Around 119 years ago, Las Vegas was no more than a desert wasteland with a small, isolated population of 800 residents. Nature was at peace—high air quality, little wildfires, and various desert plants lived in harmony under the scorching hot sun that blared over the dry rocky environment. That peace remained until the creation of the Hoover Dam, putting Vegas on the map. Over time, more residents began to settle down in Vegas, building it into a gambling capital. This began the start of Vegas’ reliance on one source of income: tourists. In 2023 alone, around 40.8 million tourists visited Las Vegas, making it one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations.
Overwhelming amounts of tourism may be beneficial to businesses, but how does it affect the environment? Over time, ozone levels have increased due to the influx of carbon monoxide, which is released into the atmosphere by cars, furnaces, and engines. Rising ozone levels surge via the Vegas heat. High temperature escalate ozone formation, impairing air quality. Additionally, pollutants increase the probability of wildfires and dustbowls wreaking havoc on nature, further lowering air quality. Poor air quality makes it difficult for those with respiratory illnesses to live comfortably. Additionally, terrible air quality can increase the chances of someone developing various diseases: asthma, obesity, heart disease, etc…
Overconsumption by tourism has depleted water supplies in Vegas. Many hotels and businesses waste water, exacerbating the scarcity of water and making it challenging to water plants. Vegas’ diverse plant life begins to wither away due to increasing temperatures and shortages of water.
How do tourists better protect the environment? Simple. Using more sustainable cars with little carbon monoxide output, walking more, less consumerism, and being more conservative with water resources is a great start at living more eco-friendly. Together, tourists and locals can preserve Vegas’s vast wildlife and environment. Go green!
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