You would probably agree that everything we do affects the world around us. From the food we eat to the electricity we consume, we know it really has an impact not only on ourselves but the environment.
However, it isn’t always that way, as the Industrial Revolution’s Impact changed the perspective and way that we created everything. From energy and food to sanitation and manufacturing technologies, there really is something that industrialization impacts the environment.
Unfortunately, industrialization has led to the exploitation of natural resources and too much pollution that cause long-term damage to the environment. So, as humans, what can we do to reduce the Industrial revolution’s impact on our environment?
Understanding What Industrial Revolution Is
Industrial Revolution started sometime in the mid-1700s. It was when the population of the world started to recover from the deaths of the 1300s Black Plague that caused the death of over 75 million people.
When the planet’s population exploded, it reached about 1 billion in 1800 and doubled by 1926. And by the start of the 21st century, it grew again to 6 billion.
The invention of technologies, like mechanized looms and steam-powered locomotives, changed what had been considered rural societies for craftsmen and farmers. Because of this, many people moved from the countryside to fast-growing cities.
It was coal that actually shifted the balance of power. Using coal as the source of power changed how people looked at the industry – from energy generation to manufacturing. In fact, people have been using coal since the 13th century, and it was not until the 1800s that industrialization took off.
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Impact of Industrialization
Did you know that there are 4 Industrial revolution impact points? It’s the air, soil, water, and habitat.
Among the biggest issue is air pollution, as it’s caused by emissions and smoke coming from burning fossil fuels. In fact, the EPA of the US regulates more than eighty toxins that are found in industrial pollution. But despite these regulations, industries are among the worst ones to generate air pollution in the world.
Another issue is water pollution, which specific regions are encountering, as factories are just next to the natural water resources. Yes, toxins may come in many forms, like solid, liquid, or gas.
These may all end up contaminating the water supplies. Even other waste disposal areas and landfills may leach toxins into the local water supply, which could end up in water pollution.
Next is the soil contamination that goes hand in hand with the industrial revolution. One of the common forms of soil contamination is Lead, and other toxic and heavy chemicals leach into the soil. In turn, it contaminates the crops that grow.
Another industrial revolution has also led to habitat destruction. Unfortunately, forests are cut down for lumber, and the ecosystem is destroyed to create strip mines, roads, and gravel pits.
Sadly, the destruction of habitat could upset the local ecosystem and lead to animal and plant extinction if species could not adapt to new surroundings.
Other Negative Industrial Revolution’s Impact on the Environment
Here are a few of the negative effects of the Industrial Revolution on workers.
- Dangerous Workplaces
Without having much when it comes to safety regulations, factories during the Industrial Revolution may be hazardous. Most labour workers face the risk of losing a hand when they use the machinery.
In fact, you can read the newspapers at a time about workers who lost their hands and fingers crushed before any other workers could stop the machinery. Worst, it leads to death as a result of trauma.
There were also reports of terrible accidents in mining. These incidents happened when they started using coal to keep the steam-powered machines running. Gas explosions are common in coal mining, and as a result, workers could have severe burns on their neck, face, chest, arms, and hands. Worse, they had internal injuries.
- Child Labor
Can you imagine yourself working at such a young age?
While children usually worked even before the Industrial Revolution, there was still a rapid growth of factors that were created. What’s worse is that these children worked long hours and were still deprived of proper education. Obliged to do risky adult jobs, children usually suffered dismaying fates.
- Unsatisfying and Stressful Lifestyle
Workers coming from the countryside and to the cities must adjust to a different rhythm of existence, with just a little personal independence.
How horrible it was for them, as they had to arrive at work whistle blew, or else they would face being locked out and losing their salary. Worse, they were forced to pay fines, or else they will lose their jobs.
- Environmental Risks
As mentioned, a while ago, the Industrial Revolution was powered by burning coal, and industrial cities started to pump vast amounts of pollution into the atmosphere.
In fact, it continued to rise in the 1800s, that cause respiratory illness and an increase in death rates, especially in areas that burn more coal.
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Wrapping Up
Now that we know some of the impacts of the industrial revolution on the environment, what do you think we can do to fix it?
Well, there may be two possible approaches that both legislators and factories could consider to help reduce the impact of industrial pollution.
First, industries should reduce being reliant on products that may cause pollution. One example is removing lead from gasoline. That way, the amount of heavy metal would also be reduced in the environment.
We should never forget that despite all these issues, Industrial Revolution still had positive effects on the world, such as making goods available and creating economic growth.
Industrial Revolution also helped lead the rise of the middle class, which grabbed economic power and led to rising of specialized jobs in the industry.
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