Abstract
In this chapter, chronological development of industrialization since the 18th century and through the first to the fifth industrial revolution is examined along with its effects on the environment. Findings showed that developments in the industrialization sector are growing exponentially. Similarly, production of solid wastes, emissions, particulates, and effluents from the associated activities are on the rise compared to the ability of the environment to self-cleanse itself. Eventually, air, soil, and water compartments have become polluted with heavy metals that are persistent, non-biodegradable and bioaccumulative in nature. The metals can be transferred from the environmental compartments to plants, animals, and humans to exert their toxic effects. To prevent these advances, industrialization efforts of modern day should reconsider incorporating environmental sustainability aspects as proposed in the principles of industrial revolution 5.0.
TopGrowth In Industrialization
Human history is known to shape industrialization and in particular, the human structure and way of life in contemporary society. In respect to civilization, humanity has changed to best meet his needs, dominate his needs and modify his needs accordingly. Three great revolutions shaped man’s society and economic model (Sengel, 2021). In the first revolution, man settled and began practicing agriculture to develop an agricultural economy before transitioning to the industrial revolution. Industrial revolution transformed the once agricultural economy to the industrial economy characterized by a rise in information communication technology (ICT) (Sengel, 2019). ICT brought a new, digital and information filled economy. The three evolutions have benefited and supported one another to shape modern society (Aksoy, 2016). The historical background of humanity particularly aspects such as mass production management, economics and marketing have an effect on consumption even today because they define the development of novel consumption patterns. According to Ocal and Altintas (2018), substitution of labor with machinery during the industrial revolution modified humanity’s history and the associated socio-economic structure in his surroundings. This section therefore evaluates the development of industries globally to relate their emergence to the rise of environmental pollution and contamination.