The Dark History Of Pollution's Rise

Pollution has been a problem since the emergence of our earliest ancestors. However, the issue became more pressing when permanent settlements were established, leading to the accumulation of human wastes and debris. The Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700s further exacerbated pollution, particularly air pollution, as more people burned coal for heat, power, and industrial processes. This marked a significant shift, with the burning of fossil fuels becoming a major source of pollution, alongside other industrial contaminants. The impact of these changes became evident by the mid-20th century, with the emergence of environmental movements and legislative efforts to address pollution.

The Industrial Revolution

Pollution has been a problem since the earliest human ancestors, with evidence of ancient metallurgical activity in South America dating back to around 1480. However, the Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in the history of pollution, with the shift to a manufacturing-based economy and the intensive use of fossil fuels.

One of the defining characteristics of the Industrial Revolution was the advent of manufacturing based on heavy industrial machinery. Steam power, for example, enabled the creation of semi-automated factory systems, allowing for mass production. This industrialization led to exponential increases in energy consumption, with fossil fuels like coal being the primary source of energy. As a result, carbon emissions surged, contributing to the climate change issues we face today.

The environmental impact of the Industrial Revolution extended beyond carbon emissions. It also caused environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, water pollution, and urban overcrowding. Cities like Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham rapidly expanded to accommodate the growing workforce needed for factories, becoming heavily industrialized and increasingly polluted. The burning of coal in factories and homes, as well as industrial processes, further exacerbated air pollution levels.

The Second Industrial Revolution, or Technological Revolution, in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, introduced electricity, steel production, and the internal combustion engine. This phase intensified mass production and the growth of heavy industries, further adding to the environmental strain. The cumulative effects of each phase of industrialization have had long-lasting consequences, and the world continues to grapple with the challenge of reducing global emissions and mitigating environmental degradation.

Ancient Rome

The ancient Romans were responsible for significant pollution, which has been identified as the start of the Anthropocene, the current period in our planet's history. The Romans contributed to air pollution through metallurgy, large-scale agriculture, and the burning of wood for metal weapons and energy. They also polluted water sources, as evidenced by the high levels of lead pollution in Roman lakes and the harbour in Alexandria, attributed to lead pipes and the use of lead in shipbuilding.

The Romans did attempt some forms of environmental regulation and sustainability. They created a sewage system to remove waste from cities, improving air quality and reducing the spread of diseases. They also had laws to prevent the excessive exploitation of olive trees, with heavy fines for non-compliance. However, they also practised a scorched earth policy during wars, destroying crops, forests, and fields to defeat their enemies through starvation.

With the expansion of Roman civilisation, environmental issues became more prevalent. Rome, with its increasing urbanisation, generated larger amounts of waste compared to earlier civilisations. The mega-production of packaging and non-biodegradable materials were not yet issues, but the larger population meant more waste overall. The Romans did implement some waste management strategies, such as public flush toilets, but the challenges of managing waste in a growing city were significant.

The ancient Romans also had different beliefs about the environment. They lacked the ecological awareness of later generations, believing that the gods preserved and conserved nature, so they had no fear of running out of natural resources. This mindset, combined with their technological advancements and military practices, contributed to their environmental impact, leaving a legacy of pollution that offers important lessons for modern societies.

The Middle Ages

Air pollution was rampant, with smoke from burning coal causing a thick haze and a strong stench. The burning of coal, first introduced in the 13th century, was believed to have driven away the plague due to its cleansing action of sulphurous smoke. However, concerns about its health effects grew, and residents complained about its use. King Edward I even forbade coal burning in London during parliamentary sessions in 1306.

Water pollution was also an issue, with rivers and streams used as dumping grounds for human waste, animal dung, and refuse. Medieval cities, with their dense populations, produced vast amounts of excrement and urine, which, along with butcher waste, contaminated water sources. The accumulation of waste in waterways and streets posed a grave threat to public health, as recognised by urban officials.

Lead was another significant pollutant, used in pottery glazing, roofing, gutters, statuary, and windows. Lead acetate, or 'sugar of lead', was even added to food and wine. Wealthier individuals were more affected by lead poisoning, as lead-glazed pottery and cosmetics were expensive.

Medieval people were not indifferent to their polluted environment. They attempted to address waste and sanitation issues, with cities like Valencia creating offices to manage waste disposal. Quarantining ships and cities during plagues and issuing ordinances to improve sanitation demonstrated a growing awareness of the connection between cleanliness and health.

The Inca Empire

The Inca built an impressive road network and infrastructure, such as the famous ceremonial site of Machu Picchu. They also had a highly organised state religion, with the sun god Inti at the head of the pantheon. However, the arrival of Spanish colonisers in the 16th century marked the beginning of the end for the Inca Empire and its culture. Led by Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish were lured by the promise of gold and silver, which the Inca had been mining from the Andes mountains for centuries.

The conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish led to a significant increase in air pollution. After the fall of the Inca Empire, the Spanish implemented a brutal labour system, forcing one member of each family to work in the gold and silver mines. The refining process emitted metal-laden dust, leading to a rise in levels of chromium, molybdenum, antimony, and lead. This pollution was further exacerbated by the destruction of machinery and damage to mines during the wars of independence in the early 19th century.

The Spanish conquest also resulted in the destruction of the Inca's sophisticated farming system, known as the vertical archipelago model of agriculture. Additionally, the efficient Inca road system may have contributed to the rapid spread of smallpox, which killed around 65% of the population before the Spanish even arrived. The introduction of large-scale mining operations and resource extraction practices by the Spanish laid the groundwork for future industries, further contributing to environmental degradation in the region.

The 20th Century

The 1948 Donora incident, in which 20 people were asphyxiated and over 7,000 became seriously ill due to air pollution, led to the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955, the first federal attempt to control air pollution. This was followed by the Clean Air Act of 1990, which set limits on the discharge of air pollutants from industrial facilities and motor vehicles and addressed acid rain and ozone depletion.

The discovery of ground-level ozone, a highly polluting secondary gas, in the second half of the century further emphasised the dangers of air pollution. While legislation has helped reduce pollution levels, new pollutants continue to be discovered, causing millions of premature deaths and health issues worldwide.

Frequently asked questions