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Introduction:
As a medical professor, I am aware of the significant impact that energy production, climate change, and manufacturing waste have on human health and the environment. Therefore, in this paper, I will provide answers to the following questions:
1. Select a specific method of energy production. Determine the most significant health risk associated with the production of this energy source, and recommend a process improvement that could significantly reduce the level of risk associated with the current method of production. Support your recommendation.
2. Examine the major global health issues related to climate change. Propose a model that governments of developed countries could build upon to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on health and the environment. Provide a rationale recommendation.
3. Evaluate the health risks associated with the waste produced during the manufacturing of products. Determine two (2) ethical concerns related to these practices, and propose a strategy to modify the current practices to resolve these issues.
4. Provide a detailed outline of three (3) key government regulations created to protect the population and the environment from the effects of hazardous waste produced from manufacturing.
5. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment.
1. Specific method of energy production, significant health risk, and process improvement recommendation:
The specific method of energy production that I have chosen is coal-fired power plants. The most significant health risk associated with the production of this energy source is air pollution. Coal-fired power plants emit greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and other harmful pollutants that significantly affect human health. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory problems, heart diseases, neurological diseases, and even death.
To reduce the level of risk associated with the current method of coal-fired power plant production, I recommend that the production process should shift towards the use of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. This recommendation is supported by numerous studies that suggest that transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources significantly reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately resulting in better human health.
2. Major global health issues related to climate change, proposed government model, and rationale:
Climate change is one of the most significant health issues facing our planet today. Its negative effects include rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent and severe natural disasters. The health impacts of climate change include heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, waterborne diseases, and foodborne illnesses.
To mitigate the negative effects of climate change on health and the environment, governments of developed countries could build upon a model that combines eco-friendly practices and community engagement. This model involves community members taking an active role in developing and implementing climate change mitigation strategies, such as promoting the use of renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. Governments would provide technical and financial support, as well as educating and encouraging citizens to participate in environmental protection initiatives.
This model is a rational recommendation because it has demonstrated success in several countries across the globe, including Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. It not only mitigates the negative effects of climate change on health and the environment but also promotes community ownership and involvement in sustainable development initiatives.
3. Health risks associated with manufacturing waste, ethical concerns, and proposed strategy:
Manufacturing processes produce a significant amount of waste that can harm the health of the surrounding population and the environment. The health risks associated with this waste include exposure to hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The ethical concerns related to these practices are their impact on disadvantaged communities, particularly in developing countries, and the lack of corporate social responsibility among manufacturers.
To modify the current practices and resolve these issues, I propose a strategy that involves manufacturers adopting a circular economy approach. This approach entails harnessing and maintaining the value of products by minimizing waste production and driving recyclability, repairability, and reuse of materials. Manufacturers would embrace clean production technologies and sustainable material sourcing, and adopt a Responsible Care approach, which involves continuous improvement in the health and safety of workers, communities, and the environment.
This proposal is a rational recommendation because it is a holistic approach that addresses health risks, ethical concerns, and environmental protection. It has demonstrated success in several countries and industries, including the textile industry, which has adopted a circular economy approach to reduce textile waste by up to 90%.
4. Key government regulations to protect the population and the environment from hazardous waste:
a. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) – This regulation mandates the proper management of hazardous waste from its generation until its final disposal to protect human health and the environment. It also established a tracking system and a cradle to grave system to monitor hazardous waste and prevent its improper disposal.
b. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) – This regulation establishes a framework for addressing uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and applies retroactive liability for responsible parties. The regulation’s primary goal is to ensure the safety of human health and the environment by effectively removing or controlling hazardous waste.
c. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – This regulation aims to protect people and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. It gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to regulate chemicals in the United States by tracking them, testing them, and barring their use or sale if they pose a significant risk to human health or the environment.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, energy production, climate change, and manufacturing waste are all significant issues that impact human health and the environment. Through the implementation of sustainable practices, government regulations, and ethical considerations, we can reduce the negative consequences of these issues and improve human health and the environment.
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