Science Module 5 Exam Review
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of biologic carbon sequestration?

  • To increase atmospheric CO2 levels
  • To promote overfishing in coastal areas
  • To enhance ocean acidity
  • To store carbon in vegetation and soils (correct)

How much of the CO2 released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans?

  • 10 to 15 percent
  • 35 to 40 percent
  • 15 to 20 percent
  • 25 to 30 percent (correct)

What change in pH levels has been observed in the oceans since the industrial revolution?

  • A decrease from 8.2 to 8.1 (correct)
  • A decrease from 8.2 to 8.0
  • A decrease from 8.1 to 8.0
  • A decrease from 8.3 to 8.2

Why is ocean acidification a concern for marine organisms?

<p>It disrupts the ability of organisms to maintain their shells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has ocean acidification affected the global population's reliance on marine food sources?

<p>It has led to reduced fish populations for many communities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of ozone in the Stratosphere?

<p>It absorbs nearly all of the Sun’s UV energy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which chemical processes form ozone in the lower atmosphere?

<p>Different reactions involving both natural and pollution-related gases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of atmospheric ozone is found in the Stratosphere?

<p>90% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What harmful effects are associated with bad ozone in the Troposphere?

<p>It causes respiratory and heart problems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of reduced ozone in the atmosphere?

<p>Increased levels of solar UV radiation reaching the ground. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors upset the balance of ozone in the atmosphere?

<p>Increases in emissions from traffic and industry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What compound is primarily responsible for the loss of ozone in the Antarctic region?

<p>Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is ozone classified based on its location in the atmosphere?

<p>Good ozone in the Stratosphere and bad ozone in the Troposphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the major difference between today's climate change and past climate changes?

<p>Today's climate change is primarily driven by human actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which carbon sink is considered the most effective in absorbing and storing carbon globally?

<p>Ocean (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is CO2 Capture primarily concerned with?

<p>Removing CO2 from the atmosphere after it has been emitted. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a carbon source?

<p>A reservoir that releases more carbon than it absorbs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process can contribute to the additional carbon released into the carbon cycle?

<p>Natural events like wildfires and volcanic eruptions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term do some scientists use to refer to the current geological era marked by human impact on climate?

<p>Anthropocene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Pathways Alliance's stated goal for oil sands operations by 2050?

<p>Net-zero emissions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of carbon pools in the global carbon cycle?

<p>To facilitate the exchange of carbon among different reservoirs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism was made against the Pathways Alliance regarding its advertising campaign?

<p>It is perceived as a form of greenwashing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about geologic carbon sequestration is true?

<p>It involves storing CO2 in underground geologic formations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legislative update was made to The Competition Act in June 2024?

<p>It strengthened regulations against corporate greenwashing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific emissions category was excluded from the Pathways Alliance's net-zero claims?

<p>Scope 3 emissions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of removing carbon from the atmospheric reservoir?

<p>It contributes positively to human well-being and sustainability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of ocean reservoirs?

<p>Atmospheric pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'No Action' campaign refer to in the context of the Pathways Alliance?

<p>Fighting against climate action while claiming net-zero commitment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which carbon pool has the least amount of carbon compared to others?

<p>Atmospheric reservoir (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization filed a complaint against the Pathways Alliance for misleading advertising?

<p>Greenpeace Canada (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the InfluenceMap report conclude about the Pathways Alliance's actions?

<p>It has worked to weaken and delay climate policy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the carbon cycle consist of?

<p>The movement of carbon between sources and sinks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of climate change, what role do terrestrial ecosystems play?

<p>They serve as important carbon sinks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What amendment did the Pathways Alliance make to its net-zero claim in March 2023?

<p>Added a disclaimer in fine print about Scope 3 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the rapid rate of today's climate warming have on ecosystems?

<p>It makes it harder for ecosystems to adapt. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects highlighted about the oil sands industry in the Environmental Defence video?

<p>It plays a role in climate change exacerbation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'greenwashing' refer to in the context of the Pathways Alliance?

<p>Misleading claims about environmental practices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the Pathways Alliance responded to the new anti-greenwashing rules?

<p>By removing messaging from their platforms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major misconception about climate change is highlighted in the provided content?

<p>Natural climate change negates human impact (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major reason for the criticism of Volkswagen's environmental policies?

<p>They were found to employ greenwashing tactics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a key strategy of the Pathways Alliance regarding communication on climate policy?

<p>Advertising their commitment while blocking policies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organization is generally seen as the apex oil and gas lobby in Canada?

<p>Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the efficiency rating of the most efficient Volkswagen Golf model?

