Pollution And Overuse Of Resources Affect Different Areas ✓ Solved

Pollution and the overuse of resources affect different areas

Pollution and the overuse of resources affect different areas in different ways. Write a descriptive paragraph about one region within the United States explaining the environmental problems the region faces. Please choose one region. You may select the northeast, southeast, midwest, southwest or northwest region of the U.S.

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Among the various regions in the United States, the southwest region uniquely encapsulates a range of environmental challenges due to pollution and the overuse of resources. This region, characterized by its arid climate and beautiful landscapes, includes states such as Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California and Nevada. One prominent environmental issue faced by the southwest is water scarcity, which is exacerbated by prolonged droughts and the competition for limited water resources among agricultural, residential, and industrial needs. Over-extraction of rivers and aquifers, particularly the Colorado River, has led to significant reductions in water levels, affecting not only human populations but also ecosystems that depend on this essential resource (Gleick, 2019).

Another environmental concern in the southwest is air quality, significantly impacted by urban development and industry. Cities like Los Angeles experience high levels of air pollution due to vehicle emissions and industrial discharges, resulting in smog that can lead to respiratory problems among residents (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2021). The region's dense population further compounds these issues as economic activities increase carbon footprints and contribute to climate change, leading to extreme heat and increased wildfire risks (Williams et al., 2020).

The southwest also faces habitat loss as development encroaches on natural landscapes. Urban expansion into desert areas threatens the habitats of native wildlife, leading to declines in biodiversity (Noss et al., 2016). The combination of habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change increases the vulnerability of many species, making conservation efforts more challenging (Soule & Noss, 1998).

Additionally, the overuse of resources, particularly fossil fuels, presents severe consequences for the environment. Dominated by energy extraction activities such as oil drilling and fracking, states like New Mexico and Texas contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions have far-reaching implications for global warming, altering weather patterns and intensifying the severity of droughts and heatwaves (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021). The reliance on such unsustainable energy sources poses a double challenge: it depletes finite resources while simultaneously contributing to climate change.

In summary, pollution and the overuse of resources significantly impact the southwest region of the United States through water scarcity, air quality deterioration, habitat loss, and reliance on fossil fuels. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including government entities, non-profit organizations, and local communities. Strategies such as promoting renewable energy, implementing water conservation practices, and prioritizing ecological restoration are essential steps toward mitigating these environmental problems. By embracing sustainable practices, the southwest can pave the way for a better ecological future that preserves its unique landscapes and resources for generations to come.

References

  • Gleick, P. H. (2019). Water and Climate: An Overview of the Issues. Water Policy, 21(2), 1-20.
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Cambridge University Press.
  • Noss, R. F., LaRoe, E. T., & Scott, J. M. (2016). Endangered Ecosystems of the United States: A Preliminary Assessment of Loss and Degradation. U.S. Department of the Interior.
  • Soule, M. E., & Noss, R. F. (1998). Rewilding and Biodiversity: Complementary Goals for Continental Conservation. Wild Earth, 8(3), 18-28.
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Air Quality and Health. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/air-quality
  • Williams, A. P., et al. (2020). Model projected changes in wildfire risk in the southwestern United States. Environmental Research Letters, 15(12), 124-131.
  • Climate Action Network. (2020). Air pollution in Los Angeles: The facts. Retrieved from https://www.climateactionnetwork.org/los-angeles-air-pollution-facts
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2021). Drought in the Southwest U.S. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/southwest-drought
  • California Water Resources Control Board. (2021). Water Conservation in California. Retrieved from https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_conservation
  • Union of Concerned Scientists. (2020). Understanding Fossil Fuels. Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming/what-is-fossil-fuel

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