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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

The Industrial Revolution Which Began In The Eighteenth Century Has

The Industrial Revolution that commenced in the eighteenth century marked a pivotal turning point in history, profoundly transforming societal structures, economic practices, and environmental landscapes worldwide. While heralded for facilitating technological progress and economic growth, this era also initiated a series of environmental challenges whose impacts are still felt today. This essay explores three of the most environmentally damaging consequences of the Industrial Revolution, the mechanisms through which they affected the environment, the influence of the environmental movement in the 1970s on industrial practices, subsequent legislative responses, and the current status of environmental conditions.

Three Major Environmentally Negative Impacts of the Industrial Revolution

The first significant environmental concern associated with the Industrial Revolution is air pollution resulting from the extensive burning of coal in factories and residential areas. The widespread use of coal as a primary energy source emitted large quantities of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, contributing to smog, acid rain, and respiratory health problems among populations (Bell & Kopf, 2017). This pollution mechanism was primarily fueled by technological dependence on coal, coupled with urbanization that concentrated emissions in growing industrial cities.

Secondly, water pollution became a considerable issue due to the disposal of industrial waste directly into rivers and lakes. Factories discharged toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and untreated effluents, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. For instance, the River Thames in London was notoriously polluted during this period, leading to diminished fish populations and contaminated water supplies (McNeill, 2016). The mechanism involved either dumping waste directly into water bodies or employing water as a medium for waste transportation, exacerbating aquatic pollution.

Thirdly, land degradation and deforestation occurred as forests were cleared for agriculture, urban development, and to fuel industries. This encroachment led to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and soil erosion. The mechanization of agriculture to support factory workers further intensified land usage, often with negligible concern for ecological sustainability (IPCC, 2017). These practices disrupted local ecosystems and reduced the land's capacity to sequester carbon, contributing indirectly to climate change.

The Impact of the 1970s Environmental Movement on Industrialization

The burgeoning environmental movement of the 1970s significantly influenced industrial practices in the United States. Driven by heightened awareness of pollution effects and ecological degradation, this movement sought to promote policy changes and environmental accountability (Carson, 1962). Organizations like the Sierra Club and the establishment of groups such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exemplified this shift. The movement underscored the need for sustainable industrial practices, leading to increased regulation of emissions and waste management (Kraft, 2011).

Legislative Responses and Their Effectiveness

In response to mounting environmental concerns, several laws were enacted to regulate industrial pollution. The Clean Air Act of 1970 aimed to reduce air pollutants and set emission standards, resulting in significant reductions in air quality pollutants in subsequent decades (U.S. EPA, 2020). The Clean Water Act of 1972 targeted water pollution, mandating wastewater treatment and controlling discharges into water bodies. These laws catalyzed technological innovations in clean energy and pollution control devices, leading to measurable improvements in air and water quality in parts of the U.S.

Since the 1970s, additional legislation such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) of 1980 has focused on cleaning up contaminated sites. International agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement have also aimed to curb global emissions. Despite these efforts, some environmental metrics, such as greenhouse gas concentrations and biodiversity loss, indicate that environmental conditions continue to decline in certain regions, emphasizing the need for more aggressive policies and global cooperation (World Bank, 2019).

Current Environmental Conditions and Future Steps

While legislation has contributed positively to environmental protection, the overall state of the environment remains precarious in many areas. Climate change accelerates due to persistent greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity continues to decline worldwide. To address these issues, policy measures must deepen their focus on sustainability, including renewable energy investments, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and fostering sustainable urban development (IPCC, 2021). Additionally, public awareness campaigns and corporate accountability are vital to catalyze behavioral change and economic shifts toward sustainability.

Conclusion

The environmental impacts of the Industrial Revolution are profound and long-lasting. The mechanisms by which industrialization harmed air quality, water integrity, and land sustainability underscore the need for vigilant regulation and sustainable practices. Although the environmental movement of the 1970s and subsequent laws brought about improvements, challenges persist in reversing ecological damage. Future efforts must prioritize innovation, strict enforcement, and global cooperation to ensure a sustainable relationship between industrial progress and environmental health.

References

• Bell, M. L., & Kopf, R. (2017). Air pollution and human health: A review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(4), 440-448.
• Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2017). Climate Change and Land: An IPCC Special Report. IPCC.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. IPCC.
• Kraft, M. E. (2011). Environmental Policy and Politics. Routledge.
• McNeill, J. R. (2016). Something New Under the Sun: An Environmental History of the Twentieth-Century World. W.W. Norton & Company.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Summary of the Clean Air Act. EPA.gov.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). The Clean Water Act. EPA.gov.
• World Bank. (2019). The changing nature of biodiversity loss. World Development Report 2019.