<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE is essential for increasing economic progress and reducing POVERTY. The choices made in the type and scale of infrastructure Investment also have major implications for environmental sustainability.
Land
New infrastructure typically involves land use change and the selection of the site and its proximity to human settlement will significantly affect its impact. Refurbishment, rebuilding or replacing previous infrastructure may also change the use of the land on which it sits and its impact. he construction and disposal of infrastructure can impact on the condition of the Soil structure. For example the use of vehicles and heavy machinery may cause compaction of soils; land clearance may lead to soil erosion; and the infrastructure work may cause soil contamination with toxic materials.
Buildings and hard landscaping reduce the capacity of the land to absorb rainwater and increase run-off, reducing the land’s ability to store water or act as a flood plain and can impact on river flows and the sediment cycle.
ECOLOGY and Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity
Infrastructure can significantly impact on the ecology and biodiversity on the chosen site and in surrounding areas. In addition to site based impacts, infrastructure can affect ecology through its impact on water courses (for example from Dams) or the air (for example from wind turbines). Many impacts will be local to the site of the infrastructure but in some cases there may be impacts across a much wider area.
Change in land-use as a result of Infrastructure Development will destroy existing habitats and affect the species that lived there. Degradation of the surrounding Environment during construction, operation or decommissioning through noise, vibration and Light pollution or waste (e.g. dust created during construction) may also disturb habitats and wildlife and can affect plant and fruit Growth. For example, a power station may increase water temperature as a result of discharge of cooling water and this in turn may alter growth, Metabolism, feeding habits, Reproduction or Migration of aquatic species.
The use of land for infrastructure projects may hinder the movement of animals through habitat destruction or fragmentation. This can impact on species Population dynamics e.g. distribution and abundance; and for rare species in extreme cases can result in Species Extinction. For example in Europe increased road infrastructure has been linked with the threat of extinction of hedgehogs.
Water Resources and aquatic environment
Infrastructure can impact Water Resources (including water quality); flood risk; consumption of water during construction and operation; and water embodied in the materials used to build and maintain the infrastructure.
Infrastructure construction and its use may add to increased demand for water and so add to pressure on water supplies in the local area. This may be of particular concern due to growing pressure on the quantity and quality of water supplies as a result of Climate change. Pressures from water demand where there is scarcity can also impact communities away from the site of the infrastructure and this can be beyond national borders.
The operation of water management infrastructure over time can lead to wear and tear of the Network of pipes and valves and result in water leaks. Burst pipes can disrupt water supply and lead to flooding of areas and properties and also waste a valuable natural resource. Leaking discharge pipes can spill untreated waste water.
Materials
Enormous amounts of materials and energy can be used in the construction and operation of an infrastructure project. Construction of infrastructure uses a significant volume of materials derived from Natural Resources, such as timber, concrete and steel. And rare natural resources are used in the manufacture of equipment. The sourcing, processing, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal of construction materials can have significant local and global environmental impacts.
Many materials used in construction or the operation of infrastructure, such as coal or nuclear power stations, can be from unsustainable sources or damage the environment and create pollution during their extraction, for example stone or sand quarried or timber harvested unsustainably. For power stations, for example, coal mining can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Green House Gases emission and Air Pollution
Energy is consumed and greenhouse gases are emitted during the transport to site of the construction material and the workers; the operation of heavy construction machinery; the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure; treatment of wastewater; and the operation of heavy machinery and the transport of waste material during the demolition of infrastructure.
Transportation of staff and raw materials to and from infrastructure development sites results in emissions to air of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), dust, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and particulate matter (PM). These emissions contribute to Climate Change and have impacts on air quality which can result in both Health and environmental impacts. Using materials from local resources and supplies can lower the transportation impacts. In some cases greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced through use of lower carbon means of transport, such as transportation by water.
Human environment
New infrastructure projects can affect the physical, cultural, social and economic factors in an area. The nature and scale of the impacts on the human environment will be substantially determined by the location of the infrastructure. Maintenance or modernisation of existing infrastructure to extend its operational life can maintain its social or economic benefits.
