Managing the Atmosphere - Unit 7

The process of converting harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from vehicle exhaust into less harmful molecules like CO2, water, and nitrogen. It's a key component in reducing emissions from combustion engines.

The principle that those who cause pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to the environment and human health. This means polluters are responsible for cleaning up their mess.

These are a type of scrubber that utilizes a column filled with chemicals that absorb or neutralize oxides (NOx, SOx, VOCs) from exhaust streams (emissions). A common additive is Calcium Oxide, which reacts with SO2 to form Calcium Sulfite.

Chemicals released into the atmosphere that can be harmful to human health and the environment. They include sulfur dioxide (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).

The practice of reducing fossil fuel use includes reducing demand on private car use through alternatives like mass transit or ride sharing, driving less and walking or biking, and reducing electricity consumption through building design and renewable energy sources.

The process of removing sulfur compounds from refined petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This helps reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from combustion, contributing to cleaner air.

A process that uses mist nozzles and chemical agents to absorb and neutralize air pollutants like SOx, NOx, and VOCs. The pollutants are trapped in water droplets, fall to the bottom of the scrubber, or are captured at the top by a mist eliminator.

This involves using alternative transportation modes such as public transportation, cycling, walking, and ride-sharing to reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road, ultimately reducing emissions.

The process of reducing the amount of sulfur dioxide (SOx) emissions, which contribute to acid rain and respiratory problems. Various techniques like dry and wet scrubbers and hydrodesulfurization are used to achieve this.

Chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. These can be emitted from various sources like paints, solvents, household products, and even some plants. They contribute to air pollution and can create smog.

The process of reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which contribute to smog and acid rain. Catalytic converters are commonly used in vehicles to achieve this.

These are tiny particles suspended in the air that can come from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and dust. They can cause respiratory problems and contribute to smog.

These are devices used to remove particulate matter (PM) from exhaust gases. They work by electrostatically charging particles and attracting them to collection plates, keeping them out of the atmosphere.

The depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects us from harmful UV radiation from the sun. Human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for this depletion.

A unit used to measure the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. A low ozone level is measured in Dobson Units (DU). Ozone holes have concentrations below 100 DU.

These are synthetic organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. They have been widely used as replacements for CFCs in refrigerants, aerosols, and other applications. While they do not deplete ozone, they are potent greenhouse gases.

Chemicals, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), that deplete the ozone layer. They were widely used in refrigerants, aerosols, and other applications, but their production and use have been largely phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

This international treaty, signed in 1987, aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It has been very successful.

These are fluorinated gases, including some of the most potent and long-lasting greenhouse gases. They are emitted from industries like aluminum production and electronics manufacturing.

The process of reducing the amount of particulate matter (PM) emissions, which contribute to smog and respiratory problems. Techniques like electrostatic precipitators are used to achieve this.

These are regulations and agreements designed to reduce air pollution and protect the environment. They can be local, national, or international, and include measures like the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol.

A group of international agreements aimed at reducing acid rain and tropospheric ozone levels. It focuses on reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.

This international agreement, signed in 1992, aims to create a comprehensive plan for sustainable development, addressing various environmental challenges like pollution, resource conservation, and biodiversity loss.

The process of reducing the amount of harmful UV radiation from the sun. This is directly linked to the depletion of the ozone layer, as the ozone layer protects us from this radiation.

A treaty signed by over 100 countries with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. Each participating country was given a specific target for emission reductions.

This is a series of international agreements designed to control and reduce long-range transboundary air pollution. It focuses on limiting the movement of polluting substances across national borders.

The process of reducing the amount of pollution caused by human activities, including emissions from vehicles, industries, and other sources. It involves implementing various strategies to minimize the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

The process by which human-made chemicals, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), break down ozone in the stratosphere, resulting in the depletion of the protective ozone layer.

This is a measure of the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Higher UV levels result in negative impacts on human health, ecosystems, and materials.