Ever since the travel restriction has been lifted, all sorts of vehicles can be found on the road. This also means that pollution might hit hard any time soon. Although not at the worst extend, for time being, the pollution that we should consider is air and noise.
Toxic gases emitted by vehicles, factories, and open burning contribute to air pollution. As society becomes more prosperous and with the travel, restrictions loosen, there are more and more vehicles on the road every day. More people are attempting to improve their quality of life by driving to their destinations rather than taking public transit. Automobiles provide transportation to millions of people throughout the world, allowing them to commute to work, school, and other destinations; as a result, the air we breathe is becoming increasingly polluted due to carbon dioxide emissions. Another gas that is damaging to the environment is carbon monoxide, which can cause a loss of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Another pollution would be noise. With most sectors now opened, heavy machines and vehicles emit noise that can cause hearing loss and, in some cases, deafness. We are constantly exposed to noise pollution as the number of vehicles on the road increases and not to mention that if we live in the city, it is even worse. Though advanced countries’ governments encourage citizens to use public buses and trains by offering a cost-effective and efficient transportation system, it might be a little crucial because Covid isn’t fully gone and it would be risky to take public transports. But still, there is both public and personal transport on the road every day and the sound just keeps getting there.
We also experience water pollution. Pollution can sometimes increase due to natural disasters. One obvious disaster that is common in Malaysia is flood. In Malaysia, two main causes of flooding are natural causes and human activity. When there’s heavy rain, especially during the rainy season, water overflows from river or dams and then flood occurs. But sometimes, it is our mistakes that makes things worse. Clogged drains is ineveitable these day. People just love dumping everywhere and especially into the drain not knowing what it will cause. When there’s flood chemicals and sewage will be washed into the lake. The tainted water will soon spread across a large area, posing a public health risk and killing fishes.
We must accept that pollution will always exist. It’s not like it vanishes completely. But that doesn’t rule out the possibility. The majority of pollution is caused by humans. We must all work together to eliminate pollution so that future generations can live in a healthy, pollution-free world. Precaution, as the phrase goes, is preferable to cure. Let us work together to recycle and conserve the environment for a brighter future.
Sources: National Geographic,IQ Air,Geographical Association,WHO,NRDC,Environmental Pollution Centers