Environmental Degradation and Capitalist Growth and Consumption

Environmental degradation has become one of the most fundamental issues to dominate the political, economic, and social landscapes in the twenty first century. This is mainly because of the realization that it is increasingly leading to global warming that might have an adverse effect on not only the lives of human beings, but also the sustainability of the planet. Among the issues that have been considered to be the causes of environmental degradation are capitalist growth and consumption. Capitalist growth and consumption is blamed for the rapid development of industries which, while satisfying the massive demand for diverse products, has also contributed significantly to the greenhouse gas emissions which are currently plaguing the planet through global warming. The mechanisms of capitalism have led to a situation where there has been an increase in environmental degradation to such an extent that it has become a threat to the entire planet.

Capitalist growth and consumption as a result of globalization have led to an increase in environmental degradation all over the planet. This is especially the case where, as a result of the ever-increasing demand for consumer goods, the capitalist economic model has encouraged the rapid exploitation of available natural resources to satisfy the demand. However, there has been a failure in the by capitalist political economy to recognize that the exploitation of natural resources has an adverse effect on the environment within which it is taking place. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the decades-long extraction of oil has led to a serious degradation of the environment to such an extent that species that were once prominent in the area are slowly but surely dying out. The large amounts of toxic chemicals released into the local environment as a result of unsafe ways of extracting oil has led to a situation where it has become highly unsustainable for both people and the various species that live within it (Center for Economic and Social Rights 1994, 82). However, despite the negative effects of oil extraction, there have been plans to increase oil production to such an extent that the possible ramifications on the environment have been almost completely ignored. The demand for oil in the global economy as well as the need for local governments to ensure that they are able to attain the money needed to balance their budgets means that it is very hard to change the minds of policymakers when it comes to reversing the effects of environmental degradation, especially among developing countries.

In addition, the capitalist system has led to the development of large corporations which, as a result of their activities, have essentially become a part of the economic and environmental problem. This is especially the case where these corporations operate in conflict zones despite the massive damage that their activities bring about (Raleigh 2007, 674). Corporations, as a result of the outrage that has come about because of their involvement in the degradation of the environment, have often sought to ensure that they remain relevant in the public eye through coming up with or adopting such philosophies as corporate social responsibility. However, social responsibility is normally considered to be a mask behind which corporations continue with their activities as usual while claiming to be helping those who are negatively affected by their activities. However, the reality is that there is increasing evidence showing corporations still making a lot of money at the expense of local populations and the environment. The propagation of social responsibility has also allowed corporations, especially in the oil and gas sector, to continue with their operation in conflict areas such as in South Sudan with the claim that their presence is good for the local population (Idahosa 2002, 228). This is normally not the case because it is as a result of their activities that both sides of the conflict end up having the necessary funding to ensure that the wars that they are conducting end up seemingly endless. As a result, local populations suffer and the environment becomes increasingly degraded through the use of diverse weapons, while the corporations, which have the money and power, continue reaping the profits.

Moreover, the capitalist economy has led to a situation where the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere have led to global warming on an unprecedented scale. Global warming has become a serious threat, especially among island nations which are witnessing a rise in sea levels; a threat to their very existence. Islands such as Tuvalu, with small landmasses and being wholly dependent on importation of consumer goods, are at a high risk of not only falling victim to global warming, but might also have to endure serious losses of life as a result of their isolation (Connell 2004, 260). Moreover, human response to disaster in these areas is likely to be slower because the small size of these islands has the effect of not being able to sustain ever increasing human populations. The greenhouse effect has also had a negative effect on agricultural production within these islands because the rising sea levels have led to the salination of a significant amount of valuable fresh water sources (Connell 2004, 262). It has therefore become essential for steps to be taken to ensure that there is greater awareness concerning the effects of capitalist growth on the rest of the world through an accurate study of effect so that it can be possible to reduce the rate of global warming. Such awareness is likely to lead to the creation of greater efficiency in helping island nations achieve environmental sustainability while at the same time be able to promote the retention of local ecosystems.

