Transport Sector Impacts on Environment

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Questions and Answers

What are two primary ways the transport sector contributes to climate change?

The transport sector contributes to climate change through air pollution from fossil fuel combustion and habitat fragmentation that disrupts ecosystems.

How does habitat fragmentation affect wildlife, and what are two characteristics of vulnerable species?

Habitat fragmentation affects wildlife by converting natural habitats into pavement, making it harder for species to thrive. Vulnerable species may have larger area needs and low reproductive rates.

Explain how road construction can create both benefits and harms for wildlife populations.

Road construction can benefit edge-dwelling species by creating new habitats but harms interior species by reducing available habitat and increasing edge effects.

What are two human-induced factors that influence the level of air pollutant emissions from the transport sector?

<p>The level of air pollutant emissions is influenced by vehicle characteristics and driving conditions, such as optimal speed and traffic congestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between climate mitigation and climate adaptation in transport infrastructure?

<p>Climate mitigation involves preventing and reducing emissions, while climate adaptation focuses on making transport infrastructure more resilient to climate impacts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are the main environmental impacts of the transport sector?

The transport sector contributes to air pollution, habitat fragmentation, noise pollution, water pollution, and climate change.

How does the transport sector cause air pollution?

Cars and trucks burn fossil fuels in their engines, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. Incomplete combustion of gasoline results in the emission of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

What is habitat fragmentation?

Roads and highways divide natural habitats into smaller, isolated patches, reducing the area available for wildlife and disrupting natural processes like migration.

How does the transport sector contribute to water pollution?

Impermeable pavement surfaces prevent rainwater from naturally filtering into the ground. Instead, polluted runoff from oil, rubber, and other sources flows into waterways and sewage systems.

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What are the roles of transport infrastructure in climate change?

The transport sector plays a role in both climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative transportation methods. Adaptation aims to make transport infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change, like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

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Study Notes

Transport Sector Impacts

Impacts include air pollution, habitat fragmentation, noise pollution, water pollution, and climate change.

Air Pollution

Transport contributes to air pollution due to incomplete combustion in internal combustion engines.
Imperfect combustion of fossil fuels in cars produces air contaminants.
Emission levels depend on vehicle characteristics, driving habits (e.g., speed, congestion), and atmospheric conditions (e.g., weather).
Though primary pollutant emissions have decreased due to fuel-efficient vehicles.

Habitat Fragmentation

Road construction and expansion fragment habitats by converting natural areas to pavement and clearing roadside vegetation.
Wildlife with larger habitat needs, low densities, low reproductive rates, and wide-ranging movements are particularly vulnerable.
Fragmentation creates forest edges, which can benefit edge-dwelling species but harm interior species by reducing available habitat.
Habitat fragmentation strategies exist, including avoidance, mitigation, and compensation.

Water Pollution

Impermeable surfaces in transport infrastructure (e.g., roads) lead to increased runoff and pollution entering waterways and sewage systems.
Runoff carries pollutants from oil, rubber, and other sources.

Climate Change

Transport plays a role in climate change through mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (building resilient infrastructure).

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Description

This quiz explores the impacts of the transport sector on the environment, focusing on air pollution, habitat fragmentation, and other ecological effects. Gain insights into how transportation contributes to pollution levels and disrupts wildlife habitats, and understand the balance between efficiency and environmental consequences.