Continuing my India trip observations, the next set of observations relates to environmental aspects of society. Parameters surrounding my observations are documented in this initial posting.
Environment
Before the trip, I was warned about the pollution in Hyderabad and that I should try to stay inside during the day. Furthermore, you often read today about the level of consumption increases in places like India and China and the corresponding impact to the environment related to that consumption. Given this, I tried to keep heightened awareness of the environmental and energy practices around me during my trip.
- I found the pollution in Hyderabad not to be as bad as I had expected. Of course, during the day, I was primarily inside a car or indoors, but the times I was walking around during the day, I was expecting that I may cough or be noticeably bothered by the air. Fortunately, I didn’t find that to be the case, but I suspect if I was out walking for extended periods of time daily, my experience may have been different.
- I did, however, notice a few, but not many, motorcycle drivers or passengers wearing a scarf or handkerchief over their mouth and nose due to what I assume was the pollution. Given, their exposure to the open air and the growth in vehicles on the road all around them, the motorcycle drivers seem to be taking the brunt of the pollution. Again, those wearing scarves were clearly the minority, but I suspect this trend will increase over time. (more…)
Reading, Writing, and Reflecting 