Capitalist growth and consumption as well as its role in environmental degradation have become a human rights issue. This issue has come about because the rapid industrialization of developed countries has led to a situation where the massive amounts of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere has brought about global warming. Global warming has become a serious problem, especially for the poor, who make up the majority of people in the world, who cannot afford to protect themselves against the rapid changes taking place in their environment (Docherty and Giannini 2009, 350). The promotion of development goals in most developing countries such as India and China in order to achieve developed status has ensured that there is an almost total disregard for the need to protect the environment from degradation. Actions aimed at reducing environmental degradation present a dilemma for policymakers in developing countries because most of them might be considered to infringe on human rights. This is the case where policies implemented might lead to a reduction in the number of commodities that are available for poorer people who rely on cheap manufactured products in order to make ends meet.

In conclusion, the discussion has made an analysis of why the mechanisms of capitalism have led to a situation where there has been an increase in environmental degradation to such an extent that it has become a threat to the entire planet. There has been recognition that capitalist growth and consumption as a result of globalization have led to an increase in environmental degradation all over the planet. In addition, the capitalist system has led to the development of large corporations which, as a result of their activities, have essentially become a part of the economic and environmental problem. Moreover, the capitalist economy has led to a situation where the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere have led to global warming on an unprecedented scale. Finally, an argument stating that capitalist growth and consumption as well as its role in environmental degradation have become a human rights issue has been presented, showing that there has to be a balance between environmental protection and human rights.

Climate Change in Urban Areas

Climate change has over the years developed into a problem that many individuals across the world have become concerned about. This concern has been growing especially in urban areas where a majority of the world’s population currently lives. Energy consumption is a major concern in urban areas because it creates a situation where it has a direct impact on climate change. Urban areas show a much higher consumption of energy than rural areas and this means that the former have a larger footprint than the latter. Urban centres as continuously growing and this will likely have an impact on the environment because the increasing population will require space, services, and goods which will have a direct impact on climate change through a greater ecological footprint (Lanko, 2011, p.11). It is therefore essential to make a study of the effects of climate change on urban areas to determine how these effects should be taken into account in urban planning.

1. In what ways does climate change impact upon urban areas?

Rising sea levels

Studies have shown that climate change is going to have an impact on urban areas along coastlines because of a potential rise in sea levels (Walsh, et al. 2010, p.76). This might result in flooding as well as the potential loss of lives in case sudden floods take place. Because a large number of cities are established along coastlines, it is possible that these areas will become affected and this has made it imperative for there to be contingency measures to deal with this potential problem. Rising sea levels would mean that a large number of settlements would have to be abandoned because the water levels would not allow for permanent settlements. Furthermore, rising sea levels might lead to a serious housing crisis in many urban areas because much needed land would end up under water. The growing urban population makes this problem potentially worse because many of these individuals tend to live in buildings that are not well constructed and can only be termed as slams. Therefore, in case of sea levels rising, it is possible that evacuation might become extremely difficult since the flooding might come about suddenly, creating a situation where rescue efforts are not effective (Tigay, 2011, p.733). This is the case in India where large parts of its population, estimated to be about 70%, live in urban areas. The rise of sea levels even by a few metres might cause problems for a large percentage of this population because many of their settlements would be under water. Under these circumstances, populations in urban areas are likely to suffer from flooding of land which might have a negative impact in the whole of their lives. There is a possibility that a rise in sea levels might bring about the salinisation of water resources; a resource that is often scarce in urban areas. Furthermore, rising sea levels might bring about the destruction of ecosystems and natural habitats that are essential in the supply of much needed products to urban areas; essentially making these places inhabitable.

Access to water

Climate change is likely to bring about changes in patterns of precipitation as well as the water cycle in such a way that it results in a threat in the water supply of large urban centres (“Climate change and the urban environment,” 2010, p.9). This is especially the case in large cities because it would be extremely difficult to supply water efficiently to its entire population. The ongoing rural to urban migration as well as the growth of the population in urban centres could make the problem worse because a large population means a need for greater access to water. With climate change, urban governments will have a hard task in ensuring that the entire population has access to clean water. There is also a possibility that the quality of water supplied within urban areas would be greatly reduced because it might not undergo the necessary checks and treatment before being distributed because of high demand for it. The risk of a drying up of water resources means that those urban areas in dry regions will be hit hard since many of them rely heavily on water supplies from wetter areas as well as from reservoirs (Katel, 2011, p.1025). However, with an increase in global warming due to climate change, the reliability of reservoirs will be put to question, especially in circumstances where there is not enough rainfall. The large urban population might end up being left with very little water and as a result face shortages that bring about a lowering of living standards in cities. Climate change is therefore increasingly putting water resources in urban centres at risk of either reducing significantly or even drying up, and this to the detriment of its population.

