Tag: Environmental

  • Political Environment: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary

    Political Environment: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary

    The influence of the political environment of business is enormous. This article explains the topic of the International political environment and system: with their important concepts; Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. The political system prevailing in a country decides, promotes, fosters encourages, shelters, directs and controls the business activities of those countries. Political Environment is the relationship between the state government and institutions legislation public and private in the Business environment.

    International political environment and system: with their important concepts; Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

    A political system that is stable, honest, efficient and dynamic and which ensures political participation of the people, and assures personal security to the citizens, is the primary factor for the growth of any business. Two basic political philosophies are in existence all over the world, viz., democracy and totalitarianism.

    In its pure sense, democracy refers to a political arrangement in which supreme power vests in the people. Democracy may manifest itself in any of two fundamental manners. If each individual is given the right to rule and vote on every matter, the result is pure democracy which is not, however, workable in a complex society with a large constituency.

    Hence, the republican forms of the organization follow whereby the public, in a democratic manner, elect their representatives who do the ruling. In totalitarianism, also, call authoritarianism, individual freedom is completely subordinate to the power of authority of the state and concentrates in the hands of one person or in a small group that is not constitutionally accountable to the people.

    Societies ruled by a pressure clique – political, economy or military – or by a dictator plus most oligarchies and monarchies belong to this category. The doctrine of fascism and erstwhile Russian Communism is an example of totalitarianism.

    India is a democratic country. Our political system comprises three vital institutions:

    • Legislature.
    • Executive or government, and.
    • Judiciary.

    Now, explain each one:

    Legislature:

    Out of three, the legislature is the most powerful political institution vested with such powers as policy making, law-makings, budget approving, executive control and acting as a mirror of public opinion. The influence of the legislature on business is considerable. It decides such vital aspects as the type of business activities, the country should have, who should own them, what should be their size of the operation, what should happen to their earnings and other related factors.

    The legislature is the most powerful institution. The main powers are vesting in the legislature are; in today’s economies, particularly of developing countries like India, the relevance of a protective legal environment for Business assumes immense proportions as it is the very foundation of every investment decision.

    The business has to be within the law of the Land. Every aspect of the business from its birth till death covers under the laws to ensure that not only profit is earned in a justified and fairway but also to ensure that in the attainment of business interests the interest of each person fully protect and the profits of the business are distributing in a manner beneficial to the society.

    Government as Executive:

    Also called the “state” the term government refers to “the center of the political authority having the power to govern those it serves”. For business consideration, we should know what are the government’s responsibilities to the business.

    Specifically, the executive or government’s responsibilities towards business are as follows:

    • Establishment and enforcement of the law.
    • Maintenance of order.
    • Money and credit.
    • Orderly growth.
    • Infrastructure.
    • Information.
    • Assistance to small industries.
    • Transfer of technology, and.
    • Tariffs and Quotas.
    More things:

    The Government or executive is the executory body of the laws which are framed by the legislature.

    According to E. V. Schneider,

    “Government is that institution by which men everywhere, seek to order society, that is, to control the structure and functioning of society.”

    According to Musselman and Hughes,

    “Government is the center of the political authority having the power to govern those it serves.”

    In simple words, the role of the Government or executive is to shape, direct and control the business activities. The translations of the objective of any laws to the reality depend as much upon the law itself as on its implementation. The implementation of the law in its word and spirit only can ensure the realization of its true objectives.

    Indian constitution provides for a federal set up with powers being divided between central and state governments. The powers and functions of central and state governments are described in the constitution.

    Judiciary:

    The third political institution is the judiciary. Judiciary determines how the work of executives has been fulfilled. It settles the relationship between private citizens, on one hand, and between citizens and the government upon the other. The judiciary sees to it that the exercise of authority by the executives is according to the general rules laid down by the legislature, it may declare that any particular order issued is, in fact, ultra vires (beyond the authority). It is the power of the Judiciary to settle legal disputes that affect business considerably.

    1) Disputes between employers and employees, 2) employer and employer, 3) employee and employee, 4) employers and the public, and 5) employers and the government.

    The power of the judiciary is of the dual type:

    • The authority of the courts to settle legal disputes, and.
    • Judicial review – the authority of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of legislation.

    What is the International political environment?

    Introduction: The political environment of the country of operation becomes increasingly important for the international firm. As it moves from exports to foreign direct investment (FDI) as the mode of international market entry. Exporting firms use political pressure tactics to have free exportability of the products in their home country regulations, hassle-free procedures, and legislative requirements and export incentives.

    Besides, diplomatic channels are utilizing to get improve market access for imported goods in the target foreign country markets, reduced import tariffs, compatible quality regulations, etc. The dispute settlement mechanism, legal framework, and judicial independence are also critical to fair treatment expecting in international business. Cordial political relations between the firm’s home country and the host countries have a direct favorable impact on FDIs.

