Introduction
The recent past has seen a significant increase in both public and private transportation activities which have had a negative impact on the environment. Gasses released as a result of burning fossil fuels in vehicles play a significant role in air pollution. The higher the number of vehicles and demand for transportation in a particular country the lower the quality of air. Transportation activities also contribute to landscape damage since land is needed for the development of new roads. One of the approaches that have been applied to eliminate the problem is switching to transport means that encourage low emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency has played a significant role in trying to limit the environmental impact of transportation activities by seeking to reduce carbon emissions. This can be achieved by shifting to the use of renewable sources of fuel that minimize emissions to the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels in the transportation sector contributes to the release of greenhouse gases which lead to air pollution.
Environmental Problems
The transportation sector relies greatly on the burning of fossil fuels which leads to the emission of greenhouse gases. The buildup of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to air pollution meaning that air available for human breathing is of low quality (Dinh, 2021). An increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is also associated with climate changes that have negative impacts. Carbon monoxide is one of the gases released as a result of transportation activities and often comes from incomplete combustion. Petrol evaporation and emission of partially burnt hydrocarbons lead to the release of unburnt hydrocarbons.
Huge amounts of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere are said to bring about a greenhouse effect which in turn causes higher temperatures which can be harmful to human beings. Increased temperatures expose the world to global warming which in turn brings about negative impacts on human beings. According to estimates provided by the World Health Organization, road transport is behind 30% of particulate emissions witnessed in European cities (Li et al., 2020). According to Li et al. (2020), transportation in the United States contributes to 10% of particulate matter, 55% of nitrogen oxide, and 10% of all volatile organic compounds emitted in the country.
Environmental problems experienced as a result of transportation have also been on the rise due to an increase in the number of two and three-wheelers, especially in developing nations. Even though two and three-wheelers emit fewer greenhouse gases they emit smog-forming hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide to a great extent. These gases in turn contribute to transport-induced air pollution. Increased urbanization has acted as a significant barrier to people walking or cycling hence increasing reliance on motorized transport.
Landscape damage is another environmental problem that rises as a result of increased transportation activities. Land-based transport contributes to land use which can easily lead to the elimination of forestry, farming, housing, and nature reserves. This in turn renders the nearby land unsuitable for activities that human beings engage in. Transportation can also contribute to landscape damage since many of the raw materials used in road construction are extracted from the ground.
Increased transportation activities also contribute to noise pollution, especially in urban areas. Individuals residing in areas that have a wide range of transportation activities experience noise levels that exceed about sixty-five decibels. Road vehicles produce noise through break squeals, slamming of doors, horns, and loud music systems. Noise pollution is also common in regions that have an airport due to a buzz of activities. Various modes of transport have varying noise levels impacting the environment negatively. This indicates a great need to identify strategies that will help to minimize noise levels produced as a result of transportation activities.
Another environmental problem that results from various transportation activities is reduced water quality. Emissions from marine transport have had a significant negative impact on water quality. Waste that is generated from various forms of water transport contributes to environmental problems since they have bacteria that are harmful to marine ecosystems. Spills from oil cargo vessels remain to be one of the greatest contributors to reduced water quality (Clean Water Action Council, 2022). Oil spills limit the growth of marine plants and animals by causing death. Transport facilities located on the coastline also contribute greatly to soil erosion. Soil contamination can also happen as a result of the continued use of toxic substances in the transport industry. Soil contamination also takes place as a result of the chemicals used to preserve wooden ties in railroad when they enter the soil. Establishing limits on transportation activities will help to reduce the degradation of soil and water quality.
Changes in the Industry
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been at the forefront in establishing strategies aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of transportation activities. One of the main strategies that have been laid out to address the environmental impact is promoting the use of renewable sources of fuel. The main aim of the strategy is to reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of fuel which also contribute significantly to an increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This indicates that shifting to the use of renewable sources of fuel will minimize the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere hence reducing air pollution. Renewable fuels will help to reduce emissions since they are produced from plants, crops, and biomass. Recent years have seen the development of electric vehicles which seek to eliminate greenhouse emissions that come from ordinary vehicles (National Geographic Society, 2021). Reliance on electricity for transportation is eco-friendlier than the traditional sources of fuel.
EPA has also proposed the use of SmartWay in freight transportation to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases while also reducing fuel costs. SmartWay is aimed at enhancing efficiency in the transportation of goods while also protecting air quality (EPA, 2021). The strategy will also go a long way in reducing the contribution of freight transportation to climatic changes. EPA has also had a focus on ensuring that members of the public purchase vehicles that are more environmentally friendly in terms of fuel economy and emissions to the atmosphere. Minimal emissions to the environment will limit the degradation of air quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the burning of fossil fuels in the transportation sector contributes to the release of greenhouse gases which lead to air pollution. Many transportation activities rely on non-renewable sources of energy which contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases. A buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributes to increased temperatures as a result of a global warming effect. Increased transportation activities especially in urban areas contribute to noise pollution. Various transportation activities also contribute to the degradation of soil and water quality resulting from spills and incorrect waste disposal. The various environmental problems can be eliminated by shifting to the use of renewable sources of fuel since they will help to minimize emissions.
References
Clean Water Action Council. (2022). Environmental impacts of transportation. Cleanwateractioncouncil.org.
Dinh, D. L. (2021). The impacts of transportation vehicles on environment: The case of Ho Chi Minh City. In E3S Web of Conferences, vol. (234), p-p. 72.
EPA. (2021). Carbon pollution from transportation. US EPA.
Li, S., Xing, J., Yang, L., & Zhang, F. (2020). Transportation and the environment: A review of empirical literature. World Bank Group.
National Geographic Society. (2021). Transportation and climate change. National Geographic Society. Web.