The Industrial Revolution Which Began In The Eighteenth Cent

The Industrial Revolution Which Began In The Eighteenth Century Has

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the eighteenth century, has had an ongoing influence on society as well as the relationship between humans and their environment. With the onset of industrialization came the drastic increase in urbanization, setting up of factories in places which were once biomes, and the rapid development of land. All this occurred without assessing the long-term impact to the environment. Recognizing the importance of the Industrial Revolution era and the ongoing impact it has had on the environment is essential to learning how to help the environment and correct the damage of that era. Using the readings for this module, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, complete the following: Identify three of the most environmentally negative impacts of the Industrial Revolution and justify your choices.

For example, the invention of the automobile revolutionized travel in a positive manner. However, this invention is causing some of the biggest environmental problems as a result of the extensive use of oil extracted from the earth. Examine how these three negative impacts changed the environment; list the mechanisms through which this happened. For example, factories caused an increase in pollution through the release of toxic waste, which led to diminished and lost fish populations in rivers. Explain the effect of the environmental movement on the process of industrialization in the United States during the 1970’s.

Identify the laws passed to help ameliorate the environmental issues in the U.S. or around the world related to these three impacts. Have any laws been passed since this movement in the 1970’s? If there have been laws implemented, summarize the spirit of the law and comment on the effectiveness of the law. Based on your research, examine whether the state of the environment has become worse or has improved as a result of these laws. If you think conditions have not improved, suggest solutions or steps that must be done to improve the situation.

Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references. Be sure to include an additional page for references. Write a 4–5-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the 18th century, marked a pivotal point in human history characterized by technological innovations, mass production, and urbanization. While these developments propelled economic growth and societal progress, they also introduced significant environmental challenges. Understanding the most detrimental environmental impacts resulting from this era, along with the regulatory measures implemented since the 1970s, is crucial for developing sustainable solutions. This paper identifies three major negative environmental impacts of the Industrial Revolution, explores their mechanisms and effects, examines the role of the environmental movement, reviews pertinent laws, and evaluates whether environmental conditions have improved.

Three Major Environmentally Negative Impacts of the Industrial Revolution

Firstly, air pollution experienced a dramatic rise due to the proliferation of factories powered by coal. The combustion of coal released large quantities of smoke, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, significantly deteriorating air quality. The infamous London smog of 1952 exemplifies how industrial pollution compromised public health and visibility, contributing to respiratory illnesses and fatalities (Bell et al., 2004). The mechanism involved burning fossil fuels in industrial processes and transportation, which emitted pollutants that accumulated in urban atmospheres.

Secondly, water pollution escalated as factories discharged toxic waste directly into rivers and lakes. The lack of waste regulation resulted in contaminated water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems. For example, the Clear Water River saw fish populations decline sharply when chemical wastes from nearby industries entered its waters. The mechanisms of pollution included the disposal of heavy metals, organic chemicals, and untreated wastewater, which disrupted aquatic life and aquatic food chains (Klamt et al., 2020).

Thirdly, deforestation surged during the industrial era due to land clearing for factories, urban expansion, and resource extraction. This loss of forests degraded biodiversity, disrupted ecosystems, and contributed to climate change. The mechanization and expansion of industry consumed vast forested areas, thereby reducing carbon sinks and increasing the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere (List et al., 2018). The mechanisms involved extensive land clearing driven by economic demands and infrastructure development.

The Environmental Movement and Its Influence (1970s)

The environmental movement gained momentum in the United States during the 1970s, driven by increased awareness of pollution and ecological degradation. Influential events such as the publication of Rachel Carson’s "Silent Spring" (1962) and catastrophic pollution events galvanized public demand for regulatory action (Carson, 1962). The movement pressured policymakers to implement laws aimed at curbing environmental harm, fundamentally shifting industrial practices towards greater accountability and sustainability.

Legislation to Address Environmental Impacts

In response, pivotal laws such as the Clean Air Act (1970) and Clean Water Act (1972) were enacted. The Clean Air Act aimed to regulate airborne pollutants and set emission standards to improve air quality, while the Clean Water Act sought to reduce water pollution by establishing water quality standards and regulating discharges (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2022). These laws embody the principles of pollution control and ecosystem preservation.

The effectiveness of these laws has been mixed; while significant reductions in specific pollutants have been achieved, challenges remain. For instance, urban air quality has improved in many cities, but greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution persist due to ongoing industrial activity (Jacobson, 2017). Civil society and regulatory agencies have continued to update and expand environmental laws, such as the Clean Power Plan (2015), emphasizing renewable energy and emission reductions.

Current Environmental Conditions and Future Solutions

Despite legislative efforts, environmental conditions have not universally improved. Climate change, driven largely by industrial emissions, continues to threaten ecosystems and human health. Air and water pollution levels remain problematic in many regions, and biodiversity loss accelerates (IPCC, 2021). To enhance environmental quality, comprehensive strategies are needed, including stricter emission standards, investment in clean energy, and global cooperation on climate policies. Promoting sustainable industrial practices, advancing renewable energy technologies, and strengthening environmental enforcement are vital steps forward.

Conclusion

The legacy of the Industrial Revolution includes profound environmental damages, notably air and water pollution and deforestation. The environmental movement in the 1970s catalyzed legislation that has mitigated some impacts but has not reversed all damage. Continued efforts, driven by technological innovation and policy reform, are essential to safeguard the environment for future generations.

References

• Bell, M. L., Ebisu, K., & Peng, R. D. (2004). Particulate matter and health: An overview. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(4), 343-348.
• Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
• IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Jacobson, M. Z. (2017). Air pollution and health. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 42, 31-49.
• Klamt, R., et al. (2020). Water pollution and its impact on aquatic ecosystems. Environmental Management, 65(2), 234-246.
• List, C., et al. (2018). Deforestation and climate change. Journal of Environmental Management, 233, 119-130.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. EPA.gov.