EVS Chapter 1: Major Environmental Issues

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Questions and Answers

What do ice cores primarily trap that is significant for climate research?

Microbial life forms

Dust particles from the atmosphere

Water from melting glaciers

Air pockets from ancient atmospheres (correct)

Which of the following is a consequence of high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere?

Permanent stability of polar ice caps

Increased cooling periods

Warming of the planet leading out of ice ages (correct)

Acceleration of glacial formation

How many ice ages have been observed in the past 800,000 years according to ice core data?

7 (correct)

What trend has been observed in the mass of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets?

They have decreased in mass Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in CO2 levels indicates a concern for climate scientists?

Current levels exceed those of the past 800,000 years Signup and view all the answers

What does the correlation between CO2 levels and temperature suggest?

Increased CO2 is associated with global warming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of CO2 changes currently observed?

They have accelerated despite mitigation efforts Signup and view all the answers

What role do ice cores play in understanding past climates?

They offer a multi-faceted view of historical atmospheres Signup and view all the answers

What was the average annual ice loss from Greenland between 1993 and 2016?

286 billion tons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Paris Climate Agreement (COP21)?

To keep global temperature rise below 1.5 C Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the projected range of temperature change by the year 2100?

1.5 C to 6 C Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed about the record temperature events in the United States since 1950?

Record high temperatures have increased while record low temperatures have decreased Signup and view all the answers

What environmental change has occurred in the ocean since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution?

Increased acidity of surface ocean waters by about 30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected annual increase in carbon dioxide absorbed by the upper layer of oceans?

2 billion tons Signup and view all the answers

Which temperature rise scenario is considered catastrophic?

4 C Signup and view all the answers

What does sustainable development aim to achieve?

To meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

To block UV radiation and convert it into heat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected timeline for the closing of the ozone hole?

By 2040. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the 'Tragedy of the Commons'?

Degradation of shared resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases is expected to be phased out by 2030 according to current regulations?

HCFCs. Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol was critical in addressing ozone layer depletion?

Montreal Protocol. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the ozone layer is produced by the sun daily?

12%. Signup and view all the answers

Where does most ozone production take place?

In the tropical upper stratosphere and mesosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of weak regulations in East Asian countries regarding ozone-depleting substances?

Slight rises in certain ozone-depleting gases. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mauna Loa and CO2 Measurements

Mauna Loa is the world's longest continuous CO2 measuring station.
Ice cores, cylindrical blocks of ice from permafrost, trap air pockets that reflect historical atmospheric composition.
Layers of ice accumulate annually, allowing scientists to extract data for temperature and CO2 levels over time.

Ice Core Data and Climate History

Ice core analysis provides a record of Earth's CO2 and average Antarctic temperature for the past 800,000 years.
There have been seven ice ages in this period, with significant correlations between CO2 levels and temperature increases.
The current CO2 concentration is unprecedented in the last 800,000 years and is primarily human-induced.
Despite global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, the rate of increase has accelerated.

Environmental Issues

Major environmental issues include ozone layer depletion, resource depletion, pollution, extinction, and global warming.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, protects Earth by converting UV radiation to infrared rays.
The ozone-oxygen cycle, also known as the Chapman cycle, regenerates ozone consistently.
Ozone is produced globally at about 400 million metric tons per day, with a total mass of approximately 3 billion metric tons.
The "ozone hole" over Antarctica has stabilized due to the Montreal Protocol (1987) banning CFCs and other depleting substances.
The ozone hole is expected to close by 2040, with HCFCs set to be phased out by 2030.

Resource Depletion

The term “Tragedy of the Commons” describes the over-exploitation of shared resources, leading to long-term degradation.
Greenland's ice loss averaged 286 billion tons per year from 1993 to 2016; Antarctica lost approximately 127 billion tons annually.
Arctic sea ice extent and thickness have declined significantly over recent decades.
The U.S. has experienced a rise in record high temperatures and intense rainfall events since 1950.
Ocean acidity has increased by around 30% since the Industrial Revolution due to CO2 absorption, at a rate of 2 billion tons per year.

Temperature Change Projections

Temperature scenarios for the year 2100 range from a 1.5°C to a 6°C increase, with dramatic implications for coastal areas.
The Paris Climate Agreement (COP21) aims to limit temperature rise to below 2°C, with an aspiration of 1.5°C.
Current policies realistically predict a temperature increase of around 4°C, leading to catastrophic global consequences.
New environmental policies may reduce this projection to between 2.5°C and 2.7°C, but still fall short of COP21 targets.

Sustainable Development

Defined as development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.

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Description

Explore key environmental issues such as ozone layer depletion, resource depletion, and pollution in this quiz. Understand how these challenges impact our planet and contribute to problems like global warming and extinction. Test your knowledge on these critical topics in environmental science.