Displacement of local populations, including indigenous populations, during construction may threaten the sustainability of community structures and cultures. Such displacement can happen in the immediate surrounds or across a wider area, for example if a dam reduces water flow and disrupts community life downstream.
Once built, infrastructure can have negative impacts on the local community. For example, in addition to impacts on ecology and the water environment, a road generates traffic which can be a nuisance and hazard for the local community. New infrastructure development may also lead to reduced access to previously used green infrastructure.,
Developmental and Environmental Issues
Developmental and environmental issues are two of the most pressing problems facing our planet today. Air pollution, climate change, deforestation, Desertification, drought, erosion, flooding, Global Warming, greenhouse gases, land degradation, marine pollution, natural disasters, overpopulation, pollution, RENEWABLE ENERGY, soil erosion, Sustainable Development, Water Pollution, and water scarcity are all interconnected and have a significant impact on our lives.
Air pollution is a major problem in many parts of the world. It can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the Atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes. Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. This can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Desertification is the process of land becoming desert. It is caused by a number of factors, including climate change,
deforestation, and overgrazing. Drought is a period of time with little or no rain. It can lead to crop failures, water shortages, and famine. Erosion is the process of soil being carried away by wind or water. It can be caused by human activities, such as deforestation, or by natural events, such as floods. Flooding is the inundation of land by water. It can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, or dam failures. Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere. The term is frequently used interchangeably with the term climate change, though the latter refers to both human- and naturally produced warming and the effects it has on our planet. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. The main greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Land degradation is the decline in the quality of land over time. It can be caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change. Marine pollution is the contamination of the ocean by human activities. It can be caused by oil spills, sewage discharges, and the dumping of waste. Natural disasters are events that occur naturally, such as Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. They can cause widespread damage and loss of life. Overpopulation is the state of having a population that is too large in relation to the available resources. It can lead to problems such as poverty, hunger, and Environmental Degradation. Pollution is the contamination of the environment by harmful substances. It can be caused by human activities, such as industrial pollution, or by natural events, such as volcanic eruptions. Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water. It is a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Soil erosion is the process of soil being carried away by wind or water. It can be caused by human activities, such as deforestation, or by natural events, such as floods. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a holistic approach to development that considers economic, social, and environmental factors. Water pollution is the contamination of water by harmful substances. It can be caused by human activities, such as industrial pollution, or by natural events, such as agricultural runoff. Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient water to meet the demands of a population. It can be caused by a number of factors, including climate change, Population Growth, and overuse of water resources. Wildlife conservation is the protection of wild animals and their habitats. It is important to conserve wildlife because it helps to maintain the balance of nature and provides us with many benefits, such as food, medicine, and recreation.These are just some of the many developmental and environmental issues facing our planet today. It is important to be aware of these issues and to take action to address them. We can all make a difference by reducing our impact on the environment, supporting sustainable development, and conserving wildlife.
What is the difference between a developmental and an environmental issue?
A developmental issue is a problem that arises during the process of development, such as a birth defect or a Learning disability. An environmental issue is a problem that arises from the interaction between humans and the environment, such as pollution or climate change.
What are some examples of developmental issues?
Some examples of developmental issues include:
- Down syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and physical problems.
- Autism spectrum disorder: A group of developmental disorders that affect Communication and behavior.
- Cerebral palsy: A group of disorders that affect movement and coordination.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A condition that causes difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity.
What are some examples of environmental issues?
Some examples of environmental issues include:
- Air pollution: The contamination of the air with harmful substances.
- Water pollution: The contamination of water with harmful substances.
- Climate change: The long-term change in the Earth’s climate.
- Deforestation: The clearing of forests for other uses.
- Overpopulation: The situation in which a population of organisms exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment.
What are the causes of developmental issues?
The causes of developmental issues can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. Genetic causes include mutations in genes, chromosomal abnormalities, and inherited disorders. Environmental causes include exposure to toxins, infections, and