Research Articles Base: Air Pollution Essays

Automotive Engineering

Exploring Ricardo Wave Software     Abstract             One of latest issues arising today is more on the developments that will help improve our environment. The environment is gradually facing a lot of changes that causes some deterioration of its physical attributes. One of the said causes to this is the continuous emission of the gases of most vehicles. It is stated that this produced gases during acceleration can become very much harmful to the environment and it may lead to a more serious destruction if taken for granted.              Part of the responsibility of an Automotive Engineer is to design an appropriate engine that will not only produce a good quality in terms of speed and endurance but also something that will surely benefit the users and the environment.  As of now, the tremendous technology evolution is considered as the backbone in this field. A lot of new ideas and designs are being collaborated with the concept of the automotive engineering. In this case, to be able to solve the problem regarding the harmful gas emission, the general idea from both automotive engineering and new technology should be combined analytically in order to come up with a right solution.     Introduction of the Problem Background             The major cause of air pollution in the United Kingdom and rise of the world for more than a decade now has being directly attributed to the greater increase in the number of vehicles; Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (2006) stated that the number of cars on UK roads has increased by 1.8% compared with 2004, rising from 25,754,000 to 26,208,000. Overall, there are 32,897,000 vehicles registered for use on United Kingdom roads including cars, vans, taxis, buses and trucks. What this means is that with more vehicles on the road implies high percentage of air pollution, which is signal for attention. It then becomes glaring that the automotive industry and the student of automotive engineering, researchers need to look at a way to reduce the air pollution cause by vehicles exhausted gases.             The main major problem here to dealt with is to do with complete throttle opening i.e. from 0 – full load, During full engine acceleration (full opening throttle), the inlet manifold absolute pressure send a signal to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) tells that the engine under full load, then the ECU send out signal to the fuel injectors to open and give maximum fuel at this time, this cause a rich fuel into the combustion chamber. However, because of the delay in air flow within the inlet manifold, there is less air mixing with fuel and this resulting to incomplete combustion, releasing Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air as pollutants, which is dangerous to the environment.   Engineering Engine Pioneer             Ricardo Inc. is the leading provider of engineering solutions and strategic consulting to the world’s automotive, transport and energy industries. They were able to take great challenges as year passed by including the business strategy and restructuring, process re-engineering, product design, development, engineering, testing and systems integration. The company is now well established as they have a network of advanced and well-equipped technical centers in the United Kingdom, North America, Germany and the Czech Republic. However, all this things just started with a young man’s simple fascination on engines. Sir Harry Ricardo spent his time creating and designing small engines when he was just 17 years old. Then in 1905, he came up with a business called The Two-stroke Engine Company which manufactures and sells a car. With his company, he introduces the “dolphin engine” which he designed himself. Later on, the concept about this new engine had make its way to the fishermen in Shoreham and found out that this dolphin engine is more reliable as it prolonged low speed operation. With this initial success, he continues to work on series of innovative engines. Since then, Ricardo has been recognized worldwide as on of the key developers of engine technology. Up to this point, Ricardo is still engaging with this kind of industry and still harnessing new technology and developments that will provide not only good quality of products but as well as proper strategic solutions and consultations.             Today, Ricardo has remained their objectives as being the leading provider of quality engine world wide. They continue to gathered information and conduct further studies to be able to meet the demands uprising in the industry today due the rapid advancement of technology and the continuous changes in the environment.   Considering the Environment             Just like people, vehicles are also everywhere. As the number of people increases, the number of vehicles also increases. In fact, today, these vehicles are being considered as one of the biggest cause of air pollution and it is also acclaim that driving a car is the most polluting act an average citizen can commit. The said pollution is due to the emission of the fuel engine of certain like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to name a few, which is obviously known as the primary causes of the ozone layers massive destruction. However, despite all the negativities that every vehicle is confronting, there are certain alternatives that engine manufacturers launched to be able to lessen the worsening condition of the environment.             The evolution of the technology really provides a big help to the engine manufacturers because it made them come up with such great improvement regarding the engines performance. There are several devices that have been added to every engine to handle air flow in, fuel delivery and exhaust out. These engines may seem a lot more complicated for it involves a new emission control systems that requires electronic monitoring and further adjustments regarding the engine performance under different operating system. The design of each vehicle that was launched after the year 1996 have already standard port that allows a diagnostic computer access to information about engine performance.    The New Wave             Wave is the ideal tool. It was launched about twenty years ago but still used throughout the entire engine design process from the early concept of studies until the detailed investigation of the production engines. Wave is use worldwide in industry sectors including the passenger car, truck, motorcycle, marine, motor sport, locomotive and power generation. This software package by Ricardo enables performance simulations to be carried out based on any intake, combustion and exhaust system configuration. It also includes a drive train model to allow complete vehicle simulation.                 The wave contains advanced combustion models for both diesel and standard issue engines. It also includes a suite of exhaust after treatment models for in-cylinder models. Moreover, this software is extensively used by manufacturers all over the world for its acoustic prediction of intake and exhaust noise. Wave is said to have an unmatched capability for acoustic modeling whether developing a more cost effective exhaust sound or just creating a premium brand exhaust sound.             