Health risks

Cities in developing countries, especially those in tropical areas, have a high potential of having increasing cases of diseases related to the environment as a result of climate change. Global warming helps produce an environment in these cities where it is easier for such parasites as mosquitoes to breed and this might bring about an increase in incidents of malaria and yellow fever. The water puddles in which mosquitoes breed tend to come about in areas where there is excessive rainfall of in rivers where there are droughts and this means that changes in climate might bring about these conditions. In relation to the point made above, water shortages brought about by climate change might have an impact on the spread of diseases within urban areas due to lack of sanitation. In this way, such diseases as cholera and typhoid become more prevalent since access to water resources in these areas might end up being limited. In recent years, there has also been a rise in respiratory diseases in urban areas as a result of higher temperatures in warmer cities which has the effect of increasing the impact of pollution. A majority of the people who live in urban areas are poor and these are barely able to make a living. In circumstances where there is climate change, they are the poor are the ones who suffer the most because they do not have the possibilities to adapt to these changes that their wealthier counterparts do (Price, 2014, p.673). The inadequate sanitation that is a feature of poor neighbourhoods due to their crowded conditions as well as poor supply of water means that any changes in climate might bring about a health crisis in these areas. Under such conditions, there is always a risk that areas within cities that were previously not affected by contagious diseases end up becoming victims.

Heat waves

Changing climate has brought about the development of global warming that has increased the risk of heat waves in urban areas. This is because in general, urban areas are warmer than surrounding regions as a result of a higher usage of energy as well as the modification that has taken place on the land surface (Gillis, 2013). It should be noted that in recent years, there have been more incidents of deaths from heat waves in urban areas than in previous periods. Heat waves as a result of climate change have therefore become a real issue in today’s urban societies because individuals tend to be caught unawares and might end up being struck down unexpectedly (Meehl and Tebaldi, 2004, p.994). In most parts of the world, heat waves are a new phenomenon and its coming about more frequently and with an increased intensity can be attributed to climate changes which have come about as a result of human activity especially in urban areas. Waste heat that is produced in urban areas as a result of massive energy use by its population has increased chances of death occurring as a result of heat waves. Predictions of heat waves have shown that in coming years, as they become more intense and frequent, it is likely that hundreds of people in urban areas across the world might end up losing their lives in these incidents. Therefore, while studies concerning this increasingly frequent phenomenon are being conducted in order to find solutions, the risks to urban populations remain constant because climate change patterns have become extremely unpredictable.

Damage to infrastructure

Recent years have seen massive losses of infrastructure in urban areas into billions of dollars and these have been caused by natural forces such as cyclones that are as a direct result of climate change. Changes in the climate have made weather patterns very unpredictable because even with modern technology, it is often difficult to predict how forces of nature are going to impact on different areas. Urban areas have borne the brunt of damaged infrastructure because such damage, such as flooding as well as destruction of electricity lines have made it almost impossible for people in these places to return to life as normal in the immediate aftermath of these events (Lehmann, 2014). Urban areas tend to have a large assortment of architectural designs that range from traditional to modern and this has allowed for diversity in these environments. However, climate change has changed that status of traditional houses in such a manner that in case of natural disasters, they have come to be considered unsafe. This is because they are some of the most vulnerable structures in the urban areas, with many of them being carried away or utterly destroyed in such occurrences as cyclones or floods. The result has been that a large number of individuals who live in urban areas have come to be at risk from natural occurrences that might take place at any time and over which they have no control. Because of their large concentration of human populations, urban areas have become places where individuals are at a high risk of becoming victims of natural disasters.