<p>99 g of CO2/km (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much more expensive was the Golf BlueMotion compared to the standard model in Germany?

<p>€1,000 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was revealed by the 'Dieselgate' scandal?

<p>Volkswagen equipped vehicles with defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What financial consequences did Volkswagen face due to the scandal?

<p>$30 billion in fines (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which company became notably involved in an anti-advertising campaign against Volkswagen?

<p>Greenpeace (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Think Blue project initiated by Volkswagen?

<p>To enhance the brand's environmental image (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact on the diesel market in response to the emissions scandal?

<p>Stricter regulations for all car manufacturers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental aspect did Volkswagen's diesel vehicles reportedly violate after the scandal was revealed?

<p>NOx emissions limits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Volkswagen’s sales focus during the promotional campaign for its diesel cars?

<p>Low-emissions alternative to gasoline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes the term 'greenwashing' as used in the context of Volkswagen?

<p>Misleading marketing about environmental efforts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did European diesel vehicle sales change after the Dieselgate revelations?

<p>They accounted for more than half of all sales. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one key aspect of Volkswagen's marketing strategy prior to the scandal?

<p>Marketed as an environmentally conscious brand (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the environmental group ClientEarth indicate about the recycling of plastic bottles in Europe?

<p>Plastic bottles cannot be fully recycled into new bottles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential actions might the European Commission take in response to the complaint regarding greenwashing by companies?

<p>Organize a coordinated response with national authorities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant advertising campaign did Volkswagen launch in 2011 for the Passat model?

<p>The Force campaign featuring a boy as Darth Vader. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the 'Think Blue Factory' initiative by Volkswagen?

<p>Improving production sustainability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Think Blue Forests created by Volkswagen?

<p>To reforest degraded natural areas for CO2 offset. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Volkswagen's sales of the Passat model change from 2010 to 2012?

<p>Sales increased significantly, particularly in 2012. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What accusation did Greenpeace make against Volkswagen in their report published in 2011?

<p>Volkswagen actively lobbied against vehicle efficiency standards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology was developed by Volkswagen as part of their efforts to reduce emissions?

<p>BlueMotion technology. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary intent behind the advertising campaign for Audi's A3 TDI?

<p>To suggest that driving a diesel is good for the environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might 100% recycling of plastic bottles be considered misleading?

<p>Because often, the recycled plastic is used for lower quality products. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What essential operational aspect is highlighted by Volkswagen's 'Start & Stop' system?

<p>Fuel efficiency improvements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the sales of the Volkswagen Passat exceed 100,000 units?

<p>2012 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much did Volkswagen reportedly spend on EU lobbying annually?

<p>2.3 million € (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cars does Volkswagen produce to appeal to both luxury and mass markets?

<p>A range of upscale and mass-market vehicles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do experts claim about the recycling of plastic bottles in the context of environmental sustainability?

<p>It decreases the need for new plastics but is not a complete solution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ozone depletion primarily refer to?

<p>Ozone loss exceeding natural ozone creation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds is NOT an ozone-depleting substance?

<p>Carbon dioxide (CO2) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does chlorine play in ozone depletion?

<p>It can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are ozone-depleting substances typically introduced into the Stratosphere?

<p>Through human activities on the Earth's surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of ozone depletion on human health?

<p>Higher levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What measurement is used to quantify ozone density in research?

<p>Dobson units (DU). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following greenhouse gases has the highest global warming potential?

<p>Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) remain in the atmosphere?

<p>Many years. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the current concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere as of June 2023?

<p>416 ppm. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about ODSs is highlighted in the discussion of greenwashing?

<p>Products labeled as green are always sustainable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the description of greenhouse gases, which gas has the largest effect?

<p>Water vapor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of additional man-made ozone-destroying substances?

<p>Faster ozone depletion rates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ozone-depleting substances regarding their stability?

<p>They remain stable and resist natural removal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average annual carbon dioxide production per car?

<p>4.5 tons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the auto industry to meet projected demand sustainably by 2050?

<p>An 80% reduction in global emissions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'greenwashing'?

<p>The act of misleading consumers about the environmental practices of a company (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many cars were added to the world's roads in 2023?

<p>Over 73 million (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern regarding oil and gas companies' adoption of 'green' initiatives?

<p>The discrepancy between claims and actual emissions reductions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Canada’s oil sands production is represented by the Pathways Alliance coalition?

<p>95% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected impact of projected growth in vehicle numbers by 2050 on emissions?

<p>Emissions per vehicle must be significantly cut (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the advertising campaign launched by the Pathways Alliance?

<p>Let's Clean the Air (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Pathways Alliance claim about achieving net-zero emissions?

