Portfolio (Core Assessment) Global Sustainability
ieas2010
assignment_3.pptWATER POLLUTION
(China daily .com.cn,2011)
One of the major source of water pollution in Venezuela is Oil Industry. Lake Maracaibo which is the largest lake, has been polluted by the economic activities within and around the lake area. According to PSVSA, the government –run oil company there are 6,000 active wells in the lake producing 700,000barrels(159 liters each) of crude per day. They are connected by about 45000 KM of pipeline, in a gigantic underwater metallic web. This spills and leaks have damaged the environment in the region hurting the ability of fishermen to earn a living. Also they have also led to death of wildlife and drive away resident and tourist. (Joseph Poliszuk ,2013)
Other than this leaks and spills on Lake Maracaibo, there is gas leaks which translate into a loss of pressure in the wells, which then run their course move quickly, ultimately reduce production and lower the country current and potential income. This affect the economy on the country considering that Venezuela is one of the world leading producer of oil and natural gas. Some of the solution which can used to address this problem is that oil company should repair their pipe system as soon as they detect a leak. Also a higher financial responsibility should be introduced to oil companies to clean up oil spills . Another step is that people should create awareness campaign to highlight this serious problem.
DEFORESTATION
(MARK EDWARDS, 2006-2015)
The main cause of deforestation in Venezuela is agricultural expansion or the destruction of forest to be used as agricultural or farm land. Logging (illegal and permitted), fire and mining also play important role in deforestation. Venezuela suffered an average of 1% deforestation of its forest per year. Zulia, a volatile western state bordering Colombia and at the heart of Venezuela oil industry, lost over half of it’s forests in a little over a decade.
Deforestation has taken its toll and has become a threat to ecological stability of the country and therefore to the sustainable economy and social progress of Venezuela and its people. The solution to this problem that people can take is by planting young trees to replace those already fell down by the loggers. Also there should be a laws to burn cutting down of trees and heft penalty for those who are caught cutting the trees. The ministry of environment should create awareness on the importance of forest conservation. The community should be given more control over the management of their local environment.
AIR POLLUTION
According to Ministry for Environment, air pollution in Maracaibo, Zulia state has become the most polluted in Venezuela in less than 10 years. The deterioration of Zulia’s atmosphere is caused by activities in oil industries, cement factory and deforestation. This pollution has largely affected the health of locals who have suffered respiratory diseases.
Deforestation led to high level of Carbon dioxide in the air, this is because forest cover absorb carbon dioxide and other polluting gas in the air which scientist believe contribute to global warming. carbon dioxide tend to trap warm air at the surface of earth instead of releasing it. Due to high levels of this polluting gases in the air, high rates of patients admission with problems such as breathing difficulties, eyes and skin disorder have been reported in the local health centers. The solutions that can be implemented to sort out air pollution is encouraging people to use public mode of transport as opposed to private means since one factor that has been said to contribute to air pollution in Venezuela is said to be expansion in vehicle fleet. Planting of tree to increase the absorption of carbon dioxide and other green house gases can also help reduce air pollution. Also use of clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal should be encouraged instead of fossil fuel which are known to be the leading agents of air pollution.
References
China daily .com.cn,(2011), black specter in Venezuelan lake
MARK EDWARDS, (2006-2015),Hard rain project ,roadmap to a sustainable future,
Joseph Poliszuk ,(2013), Maracaibo city is polluted , El Universal.