    More things:

    As a firm expands internationally and begins to operate in multiple countries, political and legal issues become increasingly complex. Consequent to economic liberalization in the People’s Republic of China, multi­level marketing firms, such as Amway, Avon, Tupperware, and Mary Kay Cosmetics grew rapidly. By 1997, Amway had approximately 80,000 sales representatives who generated $178 million in sales. Whereas Avon had nearly 50,000 representatives who generated sales of $75 million.

    It was reported that some other companies using the so-called pyramid schemes were cheating consumers. Consequently, the Chinese government banned direct selling in April 1998. As a result, direct marketing companies were prohibited to operate their business model in China. It was only after diplomatic pressures and negotiations between the US and the Chinese governments that the policy was reversed. The firm-level economic and political interests of the home and the host countries may differ widely.

    International managers need to understand the significance of political decision-making in the host country that may severely influence its overseas operations. International business relations between the firms are greatly affecting “affinity” or “animosity” among the countries based on historical or political reality. For instance, India’s political affinity with Sri Lanka and Mauritius has led to a high level of trade and investment whereas the reverse situation exists in the case of Indo-Pak trade.

    Political Environment Legislature Executive and Judiciary
    Political Environment: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, #Pixabay.

    International Political Systems and Ideologies:

    International political and economic systems or environments hardly function independently. The two are mutually inter-dependent. Political and diplomatic relations between the two counties greatly influence their economic relations. The political system of a country comprises various stakeholders. Such as the government, political parties with different ideologies, labor unions, religious organizations, environmental activists, and various NGOs.

    Each of these players in a political system has its own unique sets of beliefs and aspirations and exerts its influence upon political decisions. The acquisition, development, securing, and use of power about other entities. Where did power view as the capacity of the social actors to overcome the resistance of the other actors are term as political behavior? Ideology is a set of beliefs or ideas as to how the society or group should organize, politically, economically, or morally.

    More knowledge:

    Political ideology is a set of ideas or beliefs. That people hold about their political regime and its institutions about their position and role in it. Ideologies of different groups or political parties are often conflicting and they keep on challenging each other. In democratic countries, such as India, the US, and the UK, the shift in the political parties and their ideologies puts pressure on business operations of foreign firms. The power exerted by different pressure groups also varies from country to country.

    For instance, communist or socialist parties in countries, such as Russia and China hardly face any considerable challenge whereas such parties exert sizeable political pressure in countries like India, Sweden, Italy, and Greece. On the other hand; these parties hardly have any political viability in the US. Most religious organizations are politically neutral in India. Whereas the Catholic Church played a crucial role in overthrowing Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines and the liberation of Poland from Soviet domination. Islamic religious leaders in Iran greatly influence political decision making.

  • What does Go Green or Environmental Marketing mean in the Firms?

    What does Go Green or Environmental Marketing mean in the Firms?

    Why do Firms Go Green? Green or Environmental Marketing consists of all activities designed to generate and facilitate any exchanges intended to satisfy human needs or wants, such that the satisfaction of these needs and wants occurs, with a minimal detrimental impact on the natural environment. What does Go Green or Environmental Marketing mean in the Firms? According to the American Marketing Association, green marketing is the marketing of products that are presumed to be environmentally safe. What does Employees Stock Option mean? with Motivating Employees.

    Why businesses should consider investing their time and money in green marketing or go green?

    Thus green marketing incorporates a broad range of activities, including product modification, changes to the production process, packaging changes, as well as modifying advertising. Other similar terms used are Environmental Marketing and Ecological Marketing.

    Environmental issues have gained importance in business as well as in public life throughout the world. It is not like that a few leaders of different countries or few big renowned business houses are concerned about the day to day deterioration of oxygen level in our atmosphere but every common citizen of our country and the world is concerned about this common threat of global warming.

    So in this scenario of global concern, corporate houses have taken green-marketing as a part of their strategy to promote products by employing environmental claims either about their attributes or about the systems, policies, and processes of the firms that manufacture or sell them. Clearly, green marketing is part and parcel of overall corporate strategy; along with manipulating the traditional marketing mix (product, price, promotion, and place), it requires an understanding of public policy process.

    So we can say green marketing covers a broad range of activities. Firms use green marketing in an attempt to address cost or profit related issues. In implementing green marketing, consumers, corporate and the government play a very important role. But there are few constraints in implementing it like lack of consumer awareness, financial constraints, limited scientific knowledge, lack of stringent rules and competitive pressures.

    Green marketing involves developing and promoting products and Services that satisfy your customer wants and needs for quality, performance, affordable pricing and convenience without having a detrimental impact on the environment.