2. To what extend should these impacts be taken into account when evaluating the sustainability of urban projects?

Reduction of carbon emissions

When making evaluations concerning the sustainability of urban projects, it is essential to put the impacts of climate change into consideration because it is the only way to ensure long term planning. Through taking into account the impact of climate change, it is possible for successful and sustainable urban projects to be developed and put into practice (Polycarp, Patel, and Seong, 2013, p.19). Efforts should be made to ensure that the negative impacts of climate change do not affect urban centres and projects that are undertaken within them through the development of policies designed to minimise the impacts stated above. Therefore, for the sustainability of urban projects to be achieved, it should be a requirement that the use of those technologies that have low carbon emission levels be introduced within urban centres. These technologies have to include the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, which release little or no emissions into the atmosphere. The administrations of urban centres should also set out to address issues related to potential shortages of water as a result of climate change because it is this resource is what ensures that life in cities remains constant. Governments should take seriously all serious proposals concerning the manner through which to make sure that urban centres are able to significantly reduce their contribution to climate change. These proposals have to include the complete removal of carbon emissions not only in all public places, but also in residential buildings and this should be done through cities’ setting standards that have to be followed by all residents.

Introduction of green energy

To reduce the amount of waste energy that is a contributory factor in the occurrence of heat waves, it is essential that urban planners include the use of green energy in their policies. Green energy can be used in public transport because this is often the main means of transport in most urban areas with a majority of their population using it. The use of this energy will make possible a serious reduction in waste energy produced within society and will ensure that urban populations make green transport the norm. Through correct policies, the diverse transport networks in almost all cities in the world can be thoroughly transformed to such an extent that there are zero emission rates as a result of using green energy (Smith, 2013). The implementation of green energy policies would ensure that only the most preferred modes of transport are those that emit very little or no carbon into the atmosphere, hence ensuring that individuals in urban areas take responsibility for their environment through fighting climate change. Urban governments could propose the use of hybrid and electric vehicles as well as hydrogen buses as means of transport to ensure that the climate around cities does not change as a result of the use of fossil fuels. Moreover, these governments should discourage the use of private means of transport within urban areas and instead encourage people in their jurisdiction to use public transport, and when not going for long distances, to use bicycles or just walk. These actions are meant to ensure that the large numbers of vehicles in urban areas that emit carbon are removed from use; hence a cleaner environment and less contribution to climate change.

Waste management

Among initiatives that have to be put at the forefront of urban planning and projects is the proper disposal of waste within these areas. Proper waste disposal ensures that pollution levels within urban areas are reduced significantly enough to improve the quality of life for their residents. Furthermore, decomposing waste tends to have an impact on the urban environment through not only ruining the quality of air within cities, but also through increasing the levels of heat that might lead to risks of heat waves that put urban populations at risk. Waste management can be done through the recycling of waste materials as well as a reduction in the amount of rubbish that has not been disposed as well as ensuring that there is efficient use of energy in the preservation of food so that it does not go bad (Davidson, 2011, p.13). One would that suggest that as soon as waste management policies are not only put into serious consideration but also actively implemented, it might bring about low carbon emissions but also ensure that there is efficient use of available resources in urban areas. The latter can be achieved through encouraging individuals in urban areas to only purchase food for their immediate needs rather than getting more at the risk of not using it at all, thus increasing the waste problem in their environment. Through proper waste management strategies, it is possible that people in urban areas as well as their governments will end up saving money which can be put into better use elsewhere.

