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Don't be passive over pollution
By Kai An Chee |
April 29, 2013, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
YOU may have noticed that clear skies have almost ceased to exist. A thick layer of smog has descended that threatens to turn our entire city sepia-toned. As serious as the condition is, my usual response to this environmental catastrophe is, "The sky looks gray today," mumbled incoherently while staring out the window in class. I have become desensitized. Guess what? We need to pay attention.
The causes? Automobile exhaust, factory emissions, cigarette smoke and the burning of coal to heat homes are among the most prominent reasons for China's current smoggy state. The pollution has become so intense that it can be seen from space. The pollution includes PM2.5 particles. At such a tiny size, these particles are able to enter into human lung tissue and cause a host of problems, such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
So what can we do? Although we may not be able to control factory emissions, we can take small steps to aid the environment. Carpooling, walking or biking are good ways of curbing fuel emissions. We can also help to conserve energy by turning off lights, using recyclable materials, and - for your pyromaniacs out there - not burning things. In all seriousness, we can contribute in small ways to improving the quality of the air.
Stay aware by downloading the application "China Air Pollution Index" by FreshIdeas Studio, which gives daily ratings. Awareness allows us to care for our own health. When pollution is high, it is recommended to wear a face mask - although most students wouldn't choose that.
Sometimes, with a hundred different assignments and projects and activities occurring simultaneously, we tend to forget about the bigger picture and concentrate only on the details happening in school.
We need to make efforts to avoid the fishbowl effect - being concerned only with the things in our academic and personal lives - and look at the world outside. Pollution warrants much more than a quickly forgotten remark. We need to care and need to act now: Our environment and health are at risk if we don't.
The causes? Automobile exhaust, factory emissions, cigarette smoke and the burning of coal to heat homes are among the most prominent reasons for China's current smoggy state. The pollution has become so intense that it can be seen from space. The pollution includes PM2.5 particles. At such a tiny size, these particles are able to enter into human lung tissue and cause a host of problems, such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
So what can we do? Although we may not be able to control factory emissions, we can take small steps to aid the environment. Carpooling, walking or biking are good ways of curbing fuel emissions. We can also help to conserve energy by turning off lights, using recyclable materials, and - for your pyromaniacs out there - not burning things. In all seriousness, we can contribute in small ways to improving the quality of the air.
Stay aware by downloading the application "China Air Pollution Index" by FreshIdeas Studio, which gives daily ratings. Awareness allows us to care for our own health. When pollution is high, it is recommended to wear a face mask - although most students wouldn't choose that.
Sometimes, with a hundred different assignments and projects and activities occurring simultaneously, we tend to forget about the bigger picture and concentrate only on the details happening in school.
We need to make efforts to avoid the fishbowl effect - being concerned only with the things in our academic and personal lives - and look at the world outside. Pollution warrants much more than a quickly forgotten remark. We need to care and need to act now: Our environment and health are at risk if we don't.
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