<p>It requires public subsidies to succeed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception is associated with public perception of car emissions?

<p>Car emissions are decreasing significantly (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is posed by efficiency advances in the auto industry?

<p>They are often used to create larger and more powerful cars (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the previous name of the Pathways Alliance?

<p>The Oil Sands Community Alliance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the projected impact of new vehicles on global carbon emissions?

<p>They will contribute to an increase in emissions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change do car manufacturers need to make to fulfill environmental commitments?

<p>Reduce emissions across all vehicles by around 95% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ozone Layer

A thin layer in the atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful UV radiation.

Good Ozone

Ozone in the stratosphere, which protects us from harmful UV radiation.

Bad Ozone

Ozone in the troposphere, which is a harmful pollutant.

Ozone Formation

Ozone is created through chemical processes, often requiring sunlight.

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Stratosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, where most of the ozone is found.

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Troposphere

The layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface, where bad ozone is a pollutant.

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UV Radiation

Short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation from the sun, harmful to living things.

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Ozone depletion

A decrease in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere, allowing more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.

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Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

Substances that cause ozone destruction.

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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

A type of ozone-depleting substance (ODS).

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Dobson unit (DU)

Unit measuring ozone column density (thickness).

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Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

A gas that absorbs and reemits infrared radiation.

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Global warming potential (GWP)

Measure of a gas's heat-trapping ability relative to CO2.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.

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Methane (CH4)

A greenhouse gas, more potent than CO2.

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Global Atmospheric CO2 Concentration

The amount of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere.

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Greenwashing

Misleading marketing of products/services as environmentally friendly.

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Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) containing chlorine.

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Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)

An ozone-depleting substance (ODS) that releases chlorine.

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Methyl Chloroform

Ozone-depleting substance that releases chlorine.

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Biologic Carbon Sequestration

The process of storing atmospheric carbon in living organisms like plants, soil, wood, and aquatic environments.

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Ocean Acidification

The increasing acidity of ocean waters caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

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Impact of Ocean Acidification

Makes it harder for marine organisms like coral, shells, and plankton to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures.

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Ocean Acidification Rate

The current rate of ocean acidification is the fastest in 50 million years.

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Ocean Acidification's Global Impact

Affects all oceans worldwide, from coastal areas to deep waters, endangering both ecosystems and human food supplies.

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Net-Zero Emissions

A state where a company or industry balances its greenhouse gas emissions with reductions or removals, effectively cancelling them out.

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Oil Sands

A type of unconventional oil deposit found in Alberta, Canada. It's extracted by mining and processing, leading to significant environmental impacts.

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Pathways Alliance

A coalition of major Canadian oil sands producers committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

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Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

A technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions and stores them underground.

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Fossil Fuel Industry Subsidies

Government financial support given to fossil fuel companies, often criticized for hindering clean energy transitions.

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How many cars are on the road globally?

Over 1.475 billion vehicles are currently on roads worldwide, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.

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What is the average carbon footprint of a car?

A car typically produces around 4.5 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

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How much are global emissions increasing annually?

The global carbon footprint of cars increases by over 150 million tons each year.

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What is the projected growth in the number of cars?

The number of cars worldwide is projected to triple by 2050.

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What is the required reduction in emissions by 2050?

Global emissions need to be reduced by 80% or more by 2050 to effectively combat climate change.

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How much would vehicle emissions need to be cut to stabilize emissions?

To stabilize emissions with a triple increase in cars by 2050, each vehicle's emissions need to be cut by at least two-thirds.

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What is the necessary emission reduction across all vehicles?

Car manufacturers need to reduce emissions by 95% across all their vehicles, not just a few greener models.

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What is the current trend in emission reductions?

Currently, no car maker is achieving the necessary emission reductions to effectively address climate change.

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Greenwashing by Bottled Drink Firms

Companies misleading consumers about the environmental friendliness of their products, particularly regarding plastic bottle recycling.

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Plastic Bottle Recycling Limitation

Plastic bottles cannot be endlessly recycled into new bottles while still being environmentally safe.

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Corporate Environmental Claims

Companies' statements about reducing negative environmental consequences of their operations.

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European Commission Response

The European Commission addressing consumer complaints, possibly by fines or requiring changes for companies.

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Volkswagen's 'Force' Campaign

Volkswagen's advertising campaign promoting diesel cars as eco-friendly.

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BlueMotion Technology

Volkswagen's technology to enhance fuel efficiency in fossil-fuel combustion engines.

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Think Blue Factory

Volkswagen's initiatives in designing eco-friendly production factories.

