All Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Clean Air Act?
Sets emission standards for cars and limits the release of pollutants into the air.
What is the goal of the Kyoto Protocol?
Sets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for participating countries.
What does the Montreal Protocol regulate?
Phases out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
What are emission standards?
Legal requirements that set specific limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into the atmosphere.
What is the significance of the Montreal Protocol's success?
It demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing global environmental problems by phasing out CFCs.
What are the main provisions of the Clean Air Act?
It establishes national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and regulates emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
Why is the Kyoto Protocol considered less effective?
Due to lack of universal participation and enforcement challenges, its impact on global greenhouse gas emissions has been limited.
Define primary air pollutant.
Pollutants released directly from a source.
Define secondary air pollutant.
Pollutants formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere.
Define photochemical smog.
Air pollution formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic hydrocarbons react with heat and sunlight.
Define thermal inversion.
A deviation from the normal temperature gradient where a layer of warm air traps cooler air below.
Define Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
Define Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
Gases formed when nitrogen and oxygen react at high temperatures.
Define Particulate Matter.
A mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.
Define emission standards.
Regulations setting maximum amounts of pollutants that can be released.
Define Kyoto Protocol.
An international treaty that sets greenhouse gas emission reduction standards.
Define Montreal Protocol.
An international treaty that phases out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
How can renewable energy reduce air pollution?
It replaces fossil fuels, reducing emissions of pollutants like SO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
How does improving fuel efficiency help?
Reduces the amount of fuel burned per mile, lowering emissions of pollutants from vehicles.
How does using public transport reduce air pollution?
It decreases the number of individual vehicles on the road, lowering overall emissions.
How can stricter emission standards help protect the environment?
By limiting the amount of pollutants that can be released, leading to cleaner air and reduced health risks.
How does proper ventilation improve indoor air quality?
It circulates fresh air, diluting and removing indoor air pollutants, reducing exposure and health risks.
How does planting trees help reduce air pollution?
Trees absorb pollutants like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, improving air quality in urban areas.
How can green building design reduce indoor air pollution?
Using low-VOC materials, improving ventilation, and incorporating air purification systems can create healthier indoor environments.