    Why are there good business go green today?

    Firms may choose to green their systems, policies, and products due to economic and non-economic pressures from their consumers, business partners, regulators, citizen groups and other stakeholders(non-market environment).

    Here are some other reasons may include:

    Now a day’s firms are becoming more concerned about their social responsibilities:

    They have taken social responsibilities as a good strategic move to build up an image in the heart of consumers. Even the socially responsible firms are getting leverage, whenever they intend to enter into foreign countries.

    There are example of firms like ITC, HUL who are heavily promoting them as an environmentally concerned firms, whereas there is example of firms who are working in this direction in a silence manner like Coca-Cola, who have invested crores of money in various recycling activities, as well as having modified their packaging to minimize its environmental impact.

    While being concerned about the environment coke has not used their concern as a marketing tool. Another big organization who is also working in this field without claiming any credit is Walt Disney World (WDW).

    So we can see that firms in this situation have taken two perspectives:

    • They are using green marketing as a marketing tool.
    • They are working in this field without promoting the fact.

    Competitive pressure:

    Competition is an integral part of the business, and you cannot overlook any competitive action taken by your competitor. So to be in the market you have to have a vigil over your competitors move for marketing its products.

    Some firms have taken green-marketing as a strategy to build up its image rather than inculcate it as a part of the policy and work silence. In some instances, this competitive pressure has caused an entire industry to modify and thus reduce its detrimental environmental behavior.

    Governmental pressure:

    In all most all civilized countries Govt. has the law to protect the consumers and the environment from the harmful goods or by-products and ensure through a law that all types of consumers have the ability to evaluate the environmental composition of goods.

    Govt. established several regulations to control the hazardous waste produced by firms and many by-products of production is controlled through the issuing of various environmental licenses, thus shaping the behavior of organization towards more socially responsible one.

    Some scholar claims that Green policies/products are profitable:

    Green policies can reduce costs; green firms can shape future regulations and reap the first-mover advantage.

    Change in customers attitude:

    With increasing concern about the environment, consumers attitude towards firms having green policies or green products is becoming a motivating factor.

    Cost or profit issue:

    Firms may also use green marketing in an attempt to address cost or profit related issues. Disposing of environmentally harmful byproducts, such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated oil are becoming increasingly costly and in some cases difficult. Therefore firms that can reduce harmful wastes may incur substantial cost savings. When attempting to minimize waste, firms are often forced to re-examine their production processes.

    In these cases, they often develop more efficient production processes that not only reduce waste but reduce the need for some raw materials. This serves as a double cost saving since both waste and raw material are reduced. In other cases firms attempt to find end–of–pipe solutions, instead of minimizing waste.

    In these situations, firms try to find markets or use for their waste materials, where one firm’s waste becomes another firm’s input of production. One Australian example of this is a firm who produces acidic waste water as a by-product of production and sells it to a firm involved in neutralizing base materials.

    What does Go Green or Environmental Marketing mean in the Firms
    What does Go Green or Environmental Marketing mean in the Firms? #Pixabay.

    #The benefits of Green Marketing (Go Green):

    Environmental responsibility has been added to the corporate agenda in the 21st century. Businesses are held accountable by both the government and society to operate in environmentally friendly ways. Green marketing is used by companies to communicate a brand’s emphasis on business practices or products that are beneficial for the environment. Here are explain by Bizfluent; What Are the Benefits of Green Marketing?

    Product Opportunities:

    Growing consumer awareness and interest in preserving and utilizing natural resources has contributed to an influx in sales and marketing of environmentally friendly and reusable products. “Organic” has become a keyword in marketing.

    Sales of organic products reached $26.6 billion in 2009, according to Barbara Haumann in her April 2010 report for the Organic Trade Association. $24.8 billion was generated from organic food sales and an additional $1.8 billion was realized through non-food organic products.

    Enhanced Environmental Awareness:

    The Encyclopedia of Business (2nd Edition) pointed out that a benefit that resonates with industry and consumers alike is the expansion of environmental awareness. As companies market their green-friendly efforts and products, they simultaneously encourage the green initiative. This perpetuates the efforts by other companies to operate with more green responsibility and causes consumers to remain vigilant in holding companies accountable for their actions.

    Premium Prices:

    Keeping up with environmental expectations can be expensive for a company. Preserving rain forests, recycling, reducing waste and other green-friendly actions take time, resources and concerted effort.

    A benefit of green marketing expansion is that consumers may become more comfortable and accepting of paying higher premium prices to acquire earth-friendly products or to support companies that engage in green activities. The Encyclopedia of Business acknowledges that it is a crucial task of marketers to get customers to take on these premium prices.