Regarding the thermal analysis, Wave has a 2D structural model that will show the engine structure and manifolds. This aspect simply provides an improved performance prediction with accurate engine and exhaust system heat extraction. The implementation of the exhaust system warm-up transient analysis is also made possible by this. Lastly, the software was designed to be very convenient for it features a dynamic system control which enables the easy access on the whole interface.             The Wave v8.0 is the latest among the wave software that helps engine developers make sure that the designs will meet the fuel economy and emissions requirements.  Features like controls on canvas let the users manage all the control elements on the drag and drop basis. Also the Wave 3D or the 3D modeling feature provides integrated solution for 1D/3D co-simulation. In addition to that, users may also interact with Wave model while the simulation process is still running so that they can response immediately to changes.   Development of a Typical Automotive System             Preliminary Analysis                         To be able to utilize such development in the said engine, there should be concrete procedures to be followed to minimized encountering errors and to maintain an efficient solution to the required problem.  The first part of the process to have a preliminary analysis, this involves the necessary information related to the given problem.                         Apparently, the problem here is how to come up with a solution that will penetrate the emission of such pathogens that they produce. Usually, this problem occurs because of the inappropriate design of the engine. An example of this is the two stroke engines that used to burn more oil-gasoline mixture and emit more smoke. Unlike the four stoke engines which are now the standard design for motorcycles.                         Regarding the stated problem, the preliminary analysis may come up with an objective that sooner at the end of this paper it will be efficiently gratify. In this case, the aim of the study is to come up with a possible solution regarding the problem. In order to that do, an engine simulation using the Ricardo Wave shall be obtained.               Detailed Design Analysis                         The detailed design analysis will show some illustrations that will focuses on the specific design changes of the said system. Everything simulated in this part should be well detailed. It is very important to consider this because this can be very much helpful in the next procedure which is the prototyping and productionalization.                 Prototyping and Productionalization                         After acquiring all the necessary data needed, the final part is mostly about harnessing the end product. Having such prototypes allows engineers and designers a lot of time to explore more on the design alternatives prior to the initial production of the product.            FIGURE I                 This figure shows the respond of the engine during the engine acceleration. The engine speed is proportional to the engine load.       FIGURE II                                                   The second figure shows the drop of air and increase in fuel at the engine acceleration that makes more air pollutants.       A Typical Automotive Diesel Engine TYPE OF ENGINE 4 Stroke Diesel STROKE 82.0mm BORE 78.1mm NUMBER OF CYLINDERS 4 COMBUSTION SYSTEM Direct Injection COMPRESSION RATIO 22.0                                                             The data above shows a typical diesel engine. The number of cylinders in an engine indicates a very significant factor in the overall performance of the engine. A four-cylinder engine commonly comes in a straight or inline configurations shown in the figure below. Each cylinder contains a piston that pumps inside of it and those pistons are connected to and turn the crankshaft.  In short, the more pistons pumping, the more combustion is taking place and the more power is generated in less time.                             Implementation of the Ricardo Wave             Basically, an engine starts to work when combustion takes place. A car engine is an internal combustion engine. There are several kinds of internal combustion engine; the diesel engines and the gas turbine engines. In the latter, the gasoline is burn inside an engine to create a motion. Usually almost all cars today used the so-called four stroke combustion cycle to convert gasoline into motion. The initial process is the intake stroke. Here, the intake valve opens and the piston moves down to let the engine take in a cylinder that is full of air and gasoline. The tiniest drop of gasoline needs to be mixed into the air for the process take place. After the piston moves down, it will move back at the top again to compress the mixture of the fuel and the air. This next stage is the compression stroke, wherein ii makes the explosion more powerful. By trhe time the piston reaches the top, the spark plug emits a spark to ignite the gasoline. When this happen, the gasoline charge in the cylinder explodes and drives the piston down again. This is what they called the combustion stroke. And once the piston hits the bottom again, the exhaust valve opens and the exhaust leaves the cylinder to go out the tail pipe. The engine is now ready again for the next cycle.               Apparently, modern cars today are consists of catalytic converter, which is a collection of sensors and actuators, and a computer to monitor and adjust everything, then, this when the software Wave enters the process. The wave provides a 3D environment which enables designers and manufactures to come up with a detailed simulation of the engine. They can easy utilize some potential enhancements to the engine itself without engaging more in a more complicated procedure.   Conclusion             It is true that the technology really have its advantages and disadvantages. The outcome of which will only depend on the how it would be implemented. If we try to view things over, the air pollution due to the emission of gases is a just a result of the advances of technology. However, because man’s thinking is boundless and unpredictable, they can even come up with such solutions that will each problem.             When the software Wave was launched by Ricardo plc, it brought the engine designing into another level. With their much improved concept, engineers and designers become more aggressive in inputting a certain trend that will compromise the demand of each client regarding the design that will soon neutralized the increasing problem in pollution.       Reference   Brain, M.(n.d.) How Car Engine Work.[Online]. Available at   http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine3.htm [accessed 24 July 2008]               Environmental Research Inc. Cars, Air Pollution and Health. [Online]. Available at http://www.nutramed.com/environment/cars.htm [accessed 23 July 2008]     McManus J. and Anderson S.,” Creating the Virtual Vehicle Today” (n.d.), Available  from http://www.ricardo.com/download/pdf/wave_virtual_vehicle_model.pdf   Rapid Prototyping.2008. Online Encyclopedia.[Online]. Available at http://www.encyclopedia.com [accessed 23 July 2008]     Ricardo Company. [Online]. Available at http://www.ricardo.com/default.aspx [accessed 23 July 2008]     Waltham Forest.Air Quality – Vehicle Emission. [Online]. Available at http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/environment/pollution/env-air-quality/air-quality-vehicle-emissions.htm [accessed 23 July 2008]   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Automotive Engineering

