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Environmental Studies, 2e Environmental Studies, 2e Oxford University Press 2011 Oxford University Press 2011
Chapter Objectives
After studying this chapter, the reader should be able to: Explain the causes and effects of acid rain Describe the problem of ozone layer depletion and formation of the ozone hole over the Antarctic Outline the provisions of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol Describe the results of implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the lessons learnt Explain global warming, its causes, and possible effects
Environmental Studies, 2e
Oxford University Press 2011 All rights reserved
Acid Rain
Formed when atmospheric water droplets combine with a range of man-made chemical air pollutants Main pollutants involved are oxides of nitrogen and sulphur coming from human activities. Automobiles and coal- and oil-fired power stations are major sources of acid-forming compounds. Acid rain ultimately falls on the ground, sometimes hundreds of kilometres from the area in which it formed.
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Global Warming
Normally, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases let the radiation from the sun reach the earth, but prevent some of the heat from being reflected back out again Due to the burning of fossil fuels and destruction of forests, the greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere has been rapidly increasing. This abnormal increase in the concentration of these gases leads to higher temperatures and global warming. Computer models indicate an average rise of 3 degrees C by 2100
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Environmental Studies, 2e
Carbon Footprint
Measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person, organisation, event, product, or country. Carbon Footprint is measured in tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). The Carbon Footprint of a country does not just measure emissions that occur on its territory. It includes emissions that occur in the production of all goods and services consumed in a country. It also includes international transport (ocean freight and aviation).
Environmental Studies, 2e
Key Points
Acid rain is formed by the emission of pollutants from human activities. Acid rain has a number of adverse effects on the environment and living beings. The ozone layer in the atmosphere is getting depleted and an ozone hole has developed over the Antarctic The depletion of the ozone layer has adverse effects on life. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been successful in reducing the production and consumption of such substances. The ozone hole is now closing.
Environmental Studies, 2e
Key Points
There is clear evidence that global warming is occurring due emissions from human activities. Global warming will have serious effects on the environment and human society.
Environmental Studies, 2e