    Supplier Expansion:

    In Go Green, A challenge faced by early adopters of the environmental movement was the limited supply of earth-friendly food and non-food products. Companies that initially sold organic foods faced high prices due to a limited number of organic farmers and suppliers.

    However, Haumann notes in her report “farmer’s markets, co-ops, and CSA (community-supported agriculture) operations gained a lot of interest as consumers increasingly look for locally and regionally produced organic foods.” Grocery retailers also benefit from stronger local supplies of organic food products.

  • Environmental Education: Aim, Principles, and Concept

    Environmental Education: Aim, Principles, and Concept

    Environmental education (EE) concerns with those aspects of human behavior which are more directly related to man’s interaction with the biophysical environment and his ability to understand this interaction. The article explaining Environmental Education – with their topic Aim, Principles, and Concept. EE is a methodology in which people pick up familiarity with their surroundings and secure learning, abilities, values, experiences, and passion, all of which will empower them to act – separately and aggregately – to take care of present and future environmental issues.

    Learn and understand the Environmental Education: Aim, Principles, and Concept, deeply explain.

    One of the most glaring problems which the world faces today is environmental pollution. The man has exploited nature excessively at the cost of the environment. There is an immediate need to make people aware of environmental degradation. What is Pollution and Types of Environmental Pollution? Education and public participation may change and improve the quality of the environment.

    Explain it each one of Environmental Education (EE): Definition, Objectives of Environmental Education, Aim of Environmental Education, Principles of Environmental Education, and Concept of Environmental Education! Environmental Education in India – Concept, and Role of Environmental Education.

    Definition of Environmental education (EE):

    According to UNESCO,

    “Environmental education is a way of implementing the goals of environmental protection. It is not a separate branch of science but the lifelong interdisciplinary field of study.”

    It means education towards the protection and enhancement of the environment and education as an instrument of development for improving the quality of life of human communities.

    Objectives of Environmental Education (EE):

    The following are the objectives of environmental education:

    1] Awareness:

    To help social groups and individuals to acquire knowledge of pollution and environmental degradation.

    2] Knowledge:

    To help social groups and individuals to acquire knowledge of the environment beyond the immediate environment including the distant environment.

    3] Attitudes:

    To help social groups and individuals to acquire a set of values for environmental protection.

    4] Skills and Capacity Building:

    To help social groups and individuals to develop the skills required for making discriminations in form, shape, sound, touch, habits, and habitats. Further, to develop the ability to draw unbiased inferences and conclusions.

    5] Participation:

    To provide social groups and individuals with an opportunity to actively involve at all levels in environmental decision making.

    There are four areas of decision making:

    • Types of environmental issues on which decisions might make.
    • The physical setting of the prospective environmental decision, including its spatial scale.
    • Types of social groups and individuals who might interact in a process leading up to an environmental decision, and.
    • The time frame within which the decision must make.

    The aim of Environmental Education (EE):

    UNESCO has highlighted the following aims of environmental education:

    The aim of environmental education is clearly to show the economic, social, political and ecological interdependence of the modern world, in which decisions and actions by different countries can have international repercussions. They should, in this regard, help to develop a sense of responsibility and solidarity among countries and regions as the foundation for a new international order which will guarantee the conservation and improvement of the environment.

    The main aim of environmental education at the grass-root level is to succeed in making individuals and communities understand the complex nature of the natural and the built environments. Further, to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, and practical skills to participate responsibly and effectively in anticipating and solving social problems, and in the management of the quality of the environment.

    Therefore, necessary steps for environmental education are:

    • Awareness.
    • Knowledge.
    • Attitude building for motivating to protect the environment.
    • Evaluation of environmental measures, and.
    • Skill and capacity building.

    According to D.H. Meadows’, environmental educators on every continent develop materials and methods as varied as the different cultures and ecosystems on earth. He lists some key concepts which underlie all environmental education. These are food for thought, levels of being, complex systems, population growth and carrying capacity, ecologically sustainable development, socially sustainable development, knowledge, uncertainty, and sacredness.

    Guiding Principles of Environmental Education (EE):

    The Principles of Environmental Education is deeply explaining – These are as follows:

