Environmental Pollution and Greenhouse Gases

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Questions and Answers

Match the following environmental issues with their descriptions:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions = Regulation of heat near the earth's surface Smog = Chemical reaction creating ground level ozone Acid Rain = Precipitation that carries acid pollutants Transportation Pollution = Emissions from vehicles affecting air quality

Match the following greenhouse gases with their sources:

Carbon Dioxide = Combustion of fossil fuels Methane = Agricultural practices and digesting waste Nitrogen Oxides = Vehicle emissions Chlorofluorocarbons = Use in refrigeration and aerosol propellants

Match the following fossil fuels with their carbon dioxide emission reduction compared to coal:

Natural Gas = 30 percent less Oil = 45 percent less Coal = Baseline for comparison Renewable Energy = Zero emissions

Match the following pollutants with their effects:

<p>Nitrogen Oxides = Contribution to smog formation Particulate Matter = Respiratory health effects Volatile Organic Compounds = Air quality deterioration Carbon Monoxide = Reaction with sunlight to create smog</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their focus areas:

<p>Global Warming = Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Air Quality = Mitigating smog and respiratory problems Transportation Emissions = Pollution from vehicles Natural Gas = Cleaner fossil fuel alternative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following vehicle types with their contribution to pollution reduction:

<p>Natural Gas Vehicles = Emit less harmful pollutants compared to gasoline vehicles Electric Vehicles = Zero emissions during operation Diesel Trucks = Known for high emissions and smog contribution Hybrid Vehicles = Combine gasoline engines with electric power to reduce emissions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statistics with their significance in air pollution:

<p>50% of air pollution = Attributed to cars and trucks in the United States 80% of urban air pollution = Majority comes from transportation sector 62% of natural gas vehicles = Transit buses on US roads 2003-2009 doubling = Growth rate of natural gas vehicle usage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following benefits of natural gas use with their outcomes:

<p>Reduced Pollution Levels = Cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel Lower Respiratory Illness Rates = Improvement in air quality from decreased smog Forest and Crop Protection = Mitigation of acid rain damage Increased Transit Efficiency = Growth in natural gas bus usage for public transport</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is acid rain?

A type of environmental issue caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water vapor and other chemicals in the presence of sunlight to form various acidic compounds in the air.

What is natural gas?

It is a gas that can be used in vehicles to reduce pollution compared to gasoline and diesel.

How is natural gas important for reducing acid rain?

Natural gas reduces sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions, which contribute to acid rain.

What is the transportation sector's role in air pollution?

A significant source of air pollution in the United States, including smog, low visibility, and greenhouse gas emissions.

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How can natural gas reduce transportation sector pollution?

Cars, trucks, and buses powered by natural gas can reduce the pollution they generate.

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Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere by gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, leading to a potential increase in global temperatures.

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Greenhouse Gases

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

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Smog

A pressing environmental issue characterized by a hazy mixture of pollutants in the air, primarily ground-level ozone, which forms from chemical reactions involving carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sunlight. It can cause respiratory problems.

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Natural Gas Emissions

Burning natural gas releases significantly less carbon dioxide compared to burning oil or coal.

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Acid Rain

Acid rain is a type of precipitation containing high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids, primarily caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released from burning fossil fuels.

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Study Notes

Environmental Pollution

  • Pollutants from fossil fuel combustion contribute to environmental problems in the US
  • Natural gas emits fewer harmful chemicals compared to other fossil fuels, mitigating some issues
  • Key environmental issues: Greenhouse gas emissions, smog, air quality problems, and acid rain

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • Global warming (greenhouse effect) involves increased atmospheric greenhouse gases
  • Greenhouse gases (e.g., water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, chlorofluorocarbons) trap heat near Earth's surface
  • Increased greenhouse gases lead to rising global temperatures and significant environmental effects
  • Carbon dioxide is a substantial U.S. greenhouse gas emission
  • Natural gas combustion emits ~30% less CO2 than oil, and ~45% less than coal

Smog, Air Quality, and Acid Rain

  • Smog, primarily ground-level ozone, is a significant air quality problem, particularly in metropolitan areas
  • Smog formation involves chemical reactions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and heat ( sunlight)
  • Smog and ground-level ozone lead to respiratory issues, from temporary discomfort to long-term lung damage
  • Natural gas emits low levels of nitrogen oxides and negligible particulate matter, reducing smog
  • Acid rain damages crops, forests, wildlife, and causes health problems for humans
  • Acid rain is created when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor and other elements in sunlight
  • Natural gas emits significantly less sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to lessening acid rain

Pollution from Transportation

  • The transportation sector is a primary contributor to air pollution in the US
  • Vehicles emit smog, low visibility, and various greenhouse gases
  • US vehicles (cars & trucks) account for more than 80% of urban air pollution
  • Natural gas vehicles are increasing in use
  • Natural gas vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, emitting less harmful pollutants than gasoline and diesel vehicles
  • Transit buses account for nearly 62% of the natural gas vehicles on the road, significantly reducing pollution from this sector

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Lesson 19: Environmental Pollution PDF

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