Exploring Ricardo Wave Software Abstract One of latest issues arising today is more on the developments that will...

Research Proposal on The Impacts of Generators on Air Pollution in Abuja

The Impacts of Generators on Air Pollution in Abuja Introduction Air pollution is one of the most environmental problems that are popular in any parts of the world. Although there are many environmental policies and regulations that implemented in the country, still there are things such as vehicles and motors that keep polluting the air. Obviously, without the industrials materials such as vehicles, the pursuance of the economic development of the country may delay. Background and Statement of the Problem According to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Act of 1988 together with the statutory responsibility, there is overall protection of the environment and setting and enforcing ambient and emission standards for air, water and noise pollution (Olowoporoku, 2007). This policy is for the maintenance of the air quality in Nigeria and is expected to be followed by the people in the regions of Nigeria. However, this policy might be contradicting to the aim of the country to gain economic stability and growth. Pollution in air cannot be fully eliminated due to the presence of industries. Therefore, what are the impacts of generators on air pollution in the country, particularly in area of Abuja? Research Aims and Objectives The main aim of the study is to provide the comprehensive analysis regarding the contribution and impacts of generators in the air pollution in area of Abuja. In order to supply the necessary information, there are three objectives that should be considered. First is to determine the contributors of air pollution in the area. Second is to recognize the actions of the government and its people against the air pollution. And third is to identify the industries that use the generators in their business environment and processes.   Scope and Limitations The scope of the study is focused on the air pollution in Abuja and the neighboring regions. This also includes the health risks, industrial importance, and the comparison of the industrial processes in the third world countries against the developed countries. The study finds its limits through tracing the effectiveness of air pollution acts from the past years, although it is important, the study cannot afford to extend the review on literature regarding the air pollution acts because the study is focused on the present situation. Research Questions In order to manage the ideas involved in the study, there are four questions that should be discussed in the paper: 1.      What are the common types of vehicles or industries that use motors and generators that add to the air pollution? 2.      Aside from the policies and regulations, is there any extensive governmental or non-government program that promotes the fight against air pollution? 3.      What are the actions of the industries regarding the existing act against air pollution? 4.      What are the recognizable methods or actions of the neighboring countries in fighting the air pollution in their territories? Literature Review Significantly, air pollution created an impact on both social and economic development in Nigeria. The existence of industrialization creates drastic changes on the composition of the atmosphere due to the combustion of the fossil fuels to generate energy. The generators, in particular, are the most common type of machinery that can generate the necessary energy and support the process of the industries in making business. This adds to the growing problems in the increasing numbers of vehicles that causes traffic in the road. The same emission of pollution contaminates the air making it risky for the human health (Abatan, 2007). Nigeria and the other regions of Africa are identified to be the most country that have a large energy production and generation because of the hydropower, biomass, coal, oil and gas. In addition, the energy generation involves the development of infrastructures that increases the rapid growth of economy but placing the environment in peril. The growth of population also contributes in the generation of energy because of the demand they offer. In the continuous process of energy transformation and generation, there is a reduction of poverty and sustainable socio-economic development, however, the air pollution remains an unsettled issue (Akinyede, 2006). Methodology The suggested method in the study is the use of secondary information that is focus on the corporate social responsibility of the organizations regarding the environmental protection and air pollution act. The tools or materials that can be use are the corporate reviews and reports on CSR. This is the most comprehensive medium that the study can use to measure the effectiveness of both government and organizations in minimizing the air pollution and placing an emphasis on their commitments towards the environments. References: Abatan, A.A., (2007) Effect of Air Pollution on the Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://ihy2007.org/img/IHY_Nigeria_Abatan.doc Akinyede, J.O., (2006) Challenges Associated with the Use of Space Applications for Monitoring Air Pollution Resulting from Energy Use, Production, and Generation, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/pdf/sap/2006/graz/presentations/02-01.pdf Olowoporoku, D., (2007) Air Quality in Nigeria: Institutional and Policy Arrangement, Air Quality Management in Lagos, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://www.uwe.ac.uk/aqm/files/Air_Quality_Management_in_Lagos_Nigeria.pdf     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on The Impacts of Generators on Air Pollution in Abuja

