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.
What causes air pollution?
Primarily the burning of fossil fuels (combustion) which releases byproducts and impurities into the air.
Why are cities in valleys prone to thermal inversions?
Valleys trap cool air, allowing a layer of warm air to settle above, trapping pollutants.
Why is indoor air pollution a concern?
People spend significant time indoors, and poor ventilation can trap harmful contaminants.
How does sunlight contribute to smog formation?
Sunlight provides the energy for NOx and VOCs to react and form tropospheric ozone, a major smog component.
What makes tropospheric ozone a secondary pollutant?
It's formed by the interaction of primary pollutants (NOx, VOCs) with sunlight.
Explain the role of nitrogen oxides in smog formation.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight to form photochemical smog.
What is the impact of thermal inversion on air quality?
It traps polluted air, leading to prolonged periods of poor air quality and increased health risks.
Why are older buildings more likely to have asbestos?
Asbestos was commonly used as a building material in the past due to its fire-resistant properties.
How does public transportation reduce air pollution?
By reducing the number of individual car trips, it lowers overall emissions from vehicles.
What is the relationship between combustion and air pollution?
Combustion, especially of fossil fuels, releases pollutants like CO, NO2, SO2, and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
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.