University of Texas El Paso
Opinion Piece Reflection
The opinion piece assignment was interesting and difficult because it required my opinion on the solution for the pollution problem. The first thing I had to do was to identify the issue, then the problem and most importantly the solutions to fix the problem. Furthermore, what my input is on the solutions that are available and whether it is effective or not. While having to do more research, I did gain more knowledge of the solution to fix the community problem. I am not as confident on this assignment as I am for my other assignments, though it was a good way to show my strengths and weakness in the writing process, as well as guiding me in the areas that I need to focus on as far as writing an essay. I used Google to help me do some research on how to write an effective opinion piece which helped me better understand the assignment. In addition, I gained a better understanding of how to express my opinion in a related topic. Overall I think I did accomplish the purpose of the assignment. In the future I will be able to express my thoughts in a more professional matter.
Opinion Piece
China’s pollution problem
China’s population is at 1.4 billion and counting, which makes China the most populated country in the world. This issue with over population started back in 1949 after WWII. That is when Mao Zedong encouraged the people’s republic of China to have as many children as they can. It was meant to make the country wealthy. As a result, the population started to increase. The drastic increase of population led to high demand of jobs. This led to more factories opening in major cities in China causing pollution problems.
China is experiencing air and water pollution throughout the most populated cities along the east coast. It has affected millions of people in different ways such as health issues relating to cancer and the shortage of safe drinking water. China’s main cause of air pollution is the burning of coal. This resulted in devastating smog layering over some of China’s major cities. Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong are the top three cities with dangerous pollution problems.
Can China go green? I know China can go green. However, in order to fix the pollution problem in China, it will cost China five trillion dollars and more than fifteen years. China has already implemented many technics to improve air quality; some of the methods the government is implementing are more strict laws on coal distribution. Furthermore, China is known to be the world’s largest solar market. This year alone China has installed 14 out of 55 gigawatts of solar panels worldwide. In addition, China has been the top developing country in solar panels. China is installing solar panels in a massive quantity to generate power throughout the country. This will help reduce the use of coal by 40%. China has built a solar valley micro-e hotel that runs its 70% of energy on solar power. China also has been building Solar-operating buses and vehicles to help decrease air pollution. This has already helped reduce air pollution by 20% or more. Furthermore, Aqua Bio-filters have been installed in rivers to clean up pollution. In addition, urban farming is being implanted to help increase food resources.
China should have stricter laws for foreign country bringing jobs to China. We can make a difference by doing little things on a daily basis, such as taking transit instead of driving, and if you see garbage pick it up. Do not use disposable products, use recycled instead. Water conservation is another important factor. Air and water pollution is not only affecting China, it is affecting the world in the years to come. China’s pollution is an old problem on a new scale. It has contributed to the world’s global warming and affecting climate change. Although China’s pollution problem is half way around the world from United States, we as a human race have the duty and responsibility to protect our world.