Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Define landslides as natural phenomena and introduce the concept that human activities, like deforestation, mining, and construction, can exacerbate the risk of landslides. Mention how human activities disrupt the natural balance and contribute to land ...
Model Answer Introduction Fossil fuels have long been central to economic development, powering industrial revolutions, modern infrastructure, and growth in various sectors. However, the environmental consequences of their use raise important questions about whether this reliance is justifiable, espRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Fossil fuels have long been central to economic development, powering industrial revolutions, modern infrastructure, and growth in various sectors. However, the environmental consequences of their use raise important questions about whether this reliance is justifiable, especially in light of the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation.
Justification for the Use of Fossil Fuels in Economic Development
Fossil fuels have been instrumental in driving economic growth. Historically, coal-powered the industrial revolution, fueling massive growth in manufacturing and production during the 18th and 19th centuries. The widespread use of gasoline and diesel in vehicles, trains, and planes, as well as natural gas for heating and electricity generation, has facilitated the development of modern infrastructure. Furthermore, industries such as petrochemicals and shale gas have created jobs and contributed significantly to economic expansion, particularly in the U.S. The cost-effectiveness of fossil fuels is another justification, as their large reserves and established infrastructure have made them economically viable for many countries with limited alternative energy sourcesacts of Fossil Fuels
Despite these economic benefits, the environmental consequences of fossil fuel use are substantial. The combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Fossil fuel combustion also emits harmful air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), leading to air pollution and poor air quality. Moreover, the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels can cause water pollution, as spills and leaks contaminate bodies of water. Additionally, fossil fuel extraction, whether through mining or drilling, often results in habitat destruction and environmental degradation .
Conclusion
Fuels for economic development is a double-edged sword. While they have provided significant short-term economic benefits, their long-term environmental impact, including climate change, air and water pollution, and habitat destruction, raises serious concerns. This suggests that a transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources is necessary to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
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Model Answer Introduction Landslides are a natural disaster triggered by various factors, including geological, topographical, and climatic conditions. However, human activities such as deforestation, mining, and construction have significantly contributed to making landscapes more vulnerable to theRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Landslides are a natural disaster triggered by various factors, including geological, topographical, and climatic conditions. However, human activities such as deforestation, mining, and construction have significantly contributed to making landscapes more vulnerable to these disasters. These activities disrupt the natural environment, destabilizing the land and increasing the likelihood of landslides.
Deforestation and Landslide Risk
Deforestation involves the removal of trees, which play a critical role in stabilizing slopes. Trees help hold soil together with their roots, reducing erosion and absorbing excess water. Without vegetation, soil becomes more prone to erosion and water infiltration, increasing the risk of landslides. In deforested areas, surface runoff can saturate the soil, further weakening its stability and triggering landslides. A clear example of this is the June 2013 disaster in Uttarakhand, India, where heavy rainfall, compounded by deforestation in the Himalayas, led to flash floods and landslides, killing over 5,000 people.
Mining and Landslide Risk
Mining activities, especially when they involve excavation and blasting, can destabilize the land. The removal of large amounts of soil and rock alters the natural slope and reduces the land’s ability to retain water, making it more prone to sliding. The vibrations from heavy machinery and explosives can further weaken the soil structure. In Colombia’s Cauca Department, mining operations for gold and coal have led to significant geological hazards, including landslides, by disrupting drainage patterns and weakening soil.
Construction and Landslide Risk
Construction activities, such as road building and foundation excavation, also increase landslide susceptibility. These activities often alter slopes and can add extra weight to unstable ground, making it more likely to fail. The disruption of soil and the increased pore water pressure from construction activities further weaken the land. A tragic example occurred in La Conchita, California, in 2005, when heavy rains triggered a landslide, killing 10 people and destroying homes after construction activities had destabilized the slope.
Conclusion
Human activities such as deforestation, mining, and construction significantly contribute to landslide susceptibility by destabilizing the land and increasing the potential for disasters. To reduce the impact of these activities, proper land-use planning, soil stabilization, and disaster preparedness are essential for mitigating the risk of landslides.
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