    1] Resource Principles:
    • Resource use demands long-term planning if we are to achieve truly sustainable development.
    • Rationale utilization of a renewable source is a sensible way of preserving the resources while obtaining maximum benefits from it.
    • A mode of life heavily dependent upon rapidly diminishing non­-renewable energy sources (i.e. fossil fuel) is unstable.
    2] Soil Principles:
    • The protection of soils and the maintenance of sustainable agriculture are essential factors in the survival of civilizations and settlements.
    • Soil erosion is the irreversible loss of essential resources and must prevent.
    • A vegetation cover (grass, forest) is important for the balance of nature and the conservation of soil, besides being exploitable natural resources.
    3] Wildlife Protection Principles:
    • Wildlife population is important aesthetically, biologically and economically.
    • Nature reserves and other protected wilderness areas are of value in protecting endangered species because they preserve their habitats.
    • The survival of humanity is closely linked to the survival of wildlife both being dependent on the same life-supporting systems.
    4] Environmental Management Principles:
    • Sound environmental management is beneficial to both man and the environment.
    • Management of natural resources should do rationally.
    • Elimination of wastes through recycling and the development of clean.
    • Technologies are important to modern societies to help reduce the consumption of resources.
    • Human activities and technologies influence considerably the natural environment and may affect its capacity to sustain life, including human life.
    5] Other Principles:
    • The relations between humans and their environment are mediated by their culture i.e.
    • Cultural, historical and architectural heritage are much in need of protection.
    Environmental Education Aim Principles and Concept
    Environmental Education: Aim, Principles, and Concept #Pixabay

    The Concept of Environmental Education (EE):

    Any curriculum should base on well-thought-out and clearly define concepts that one wishes the learner to acquire. Some important concepts of environmental education have interdisciplinary significance such as environmental pollution, carrying capacity, ecosystems, ecology, and conservation, etc.

    Environmental Education (EE) in India:

    The prosperity and well-being of a nation depend on the effective utilization of human and physical resources through industrialization based on science and technology. But there is a perennial controversy between development and the environment. Also, the question is whether we shall go for industrial or modernization or we shall protect the environment.

    On one hand, we know that the development of a nation depends on industrialization, and on the other hand, rapid industrial and agricultural development entails many adverse effects on the environment of the countries concerned. So we have to apply our wisdom in striking a balance between these two contradictory factors. Also, Development and the environment are concerned with global ecology. We should, therefore; clearly, know the basic concepts of environment or ecology and its relation to our developmental activities at the macro as well as micro-level.

    Basic Concept of Environmental Education:

    Everything that surrounds us and on which our life depends is our environment. Our room, our home, our village or town, our family and friends, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the sunshine and the rain – all are part of our environment. Even the environment of two individuals is different. But these environments are interrelated so closely that in a sense we all belong to the same environment.

    This interrelatedness is a matter of ecology. The term “ecology” has been deriving from the Greek word “Oikos” which means home. So, ecology is literally, the science that deals with the home conditions of all living beings. Also, Ecology deals with the interrelationships between living beings and their environment.

    Previously, in the old days, a natural balance was maintained between all living beings including men and plants. Also, They were living together in harmony and the natural setting. Human beings live in harmony with Nature including the Forest which was providing most of the necessities for living. But over recent years, due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, nature has been adversely affecting.

    Extra explain:

    The environment seriously degrades and there are imbalance and disharmony. Also, the water and air have been polluted to a great extent because of the destruction of the vast forest on the earth. Because, the forest plays an important role in the conservation of water, purification of air and supplying many useful things to human beings.

    Another disaster that is posed before us is that due to the rapid growth of urbanization. Also, the living conditions of the people in the cities and towns have been deteriorating. There is the pollution of water, air, and noise, etc. due to the rapid expansion of industries, power stations, and motor vehicles, etc. Everywhere, there is pollution. It has been proving harmful to the physical and mental health of the people.

    All the Influences on the growth of the individual constitute the environment. As well as, the environment includes several situations or experiences that influence the development of the individual. So the environment of an individual comprises all the physical and social factors around him which directly affect his living including the working conditions.

    The various environmental factors are interrelated. Also, the physical environment includes living and non-living, the geographical landmarks, topography, and climatic conditions, man-made features like buildings, roads, transport and other facilities like health, sanitation, nutrition aspects. As well as, the social environment consists of the family and community life, fairs and festivals, modes of production and supply of essential commodities.

    The various environmental factors are inter-related. We know the environment of an individual comprises all the physical and social factors. Then only the individual can survive on his earth. For this reason, our environment is to protect.

    Role of Environmental Education (EE):

    Education regards as an important instrument and means for generating proper awareness and adequate knowledge and skills regarding environmental protection. It is, therefore, felt essential to develop education about the environment, education for the environment and education through the environment.

    So as a whole, it will be environmental education.

    • They should integrate into the whole system of formal education at all levels.
    • It adopts a holistic perspective that will examine the ecological, social, cultural and other aspects of particular problems.
    • They should center on practical problems related to real life.
    • They should aim at building up a sense of values.

    However, it universally agrees that environmental education should be interdisciplinary, drawing from biological, sociological, anthropological, economic, and political and human resources. It is also agreed that a conceptual approach in teaching environmental education is the best.

    It also involves decision-making and development strategies for promoting environmental protection. As well as, it treats as a discipline in which various subjects like Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics are including. This makes it imperative to train specialists in environmental education for planning,’ management, development, and taking remedial measures for solving the problems.

