Environmental Problems

Abstract

Cities typically have pollution problems which affect all its inhabitants. This chapter supports the need to consider concepts related to green areas as a necessity for the city. It describes pollution produced by a diversity of human activities in the city, differentiating between its effects on soil, air, water and climate. It distinguishes heavy metals and chemical products applied in parks and gardens which pollute the soil. It describes air pollution produced by motor vehicles as well as by the persistent use of organic matter. It highlights the function of trees as carbon dioxide absorbents, acknowledging that they cannot absorb all emissions which should be reduced. It describes problems related to water and ground water polluted with heavy metals and other pollutants, highlighting its effect on eutrophication and the destruction of wetlands. It emphasizes that temperature has risen in the cities. Furthermore, it describes the function of the ocean and wind in relation to the location of Lima. The description focuses on Lima city and on the search of solutions. This chapter aims to contribute to the enrichment of a city with better environmental conditions to improve the health of its inhabitants. It contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goal 11 and indirectly to the goals 3.