Congestion and Waste Overburden Matthew, Hayden and Mit

Congestion

Definition My definition Congestion - An overcrowded area with a lack of freedom to move around Dictionary definition Congestion - (of a road or place) so crowded with traffic or people as to hinder or prevent freedom of movement.

Causes for this problem Urbanization “bright light, big city” syndrome encourages people to move into the city, thus making it more crowded. With more people in the city, more people will require transport which would make the city have more traffic Pollution congestion (appliances that emit GHG) Eg: Hong Kong, lack of space will mean there will be a dense population so there will me more congestion in one area especially where there is more high rise.

Different types of this issue Road traffic High unemployment Low supply of housing High levels of pollution

What are the effects/ impacts? think about scale (national) and SEEP Congestion means that there would be overcrowded roads and public transport systems which means it will take more time to get to places. (S) With congestion comes more people, meaning that there will be more competition for jobs (higher unemployment rate). (Ec) Congestion would suggest that there will be more people using technology such as cars and electrical appliances that emit GHG’s. (En) Congestion would mean there is a greater demand for governmental and private facilities with a low supply of land to build it on. (P) (S) Uncomfortable travel causes stress which will give mental and physical problems. (S)

Management, reducing implications Expansion: Expand vertically or horizontally to give more area for housing and businesses. Become more strict with immigration Induce laws such as the one child policy High taxes on private cars and give a higher supply of public transport

Waste overburden

Definition Mining and prospecting: material lying above area of interest Geographically: problem of urban waste

Causes landfills filled above designated capacity leakage from sloped, permeable landfills nearby soil and water bodies large amount of urban waste unhealthy practices

Different types air pollution water pollution unpleasant odors wind-carried suspensions (dust, ashes) water pollution organic substances (nitrites and nitrates) suspensions (dust, clay, mud)

Impacts toxic material stored with solid waste health hazard to humans toxic industrial waste heavy metals: cadmium, lead pesticides solvents used oils respiratory disease air suspensions toxic material stored with solid waste inflammable, explosive, corrosive mixtures

Impacts damages ecosystems damages fertility of adjacent soil disrupts food chains poisons susceptible species 1 hectare of landfill evicts 30-300 species damages fertility of adjacent soil lower crop yield less income for owner of land

Management inert matter lagging governing body filled with inert matter daily (e.g. soil, chipped wood) prevents fires and odors governing body controls on quality and quantity of waste warning signs on landfill

Management cell operation cell = compacted waste and cover material properly compacting layers of material daily creates nice “cells” of waste extends life and sustainability of landfill

Hong Kong (HIC) 6.4 million tons of waste a year existing landfills full by 2015 introducing waste management schemes educating public commercial measures to reduce waste

Hong Kong (HIC) collected from disposal bins compacted at refuse transfer stations transported to disposal lands or recycling centers

Ethiopia (LIC) rapid population growth (DTM) 94.1 million (2013) 0.252kg per capita per day 8.7 million tons of waste a year

Ethiopia (LIC) green projects paper recycling facilities recycling and composting = 10% of all waste 90% placed in landfills plastic and metal recycling still under investigation