    The NCERT developed the guidelines for the school curriculum based on the Education Commission, 1964-66. It has also prepared a resource material on the use of the environment as a basis for meaningful learning in Primary Education.

    The National Policy on Education 1986 has also given a special place of significance to education and the environment. So a great need is being felt to create awareness for the protection of the environment by redesigning the objectives, methods, and curriculum in the field of education.

  • What is Pollution and Types of Environmental Pollution?

    What is Pollution and Types of Environmental Pollution?

    Learn about the different types of environmental pollution and their impact on the natural environment. Find out how pollution can cause adverse changes and harm ecosystems.

    What is Pollution and Types of Environmental Pollution?

    Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that causes adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point-source or nonpoint-source pollution.

    The meaning of Pollution: “The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.”

    History of Pollution:

    Air pollution has always accompanied civilizations. Pollution started in prehistoric times when man created the first fires. According to a 1983 article in the journal Science, “soot” found on ceilings of prehistoric caves provides ample evidence of the high levels of pollution that was associated with inadequate ventilation of open fires.” Metal forging appears to be a key turning point in creating significant air pollution levels outside the home. Core samples of glaciers in Greenland indicate increases in pollution associated with Greek, Roman, and Chinese metal production. Still, at that time the pollution was comparatively small and could be handled by nature.

    What is Environmental Pollution?

    Pollution, also called environmental pollution, is the addition of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or any form of energy (such as heat, sound, or radioactivity) to the environment at a rate faster than it can dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored in some harmless form. The major kinds of pollution are (classified by environment) air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Modern society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution, light pollution, and even plastic pollution.

    Although environmental pollution can cause by natural events such as forest fires and active volcanoes. The use of the word pollution generally implies that the contaminants have an anthropogenic source—that is, a source created by human activities. Pollution has accompanied humankind ever since groups of people first congregated and remained for a long time in any one place. Indeed, ancient human settlements frequently recognized by their pollutants—shell mounds and rubble heaps. Pollution was not a serious problem as long as there was enough space available for each individual or group. However, with the establishment of permanent settlements by great numbers of people, pollution became a problem, and it has remained one ever since.

    Cities of ancient times were often noxious places, fouled by human wastes and debris. Beginning about 1000ce, the use of coal for fuel caused considerable air pollution, and the conversion of coal to coke for iron smelting beginning in the 17th century exacerbated the problem. In Europe, from the Middle Ages well into the early modern era. Unsanitary urban conditions favored the outbreak of population-decimating epidemics of disease, from plague to cholera and typhoid fever. Through the 19th century, water and air pollution and the accumulation of solid wastes were largely problems of congested urban areas. But, with the rapid spread of industrialization and the growth of the human population to unprecedented levels, pollution became a universal problem.

    By the middle of the 20th century, an awareness of the need to protect air, water, and land environments from pollution had developed among the general public. In particular, the publication in 1962 of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring focused attention on the environmental damage caused by improper use of pesticides. Such as DDT and other persistent chemicals that accumulate in the food chain and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems on a wide scale.

    The presence of environmental pollution raises the issue of pollution control. Great efforts made to limit the release of harmful substances into the environment. Through air pollution control, wastewater treatment, solid-waste management, hazardous waste management, and recycling.

    Types of Environmental Pollution

    The major types of environmental pollution listed below along with the particular contaminant relevant to each of them:

    Air pollution: the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. Common gaseous pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and nitrogen oxides produced by industry and motor vehicles. Photochemical ozone and smog create as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react to sunlight. Particulate matter or fine dust characterize by its micrometer size from PM10 to PM2.5.

    Light pollution: includes light trespass, over-illumination, and astronomical interference.

    Littering: the criminal throwing of inappropriate synthetic objects, unremoved, onto public and private properties.

    Noise pollution: which encompasses roadway noise, aircraft noise, industrial noise as well as high-intensity sonar.

    Soil contamination occurs when chemicals released by spill or underground leakage. Among the most significant soil contaminants are hydrocarbons, heavy metals, MTBE, herbicides, pesticides, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

    Radioactive contamination, results from 20th-century activities in atomic physics. Such as nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons research, manufacture, and deployment. (See alpha emitters and actinides in the environment.)

    Thermal pollution is a temperature change in natural water bodies caused by human influence. Such as the use of water as coolant in a power plant.

    Visual pollution, can refer to the presence of overhead power lines, motorway billboards, scarred landforms (as from strip mining), open storage of trash, municipal solid waste, or space debris.

