1. SS7G10
The student will discuss environmental issues across Southern and Eastern Asia.

2. Describe the causes and effects of pollution on the Yangtze River
Contaminated fish as caught and eaten by the Chinese people, leading to other health problems.
Approximately 30.5 billion tons of waste is dumped annually into the Yangtze River in China. Some call it the ‘giant toilet bowl’ of Asia
The pollution in the river puts all the cities along its banks at risk. Many species of plants and animals that once lived in the river are disappearing. The high levels of nitrogen and phosphates lead to the growth of blue-green algae, which reduces the oxygen content of the river; killing the fish.

3. Describe the causes and effects of pollution on the Ganges River
Chemicals used in fertilizers and industry are washed into the river every day.
Outbreaks of disease such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis are common for people who use the waters of the Ganges for bathing and drinking.
Animal and human waste are dumped into the Ganges daily and are major contributing factors to the rivers’ pollution.
Despite the rivers polluted condition, people regularly bathe in it’s sacred waters.

4. Effects of flooding
Primary effects of flooding * Physical damage - Can range anywhere from bridges, cars, buildings, sewer systems, roadways, canals and any other type of structure. * Casualties - People and livestock die due to drowning. It can also lead to epidemics and waterborne diseases.
Secondary effects of flooding * Water supplies - Contamination of water. Clean drinking water becomes scarce. * Diseases - Unhygienic conditions. Spread of water-borne diseases. * Crops and food supplies - Shortage of food crops can be caused due to loss of entire harvest or inability to get food to market.

5. Describe the causes and effects of flooding in India
Many homes which are made of mud collapse, stored grains and standing crops are destroyed and transportation is halted.
In India, heavy rains often occur during the summer monsoon rainy season, effecting housing and food supply.

6. Describe the causes and effects of flooding in China
Floods and devastating landslides and mudslides are serious problems in China. Every year hundreds die in them during the June-to-August rainy season.
The Yangtze is responsible for 70 to 75 percent of China’s floods. The Yangtze River frequently overflows its banks and fills huge plains with large amounts of water, causing catastrophic flooding. There are floods every year during the June-to-September monsoon season.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the deadliest flood ever killed 3,700,000 people around the Huang-He (Yellow) River in August, 1931.
Heavy rains trigger mudslides

7. Acid Rain

8. Describe the causes and effects of air pollution in China
Much of China’s energy is produced by burning coal, a process that sends tons of soot, ash and chemicals into the atmosphere. China has the largest population in the world and the increased use of automobiles and trucks have added to China’s air quality problems.
The leading causes of death in China are respiratory and heart diseases that can be tied to air pollution.
Acid rain caused by automotive and industrial emissions is effecting 1/3 of China’s agricultural areas.
The world’s 20 most polluted cities are all in China.

9. Describe the causes and effects of air pollution in India
India is a poor country. Regulating air quality to cut down on pollution would cause economic hardships.
Describe the causes and effects of air pollution in India
Air pollution is one of India’s most serious environmental problems. A growing population (second largest in the world), rapid growth of cities and development of industry have contributed to India’s poor air quality.
In rural areas, many families cook over open fires, using wood, animal dung or coal as fuel, sending carbon monoxide, soot and chemicals into the air. The air inside Indian homes is often worse than the air outside.
As many as five million deaths are caused by air pollution every year in India. People living in large cities have the highest rates of respiratory disease in the world.

10. References:
Moffitt, L, Mullins, E. (2009). Georgia CRCT Test Prep 7th grade Social Studies; Teaching the
Georgia Performance Standards (Preview Edition). Clairmont Press. Atlanta, GA.

11. Douglas County School System
Created By:
Debra Harrington
Yeager Middle School
Douglas County School System
Douglasville, Georgia