Hungary sludge documentary

The environmental catastrophe in Hungary resulted in the several deaths as the toxic sludge made its way to the Danube River. Government response to neutralize the highly alkaline red sludge was successful, but the threat remains since sludge is contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic and mercury. Watch this informational documentary on the effects of the disaster.

Pollution in China documentary

The pollution in China caused by the increased developement is becoming more and more important as the Chinese society struggles with the consequences. The first part of the documentary explores many aspects of Chinese culture, from food to festivals, to dragons and tigers. Second part revolves around pollution issues and damage caused to waterways and farming.

Chernobyl nuclear disaster documentary

The documentary shows a sequence of events which resulted in a destruction of a nuclear reactor and a considerable amounts of radioactive material released to the environment at Chernobyl powerplant. The accident caused many deaths from radiation injuries over time. The authorities evacuated and subsequently relocated thousands of people from areas surrounding the reactor.

Bhopal disaster documentary

Watch a two part documentary which describes the events in Bhopal on the critical night, the chaos that toxic gas created along with the general confusion. It also gives detailed information on the technology risks taken by the Union Carbide, while examining the consequences of the disaster through the eyes of local population.

Pollution in China - part II

More than 500 million Chinese people use water contaminated by industrial waste as their primary resource. The negative health results are clear in the huge number of gastrointestinal cancer deaths in industrial regions. Almost all national lakes and rivers are polluted to a certain extent. According to a Chinese government report, 70 percent of rivers, lakes and waterways are seriously polluted and some without fish, and around 80 percent of the water from rivers is not fit for human consumption. Most common water pollution source is industrial waste, chemical fertilizers or raw sewage. It accounts for 50 percent of the $69 billion of pollution related losses every year. Read more about pollution in China... You can also watch a short documentary on Chinese growth on youtube, first part dealing with cultural differences and the second part concerning the water pollution effects.

Return to: Pollution in China 

Pollution in China

China prioritized economic development over the environment for several years, which resulted in the most polluted skies and waterways on the planet. A major industrial power was created at the expense of environment. The country relies heavily on coal and is the world's leading CO2 emitter. In 2008, China contributed 22% of global emissions, followed by the United States with 20% of emissions. Industrial cities are usually wrapped in a gray shroud, so thick that people don't see the sun. The children are getting sick from lead poisoning or other types of local air pollution. Read more about the pollution in China... You can also watch a short documentary on Chinese growth on youtube, first part dealing with cultural differences and the second part concerning the water pollution effects.

Next: Pollution in China - part II

Bhopal disaster - part II

The gas cloud was composed mostly of materials denser than the surrounding air, so it was clearly visible. That fact also helped it to stay close to the ground and spread outwards through the surrounding community, making heavy damage on everyone who got in the way. The initial effects of exposure were coughing, vomiting, severe eye irritation and a feeling of suffocation. When the panic started, many people were trampled to death trying to escape. Literally thousands of people had fallen victims of the deadly gas cloud by the next morning. There were mass funerals and cremations, while some of the bodies were disposed in the Narmada River. Read more about the Bhopal disaster aftermath here. You can also watch a short documentary on Youtube. Warning, some pictures are quite graphic!

Return to: Bhopal disaster - part I

Hungary toxic sludge

In 2010, Hungary experienced one of the biggest European industrial crises in the history. The country declared a state of emergency in three western counties after a dam holding back a vast reservoir of toxic red sludge burst. The red sludge is a waste byproduct after the aluminum manufacturing process in Ajkai Timföldgyár alumina plant. Four people died during the incident and hundreds were injured. The Hungarian government called the toxic sludge a national ecological catastrophe. A toxic waste swept cars off road, damaged bridges and homes, thus forcing the evacuation of 400 nearby residents. According to some sources at least 7,000 people are directly affected by the spill. Damage to the ecosystem is vast and it can't yet be measured to the full extent. Read more about the Hungary toxic sludge here.