Unit 5 Topic: Manufacturing & Environmental Issues

Environmental Threats from Industries Pg. 237

Industrial Waste Note: Industries have waste which is also an output. Three of the many types of waste are: 1.Green house gasses - ex. Carbon dioxide or methane, which causes global warming & associated problems. 2.Acid Rain - ex. Sulphur & nitrogen, which decreases soil fertility, kills fish, or corrodes buildings. 3.CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) - ex. Refrigerants & sprays, which breaks down the ozone and then filters harmful UV rays causing cancer. Pg

“Toxic Waste at Pandamaran Landfill?” – “CNN-Eco Solutions: Earthworms eat toxic waste” –

The Role of Government and Interest Groups Interest groups They often play the extremist. They raise valid points of concern and argue them vehemently. Government Has the role of balancing environmental concerns & encouraging economic development.

Averting an environmental threat posed by an industry. A threat can be caused by prevailing winds. The winds transport acid rain from industrialized areas and deposite it in locations down wind. (See Fig and Fig ). Any solution to industry related problems will have to be dealt with by cooperation and consultation between different nations. EX: The recent Kyoto summit and the summit held in Rio de Janeiro several years ago attempted to get countries to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.

Solutions to solving the acid rain problem: government regulation to reduce sulphur & nitrogen emission. development of sulphur filtering equipment. tax breaks for companies if they reduce pollution output. consultation between business, environmentalists and government to decide on a plan of action.

“Have you Ever Seen the Rain?” – “Environmental Issues: Acid Rain” – “Problems of the Earth” –

Moral Issues and Industry Pg. 233

Some social/moral issues associated with manufacturing operations are: - child labour, safety of workers and a Company’s responsibility to be environmentally friendly. In Canada and most well developed nations there are strict regulations about safety, waste emissions, age of workers, and corporate responsibility. In some developing nations the regulations might not be in place or they may be decreased in hope of stimulating business instead of preventing it.

“Child Labour in Yemen” – “Child Labour” – “Stop Child Slavery” –

Case Study “When Children Do Not Play” Page