The Impacts of Generators on Air Pollution in Abuja Introduction Air pollution is one of the most environmental problems that are popula...

Control of Air Pollution

Clean Air is a non-rival and non-excludable public good[1] whereas air is consumed by an individual without preventing simultaneous consumption by others and any individual are entitled to use without having to pay for the benefits of usage of air. Air is considered a free good wherein it is available in great quantity at a zero opportunity cost for the government and the community. Practically, air is so abundant that it is enough for everyone to have as much as they need and desire. However, man tends to abuse this public good.             As an environmental and health risk, air pollution, whether indoor or outdoor, remains as a major concern worldwide particularly in megacities in developing countries. According to the World Health organization (WHO), a quarter of the world population is exposed to unhealthy concentrations of air pollutants and it can cause serious health damages especially to children. Health impacts of air pollution include chronic and acute respiratory infections.[2]             Preserving air quality must be a worldwide effort. In lieu, many governments are adopting various guidelines and implementing several regulations regarding maintaining and sustaining the air quality as measured by air quality index (AQI)[3]. Canada and United States, for example, expressed interest in reducing transboundary pollution. The countries commit to prevent air quality deterioration and to protect visibility from sources which can possibly cause pollution[4].             Canada employed the Canada-Wide Acid rain Strategy for Post-2000 and implemented Canada-Wide Standards for particulate Matter and Ozone. Such programs include pollution prevention, continuous improvement (CI) and keeping clean areas clean (KCAC). Moreover, the US implemented the Prevention of Significant Air Quality Deterioration (PSD) Program which aims to limit future air pollution from new major sources. The PSD program protects the public through best available control technology (BACT), air quality modeling and limiting increase on air pollution to levels below current standards[5].             In Asia, many cities developed air quality management (AQM) systems in order to address the increased level of urban air pollutions. A study made by the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities proved that, on average, a moderate to a slight decrease in pollution levels for sulfur dioxide, total suspended particulate matter (SPM) and fine particulates. This finding further proved that AQM policies and measures can work[6].             Domestically, Air Pollution Index (API) levels for Hong Kong relates to the measured concentrations of ambient respirable suspended particulate (RSP), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and nitrogen dioxide. According to Hanhn Chu Hon-keung, Friends of Earth environmental affairs manager, Hong Kong is not even close to the current WHO standards especially for RSP. Accordingly, the Hong Kong government is taking full responsibility in preserving air quality in the region. The worsening of air pollution is addressed by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). In connection, EPD hired a consultant to outline a new set of air quality objectives[7].             EPD also organized the Action Blue Sky Campaign with “Clean Air for a Cool Hong Kong!” as its slogan. The campaign aims at encouraging the community and the business sector to take part in cleaning-up the air and the people to help improve air quality at a personal level. Such measures include setting air conditioners to 25.5 degrees Celsius, using energy-efficient products, switching-off idling engines and reducing consumptions of products which contains volatile organic compound[8].             More particularly, the electricity generation is documented as the biggest source of air pollution in Hong Kong. The EPD had asked the power companies to accelerate emission reduction projects, increase ultra-low sulfur coal use and use natural gas for power generation. The department will also adapt Euro IV emission standards to newly-registered vehicles soon[9].               The campaign also emphasizes the role of green groups, councils, local business community and students to promote energy-efficiency and conservation, educate the academia about air pollution and showcase best environmental practices in business and industrial operations which other companies can adapt[10].             