Download Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion

Chapter Summary: Chapter 12
Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion
12-1 What is the nature of the atmosphere?
The atmosphere is made up of the several layers of air that surround the planet and contribute to the earth’s climate.
Climate is influenced by solar radiation, seasonal temperature and precipitation, rotation of the earth, and air/water
properties that generate convection to circulate air, heat, and moisture. CONCEPT 12-1 The two innermost layers
of the atmosphere are the troposphere, which supports life, and the stratosphere, which contains the protective
ozone layer.
1. Distinguish between the earth's troposphere and stratosphere.
2. Distinguish between weather and climate. List seven factors that influence climate.
3. Describe the greenhouse effect and what the earth would be like without a greenhouse effect.
12-2 What are the major outdoor air pollution problems?
Most outdoor air pollutants occur in industrialized and urban areas where people, cars, and factories are found.
Primary pollutants emitted by cars and factories can react in the atmosphere to form secondary pollutants.
CONCEPT 12-2 Pollutants mix in the air to form industrial smog, primarily as a result of burning coal, and
photochemical smog, caused by emissions from motor vehicle, industrial facilities, and power plants.
4. Define air pollution. Distinguish between a primary pollutant and a secondary pollutant.
5. Distinguish between photochemical smog and industrial smog. Describe a thermal inversion.
12-3 What is acid deposition and why is it a problem?
Acid deposition/acid rain is composed of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulates, and can be transmitted
downwind over long distances. CONCEPT 12-3 Acid deposition is mainly caused by emissions from coal-burning
power plants and motor vehicles, and in some regions it threatens human health, aquatic life and ecosystems, forests,
and man-made structures.
6. Define acid deposition. Briefly describe how acid deposition can affect buildings, vegetation, soil, aquatic
organisms, and humans.
12-4 What are the major indoor air pollution problems?
Indoor air pollution can compromise your health and is a greater threat than outdoor pollution. CONCEPT 12-4 The
most threatening indoor air pollutants are smoke and soot from wood and coal fires (mostly in less-developed
countries), cigarette smoke, and chemicals used in building materials and in many consumer products.
7. List the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants. Briefly describe how the body tries to protect itself from
damage caused by air pollution. What are some of the consequences of prolonged or acute exposure to air
pollution?
12-5 How should we deal with air pollution?
CONCEPT 12-5 Legal, economic, and technological tools can help to clean up air pollution, but the best solution is
to prevent it.
8. Briefly describe the EPA’s outdoor air pollution control strategies. Describe in detail the 1990 strategy to
reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. List five policies that would strengthen the Clean Air Act.
9. List five ways to reduce indoor air pollution. Describe strategies to implement an integrated approach to
protecting the atmosphere.
12-6 In the future, how might the earth’s temperature and climate change, and with what effects?
Temperature and climate change have always affected the earth; but human activities are now affecting climate
more intensely. Climate change may be accelerated by additional factors: carbon dioxide absorption in the world’s
oceans; rising sea levels; and increasing cloud cover, air pollution, and production of methane gas. CONCEPT 126A Evidence indicates that the earth’s atmosphere is warming because of a combination of natural effects and
human activities, and that this warming is likely to lead to significant climate change during this century.
CONCEPT 12-6B The projected rapid change in the atmosphere’s temperature could have severe and long-lasting
consequences, including increased drought and flooding, rising sea levels, and shifts in the locations of croplands
and wildlife habitats.
10. Describe the pattern of Earth’s average surface temperature fluctuation of geologic time.
11. Summarize scientific consensus about future global warming. What evidence supports the role of human
activity in contributing to climate change?
12. Summarize current signs and projected effects of climate change: drought, melting ice and snow, melting
permafrost, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, threats to biodiversity, threats to agriculture, and
threats to human health.
12-7 What can we do to slow projected climate change?
Climate change affects the entire planet; it will be long-term; impacts vary from region to region; economic realities
affect responses to the expected change. A growing number of countries and cities are seeking to offset or adapt to
climate change, but the degradation of natural capital will have long-term effects. CONCEPT 12-7 To slow the
projected rate of atmospheric warming and climate change, we can increase energy efficiency, sharply reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, rely more on renewable energy resources, and slow population growth.
13. Name and briefly describe two basic approaches to potential global warming. Describe three ways to slow
global warming. List three ways to adapt to global warming.
14. What could the role of governments be in responding to climate change?
12-8 How have we depleted ozone in the stratosphere and what can we do about it?
CONCEPT 12-8A Our widespread use of certain chemicals has reduced ozone levels in the stratosphere, which
allows more harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth’s surface. CONCEPT 12-8B To reverse ozone
depletion, we must stop producing ozone-depleting chemicals and comply with the international treaties that ban
such chemicals.
15. Summarize and assess the controversy over formation of the ozone hole. Explain the causes and potential
effects of stratospheric ozone changes. Propose three ways for slowing these changes.