Restoration of infrastructure and slum areas

Restoration projects in slums are also important in the development of a safe environment within urban areas because they ensure that a safer environment is provided for the people that live in these places. The demolition of old traditional buildings and building better ones in their place as well as restoring those that are strong enough to withstand natural disasters means that the urban environment is made safer against the effects of climate change (McKee, 2012). Such restoration projects would be of immense help for urban people because it would ensure that they live in a clean environment which can be sustained in that state. The places that are overcrowded and considered slums should be provided funding through their administrations that can to be used in their transformation into clean environments. Moreover, there should be a focus in the improvement of the available public spaces, in addition to creating new ones, and funding must be provided in ensuring that this is made possible. This can be done to make sure that the urban environment is also filled with nature as well as areas to which populations can be evacuated quickly in case of natural disasters such as floods. Furthermore, it is essential that a focus be made in the development of an economy that is based on low carbon initiatives because this is one of the ways through which individuals can live in a clean environment while at the same time limiting potential risks associated with climate change. Infrastructure should be designed to ensure that they can withstand most of the effects of climate change because without such infrastructure, it would be extremely costly to build new ones every time a natural disaster takes place (“Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Preparing for a Changing Climate,” 2011, p.14). Therefore, infrastructure has to be designed in a scientific manner so that they are proven to be able to weather different serious conditions before they are constructed.

Improving living standards

It has been proven that improving the standard of living for urban residents, especially in poorer areas, ensures that there are less factors contributing to global warming. It is also true that inequalities can still be seen in many parts of diverse urban areas, and it is possible that policies designed to improve living standards might have a positive impact on some individuals, while having an opposite impact on others (Strange and Bayley, 2008, p.15). Therefore, although the improvement of living standards might have a positive impact through the development of a cleaner environment, some individuals might end up becoming the losers. An example of this is through the introduction of measures designed to improve water efficiency in urban areas are implemented through the introduction of meters. If such measures are actively undertaken, it is more likely than not that those people from low income groups might receive higher water bills than they already do, and this might end up doing them more harm than good. It is therefore essential that when urban administrations attempt to adopt measures designed to improve the lives of their populations, they must first consider the potential impacts of the measures that they take because they might end up making difficult situations even worse.

Conclusion

The discussion above has shown that climate change has different impacts on urban areas. Among these is that it leads to a rise in sea levels that might cause harm to those places in urban areas that fall below sea level. Furthermore, climate change puts urban areas at risk of losing access to much needed water resources as a result of salination as well as droughts. In addition, urban areas might end up having sanitary and health problems as a result of increasingly wet or dry weather that brings with them a multitude of diseases. Heat waves are also a result of climate change and these are increasingly causing harm or death among urban populations. Finally, a result of extreme weather due to climate change, urban areas have come to face many problems as a result of damage to infrastructure which are very expensive to replace. The discussion has also dealt with how impacts of climate change can also be taken into account when evaluating sustainability in urban projects. Among these is an attempt towards decrease of carbon productions into the atmosphere to ensure that there is a reduction in the impact of global warming. Furthermore, the discussion has shown that the introduction of green energy is also essential in reducing waste energy and by extension the impact of heat waves. Proper waste management as well as the restoration of infrastructure are also issues that have to be put into consideration in evaluating the sustainability of urban projects. Finally, it is essential to also consider improving the living standards of individuals in urban areas because this has a positive impact on reduction of effects of climate change.

Industrial air and water emissions and control measures in Canada

Introduction

Throughout the contemporary world, industries play an important role in bringing about the sustenance of economies. Almost every country in the world has become dependent on industries to sustain themselves to such an extent that they cannot do without them. However, while these industries are useful, they are also harmful to the environment as a result of emissions which have an adverse effect on air and water quality.  In the past decade, many firms produced a significant amount of emissions that adversely affected the environment. The emissions into the atmosphere have an effect on soil, water, power use, and waste management. In many economies, the detrimental effect of emissions on the environment has resulted in legislation being enacted to control the emissions. In Canada, the government has acknowledged the impact of emissions, and has committed itself to reducing the degree of emissions in order to enhance the quality of air and while at the same time improving water quality (Boyd, 2010). The emissions have adversely affected the air and water quality in Canada and as a result, it has aimed at making sure that it promotes sustainable practices. Additionally, ecosystems have been destroyed through acidification when the emissions, especially those containing sulphur, are exposed to the rain or ground water. Environmental pollution has many manifestations and the resultant health risks tend to have an adverse effect on the bodies of those individuals affected (Bell & Davis, 2001). Canada has sought to take tangible steps towards ensuring that there is a high level of control measures aimed at not only reducing emissions, but also bringing about a situation where there is a reduction in public health risks as a result of bad air and water quality.

