The Impacts of Generators on Air Pollution in Abuja

Introduction

Air pollution is one of the most environmental problems that are popular in any parts of the world. Although there are many environmental policies and regulations that implemented in the country, still there are things such as vehicles and motors that keep polluting the air. Obviously, without the industrials materials such as vehicles, the pursuance of the economic development of the country may delay.

Background and Statement of the Problem

According to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Act of 1988 together with the statutory responsibility, there is overall protection of the environment and setting and enforcing ambient and emission standards for air, water and noise pollution (Olowoporoku, 2007). This policy is for the maintenance of the air quality in Nigeria and is expected to be followed by the people in the regions of Nigeria. However, this policy might be contradicting to the aim of the country to gain economic stability and growth. Pollution in air cannot be fully eliminated due to the presence of industries. Therefore, what are the impacts of generators on air pollution in the country, particularly in area of Abuja?

Research Aims and Objectives

The main aim of the study is to provide the comprehensive analysis regarding the contribution and impacts of generators in the air pollution in area of Abuja. In order to supply the necessary information, there are three objectives that should be considered. First is to determine the contributors of air pollution in the area. Second is to recognize the actions of the government and its people against the air pollution. And third is to identify the industries that use the generators in their business environment and processes.

Scope and Limitations

The scope of the study is focused on the air pollution in Abuja and the neighboring regions. This also includes the health risks, industrial importance, and the comparison of the industrial processes in the third world countries against the developed countries. The study finds its limits through tracing the effectiveness of air pollution acts from the past years, although it is important, the study cannot afford to extend the review on literature regarding the air pollution acts because the study is focused on the present situation.

Research Questions

In order to manage the ideas involved in the study, there are four questions that should be discussed in the paper:

1. What are the common types of vehicles or industries that use motors and generators that add to the air pollution?

2. Aside from the policies and regulations, is there any extensive governmental or non-government program that promotes the fight against air pollution?

3. What are the actions of the industries regarding the existing act against air pollution?

4. What are the recognizable methods or actions of the neighboring countries in fighting the air pollution in their territories?

Literature Review

Significantly, air pollution created an impact on both social and economic development in Nigeria. The existence of industrialization creates drastic changes on the composition of the atmosphere due to the combustion of the fossil fuels to generate energy. The generators, in particular, are the most common type of machinery that can generate the necessary energy and support the process of the industries in making business. This adds to the growing problems in the increasing numbers of vehicles that causes traffic in the road. The same emission of pollution contaminates the air making it risky for the human health (Abatan, 2007). Nigeria and the other regions of Africa are identified to be the most country that have a large energy production and generation because of the hydropower, biomass, coal, oil and gas. In addition, the energy generation involves the development of infrastructures that increases the rapid growth of economy but placing the environment in peril. The growth of population also contributes in the generation of energy because of the demand they offer. In the continuous process of energy transformation and generation, there is a reduction of poverty and sustainable socio-economic development, however, the air pollution remains an unsettled issue (Akinyede, 2006).

Methodology

The suggested method in the study is the use of secondary information that is focus on the corporate social responsibility of the organizations regarding the environmental protection and air pollution act. The tools or materials that can be use are the corporate reviews and reports on CSR. This is the most comprehensive medium that the study can use to measure the effectiveness of both government and organizations in minimizing the air pollution and placing an emphasis on their commitments towards the environments.

References:

Abatan, A.A., (2007) Effect of Air Pollution on the Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://ihy2007.org/img/IHY_Nigeria_Abatan.doc

Akinyede, J.O., (2006) Challenges Associated with the Use of Space Applications for Monitoring Air Pollution Resulting from Energy Use, Production, and Generation, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/pdf/sap/2006/graz/presentations/02-01.pdf

Olowoporoku, D., (2007) Air Quality in Nigeria: Institutional and Policy Arrangement, Air Quality Management in Lagos, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://www.uwe.ac.uk/aqm/files/Air_Quality_Management_in_Lagos_Nigeria.pdf

Corporate Governance & Corporate Social Responsibility

Introduction

Every organizations, whether government, business, academic, or health organization, are expected to perform with corporate social responsibility and governance. The actions of the employees and leaders regarding the standards pay attention on the good practices as well as the promotion of the key initiatives. Through the presence of the practices in the organization, the effectiveness and competitiveness in an organization can be recognized.

