Pollution in Phoenix, Arizona
The Problem
The biggest source of pollution in Phoenix, Arizona is air pollution, known as the brown cloud. In 2005, American Lung Association gave Maricopa county its lowest grade for air quality in both ozone and particles. The brown cloud is made up mostly from carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide gases which are released from burning fossil fuels from cars and power plants. The cloud is growing day by day. This brown cloud has a huge effect on the residents. They can get diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
The Solution
There is a committee called The Brown Cloud Summit, whose members are local politicians and business people. This committee is dedicated to restoring and cleaning up the air and getting rid of the brown cloud. The Brown Cloud Summit came up with a cooperative solution. They must raise awareness of the brown cloud and its effects. The business people and politicians must reduce the releasing of pollutants into the air. The citizens can contribute to the environment by for example car pooling and using public transport. This will reduce the releasing of carbon dioxide and other particles. And for those who drive their own car, it is suggested for them to drive a car that runs on energy or a hybrid car. People can also "Go Green" when it comes to power and other things, because a lot of power comes from power plants that are bad for the environment. The brown cloud will only vanish if everyone pitches in.