Air Pollution in Shanghai, Research Paper Example

Abstract

In light of the ongoing issues that Shanghai is experiencing with regards to air pollution, the aim of this study is to determine the perception of local students to determine how they feel about the air pollution and what they propose should be done to resolve it. It was hypothesized that the students would believe that the air pollution has reached extreme levels and that it cannot be solved quickly, so it is imperative for the government to begin mediating. Surveys were issued to both males and females between the ages of 20 and 25. The survey’s found that students believed that air pollution was the biggest problem in Shanghai. In addition, they believed that air pollution dealt primarily with vehicle and industrial exhaust. The results also indicated that students were conscious of protecting their environment. Despite environmental awareness however, the students concluded that the current state of the environmental pollution has little to do with them.

Introduction

Research Question

This study asked the question “How do students in Shanghai feel about the current state of air pollution and what is their understanding of the situation?”

Purpose

The purpose of this question is to generate an understanding of the feelings of the nation’s youth. While many politicians and government officials believe that air pollution is a pressing issue, it is more likely to have an impact on future generations. Therefore, it is necessary to determine how young people will respond to this crisis. It is important to understand these opinions about air pollution, in addition to who they believe is responsible for this current state and how it should be resolved.

Scope

Male and female students between the ages of 20 and 25 were selected to answer this question because out of the nation’s youth, these individuals represent the most educated group and are therefore able to make rational connections regarding the environmental pollution problem currently occurring in Shanghai.

Background

Shanghai’s real time air quality index indicates that the air quality of the area is currently over 150, which indicates that it is at very unhealthy levels. People that breathe this air in are more likely to suffer from disease, and to reduce this incidence, it is important to take measures to reduce the pollution in the air. Young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly susceptible to health problems related to air quality, and it is important for us to ensure that they are protected.

Literature Review

Air pollution causes a variety of health relatedproblems, and in Shanghai, the number of these problems are increasing, which is currently decreasing the quality of life of its residents. This is evident based on the fact that an increasingly high number of civilians wear masks in order to protect their lungs from the pollution. It is necessary to pay attention and find out the way to ease this serious phenomenon. Much of this air pollution is preventable, as noted by the fact that motor vehicle exhaust emission is the highest contributor of pollution in Shanghai (Chen et al., 2005).

It is important to protect Shanghai by protecting its atmosphere, since this is the source of weather. When it rains, the water causes the pollution to come down into the ground environment. Air quality is always a hot topic among the people in Shanghai. The major sources of this pollution includes motor vehicle exhaust, chemicals that result from smoking, and industrial waste gas. While pollution is a clearly observable issue, reports have claimed that the air pollution on November 13, 2010 sharply rose to 370 sharply on the air quality index, was a peak for the last decade (Zhang et al., 2006). Furthermore, it was difficult to control this problem in a short time because each of its causes were so complex and different (Kan H et al., 2004).

These findings demonstrate that air pollution in Shanghai is too harsh to let continue and actions need to be taken to resolve it. Although the government cannot solve the air pollution quickly, it can let people pay close attention to the serious air pollution and call them to action to make lifestyle changes that will help improve the situation.

Methods

The methodology for this research will be survey based. It focused on different aspects of students’ perceptions of pollution in Shanghai. Survey questions included information regarding gender, the status of air pollution in the area or in their home, the level of air quality, the causes of air pollution, the degree to which they think about the air pollution on a daily basis, whether they are satisfied with pollution interventions, and what they believe either they or the government can do to resolve this problem. Male and female students between the ages of 20 and 25 were located and given the surveys. Throughout this process, the researcher abided by and complied with the ethical guidelines provided by the SISU Management School and SISU throughout the duration of this study. A qualitative analysis was performed to gain a greater understanding of the students’ perceptions of air pollution after compiling the survey data to recognize information trends.

