Air Pollution in Israel By Ari Rokeach

Types of Air Pollution Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damages the natural environment, into the atmosphere Primary-substances that are emitted directly into the atmosphere Example-carbon monoxide from car exhaust, volcanic ash, or sulfur dioxide released from factories Secondary-are formed out of primary pollutants reacting with the air. Examples-large amount of coal burning from the smoke and sulfur dioxide reacting

Sources of Air Pollution Anthropogenic Sources-human caused sources of air pollution Stationary Sources Power Plants, Factories, Waste Incinerators Mobile Sources Cars, aerosols, chemicals and fire used to manage agriculture Natural Sources-smoke from wildfires, volcanic ash, methane from cows, and radon gas from radioactive decay Examples include wildfires, volcanic Ash, Radon Gas

Global Air Pollution History Excessive air pollution began during the industrial revolution and has become exponentially worse since the 1980s. The cheapest source of Fuel was Coal British Clean Air Act of 1956 Designated smoke levels Relocation of Power Plants British Clean Air Act of 1968 mandated use of tall chimneys United States Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 Mirrored Standards of the British

Israel’s Air Pollution History Most of the global air pollution today is due the massive amount of motor vehicles and big industry “Concentration of population and industry in the coastal area, small land area, variety of natural assets, and singular geological, topographical and climatic features,” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Heavily Polluted Areas Haifa Bay Tel Aviv Jerusalem

Global And Local Methods to deal with Air Pollution Global Methods Land Use Planning- Specific Zoning codes in designated areas primary regulations- requirements to reduce are parts and fuel regulations Israel Methods In 1994, a new government program was formulated to manage air resources preservation Recently emphasis is shifting from ambient standards to emission standards The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated “concentration is focusing on the reduction of vehicular emissions; new efforts are being invested in controlling photochemical smog; steps are being taken to establish a nationwide monitoring network; and preparations for a comprehensive Clean Air Act designed to provide Israel with the statutory tools necessary to manage its air quality resources in the best manner possible, have been initiated”

Environmental and Economic Impacts of Air Pollution Environmental Impacts Greenhouse Effect- over concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Increased temperature brings about many ecological changes, such as, acid rain, loss of bio diversity, increased disease, raised sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in agricultural yield. Economic Impacts Changes in agricultural yield cause countries who previously grew crops to lose their cash crop Raised sea level will destroy coastal cities

Social and Political Impacts of Air Pollution Social Impacts 2.4 million people die each year Related diseases of Air Pollution include: Heart and Lung Disease, respiratory allergies, asthma and emphysema Recent studies in Los Angeles reveal that there are 3,800 premature deaths because of extreme air pollution Political Impacts The political implication of air pollution is the responsibility of politicians to enact policy that will reduce and prevent air pollution. It is politicians responsibility to further regulate land use, zoning and fuel efficiency regulations

Solutions to Air Pollution Possible Solutions Input Control- Eliminate pollution before it occurs Examples-population growth, improving energy efficiency, reducing waste and renewable energy Output Control- sequestering pollutants after they enter the atmosphere Examples-cleaning up an area that has been damaged by pollution.

Conclusion Recommended Solutions For Israel Increase auto regulations and fuel emissions can potentially reduce air pollution Alternate forms of transportation Cleaner forms of public transportation Carpooling Top Down Rather than Bottom Up Change must come from the government rather than the people Governments to mandate change rather than waiting for public awareness to bring about change Religious importance if the Environment Psalm 24:1 says people are to be God’s partners in preserving the environment.