Reasons for control measures

Canada is one of the countries in the world which has a wide diversity of natural resources that have yet to be exploited. However, it is essential that these resources are used sustainably; meaning that as much as possible has to be done to ensure that during the exploitation process, there is limited destruction of the natural environment. Industrial activities in Canada often have an adverse effect on air and water quality and this is to such an extent that it has led to a significant threat both towards the human, animal, and plant populations. The risk of damaging entire ecosystems through the unsustainable industrial processes has made the implementation of control measures extremely important. Moreover, the health of Canadians is highly dependent on the quality of air and water in their environment to such an extent that without control measures, it is likely that the country might end up getting into a public health crisis in future (El-Fadel & Massoud, 2000). Having absolute control over the monitoring and control processes involved in keeping greenhouse emissions at a minimum are important in not only securing air and water quality, but also bringing about a situation where it is possible to effectively fight global warming and the climate change that comes about as a result. Therefore, the overall wellbeing of Canadians is dependent on putting control measures over industrial emissions into place to ensure that the air and water quality all over the country is improved.

Examples and explanation of air and water pollutants

The main air pollutants are in the form of gaseous pollutants, which include organic compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matters. Particulate matters are exhausts from diesel engines that include the wood smoke, coal ash, pesticide mist, mineral dust, and acid mists. Radioactive pollution is also a form of air pollution that occurs when radioactive isotopes from burning reactors leak into the atmosphere (WHO, 1996). Water emissions from industries occur when toxic chemicals such as fluoride and arsenic leak from industries and end up contaminating underground water (Frost, Tollestrup, Craun, Raucher, Chwirka, & Stomp, 2002). Water is also contaminated directly when wastes from industries find their way into water bodies. All of these pollutants have the potential of bringing about serious health and environmental problems. As a result, there is need for constant awareness concerning the potential problems that these pollutants might bring about while at the same time promoting initiatives for the provision of more information concerning how best to handle their effects when they occur. It is estimated that a significant proportion of diseases in the world today are associated with the effects of pollution hazards in the environment (Smith, Corvalan, & Kjellstrom, 1999). Thus, Canada’s attempts to bring about control measures on air and water emissions is an important step towards the development of sustainable measures aimed at not only maintaining the environment at its best state, but also preventing those diseases that come about as a result of pollution; averting a public health crisis.

Sources of Industrial Emissions

Operations in industries are the major sources of industrial emissions and these can be attributed to the irresponsible actions of industries which seek to make a quick profit at the expense of the environment (McMichael, Kjellstrom & Smith, 2001). The industries that have been found to be the most responsible for the emissions mainly include the energy, transport, building and construction sectors, which, despite the large amounts of emissions they produce, are also essential for the development of the economy. The extensive use of fossil fuels in Canada has also had an impact on air quality. This is because most industries as well as vehicles in the country run on these types of fuels although there are attempts to bring about the use of cleaner energy sources. In line with these, the oil industry, which is depended upon for fossil fuels, is one of the biggest polluters in the country leading to a situation where it has surpassed emissions that were produced by the transport sector. While this may be the case, as a result of its efforts, Canada has been able to ensure that its emission levels remain slightly lower than those of other countries, especially in the developing world and the emerging economies (McGranahan & Murray, 2003). A major setback that has been encountered by Canada in recent years is when in 2007, the Suncor spilled some 9.8 million liters into Athabasca River; a situation that might have brought about significant risks to the human and wildlife living in the area affected. However, despite this incident, Canada has been able to ensure that it takes on action towards the establishment of environmental sustainability.

Even though large amounts of emissions are from the industrial operations, other factors have played key roles in determining the level of emissions in Canada. These factors entail the demographic changes, the physical geography, and economic development. When compared to the other developed economies, the Canada’s climate is very variable; therefore, much energy resources are used for heating and cooling spaces. In regards to demographics, Canada is sparsely populated; therefore, there are long travel periods and the demand for transportation as individuals travel from one region to another is high compared to the densely populated economies (National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, 1999). More so, Canada's economic growth and population growth is greater than other developed economies and the growth demands for more use of natural resources that include gas and oil. Irrespective of the challenges faced by this country, the economy has been de-coupling between reduction in emissions and economic growth. That has called for technologically efficient methods of production and adoption of clean energy rather than over-relying on oil. Technology has also been adopted in all sectors of the economy especially in electricity production in efforts to reduce the greenhouse gasses emissions. The industries are required to be in the forefront of use of efficient applications and thus, lead the household by example. More so, most of the consumers in Canada have knowledge about the consequences of emissions; hence, they have also adopted ways of reducing the emissions such as walking to workplaces.