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Think Blue Forests

Volkswagen's tree-planting projects to offset CO2 emissions.

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Greenpeace Report - The Dark Side of Volkswagen

Environmental report accusing Volkswagen of lobbying against stricter vehicle efficiency standards.

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Dieselgate

Volkswagen scandal involving deliberate manipulation of emission testing data.

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EU Lobbying

Volkswagen's significant spending influencing European Union regulations

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Greenpeace

Environmental organization that investigates and exposes environmental damage and corporate malpractices.

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Volkswagen Group

Large German automotive conglomerate encompassing various brands.

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Consumer Authorities

Government agencies protecting consumer rights and interests.

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Volkswagen's Greenwashing

Volkswagen falsely promoting eco-friendly image to sell more cars, rather than actual environmental concern.

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Think Blue Project

Volkswagen's project to promote eco-friendly image, but was largely a marketing campaign.

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Dieselgate Scandal

Volkswagen's intentional installation of software to manipulate emissions tests in diesel vehicles.

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Deliberate Emissions Manipulation

Volkswagen's strategy of using software in diesel cars to reduce emissions during testing, exceeding limits when driving.

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Greenwashing Backfires

Companies misleading consumers about their eco-friendliness lead to public embarrassment and financial losses.

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Diesel Emissions Limits

Regulations specifying allowable levels of harmful emissions from diesel vehicles.

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CO2 Emissions

Greenhouse gas emitted by vehicles, primarily from combustion of fossil fuels.

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Clean Diesel

Diesel engines engineered to meet tighter emission standards.

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Financial cost of Dieselgate

30 Billion USD in fines for environmental damage and fraud.

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Emission Testing

Measuring how much pollution a vehicle emits under controlled conditions.

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Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)

Harmful air pollutants emitted by diesel engines.

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EPA Emission Standards

Regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to control vehicle emissions.

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'BlueMotion' model

Volkswagen's supposedly eco-friendly model of the Golf.

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Environmental Policy

Rules and regulations to protect the environment.

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Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

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Global Carbon Cycle

The continuous movement of carbon between Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.

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Carbon Pools

Reservoirs of carbon that store and release carbon, such as the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and Earth's crust.

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Carbon Sink

A carbon pool that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.

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Carbon Source

Anything that releases more carbon than it absorbs.

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Earth's Crust Reservoir

The Earth's uppermost layer, containing most of the world's carbon, including fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

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Terrestrial Ecosystems Reservoir

The portion of the Earth with living material, including plants, animals, soils, and microorganisms, storing carbon.

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Ocean Reservoirs

The largest carbon pool on Earth, containing dissolved carbon, living organisms, and sedimentary matter.

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Atmospheric Reservoir

The smallest carbon pool, but significantly influential due to its impact on the greenhouse effect and climate.

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CO2 Capture

The process of trapping carbon emissions before they enter the atmosphere.

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CO2 Sequestration

The storage of carbon in various environmental reservoirs.

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Enhanced Oil Recovery

Using CO2 injection to increase oil production, sometimes involving carbon sequestration.

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Anthropocene

The current geological epoch characterized by human influence on Earth's systems, including climate.

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Rate of Climate Change

The speed at which the Earth's climate is warming, significantly accelerated by human activity.

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Scope 3 Emissions

Emissions that occur in a company's value chain, including emissions from suppliers and the end use of their products. For example: the burning of fuel from an oil company's product by a consumer.

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Competition Bureau

A Canadian government agency that regulates the marketplace, including investigating deceptive advertising or greenwashing.

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InfluenceMap

An independent international think-tank that analyzes corporate lobbying and advocacy on climate change.

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'No Action' Campaign

A tactic used by critics of the Pathways Alliance to highlight their inaction on climate change despite claiming to be committed to net-zero emissions.

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Oil and Gas Emissions Cap

A government policy that sets a limit on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted from the oil and gas industry.

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Clean Electricity Regulations

Government rules designed to encourage and promote the use of cleaner forms of electricity generation, such as renewable energy.

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Methane Regulations

Rules designed to reduce the amount of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, from the oil and gas sector.

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The Competition Act Amendments to Bill C-59

New rules that strengthened the Competition Bureau’s tools for reigning in corporate greenwashing.

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Uncertainty Over New Anti-Greenwashing Rules

The Pathways Alliance has removed all messaging from its website and social media feeds due to concerns over the new law.

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The Biggest Climate Change Misconception

The idea that because the Earth's climate has changed naturally in the past, humans are not the cause of global warming.