    Water pollution, by the discharge of wastewater from commercial and industrial waste (intentionally or through spills) into surface waters. Discharges of untreated domestic sewage, and chemical contaminants, such as chlorine, from treated sewage. Release of waste and contaminants into surface runoff flowing to surface waters (including urban runoff and agricultural runoff, which may contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides). Waste disposal and leaching into groundwater; eutrophication and littering.

    Plastic pollution: involves the accumulation of plastic products in the environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, or humans.

  • What are the Characteristics of the Troposphere?

    What are the Characteristics of the Troposphere?

    The characteristics of the Troposphere: The atmosphere has a multi-layered structure consisting of the following basic layers. Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Ionosphere, and Exosphere. The word troposphere derives from the Greek word Tropo and it means turbulence or mixing. This is the lowermost layer of the atmosphere and is known as the troposphere and is the most important lowest layer of earth surface because almost all the weather events ( e.g fog, cloud, due, frost, hailstorm, storms, cloud-thunder, lightning, etc.) occur in this lowest layer. Thus the troposphere is of the utmost significance for all life forms including man because these are concentrated in the lowermost portion of the atmosphere.

    Here explains; What are the Characteristics of the Troposphere? Read and learn.

    Temperature decreases with increasing height at the average rate of 6.50 C per 1000m (1 kilometer) Which is called a normal lapse rate. The height of the troposphere changes from the equator towards the poles (decreases) and from one season of a year to the other season(increases during summer while decreases during winter). The average height of the troposphere is about 16km over the equator and 6km over the poles. The upper limits of the troposphere are called TROPOPAUSE.

    What is the Importance of the Troposphere?

    The troposphere provides several important benefits: it holds nearly all of the water vapor in the Earth’s atmosphere, regulates temperature, and produces weather. The troposphere forms the lowest level of the Earth’s atmosphere, extending down to the surface of the Earth. This lowest layer also features the heaviest weight of all earth surface atmosphere layers, comprising approximately 75 percent of the total atmospheric weight.

    The troposphere varies in thickness and height around the world. At its highest point, the troposphere extends 12 miles into the air. At its lowest point, this layer reaches 4 miles above sea level. Regardless of height, the troposphere facilitates temperature regulation and cloud formation. It contains the highest temperatures closer to its base; these warm temperatures help the troposphere retain water vapor, which releases in the form of precipitation.

    The troposphere also serves as the starting point for the Earth’s water cycle. This process begins when the sun pulls water into the atmosphere through evaporation. Water then cools and condenses, forming clouds. Clouds store water particles, which are released in the form of rain, sleet, or snow depending on the time of year and region. The troposphere also traps gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Excess accumulation of these substances creates environmental problems, such as smog and air pollution.

    Characteristics of the Troposphere:

    The following Characteristics below are:

    • Most of the weather phenomena take place in this lowest layer. The troposphere contains almost all the water vapor and most of the dust.
    • This layer subject to intense mixing due to both horizontal and vertical mixing.
    • Temperature decreases with height at an average rate of 10C per 167m of height above sea level. This calls the normal lapse rate.
    • The troposphere extends up to a height of about 18km at the equator and declines gradually to a height of 8km at the poles.
    • The upper limit of the troposphere calls the tropopause. The temperature stops decreasing in it. It may be as low as -580C.

    All-weather changes occur in the troposphere. Since it contains most of the water vapor, clouds form in this layer of earth surface.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the troposphere?

    The troposphere is the lowest layer of earth’s surface atmosphere, where almost all weather events occur, including clouds, rain, and storms. It extends from the Earth’s surface to an average height of about 16 km over the equator and about 6 km over the poles.

    Why is the troposphere important?

    The troposphere is vital for life on earth surface as it holds nearly all the water vapor in the atmosphere, regulates temperature, and is the primary site for weather formation. It also plays a crucial role in the water cycle.

    How does temperature change in the troposphere?

    In the troposphere, temperature decreases with increasing height at an average rate of 6.5°C for every 1000 meters (1 kilometer) of elevation. This phenomenon is known as the normal lapse rate.

    What is the upper limit of the troposphere called?

    The upper boundary of the troposphere is known as the tropopause. At this boundary, the temperature stops decreasing, and it may reach temperatures as low as -58°C.

    What gases are found in the troposphere?

    The troposphere contains essential gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. However, an excess accumulation of these gases can lead to environmental issues, including smog and air pollution.

    How thick is the troposphere?

    The troposphere varies in thickness globally; it can reach up to 18 km at the equator and as low as 8 km at the poles.

  • What is the Troposphere?

    What is the Troposphere?

    What is the Troposphere? It is the lowest portion of Earth’s atmosphere and is also where nearly all weather takes place. It contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere’s mass and 99% of the total mass of water vapor and aerosols. The average depths of the troposphere are 20 km (12 mi) in the tropics, 17 km (11 mi) in the mid-latitudes, and 7 km (4.3 mi) in the polar regions in winter. The lowest part of them, where friction with the Earth’s surface influences airflow, is the planetary boundary layer. Also, This layer is typically a few hundred meters to 2 km (1.2 mi) deep depending on the landform and time of day.