Effects of emissions on Environment and Human Health

For the most part, the effect of emissions can be categorized into three classes, environmental impacts, economic impacts, and human health effects (Hobbs & Meier, 2000). Environmental effects entail the increase in temperatures that result in the melting of the ice, glaciers, and snow, with the melting results in flooding of the coastal regions due rising in the sea levels.  This is especially the case in the Arctic where the permafrost is likely to thaw, bringing with it potential environmental hazards to which it might be difficult to adjust. In Canada, there is the potential that there will be changes in climatic conditions characterized by increased precipitation in all regions except in the Southern Canada. The increased rainfall will increase the chances of flooding that might lead to some serious disruption in the lives of people affected as well as the economy. Another environmental effect, in this case caused by air pollution which has adverse consequences on the ozone layer, which is increasingly being depleted, will be increased frequency of heat waves; having both direct and indirect effects on the ecosystem. For instance, many species of wildlife will find it hard to adapt to the high temperatures hence suffer from stress. Additionally, massive destruction of the natural environment will also occur; making it extremely difficult for ecosystems which have been established for thousands of years to survive.

One of the most serious effects of climate change is that it might lead to the extinction of those species that are not able to adapt to the new environment; a significant loss to the highly diversified natural environment that can be found in Canada today. Sustaining the natural environment through seeking to control and maintain the air and water quality is an important step towards the achievement of a greater balance between the natural and human environments (Gwilliam, Kojima, & Johnson, 2004). Industrial activity, especially concerning the emission of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and water bodies has the potential of bringing about instability in the natural environment. Threats, not only to wildlife, but also to the human community are also prevalent and these have to be stopped in order to bring about a situation where individuals are concerned about their environment enough to help sustain it. In this way, it becomes possible to avoid those problems associated with destruction of ecosystems as well as medical conditions that reduce the quality of life of those affected by exposure to air and water pollutants.

In regards to human health, the high temperature has the potential of exposing human beings to a significant number of diseases such as stroke and deaths related to dehydration. According to Health Canada (2010), changes in the local weather patterns increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases along with cancer due to exposure to carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. More so, people will be more vulnerable to vector, water, rodent, and food-borne diseases. The populations living in the northern regions are more vulnerable than those living in the southern regions of Canada and children, the elderly and women are most susceptible to problems that might be brought about by climate change. Moreover, greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere can have the potential of leading to instances of mortality as a result of respiratory infections. Air pollution also increases the risk of having an adverse effect on the manner that children’s lungs function in such a way that it brings about post-neonatal mortality (Brunekreef & Holgate, 2002); a situation that would have a severe impact on the demographics of the country. An increase in cardiovascular diseases and respiratory infections for the elderly could also result from acute air pollution, which exposes members of society to a number of harmful airborne pollutants (WHO 2000). Not only would this situation have an adverse effect on the health of members of society, it would also lead to an increase in the burden of healthcare on Canada; making it more expensive to cater for the needs of all of its citizens that are affected by air pollution.

The most direct route of exposure to harmful industrial chemicals in water it through the consumption of contaminated water from the affected bodies. The level of exposure depends on the amount of water that has been consumed meaning that those who consume more of this water are at a greater risk of being affected by the chemical compounds within it (Fewthrell, Kaufmann, & Preuss, 2003). There is also a risk that when this contaminated water is used in the preparation of food, the food also ends up being contaminated because despite high cooking temperatures, the level of toxicity is not easily affected. Another route of exposure in water is through inhalation of volatile compounds when individuals are having hot showers or skin exposure when bathing or making use of water for recreational purposes. These chemical compounds are extremely harmful especially considering that they might bring about the exposure of unborn or young children through crossing the placenta, or when infants take it in through breast milk. These forms of exposure are can bring about numerous adverse health and developmental effects on those individuals who are exposed to contaminated water; making it essential to make sure that pertinent steps are taken to ensure that water is free from industrial chemicals.

