Human Impacts - Atmosphere Flashcards
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
the trapping of the sun’s heat energy in the earth’s atmosphere.
GREENHOUSE GASES
- water vapour
- carbon dioxide
- methane
- nitrous oxide
SURFACE OZONE
a pollutant that occur’s near the earth’s surface.
ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT
when human activities are responsible for excessive release of greenhouse gases which intensifies the greenhouse effect
FORESTS AS CARBON SINKS
- trees in forests absorb large amounts of CO2 for photosynthesis
- when deforestation occurs, less CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and CO2 levels rise
GLOBAL WARMING
the higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere resulting in an enhanced greenhouse effect and an increase in the earth’s temperature
INDUSTRIALISATION
(the use of fossil fuels)
this and deforestation are forms of human impacts on the environment
HUMAN ACTIVITIES THAT RELEASE THE MOST CO2
- burning of fossil fuels (coal, petrol, oil)
MAIN SOURCES OF CO2 EMISSIONS
Electricity - burning fossil fuels
Transport - various modes of transport as in fuel
Industrial Processes
HOW TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS
- save electricity
- introduce incentives
- create awareness
METHANE EMISSIONS
- methane is also the largest contributor to enhanced greenhouse eff. it is more effective at trapping heat energy.
- released mainly in small quantities during decomposition and as a result of human activities
MAIN SOURCES OF METHANE EMISSIONS
Industries - methane is the main component of natural gas and is released through processes involving natural gas.
Agriculture - livestock release large amounts of CH4 during digestive processes and manure.
Waste - generated in landfills and in sewage plant treatments.
HOW TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS
reduce burning of fossil fuels
reduce human waste production
use methane as an alternative energy source