    Here read and learn; What is the Troposphere? Meaning and Definition.

    Atop the troposphere is the tropopause, which is the border between the troposphere and stratosphere. The tropopause is an inversion layer, where the air temperature ceases to decrease with height and remains constant through its thickness.

    The word troposphere derives from the Greek: Tropos for “turn, turn toward, trope” and “-sphere” (as in, the Earth), reflecting the fact that rotational turbulent mixing plays an important role in the troposphere’s structure and behavior. As well as Most of the phenomena associated with day-to-day weather occur in them.

    The Troposphere:

    It is the lowest major atmospheric layer, extending from the Earth’s surface up to the bottom of the stratosphere. Also, It is where all of Earth’s weather occurs. It contains approximately 80% of the total mass of the atmosphere.

    It characterizes by decreasing temperature with height (at an average rate of 3.5 degrees F per thousand feet, or 6.5 degrees C per kilometer). In contrast, the stratosphere has either constant or slowly increasing temperatures with height.

    The boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere is called the “tropopause”, located at an altitude of around 5 miles in the winter, to around 8 miles high in the summer, and as high as 11 or 12 miles in the deep tropics.

    When you see the top of a thunderstorm flatten out into an anvil cloud. It is usually because the updrafts in the storm have reached the tropopause. Where the environmental air is warmer than the cloudy air in the storm, and so the cloudy air stops rising.

    Definition of The Troposphere:

    The lowest densest part of the earth’s atmosphere in which most weather changes occur and temperature generally decreases rapidly with altitude and which extends from the earth’s surface to the bottom of the stratosphere at about 7 miles (11 kilometers) high.

    Overview of The Troposphere:

    It is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere. Most of the mass (about 75-80%) of the atmosphere is in them. Most types of clouds are found there, and almost all weather occurs within this layer.

    The bottom of them is at Earth’s surface. Also, They extend upward to about 10 km (6.2 miles or about 33,000 feet) above sea level. The height of the top of them varies with latitude (it is lowest over the poles and highest at the equator) and by season (it is lower in winter and higher in summer). Also, It can be as high as 20 km (12 miles or 65,000 feet) near the equator, and as low as 7 km (4 miles or 23,000 feet) over the poles in winter.

    Air is warmest at the bottom of the troposphere near the ground level. Also, Air gets colder as one rises through them. That’s why the peaks of tall mountains can be snow-covered even in the summertime.

    Air pressure and the density of the air also decrease with altitude. That’s why the cabins of high-flying jet aircraft pressurize.

    The layer immediately above them calls the stratosphere. Also, The boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere calls the “tropopause“.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Troposphere?

    The troposphere is the lowest portion of Earth’s atmosphere, extending from the Earth’s surface up to the bottom of the stratosphere. It is where nearly all weather occurs and contains about 75-80% of the atmosphere’s mass.

    How deep is the Troposphere?

    The average depth of the troposphere varies by location: it is about 20 km (12 mi) in the tropics, 17 km (11 mi) in the mid-latitudes, and 7 km (4.3 mi) in the polar regions during winter.

    What is the Tropopause?

    The tropopause is the boundary layer between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It is characterized by a temperature inversion, meaning the air temperature remains constant or increases with altitude.

    Why does temperature decrease in the Troposphere?

    Temperature in the troposphere generally decreases with altitude at an average rate of 3.5 degrees F per thousand feet (6.5 degrees C per kilometer) due to the thermal structure and the influence of the Earth’s surface heating.

    What types of weather phenomena occur in the Troposphere?

    Most types of weather phenomena, including clouds, rain, thunderstorms, and wind patterns, occur within the troposphere.

    How does altitude affect air pressure in the Troposphere?

    Air pressure and density decrease with altitude in the troposphere. This change is significant, which is why high-flying jets must pressurize their cabins to ensure passenger comfort and safety.

    Where is the warmest air located in the Troposphere?

    The air is warmest at the bottom of the troposphere, near ground level. As altitude increases, the temperature decreases, leading to colder air at higher elevations.

    How does the height of the Troposphere change?

    The height of the troposphere varies depending on latitude and season. It is generally higher in tropical regions (up to 20 km) and lower over polar regions (as low as 7 km in winter).

    What happens to updrafts in a thunderstorm as they reach the Tropopause?

    When the updrafts in a thunderstorm reach the tropopause, they encounter warmer environmental air, which stops the cloudy air from rising further, often causing the characteristic anvil shape of thunderstorm clouds.