Generally, we are all affected by air pollution in one way or another. We are all exposed to air pollutants which affects human health. With this regard, it is every individual’s duty to protect and preserve this public good. Essentially, public education and awareness informs the public of their clean air responsibilities and underway initiatives of the local community to improve the air quality[11]. Moreover, the success of this effort lies in the hand of many. Optimal partnerships and collective participations are the keys in effective management of the air quality. The role of organized groups such as the non-government organizations (NGOs) and research institutes must not be taken for granted and underestimated for they highlight issues, conduct independent analysis and advocate possible solutions to policy-makers and implementing agencies[12].             In order to achieve public “buy-in”, socially-equitable and easily-understandable air quality and transport plans are also important. An air quality campaign, to be effective, must enhance awareness and influence public attitudes and create a necessary political will to improve air quality[13]. With this, air quality education must be a priority.  This objective can be achieved through providing regional and local air quality information in public domains such as websites, bulletins, newsletters and etc[14].             In addition, the government could organize events regarding compliance on air quality regulations and clean air standards, work with school districts and universities to develop air quality curricula, reward and recognize innovative approaches, encourage consumers to consumers to purchase energy-efficient products and publicize contact informations of direct air quality authorities[15].             In sum, we all should be aware and familiar with properties of air, what air pollution is, how each of us contributes to pollution and what we can do to prevent it[16]. Saving energy reduces pollution and saves money, too. And air quality is analogous to human health. Thus, to protect and preserve air is to maintain the quality of life for everyone. On this note, we all must play a part in maintaining the quality of air we breathe. More than public education and awareness and collective involvement in addressing the issue, it is a personal obligation to give back to nature. As a public good, air must not be exploited and abused.   Reference List   Air Pollution. (2007). World Health Organization.   Air Qualities in Asian Cities. (2006). Clean Air Initiatives (CAI).   Air Quality Index (AQI) – A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health. (n.d.) AIRNow.   Air Quality Workshops for Elementary, Middle and High School. (2005). Division of Air Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. North Carolina.      Chapter 16: Public Goods and Tax Policy. Retrieved on 19 October 19, 2007 from http://dss.ucsd.edu/~jhamilto/Econ2_lec23_govt.pdf.   Education and Awareness. (n.d.). Clean Air Initiatives (CAI).   Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning. (2005). South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).    HK Launches Action Blue Sky Campaign. (25 July 2006). Hong Kong SAR Information Services Department. Retrieved on 19 October 2007.   Policy Guidelines for reducing Vehicle Emissions in Asia: Transport Planning and Traffic Management for Better Air Quality. (2003). Asian Development Bank (ADB). p. 33-34.    Section 2 Progress and Commitment. Air Quality Agreement: 2002 Progress Report. Retrieved on 19 October 2007 from http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/progsregs/usca/docs/airus02.pdf. pp. 2-7.     [1] Chapter 16: Public Goods and Tax Policy. Retrieved on 19 October 2007 from http://dss.ucsd.edu/~jhamilto/Econ2_lec23_govt.pdf [2] Air Pollution. 2007. World Health Organization (WHO). [3] Air Quality Index (AQI) – A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health. AIRNow. [4] Section 2 Progress and Commitment. Air Quality Agreement: 2002 Progress Report. Retrieved on 19 October 2007 from http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/progsregs/usca/docs/airus02.pdf. pp. 2-7. [5] Ibid, pp. 2-7. [6] Air Qualities in Asian Cities. (2006). Clean Air Initiatives (CAI). [7] HK Launches Action Blue Sky Campaign. (25 July 2006). Hong Kong SAR Information Services Department. Retrieved on 19 October 2007. [8] Ibid. [9] Ibid. [10] HK Launches Action Blue Sky Campaign. (25 July 2006). [11] Education and Awareness. (n.d.). CAI. [12] Policy Guidelines for reducing Vehicle Emissions in Asia: Transport Planning and Traffic Management for Better Air Quality. (2003). Asian Development Bank (ADB). p. 33.  [13] Ibid. p. 34. [14] Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning. (2005). South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).    [15] Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning. (2005). AQMD.  [16] Air Quality Workshops for Elementary, Middle and High School. (2005). Division of Air Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. North Carolina.  Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Control of Air Pollution

Clean Air is a non-rival and non-excludable public good [1] whereas air is consumed by an individual without preventing sim...

