Environmental Science for Growing Population- myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theEnvironmental Science for Growing Population. Answer: Introduction According to the recent international statistics, the world has seen a considerable population growth rate of 1.12% in 2017 (World Bank, 2017). Particularly, in the United Arab Emirates, the population has been increasing steadily over the last two decades. Highest in the rank is Dubai which has recently observed an average growth rate of 5% to 7.5 %: one fastest growth rates in the world. Factors such as per capita income, social, or the age pyramid can affect the demographic change. As such, many demographic researchers in UAE believe that immigration mainly accelerates the population growth imbalance. Oil exploration saw a rapid change in the population growth rate pattern. It fostered economic development thereby encouraging more births. However, population growth has raised environmental concerns that need to be addressed. Effects of the growing population Air pollution Air pollution refers to the emission of harmful substances that reduce the air quality to the atmosphere either directly or indirectly. Increased population has seen increased demand for natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas which come from fossil fuels. UAE being one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the world, fossil fuels emission to the atmosphere is inevitable. When fossil fuels are burnt, they emit toxic substances and greenhouse gases. Additionally, increased human activities such as power plants construction increase the effluents to the air. Agricultural-based industries emit ammonia which one of the most hazardous gases. Also, manufacturing industries release carbon monoxide, organic compounds, chemicals, hydrocarbons and other chemicals that reduce the quality of air. Air pollution can cause harm to human beings as well as other living organisms. For instance, it causes respiratory and heart problems. Moreover, it causes global warming. Global warming refers to the rise in temperatures of the earth. Consequently, melting of polar ice which increases sea levels, and flooding of the coastal plains. Also, global warming causes climate change that subsequently leads to encroachment of desert-like conditions. Furthermore, when harmful gases like nitrogen oxide and sulfur are exposed to the atmosphere, moisture may combine with these pollutants resulting to acid rains. Thus, causing damage to the human skin, plants, and animals. Besides, air pollution leads to the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer is responsible for protecting human beings from damaging UV rays. The presence of hydrochlorofluorocarbons makes the protective ozone layer thin, and the harmful rays can cause skin cancer. Water pollution Water pollution refers to the emission of harmful substances to water making it unsafe for human consumption as well as other living organisms consumption. Secondly, the major environmental issue affecting UAEs large population in towns is the unavailability of fresh water for consumption. Wastewater pollution in UAE is caused by fuel combustion and of petroleum products, transport activities and industrial activities. According to International Energy Agency, UAEs per-capita waste generation is one of the highest in the world (2015). Subsequently, the biodiversity and the ecosystem are affected negatively. As such, the government has taken initiatives to mitigate such issues and protect the environment. Manufacturing and its impact on human, environment, and energy The current dramatic population growth has seen a subsequent increase in industrialization in UAE. Especially the manufacturing industry. To a significant degree, this has revolutionized and fostered economic development. However, most of these sectors utilize fuels which burn to cause detrimental effects to the environment. For instance, increased industrialization leads to over-exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, overreliance water pollution, global warming and air pollution. Notably, these effects have been discussed in details in other sections. Land degradation and desertification. Besides water and air pollution, UAE also faces the problem of over-exploitation of natural resources. Population increase affects social order patterns as well as the typical consumption systems making drought and desertification more severe and unbearable. Similarly, increasing pressure on the available natural resources, urban encroachment along with the high utilization of fertilizers and pesticides contribute to soil deterioration. As a result, the UAE alongside other peninsula countries have come up with strategies to combat desertification and land degradation. Overfishing On the other hand, the increased population has led to overfishing. Notably, marine species such as fish have primarily dropped not only due to climatic change but also demographic growth. UAE has been over-relying on fish as the chief source of food making the citizens seek alternative sources of food. Invasive species The large population has led to increased commercial activities even engagement in illicit trade which threatens UAEs biodiversity. As a result, plants with the ability to withstand the high temperatures and high levels of salinity have been employed in the country to be applied in landscaping in large cities, cultivation of new forests whereas other species have been claimed as personal belongings. Foreign species have been noted in result to unfavorable consequences on wildlife and the environment. Notably, there exist many migratory wild animals such as sea turtles, bird of prey, dugongs, and sharks. Such species are exposed to imminent hazards that often threaten their existence. Huge energy cost of Desalination Abu Dhabi, a city in UAE which is recognized as one of the worlds superpowers regarding oil production, holds 94% and 90% of the countrys oil reserves and natural gas respectively (Caboun, 2017). However, the recent economic development that was accompanied by increase in energy demand threatens the oil reserves. The rise in energy demand and consumption has been attributed to the demographic pressures as well as the significant economic development. Additionally, significant subsidies offered in the energy market encourages over-consumption. Similarly, with the limited availability of fresh water for consumption, UAE government employs desalination of the salty sea water. A process that requires the huge investment of electricity or steam to treat the water. According to Caboun (2017), UAE possesses the third most abundant water desalination plant in the United States and Saudi Arabia. As a result, desalination costs are expected to increase by 5% annually due to the population growth. However, some desalination plants are combined with power plants to improve energy consumption efficiency. Desalination plants produce emissions making Dubai one of the largest carbon footprints in the world. Such facilities also generate heated sludge which pollutes water once it is pumped into the sea. A possible future oil and energy crisis Despite the fact that UAE holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world, it may fail to meet the annual increase in electricity demand of about 7% (Caboun, 2017). Further, Caboun (2017) argues that natural gas demand and consumption has surpassed the production rate and the gap is expected to widen. Whereas there might be the availability of enough resources to meet future demand for oil (International Energy Agency, 2015). UAE and other Middle East countries continue to face energy crisis due to over-dependence on natural gas for generation of electricity Discussion and Suggestion The numerous adverse effects of the growing population that have even led to the missing connection between people and energy need to be addressed. The first step to combating such problems is to identify the root their cause. As such a number, the government has to formulate and implement measures that could eliminate over-dependence on fossil fuels as the primary source of energy. For instance, spearheading projects that encourage the use of alternative sources (renewable sources) of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and biomass. As a result, emissions from the burning of fossil fuels would considerably decrease thereby reducing air pollution, global warming, and water pollution. Additionally, energy efficient mechanisms can be employed in manufacturing industries for conserving the available energy reserves. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that population increase is inevitable and it will continue to pose significant dangers in the utilization of the available resources as well as environmental effects. However, if the suggested measures are implemented, then population growth would be of great benefit regarding nation building rather than posing challenges. References Caboun. (2017). Averting Crisis: Managing Energy Use in Abu Dhabi. Retrieved from https://www.carboun.com/energy/averting-crisis-managing-energy-use-in-abu-dhabi/ Government.ae. (2017, March). Environmental challenges - The Official Portal of the UAE Government. Retrieved from https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/environment-and-energy/environmental-challenges-in-the-uae International Energy Agency. (2015). OMR - OMR Public. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/oilmarketreport/omrpublic/ World Bank. (2017). Population growth (annual %) | Data. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.GROW