पृथ्वी, जल, वायु, आकाश... The elements that keep us alive and nourish us. Unfortunately, we the people of India give little importance to the conservation of these elements. In our day to day lives, we inflict innumerable assaults on our environment, which have direct and very serious implications to ourselves.
For example, when you burn waste, you are the first person who inhales all the toxic gases that are released into the environment.Though most of us are aware that whatever harm we do to the nature comes back to us, immediately, we forfeit all responsibility to preserve our environment.
Let's take the scenario of vehicle emission.
WHAT OUR VEHICLES EMIT:
- Hydrocarbons-These are toxic gases which are the major reasons behind smog. Smog is the condition due to which, even on a clear sunny day, if you look at distant landscapes, they will appear behind a thick blanket of fog. (SMOG = Smoke + fog). Even if you are surrounded by smog, it will not be visible to you, unless it is very very intense. Exposure to Smog, has liver effects.
- METHANE - This is also a Hydrocarbon which has been identified as a greenhouse gas, a major contributor to global warming.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) - Carbon monoxide bonds with blood molecules and reduces there ability to transport oxygen to organs, which is the main function of blood. In case of being surrounded by intense CO, organs get starved for oxygen. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a major killer.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - NOx leads to smog and acid rain. Notrogen oxides cause respiratory infection. NOx is produced when nitrogen and oxygen react at high tempreratures. Therfore more NOx are produces when our engines run most efficiently (i.e. hottest) part of the cycle.
- Particles, from fuel impurities – If inhaled can lead to poisoning and cancer
- Sulfur oxide (SOx) - SOx is produced because our fuels contain sulfur. This can be reduced easily but refineries generally fight requirements to do this because of the increased costs to them.
Most of us today drive motor vehicles. But How many of us have ever bothered to check the emission levels of our vehicles? Only when the traffic cop asked us for a PUC certificate. There is a whole set of rules and restrictions on emission levels in India. If it had been adhered to since inception, the environment in India would have been much more favorable for us. But I really doubt if the enforcement of these standards now could help us.. isn't it a bit too late for liberal restrictions?
Better late than never, we could start mending our ways.
WHAT CAN WE DO
1> Use public transports. Reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This would minimize the number of accidents also.
2> Start walking. It will also improve your health.
3> Get your emission levels regularly checked.
4> Turn off engine on traffic signals. Save fuel, save money.
5> Switch to green vehicles. Electric vehicles are the best option. Economical and eco-friendly.
Burning of fuel not only harms environment it also depletes important natural resources. as explained in a previous post
Burning of fuel not only harms environment it also depletes important natural resources. as explained in a previous post
DO WE REALLY CARE?
Ask yourselves? can you do your bit for a pint of fresh air.
If you really care, then do your part just for your own sake.