Control of Air Pollution

Control of Air Pollution

Clean Air is a non-rival and non-excludable public good [1] whereas air is consumed by an individual without preventing sim...

Assignment Essay Instructions on Combating Air Pollution in Hong Kong

Current Issue Sustainable development and environmental protection Case : Combating air pollution in Hong Kong The paper must include an introduction to introduce the theme, to spell out the focus, to indicate the aim, and advance an argument/a standpoint, and to show the organization of the paper; a theory section to identify the theoretical framework perspective; a section on case study to provide the major (environmental management) features of the case; a section on analysis and discussion to critical examine the case based on the theoretical framework and discuss the performance and non-performance; and a conclusion. Citation of references is a MUST. Note : Theoretical perspective/framework: in order to be analytical, the paper should apply theories to study the realities. In other words, theories are tool of analytical study and through which we display our conceptual skill. For example: if study the public sector reform from the perspective of contracting out. This requires us to go over theories of contacting out in order to get a clear idea about the theoretical underpinnings of contracting out and to establish a set of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of contracting out public services. P.S 1. As agreed, you will give me a discount  for 8 pages. 2. Want to know when my first paper will be available ? Deadline is… Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Assignment Essay Instructions on Combating Air Pollution in Hong Kong

Current Issue Sustainable development and environmental protection Case : Combating air pollution in Hong Kong The paper must include an ...

