Industrial Production: Evolution, Impacts & Location Factors
Changes in Industrial Production
- Incorporation of electronics.
- Industrial design using computer programs.
- Robotization of assembly lines.
Environmental Consequences of Industry
Negative Effects
- Industries modify their environment. Discharges and industrial waste dumped into rivers and seas have provoked major problems of water pollution.
- The atmosphere around some industrial zones has a large number of particles in suspension from the emission of fumes and gases. These substances produce phenomena like acid rain, increasing the greenhouse effect, and the reduction of the ozone layer.
- Noise pollution.
- The depletion of natural resources.
Acid Rain Explained
Acid rain is precipitation with a high degree of acidity caused by the emission of SO2 and NO2 into the atmosphere. Acid rain corrodes plants, impoverishes the soil, and increases the acidity in water.
The Greenhouse Effect Impact
The atmosphere contains gases that prevent the sun’s heat from being lost to the outside. This ensures that the Earth’s temperature is adequate. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect. Primarily due to gases produced by industries, cars, etc., it alters rainfall patterns and causes the melting of snow zones.
Evolution of Production Systems
Artisan Production (Pre-Modern/Medieval)
- Workshop-based.
- Reduced workforce, manual labor.
- Energy sources: Animal, human, small-scale natural power.
- Small-scale production.
- No division of labor.
Industrial Revolution Production (Late 18th-19th C.)
- Key sectors: Textiles, steel, and coal mining.
- Energy source: Coal.
- Technology: Steam Machine (James Watt).
Modern Industrial Production
- Factory-based.
- Numerous employees.
- Work with machines.
- Energy sources: Electricity, Coal, Oil, Natural Gas.
- Large-scale production.
- Division of labor.
Factors Influencing Industrial Location
The location of industries in a particular area depends on several factors:
- Proximity to raw materials and energy sources.
- Access to potential consumers.
- Availability of adequate and sufficient transport facilities and communication networks.
- Existence of qualified and abundant human resources (labor).
- The region’s economic development and the presence of other industries.
- Availability and price of industrial land.
- Application of a policy favoring industrialization: supply of public land, investment subsidies, etc.
Types of Industrial Areas
Heavy industries are often located near deposits of raw materials and energy sources or centers receiving these, such as ports. Light industries are typically located near consumer markets, transport infrastructure, and areas with abundant labor.
According to their needs, industries are installed in different industrial areas, which can be of several types:
Scattered Industrial Spaces
These are isolated industries, scattered across the territory.
Grouped Industrial Spaces
These form an industrial area, located within an urban center or in the suburbs. Two main types can be distinguished:
Industrial Estates
These are peri-urban areas with facilities and infrastructure for industrial activity. They host various industries, although light industries often dominate.
Technology Parks
These are industrial areas where high-tech industries and associated study and research centers are concentrated.