August 05, 2006

We humans have invented things which seem to be luxurious but they are the real cause of the harmful effects which humanity is unfortunately facing in today's modern world.

We use air-conditioners, cars, refrigerators, etc. which are said to be all part of a luxurious life, and we cannot object to this because it is true. However, what about their consequences? Have we ever cared to think twice about the harmful effects caused by these inventions? No.

The objects mentioned above do not harm us directly, but indirectly when chemical substances such as CFCs, Carbon monoxide (co) and sulphur are emitted from them.

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are greenhouse gases which cause the rise in the earth's temperature. They are released from air conditioners and destroy the ozone layer (which protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays). This is why the ozone layer above the Antarctic has become considerably thin. Recent research show that it has stopped thinning; but common people living in developing countries are not aware of the effects caused by air pollution and so are carrying out activities which harm the environment. The government could educate the people about the harmful effects of such activities.

Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous gas. It is emitted through vehicles. People living in cities are victims of its harmful effects. It can cause severe headaches, brain damage and also death within a short period.

Sulphur dioxide harms humans, as well as plants. Green plants are reduced in those areas where it exists in a greater concentration.

Lead is also a poisonous element emitted from vehicles. It causes diseases, especially in young children. Scientists have also discovered that lead is the main cause of forest decline.

The above mentioned gases are the main causes of deaths as well as of diseases which are very common these days but were very rare at one time.

Industries are the leading source of air, water and land pollution in the present day world. They pollute the air with harmful gases. This is why acid rain occurs. In water, poisonous substances such as mercury are released from factories which destroy marine life and also cause harm to the people drinking that water. Lands are polluted by the waste materials produced by different factories.

I insist that we adopt methods which are pollution free, like some of the latest technologies. These include solar powered cars, maglev trains, electric cars, etc. Though these are new, extremely expensive and unpopular in most Asian countries, they are still the key to a pollution free ecosystem.

The following steps must be taken in order to obtain a pollution-free environment:

—- Ban old buses which are the major cause of pollution especially in Pakistan.

— Introduce pollution-free technologies.

— Make organisations which will teach people the advantages of a pollution-free environment.

— Lead-free petrol must be used.

— The pollution level must be fixed by the government. In this way, air pollution can be kept under control.

— Cutting of forests must be controlled because trees help to stop heavy storms, rains and even hurricanes!

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