Combating Air Pollution in Hong Kong

Combating Air Pollution in Hong Kong   Introduction             Air pollution whether indoor or outdoor is an environmental and health risk which remains as a major concern worldwide specifically in mega cities in developing countries. Air pollution contains contaminants in the atmosphere and these dangerous substances could be either in the form of gases or particles. Air pollution has diverse and numerous effects. It can have serious consequences for the health as well as severely affect the natural ecosystems. According to the World Health organization (WHO), a quarter of the world population is exposed to unhealthy concentrations of air pollutants and it can cause serious health damages. An average person inhales about 20, 000 liters of air everyday, exposing to risk of dangerous chemicals in air each time human breathe.[1]               Preserving air quality therefore must be a worldwide initiative. In lieu with this, various governments are adopting various guidelines and implementing several regulations to maintain and sustain air quality as measured by air quality index. How the Hong Kong government commits to prevent air quality deterioration and protect visibility from sources which can possibly cause air pollution is the central of this case study. The focus of this report is on to what extent Hong Kong government responds to air pollution problems. It is the goal of this research to investigate how air pollution is being combated in the region by using the correct level of environment quality approach. This report claims that the Hong Kong government inadequately addresses air pollution.   Theoretical Framework             One of the primary pollution solutions is government intervention hence the question: should societies intervene to correct failures associated with environmental externalities? This study will make use of the correct level of environmental quality approach.[2] Such approach relates that in order for governments to determine the necessary intervention strategies, the optimal level of environmental degradation must be distinguished first. The law of mass balance stipulates that zero level pollution is impossible according to physics. An activity cannot destroy matter in reaction but it can only change form. As such, mass outputs are equals to mass inputs. Therefore, in order to eliminate all air pollution, all production and consumption activities should be eliminated as well.               Government interventions, on the other hand, could be either moral suasion, direct production of environmental quality and pollution prevention. Nonetheless, the two most suitable are command and control regulations and economic incentives.[3] Command and control regulation places constraints on the behavior of household and firms. In general, this was implemented in form of limits on inputs or outputs to consumption/production process. Economic incentives, however, aimed at making self-interest coincide with the social interest. These social interests include pollution taxes/subsidies, marketable pollution permits, performance bonds and liability systems. To illustrate:     Air pollution in Hong Kong and its effect             The Hong Kong government treats air pollution a serious problem in the region as it affects not just the flora and fauna but also the health of the residents. Air pollution across Hong Kong reached its highest level according to official figures although the government insisted that improvements have been made with respect to air quality. There are three major effects of air pollution: poor visibility, health implications and economic impact. Visibility in the region for instance is currently less than 8 kms for almost 30% of the year. Poor visibility had increased compared to the lowest visibility which was recorded at 18% in 2004.[4] Ying Lou stated that the number of days where visibility was less than 8 kms was recorded from 40 in 1997 to 102 in 2005.[5]    This caused major health issues wherein the Hong Kong Medical Association estimated that the degree of air pollution can exacerbate bronchial infections as well as cardio-respiratory deaths.[6] A Civic Exchange report also reveals that at least 10, 000 deaths annually in Hong Kong, Macau and Southern China were caused by the worsening air pollution. Among such morbidity statistics, 1, 600 were residents in Hong Kong due to heart attacks, stroke, pneumonia and other lung diseases. In addition, 1 out of 10 goes to hospital and 1 out of 3 go to clinics, 1 out of 5 suffer from shortness of breath and sore chest and 1 out of 2 suffer coughing, choking and stinging itchy eyes. Such condition results in 6, 800 hospital visits per year because of respiratory problems and with 64, 000 hospital bed-days.[7]               Because of health implications of air pollution, working class is being affected in two ways. First, this was also the reason by residents particularly the working citizens are seriously considering migration to other Asian countries such as Singapore and second, the ability to attract skilled foreign labor is also problematic. As companies are downgraded by several major rating agencies, investors are scared away, hurting Hong Kong’s global competitiveness.[8] A survey conducted by Professor Michael DeGolyer, Director of Baptist University’s Hong Kong Transition Project, discovered that a total of 1.4 million residents are thinking about migrating, most of which are top earners and highly educated workers. His survey also found out that all sectors and segments of Hong Kong society are concerned about air quality and that Hong Kong was regarded as an undesirable location for both locals and prospective international talent to work there.[9]               It was initially thought of that Mainland China’s industry caused much of the pollution mostly because of the increase in the volume of factories across the border. However, it was discovered that local industries and transport were the main contributors in air pollution. Notably, Hong Kong’s power is generated through burning of coal, resulting in emissions of ambient respirable suspended particulate (RSP), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and nitrogen dioxide.[10] The third most polluting electricity generator was the region’s Castle Peak Power Plant. Further, Hong Kong’s roads were considered as one of the crowded in the world which dominates heavy polluting. Diesel commercial vehicles are responsible for 90% of RSPs and 80% of nitrogen oxide.[11] As such, the air quality in Hong Kong is thrice more polluted than that of New York and twice than of London.[12]                  Hong Kong government, to respond to the air pollution issues, created the Environmental Protection Department (EDP) toward the achievement of sustainable air quality in the region. One of the main responsibilities is ensuring that air quality objectives for seven widespread pollutants including sulphur dioxide, total suspended particulates, respirable suspended particulates, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants and lead should be reduced.[13] Although the problem remains to be that Hong Kong is not even close to the current WHO standards especially for RSP, specific actions implemented were diesel stations were converted into Ultra-Low Sulphuric Diesel and factory-built LPG taxis. In 2006, indoor smoking was banned including restaurants, workplaces and parks.