Kuban-based State Duma deputy wrote a letter to Russian Scientific Foundation's leader.
Addressing Smog Crisis in Kuban: Scientists Propose Alternative Straw Processing Technologies
Amid growing concerns over air pollution and its impact on both the environment and human health, a Russian lawmaker from the Krasnodar region, Dmitry Gusyev, has called for increased support for scientists aiming to mitigate the problem of smog in the Kuban region. The area is often blanketed by acrid smog during autumn, caused primarily by farmers burning rice straw.
The Kuban State Technological University is spearheading the development of alternative straw processing technologies, which could potentially eliminate smog and produce valuable byproducts. These innovations might take one to two years to implement.
Mr. Gusyev highlighted the potential benefits of such projects, stating that they could not only alleviate pollution and improve respiratory health but also create new job opportunities. He suggested allocating grants for research and encouraging competitions among scientists to expedite the development of these technologies.
In light of the health risks posed by straw burning, Aslan Shazzo, director of the Institute of Food and Processing Industry at KubSTU, pointed out an increase in illnesses related to inhaled harmful substances. However, he noted that bans on straw burning alone are insufficient to resolve the issue.
The university has presented a gas method for straw processing, which could reduce emissions and open up new economic opportunities for the Kuban region. This technology is already in use at one enterprise in the Dinsky district.
Valentin Shaposhnikov, pro-rector of KubSTU for science and innovation, expressed optimism, stating that they are nearly resolving the smog problem. They merely need to perfect the technology for large-scale application.
The commitment to alternative agricultural technologies, such as composting and bioenergy production, aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental degradation and improve public health. By adopting these practices, Kuban could enhance its environmental profile while creating new economic opportunities.
In the context of addressing the smog crisis in Kuban, the development of alternative straw processing technologies, grounded in both science and environmental-science, could potentially alleviate pollution, improve respiratory health, and create new job opportunities, as proposed by Dmitry Gusyev. These innovative solutions, proposed by the Kuban State Technological University, also aim to reduce climate-change impacts by lowering emissions and could contribute to health-and-wellness improvements globally as they align with ongoing global efforts to promote environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.