Also, acute exposure to industrial contaminants to drinking water can lead to diverse medical conditions, ranging from minor to major conditions. Among these is irritation in the eyes, nose, or skin and in some extreme instances, the gastrointestinal system. There are also instances where there is the possibility of chronic exposure such as liver toxicity that comes about as a result of the presence of copper, arsenic, or chromium in drinking water. When chemicals pass through the kidney of victims, it leads to toxic effects, which can cause serious problems for the individuals affected, with the most prominent elements in water that can cause kidney problems being cadmium, copper, mercury, and chlorobenzene (WHO 2003). The use of pesticides also brings about a lot of risk for those people living within areas close to water bodies that are used for everyday purposes. This is especially the case in agricultural or industrial settings where it is common for the chemicals used to persist in the environment for a long time and end up being carried into water bodies. The result of the ingestion of these chemicals through the consumption of water is that it leads to the disruption of the endocrine system that ends up leading to behavioral, developmental, and reproductive problems for the individuals affected. Furthermore, these chemicals, which disrupt the endocrine system, can lead to the reduction of fertility and increase the occurrence of birth defects and cancers that are hormonally dependent such as breast and prostate cancers (WHO & International Programme on Chemical Safety 2002). It is, therefore, important that control measures are taken to make sure that natural resources, especially air and water, are protected because without action from both government and communities, it is possible that industrial emissions into these resources could lead to some serious health and environmental problems.

Conclusion and Future Recommendations

Although industries play a significant role in economic development, studies have revealed that they have an adverse effect on human health and the environment through the emissions that these industries produce. The emissions are mainly in the form of gases, water, and particles, which, once they enter the atmosphere and water bodies, bring about a situation where there is risk of human exposure to these elements, or the environment being adversely affected through the destruction of natural ecosystems. In efforts to reduce the adverse effect of the emissions, the government of Canada should focus itself on reducing the level of emissions and improve the quality of air, improve visibility while at the same time monitoring the level of emissions. The Canadian government should take on leadership in controlling the level of emissions to both air and water in order to uphold the integrity of the natural ecosystem. The discussion above has shown that it is industries that produce the greenhouse gases and chemicals that are responsible for global warming. Therefore, it is important for the government take on initiatives to control the emissions in order to reduce the rate of global warming and the subsequent climate change. The effect of the emissions in the discussion has been classified in terms of the environmental, and the human health effects.

The keeping clean areas clean (KCAC) principles are an integral part of universal Canada-Wide Standards that focus on the quality of air while also protecting visibility (Taylor & McMillan, 2014). Furthermore, the provincial and the federal governments carry out the environment assessment to ensure that the quality of water and air does not injure the ecosystem. At all the new points of the source of water or air, the quality needs to be assessed to guarantee the Canada's efforts to protect the environment are upheld. More so, any modification of the air or water from the industries must be evaluated to ensure that it does not pollute the environment or cause harm to the human health. Among the most pertinent interventions that can be taken in future in order to ensure that the air and water quality is maintained at a premium level is through limiting hazardous waste disposal. Instead, hazardous substances should be recycled at their site of use or in situation where it is impossible to recycle, these substances can be replaced with those that are less harmful. Interventions There should be constant air monitoring which involves the cooperation between government institutions and communities aimed at reducing air pollution. Moreover, it is important for these monitoring activities to be tied to concrete actions such as the promotion of such actions as banning vehicle use when pollution levels become too high and go past predetermined thresholds. At the exposure level, it is important for individuals in the community to be conscious of the threat towards them and take necessary actions to protect themselves. Among these is the use of household filters to reduce the amount of chemicals such as arsenic from their drinking water. Finally, it is also essential for health services in the country to remain vigilant and seek to protect and bring about the restoration of the health of people showing signs of adverse effects in communities that are at the highest risk as a result of water and air pollution.

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