[14]               EDP also organized the Action Blue Sky Campaign in 2006 with its slogan: “Clean Air for a Cool Hong Kong!” The campaign aims at encouraging the community and the business sector to take part in cleaning-up the air and the people to help improve air quality at a personal level. Such measures include setting air conditioners to 25.5 degrees Celsius, using energy-efficient products, switching-off idling engines and reducing consumptions of products which contains volatile organic compound.[15] The EPD had asked the power companies to accelerate emission reduction projects, increase ultra-low sulfur coal use and use natural gas for power generation. The department will also adapt Euro IV emission standards to newly-registered vehicles soon. Nevertheless, the campaign also emphasizes the role of green groups, councils, local business community and students to promote energy-efficiency and conservation, educate the academia about air pollution and showcase best environmental practices in business and industrial operations which other companies can adapt.[16]               In 2007, the government implemented vehicle idling ban and with fixed penalty of HK0 for those who would violate. Taxi and minibus drivers are the target of the ban. It is illegal therefore for drivers to leave engines running, for taxis to loiter and for minibus to stop longer than necessary to load and unload passengers and to park anywhere other than the designated parking place. Further, it was also proposed that a 100% profit tax deduction for capital expenditure on those companies with machineries that are environmentally-friendly.[17]   Analysis and Discussion             Based on the discussions above, Hong Kong’s combating air pollution means to sustain air quality which affects ecological, health and economic aspects. I should take note that Hong Kong government, although the air quality is lagging behind WHO standards, has clear objectives in place. The problem, on the other hand, is the fact that the air quality objectives have not been updated since 1987 which could mean that if this is the basis of correct level of environmental quality up until now, such action could be unstrategic. Another problem is the fact that Hong Kong government did not meet with all the current objectives. Yet another problem is that the current air pollution objectives did not reflect health implications. Hong Kong government conducted an 18-month review of the objectives whereby EDP even hired a consultant for the review to respond to this.               Because air pollution reduction in itself is economic, what the government did was to impose command and control strategies in two levels personal and industrial. On personal level, consumption and emissions are reduced through targeting unnecessary activities such as smoking and use of environment-friendly products. For businesses, the government advocates emission reduction projects especially for industries that are regarded to be leading causes of air pollution like power companies and transportation industry. Specifically, the latter includes conversion to safe fuel as well as regulating emissions based on standards. In lieu with this, economic incentives include imposition of sanctions to violators and rewards to those who will abide by the regulation.   With this, I argue that the regulations should be stricter on the transportation industry as it affects people more. If the Hong Kong government wanted to address the problem it should also impose command and control on traffic fumes that are produced at the street level. Actual air quality at this would be riskier on the health of the residents, affecting their quality of life. Actual roadside air quality and measured emissions must be a priority for EDP then. In protecting life expectancy of the residents, economic gains could be also achieved because of lower healthcare costs, workforce productivity sustainability and quality of life of residents.   It is commendable that the government is turning into a region-wide initiative to improve air quality by means of educating and building public awareness. Public education and awareness informs the public of their clean air responsibilities and underway initiatives of the local community to improve the air quality. However, it would not be enough for the government to do such, what should be a priority is the effective consultation. In order to achieve public “buy-in”, socially-equitable and easily-understandable air quality and transport plans are also important. An air quality campaign, to be effective, must enhance awareness and influence public attitudes and create a necessary political will to improve air quality.[18]   Conclusion             In sum, it is proven that Hong Kong government’s response to improve air quality in the region is insufficient. First, because, although the government has command and control strategies, the very foundation of its actions is unstrategic and obsolete. Second, although there are specific economic incentives that the government is providing, there are no effective transport plans and there are no effective measures to align emissions on roadside air quality.   References   Air Pollution. (2007). World Health Organization.   Air Quality Objectives. (2006). Environmental Protection Department (EDP).   Bloomberg. (2005). Hong Kong Wheezes as China’s Industrial Economy Belches Smog.   Cheng, J. (2006). Lot of hot air on pollution, claims Tien. The Standard.   Chong, W. (2007). Idle talk sparks heated debate. The Standard.   Common, M. S. & Stagl, S. (2005). Ecological economics: an introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.   HK Launches Action Blue Sky Campaign. (25 July 2006). Hong Kong SAR Information Services Department.   Hong Kong’s Silent Epidemic. (2005). Environmental News, Globe Communications.   Loh, C. (2007). Hong Kong: How to breathe easier. China Dialogue.   Lou, Y. (2007). Blue skies may cost dolphins dear. The Standard.   Mong, Y. T. (2009). Hong Kong’s Air Quality.   Moy, P. (2007). CLP: World’s No. 3 Polluter. The Standard.   Pesek, W. (2006). Out future up in the air. The Standard.   Policy Guidelines for reducing Vehicle Emissions in Asia: Transport Planning and Traffic Management for Better Air Quality. (2003). Asian Development Bank (ADB).   Wong, A. (2005). Our air is killing us. The Standard.   	   		 		 		[1] 		WHO, 2007. 		 		 		[2] 		Common and Stagl, 2005. 		 		 		[3] 		Ibid. 		 		 		[4] 		Loh, 2007. 		 		 		[5] 		Lou, 2007. 		 		 		[6] 		Wong, 2005. 		 		 		[7] 		Mong, 2009. 		 		 		[8] 		Cheng, 2006; Pesek, 2006 and Bllomberg, 2005. 		 		 		[9] 		Environmental News, 2009. 		 		 		[10] 		Moy, 2007. 		 		 		[11] 		Loh, 2007. 		 		 		[12] 		Lou, 2007. 		 		 		[13] 		EDP, 2006. 		 		 		[14] 		Lou, 2007. 		 		 		[15] 		Hong Kong SAR Information Services Department, 2006. 		 		 		[16] 		Ibid. 		 		 		[17] 		Chong, 2007. 		 		 		[18] 		Asian Development Bank, 2003. 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Combating Air Pollution in Hong Kong

Combating Air Pollution in Hong Kong Introduction Air pollution whether indoor or outdoor is an environmental and health r...