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Air Pollution In Houston, Texas Term Paper

Not surprisingly, Houston has experienced a growing problem with air pollution. According to Cherni, "In Houston, outdoor air conditions are usually very unpleasant. In addition to high temperatures and humidity, emissions from numerous cars and industry, and the heat produced by central cooling equipment, contribute to at times unbearable air quality. A report by the Houston Chronicle cited by Cherni reports that while Houston is ranked among the top ten wealthiest areas in the country in terms of personal income, the city has an inordinately high incidence of cancer mortality and infant, childhood and maternal mortality. One of the most obvious contradictions is that high levels of air pollution make Houston one of the most contaminated cities in the United States. As noted above, Houston is much like other major cities around the world that suffer from high levels of air pollution, but industrial emissions in the region have become particularly problematic (see Figure 1 below). In this regard, Cherni suggests that, "A key issue for this urban pollution is that industrial emission tends to be localized and, despite the fact that large sections of Houston have been frequently invaded by industrial pollution, the residential areas located nearby petrochemical plants have been most adversely affected."

Figure 1. Oil- and gas-processing facilities located on the east side of Houston.

Source: Cherni at 82.

Conclusion

The research showed that Houston, Texas enjoys one of the highest per capita income levels in the country today in terms of personal income levels, this level of affluence has come at the expense of the city's environment. High concentrations of petrochemical processing plants and extensive use of air-conditioning, combined with high levels of private vehicle use have all contributed to the city's air pollution problems in recent years. Unfortunately,...

Economic Growth vs. The Environment: The Politics of Wealth, Health and Air Pollution. New York: Palgrave, 2002.
Gerber, Brian J. And Grant W. Neeley. (2005). "Perceived Risk and Citizen Preferences for Governmental Management of Routine Hazards," Policy Studies Journal 33(3): 395.

Sorelle, R. (1990, July 11). "U.S. health care gets bottom summit ranking," Houston Chronicle, 21A82.

Thomas, R.D. And Murray, R.W. Progrowth Politics. Change and Governance in Houston, Institute of Governmental Studies and University of California at Berkeley: IGS Press, 1991, 37 in Cherni at 82.

Gerber, Brian J. And Grant W. Neeley. (2005). "Perceived Risk and Citizen Preferences for Governmental Management of Routine Hazards," Policy Studies Journal 33(3): 395.

Cherni, Judith a. Economic Growth vs. The Environment: The Politics of Wealth, Health and Air Pollution. New York: Palgrave, 2002, 81.

Thomas, R.D. And Murray, R.W. Progrowth Politics. Change and Governance in Houston, Institute of Governmental Studies and University of California at Berkeley: IGS Press, 1991, 37 in Cherni at 82.

Cherni 81.

Sorelle, R. (1990, July 11). "U.S. health care gets bottom summit ranking," Houston Chronicle,…

Sources used in this document:
Works Cited

Cherni, Judith a. Economic Growth vs. The Environment: The Politics of Wealth, Health and Air Pollution. New York: Palgrave, 2002.

Gerber, Brian J. And Grant W. Neeley. (2005). "Perceived Risk and Citizen Preferences for Governmental Management of Routine Hazards," Policy Studies Journal 33(3): 395.

Sorelle, R. (1990, July 11). "U.S. health care gets bottom summit ranking," Houston Chronicle, 21A82.

Thomas, R.D. And Murray, R.W. Progrowth Politics. Change and Governance in Houston, Institute of Governmental Studies and University of California at Berkeley: IGS Press, 1991, 37 in Cherni at 82.
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