Humanity has come to realize the serious environmental consequences of its actions on the globe and have formed international alliances in order to deal with the matter. While these agreements can be a crucial first step to reducing pollution, and helping sustain the planet’s future, they also have flaws and are constantly being revised in light of new information. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the current environmental regulations and contracts in order to devise effective ways to resolve the liabilities.
Recognizing the problem
Many modern companies contribute to the environmental destruction through their business activities. Companies that are located in high-level environmental pollution countries, like the United States, need to closely monitor their emissions of water and air. Nasrollahi et al. (2010) assert that pollution is a common trait in advanced nations. High levels of pollution are emitted by modern technology and coal-fired energy plants. Pollution is very common in areas where a large number of people reside. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Los Angeles are all examples of big-city smog. The government requires that all coal-burning power stations change their processes in order to lessen air pollution. Firms are also required to inspect their waste and explore alternative sources of power for greener production.
There has been an increase in carbon emission, which is causing a greenhouse effect. Many carbon emissions have been released to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. The impact of pollution on the global temperature has led to global warming. The Industrial Revolution is responsible for more than 70% of carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere (Nasrollahi and al. 2020). The amount of carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere is now at dangerous levels for both plant and animal life. Global warming has been shown to have a significant impact on large swathes of the earth. This includes a decline in the amount of water that is available for animals and plants. Also, rising sea levels pose a risk to world’s coasts and low-lying Islands. The ecological system of animals and plants is affected by carbon dioxide and other environmental pollutants.
Application of policy
Clean Air Act, a federal law, controls pollution and forbids hazardous chemical discharges. It also monitors U.S. ozone-depleting substances emissions and sets national ambient quality standards that protect human health. (Aldy and al., 2020). The legislation is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which compel states to follow its stipulations.
In 1990 the Clean Air Act Amendments, also known as CAAA were passed in response to Massachusetts v. EPA’s decision (PDFs). This ruling determined that the Clean Air Act gave the EPA federal authority to regulate greenhouse gasses. This decision was made based upon the Supreme Court’s definition of “endangerment”, which means that air quality must not be unreasonablely hazardous. (Aldy and al. 2020). The CAA article was amended to include mobile sources such as automobiles and trucks, in addition to power plants and other industries. This strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations and limit their release into the atmosphere. The strategy applies to all motor vehicle manufacturers, importers, heavy-duty trucks, buses, general aviation and other aircraft. The revisions also establishes the only statutory limits on carbon monoxide emissions (Aldy and al. 2020).