ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 on pollution starts by outlining the distinction between climate change (Chapter 5) and (air) pollution in terms of commonalities and differences – the book’s chosen environmental challenges are subject to overlaps and interconnections, and there are cross-overs with waste (Chapter 7) as well. The chapter then defines pollution and looks at why it is a concern, covering various aspects of pollution, such as sources, content, range and density, behaviour and pathways before focusing on the location of pollution: air, water and soil (or land). Light and noise pollution are referred to as a particular form of air pollution. The business impact in terms of cause and effect is highlighted before the regulatory responses to pollution are outlined – global responses to transboundary pollution and regional, national and local policies. Internal opportunities for businesses to respond to pollution include prevention and control, abatement, remediation and the use of various technologies. External opportunities include industrial solutions (e.g. to oil spills, contaminated land and polluted air), such as filters and scrubbers, fungi, dust collectors, green chemistry and smog-eating cement, whilst household solutions (e.g. to indoor air quality or water pollution), include solar cookers and solar lights, biodegradable cleaning products, and eliminating chemicals altogether.
