Results High rates of water-borne diseases in cities along the river. Outbreaks of cholera, dysentary, typhoid, and hepatitis are common and linked to polluted water.

Ganges Action Plan Begun in 1995 to clean up the river. Sewage and water treatment plants built along the river. Limited in its effectiveness because of the growing population, expanding industry and increased farm production.

Yangtze River China’s longest river – almost 4,000 miles long Passes through over 185 towns where almost 400 million people live. Flows from northwestern part of China to the East China Sea

Problems Millions of gallons of sewage are dumped into the river. Chemicals from agricultural runoff and industrial wastes (Nitrogen from fertilizers and arsenic from industry are the leading pollutants).

Problems Many species of plants and animals along the river are disappearing. Blue-green algae growth caused by high levels of nitrogen and phosphates. The algae reduces oxygen causing fish to die. Contaminated fish are eaten by the Chinese which leads to other health problems.

Air Pollution Causes Enormous and growing population Rapid growth of cities Development of industry Dependence on coal Automobile emissions Open fires in rural areas using wood, animal dung or coal as fuel

Air Pollution Effects The Asian Brown Cloud over parts of India and China High rate of respiratory diseases (diseases of the lungs, bronchial tubes and trachea). The leading cause of death in China is respiratory and heart disease. Acid Rain Changes in climate

Solutions India is finding it difficult to enforce many of the laws that would limit air pollution. Why? Desire for continued economic growth China is trying to find ways to control pollution while maintaining economic growth. China was able to reduce some pollutants by 45% before the olympics.