Many individuals assert that the main cause of pollution and waste is the rising volume of vehicles. Others, nevertheless, suggest that industrial activities are a leading contributor to environmental pollution. In this essay, I would evaluate both perspectives before presenting a personal viewpoint.
On the one hand, there are some reasons that explain why some people believe that the surge in car ownership is the leading cause of urban pollution. Urban areas often suffer from severe traffic congestion, which increases the emissions into the environment like CO2, NOx and particulate matter . Vehicle emissions directly affect air pollution, resulting in them taking a toll on residents’ health, such as asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis,…Taiwan, China, for example, is a clear testament to the fact that the sheer volume of vehicles on roads contributes significantly to air pollution. Thus, the rapid number of vehicles contributes to environmental problems and public health.
On the other hand, industries may exert a detrimental impact on air pollution and waste. This is attributed to rapid industrialization, which has led to proliferation of factories across urban and rural areas alike. Many factories operate without adequate waste treatment systems, resulting in factories emit large-scale pollutants: smoke, chemicals, industrial waste,… The widespread pollution contaminates not only the air but also soil, water resources, posing long-term threats to the ecosystem, even human health. Therefore, it is evident that industrial activities play a significant role in environmental degradation, surpassing the impact of vehicular emissions in both scale and severity.
In conclusion, both cars and industries provide disadvantages to society and the environment. However, industrial activities appear to have a more broader and severe impact. In my opinion, the government should enact stricter environmental regulations, reducing the risk of human health.