Background and Problem Statement

Corporate social responsibility is an essential element of present and future social policies. The strategy is to develop the multinational economic and financial groups that is needed in global market economy or firms that going through serious of internal crisis. The strategy is a replacement for many socially and ethically irresponsible practices to avoid or lessen the possibilities of bankruptcies, fraudulent actions, and even disrespecting for the basic working values. The concept of corporate social responsibility accommodates a wide variety of achievements and initiatives that covers the moral and ethical concerns such as the code of conduct and good governance. On the other hand, the corporate governance is the set of processes, customs, policies, laws, and institutions affecting the way a corporation (or company) is directed, administered or controlled. In corporate governance, the relationships among the many stakeholders involved and the goals for which the corporation is governed is also included. However, how does the corporate governance and corporate social responsibility create a great impact in the organization?

Research Aim and Objectives

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility in organizations. In order to obtain the information in the study, there are three objectives that should be considered. First is to identify the purpose of corporate social responsibility and corporate governance in every organization. Second is to present the effectiveness of the CSR and governance in the internal and external function of organizations. And third is to measure the long-term impact of governance and CSR in every organization.

Literature Review

The aim for corporate social responsibility is to have an overall positive impact on society through a socially responsible conduct. It also includes the voluntary integration by the companies of social and environmental concerns towards the commercial activities and the relationship with stakeholders. The corporate social responsibility is an important way for organizations to increase their contribution to society and to sustainable development. The strategy covers the things and organizations have an impact beyond its immediate operations and legal obligations and goes beyond legal obligations that involves the issues of health and safety in the workplace, employment policies and environmental protection. If a business recognized the role of the corporate social responsibility, it definitely contributes in the development of the communities in which the business operates. Meanwhile, the principles of the corporate governance reflect on stimulating the debates about the problems or issues in relation to the corporate governance. The organizations are encouraged to adopt the recognized standards of governance to ensure the relationship of investors and organization by informing the investors in the present capital market and law. The corporate governance codes and principles is also evidently visible in different entities, such as stock exchanges, corporations, institutional investors, or associations or institutes of directors and managers. Although there are many advantages, corporate governance also faces challenges due to developing, emerging, and transitional economies. Moreover, the idea of corporate governance takes considerable advantages once the system proved itself to be effective. First is promoting the efficient use of resource of both within the company and the economy. And because corporate governance can lower transaction costs associated with corporate information access, the managerial incentives that are risky for profits are diminished. It also facilitates the proper access to capital, and could complement to institutional and legal framework of the organization. And most of all, corporate governance can contribute to lessen the corruption in the business.

Methodology

The suggested method in the study is the use of comparative case studies. The ideas regarding the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance is already implemented among the organization across the world. In order to determine the approach of the organizations regarding the two internal actions, it is better if the study will look in the strategy of the organizations in implementing the CSR and governance. Because the organizations have the responsibility in ensuring their internal and external effectiveness, it is a great advantage for the study to look for the impact the CSR and governance can create in the corporate world.

References:

Fonteneau, G., (2003) Corporate Social Responsibility: Envisioning its Social Implications, The Jus Semper Global Alliance, Living Wages North and South [Online] Available at: http://www.jussemper.org/Resources/CSRsocialimplications.pdf [Accessed 13 August 2010].

Heugens, P., & Otten, J., (2005) Corporate Governance Reforms around the World, Tjalling C. Koopmans Research Institute [Online] Available at: http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/content/05-08.pdf [Accessed 13 August 2010].

Noon, P., (2008) Corporate Social Responsibility, Negotiator’s Guide [Online] Available at: http://www.world-psi.org/TemplateEn.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentFileID=23044 [Accessed 13 August 2010].

Vasilecu, L., (2008) Corporate Governance in Developing and Emerging Countries, The Case of Romania [Online] Available at: http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/10998/1/MPRA_paper_10998.pdf [Accessed 13 August 2010].