How Urbanisation Leads to Pollution: A Student-Friendly Explanation
Below, you will find an essay on pollution due to urbanisation (long) and also a short essay on pollution due to urbanisation. While urbanisation has its positives, it is imperative to look at every object according to its pros and cons. Here are two essays on pollution due to urbanisation of 400-500 words and 100-200 words, respectively. We will discuss the importance of urbanisation for countries, and how urbanisation is polluting the world.
Long Essay on Pollution Due to Urbanisation
Urbanisation is a great concept which is required to develop any country. It refers to the concept of urbanising remote areas by building infrastructure which then brings about development. Infrastructure refers to all the buildings and institutions which are necessary for economic development to take place in an area. For example, educational institutions like schools, colleges, vocational learning centres are part of the infrastructure. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics, employment opportunities, food security, etc. are also part of the infrastructure of a country.
It is seen very often that a big corporation sets up shop in a rural area, and around this, infrastructure is built, and development and urbanisation take place. Jamshedpur is an example of such a place, where Tata Industries set up shop many years ago and made the area highly developed. Thus, urbanisation definitely encourages the people of a place to have a better life by giving them more opportunities to achieve good life through education, jobs, etc.
On the other hand, it must be duly noted that urbanisation is one of the leading causes of pollution in today’s world. There are several different kinds of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and noise pollution. The facets of urbanisation contribute to each one of these types of pollution in one way or another. Factories and mines contribute to air pollution through the fumes that each of them emits into the air. The damage done to the water and soil around factories because of their flowing septic is harmful to both humans as well as aquatic life. Additionally, the noises that come from mines, the whirring of machinery in factories, etc. contribute to noise pollution.
Additionally, it is not only big industries that contribute to pollution due to urbanisation. Part of urbanisation is also the development of roads, which means more cars, buses, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, trucks, etc. on the road. These all contribute to noise pollution because of the incessant honking, and also to air pollution, because of the fumes that all motor vehicles emit. Even when we are stuck in traffic in an auto, it becomes difficult to breathe because of the fumes which surround us on the roads. If we are finding it difficult to breathe, imagine what so many fumes are doing to our planet.
Short Essay on Pollution Due to Urbanisation
150 Words Paragraph On Pollution Due to Urbanisation
Pollution takes place when air, water or soil becomes contaminated with unwanted substances. Air pollution takes place because of the fumes of factories and motor vehicles on the road. Soil pollution and water pollution take place due to the septic waste being released into soil or water that surrounds a factory. Even oil spills are a major reason for water pollution, and all kinds of pollution can be very dangerous for living beings. Another type of pollution is noise pollution, which comes from the honking of cars, loud sounds in factories, the passing of aeroplanes and trains, etc.
Urbanisation is a result of the need to achieve economic development. It refers to when a relatively rural or remote area is made more urban by constructing roads, hospitals, schools, offices, etc. In this way, development is a result of urbanisation, which is extremely good for all countries.
However, all the great factors that urbanisation brings in, such as factories to work in, motor vehicles to drive, and so much more, all of these contribute to pollution more and more. Even though urbanisation is very important for a country, it is important to address all the kinds of pollution
Pollution is one of the most pressing concerns confronting our civilization today. When their environment deteriorates on a daily basis, humans face major challenges. The mixing of any toxic element or contaminants in our natural environment is referred to as pollution. Many contaminants are introduced into the natural environment as a result of human activities, contaminating it too dangerous proportions. Pollution is caused by a variety of factors, one of which is urbanisation.
The negative aspect of urbanisation is the manufacturers, which emit a great deal of pollution. Their equipment emits smoke into the environment, pollutes water streams and the surrounding land, and makes a lot of noise. As a result, there is a lot of pollution as a result of urbanisation, and it is extremely destructive to the environment when it first begins.
The majority of the pollution in our environment is due to urbanisation. It's because factories are springing up all over the place, there are a lot more cars on the road now, and so on.
Pollution Due to Urbanisation
Our mother planet is choking, and we are unable to do anything about it. Today, we confront several issues, one of which is pollution. Pollution occurs when a contaminating substance is introduced into our environment and pollutes our natural resources. There are numerous causes of pollution, most of which are caused by humans. Natural resources and habitats have been depleted as a result of our activities.
Urbanisation is one of the primary causes of human pollution. Pollution levels began to rise when humans began to construct cities and industrialization developed. Human needs continue to expand, and we loot our mother planet to meet them. As a result of development, many beautiful valleys, mountains, hilltop stations, and woods have become pollution carriers. Trees have been felled, rivers and lakes have been poisoned, and natural reserves have been exploited.