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Study Notes

Ozone

  • Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive molecule composed of three oxygen atoms.
  • Naturally occurring in small amounts, ozone exists in two atmospheric regions with contrasting effects.
  • Stratospheric ozone (∼90%) acts as a protective shield, absorbing harmful UV radiation from the sun.
  • Tropospheric ozone (∼10%), closer to the Earth's surface, is a harmful pollutant damaging lung tissue and plants.
  • Ozone levels depend on a balance between creation and destruction processes. Disturbances can cause significant consequences for life.

Ozone Depletion

  • Ozone depletion goes beyond natural ozone destruction; it means that the rate of loss exceeds the rate of creation.
  • Certain compounds (ozone-depleting substances - ODS), like CFCs and halons, release chlorine and bromine when exposed to UV light in the stratosphere.
  • Chlorine and bromine atoms destroy ozone molecules.
  • ODS are very stable and persist in the lower atmosphere.

Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)

  • ODSs include CFCs, HCFCs, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform (chlorine-releasing ODSs).
  • Halons and methyl bromide (bromine-releasing ODSs) also contribute to depletion.
  • Not all chlorine and bromine sources lead to stratospheric depletion.

Measuring the Ozone Layer

  • Dobson units (DU) measure column density of ozone.
  • 1 DU equals 0.01 mm thickness of compressed ozone at standard temperature and pressure.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

  • Greenhouse gases absorb outgoing infrared radiation, preventing its escape into space.
  • Gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), water vapor, and CFCs are significant GHGs.
  • Water vapor has the largest effect on the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Gases Potency

  • Greenhouse gas potency depends on atmospheric lifetime, absorption capacity, and the wavelengths it absorbs.
  • Global warming potential (GWP) measures a gas's heat-trapping potency relative to carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • CO2 has a GWP of 1.
  • Methane has a GWP of 56.
  • Some hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have GWPs thousands of times greater than CO2.

Current CO2 Concentrations

  • Global atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased by 50% since pre-industrial times, rising from 277 ppm (parts per million) in 1750 to 416 ppm in 2023.
  • Current CO2 levels are likely the highest in at least 2 million years.

Greenwashing Case Studies

  • Companies like Coca-Cola, Danone, and Nestle face greenwashing accusations for misleading claims about recycled and recyclable plastic bottles.
  • The European Consumer Organization alleges that the companies' claims regarding recycled content are inaccurate.

Dieselgate Scandal - Volkswagen

  • Volkswagen faced a massive scandal for deliberately installing software in diesel vehicles to cheat emissions tests.
  • The software allowed the vehicles to emit up to 40 times the legally allowed nitrogen oxide pollutants during testing, but operate at lower emission levels otherwise.
  • The scandal involved nearly 11 million vehicles globally.
  • Fined billions in fines for environmental damage and fraud.

Global Car Emissions

  • Global car emissions are increasing, despite advancements in efficiency.
  • The total number of cars on the roads continues to grow.
  • A significant reduction in global emissions (80% or more by 2050) is necessary.

"Green" Oil and Gas Companies

  • Oil and gas companies face criticism for greenwashing, using "net-zero" pledges and other initiatives to appear environmentally friendly.
  • The actual emission reductions from these companies are often inadequate.

Pathways Alliance (Oil Sands Producers)

  • Pathways Alliance, a coalition of major Canadian oil sands producers, is criticized for greenwashing.
  • Pathways Alliance claims net-zero emissions by 2050, though critics question the feasibility and transparency.
  • Pathways Alliance has faced significant public and governmental criticism for lacking credible reduction measures.

Climate Change Misconception

  • Past climate changes occurred naturally, but current warming is primarily human-caused, given the unprecedented rate and source.
  • The global carbon cycle remains impacted by humans.

Carbon Pools and Fluxes

  • Carbon exists in various earth reservoirs (crust, ecosystems, atmosphere, ocean) and flows between them, the "global carbon cycle".
  • Carbon sinks (vegetation, ocean) remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they release.
  • Carbon sources release more carbon into the atmosphere than they absorb.

CO2 Capture versus CO2 Sequestration

  • CO2 Capture: trapping emissions before they enter the atmosphere.
  • CO2 Sequestration: storing captured CO2 in underground geologic formations or plants.
  • Geologic sequestration often involves injecting CO2 into porous rock formations.

Ocean Acidification

  • Oceans absorb a significant portion of atmospheric CO2.
  • Increased CO2 makes ocean water more acidic.
  • Ocean acidification threatens marine organisms that build shells from calcium carbonate.

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Explore the complexities of ozone, including its dual role in the atmosphere as both a protector and a pollutant. This quiz covers the mechanisms of ozone depletion caused by substances like CFCs and the implications for environmental health. Test your knowledge of ozone's significance and the threats it faces.

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