Findings and Discussion

Air Pollution is the Biggest Problem in Shanghai

The results of the study indicated that the students surveyed believed that air pollution was the biggest problem in Shanghai, regardless of gender. This decision was unanimous.This emphasizes the extent of the problem and that is necessary to begin taking action to implement change. It also indicated that the students would be likely to answer all of the questions related to solving this problem since they are concerned with this issue. Ultimately, it is the need of the government to intervene, but for the youth of Shanghai to collaborate with these actions to ensure that they will be successful (Phillips, 2013). If everyone believes that it is someone else that is needed to do this work, it will never get done.

Students Believed that Air Pollution Dealt Primarily With Exhaust

In addition, the students surveyed indicated that they believed that air pollution dealt primarily with vehicle and industrial exhaust. It is important to emphasize for these individuals that there are many additional sources of air pollution, such as pollution due to smoking, that is related to their lifestyle habits (Xu et al., 1989). By refusing to smoke, students could help prevent against a minor aspect of air pollution. Even though this contribution would be minor, it is important to consider that the air pollution state in Shanghai is so bad that any factors that would help with this situation should be taken.

Students Are Conscious of Protecting the Environment

The survey results also indicated that the students were conscious of protecting their environment. Despite the concern that the students seemed to have for the environment, it appeared that they believed that they would not be able to help reduce the pollution and that it was the job of the government to do this. On the other hand, many families are concerned with the air pollution status (Zhuang, 2014). However, it is important to consider that each individual that lives in Shanghai needs to work together to fix this problem. While factories and industrial settings play a major role in causing the pollution, in reality, each individual causes the problem based on their lifestyle habits and unwillingness to change.

In order to actually reduce the pollution in Shanghai, it is important to teach both young and old people that this is the case. Everyone is contributing to the problem. It is important for people to consider using bikes more and cars less to prevent the exhaust from reaching the atmosphere. Smokers should consider reducing the amount they smoke or quitting altogether to prevent the chemicals from their cigarettes from entering the environment. To do so, it would be necessary to implement educational programs to help spread this knowledge to others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the survey, students thought air pollution was the biggest problem in Shanghai. In addition, students were conscious of protecting the air environment. Most air pollution was caused by vehicle exhaust and industrial exhaust. Therefore, most of students thought it has nothing to do with them. Future research should be done to learn greater details about how students are willing to actively contribute to the reduction of pollution in their immediate environment. This study would benefit by determining the effect of an educational program that explains the cause of the pollution more specifically in addition to what could be done to alleviate it.

Recommendations

It is necessary for the people of Shanghai to alter their lifestyles in order to contribute to a cleaner environment. It is also important for them to recognize that they are a part of the problem but could also be a part of the solution. The findings mean that the students of Shanghai are concerned about their environment on the surface but do not seem willing to take action in order to ensure that the air is breathable in the future. It is therefore necessary to attempt to change these opinions so that our children and grandchildren will have greater air quality than we do currently. If we do not work towards solving this problem, it will continue to get worse until it is no longer possible to live in Shanghai or surrounding areas.

References

Chen C, Jiang J, Lyli, et al., (2005). Transportation situation and traffic air pollution status in Shanghai. U.S. Energy Foundation, EMARQ. From http://csep.efchina.org/report/2007122104729297.64926299020726.pdf/TPO_situation& TrafficAirPollution_in_SH_EN.pdf

Kan H, Chen B, Chen C, et al. (2004). An evaluation of public health impact of ambient airpollution under various energy scenarios in Shanghai, China. Annos Environ, 38(1): 95-102.

Phillips A. (2013). Inside China’s Desperate Effort To Control Pollution — Before It’s Too Late. Climate Progress. Retrieved from http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/11/26/2981521/china-environment-pollution-government/

Xu et al. (1989). Smoking, Air Pollution, and the High Rates of Lung Cancer in Shenyang, China. JNCI. Retrieved from http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/81/23/1800.short

Zhang Y, Chen C, Chen G. (2006). Application of DALYs in Measuring Health Effect of Ambient Air Pollution: A Case Study in Shanghai, China. Biomedical And Environmental Sciences 19: 268-272.

Zhuang P. (2014). Families demand China’s leaders take action to curb worsening air pollution. South China Morning Post. Retrieved from http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1436636/families-demand-chinas-leaders-take-action-curb-worsening-air-pollution