As a result, we now live in severely polluted cities where daily life has become increasingly challenging. As a result of urban pollution, we are experiencing a variety of health issues, the worst part of which is that we are fully unconscious of it. It is past time for us to take steps to reduce pollution and make the world a better place for future generations.
Conclusion
Urbanisation is a really great step forward for any country, and it is and should be the main aim of all countries. All people around the world should have access to proper healthcare, education, sanitation, nourishment and safety, and urbanisation is how we can help achieve this goal. However, in the process of meeting this goal, we cannot forget that pollution due to urbanisation does take place, and is very dangerous for the planet and, therefore, all species living on earth in the long run.
FAQs on Pollution Due to Urbanisation Essay: Key Causes, Effects & Solutions
1. What is urbanisation, and how is it linked to environmental pollution?
Urbanisation is the process where populations shift from rural areas to urban areas, leading to the growth of towns and cities. This process is directly linked to environmental pollution because it concentrates human activities. The development of infrastructure such as factories, roads, and housing requires clearing land, and the resulting increase in industrial production and vehicle traffic releases harmful substances into the air, water, and soil.
2. What are the major types of pollution that intensify with urbanisation?
Urbanisation significantly worsens several types of pollution. The main ones include:
- Air Pollution: Caused by fumes from factories, power plants, and a high concentration of vehicles on roads.
- Water Pollution: Results from industrial waste, sewage, and residential trash being dumped into rivers and lakes.
- Soil Pollution: Occurs when industrial chemicals and non-biodegradable waste contaminate the land, affecting ecosystems.
- Noise Pollution: Generated by constant traffic, construction activities, loudspeakers, and industrial machinery, which can cause health issues.
3. Why is urbanisation often described as a 'double-edged sword' for a country's development?
Urbanisation is considered a double-edged sword because it brings both significant benefits and severe drawbacks. On one hand, it drives economic development by creating jobs, and improves quality of life through better access to education, healthcare, and services. On the other hand, this progress comes at a high environmental cost, leading to resource depletion, habitat destruction, and increased pollution, which ultimately threatens long-term sustainability and public health.
4. How does the development of urban infrastructure like roads and buildings contribute to pollution?
The development of urban infrastructure is a primary driver of pollution. Constructing buildings and roads often requires widespread deforestation, which destroys natural carbon sinks and habitats. The construction process itself generates significant air and noise pollution. Furthermore, an expanded road network encourages more vehicles, leading to higher emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to both air and noise pollution in cities.
5. Beyond factories and cars, what are some less obvious sources of pollution in cities?
While factories and vehicles are major polluters, cities also suffer from less obvious forms of pollution. These include:
- Thermal Pollution: An excess of heat trapped in the atmosphere due to buildings and pavements absorbing and radiating sunlight, creating an 'urban heat island' effect.
- Visual Pollution: The overwhelming presence of billboards, high-intensity lights, and overhead power lines that can be visually jarring and disruptive.
- Light Pollution: Excessive artificial light in cities can disrupt the natural cycles of humans and wildlife.
6. How can pollution due to urbanisation be controlled through combined efforts?
Controlling urban pollution requires a two-pronged approach. At the individual level, people can contribute by conserving energy and water, using public transport or carpooling, planting trees, and properly disposing of waste. At the government and industrial level, measures include enforcing stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles, investing in renewable energy, developing 'green belts' in cities, and creating effective policies for industrial and municipal waste management.
7. What is the specific environmental impact of rapid urbanisation on cities in India?
In India, rapid urbanisation has led to severe environmental challenges. Major metropolitan cities face enormous pressure on resources. For example, cities like Delhi and Mumbai generate thousands of tonnes of municipal solid waste daily. The number of vehicles has grown exponentially, leading to critical levels of air pollution. Furthermore, natural water bodies are heavily contaminated by industrial effluents and untreated sewage, causing a severe scarcity of clean water resources.
8. How does the lifestyle of an urban resident contribute more to pollution compared to a rural resident?
An urban lifestyle typically has a larger environmental footprint. Urban residents generally have higher consumption patterns, using more electricity for appliances, more fuel for transportation, and generating more waste. The high population density in cities concentrates these impacts. In contrast, rural lifestyles are often less energy-intensive and produce less non-biodegradable waste, resulting in a lower per-capita contribution to pollution.
