Air Pollution Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is pollution?
Presence of harmful substances in the environment that can damage the air, water, land, and living things.
Pollution can originate from both human activities and natural sources.
What is air pollution?
Presence of harmful substances in the air, such as chemicals, gases, or particles.
Air pollution can have severe health and environmental impacts.
What are the sources of vehicle emissions?
Release gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution.
What pollutants are emitted from industrial activities?
Sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, among others.
Industrial emissions are a major source of air pollution.
What is the impact of burning fossil fuels?
Releases harmful substances in the air.
This includes coal, oil, and gas used for energy.
What role does deforestation play in air pollution?
Burning of trees or forest fires adds to the smoke and particulate matter in the air.
Deforestation significantly contributes to environmental degradation.
What are natural sources of air pollution?
Volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms.
These sources can release significant amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere.
How do pollutants affect ecosystems?
They can damage plant leaves, affecting growth and harming animals dependent on those plants for food.
This can disrupt the food chain and contribute to climate change.
What is acid rain and its impact?
Harms soil and water, making it harder for plants and animals to survive.
Acid rain results from pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
What are some solutions to reduce pollution?
Use clean energy, reduce vehicle emissions, enforce stricter regulations, plant more trees, reduce waste burning.
Each solution has its own effectiveness and challenges.
What are the benefits of using clean energy?
Reduces harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels, leads to clearer air, and helps mitigate climate change.
Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
What challenges exist in transitioning to clean energy?
Initial cost can be high, and transitioning requires significant investment and policy support.
Policy changes are crucial for supporting clean energy initiatives.
How can vehicle emissions be reduced?
Cycling, public transportation, carpooling, and walking.
Urban areas can promote electric vehicles and better fuel standards.
What challenges are associated with reducing vehicle emissions?
Shift in public behaviour, investment in infrastructure, and incentives for electric vehicle adoption.
Public awareness is essential for effective change.
What is the role of enforcing stricter regulations?
Limits pollution by forcing industries to adopt cleaner technologies.
Stricter emission standards can lead to cleaner air.
What challenges are faced when enforcing stricter regulations?
Difficulties in countries with weak environmental regulations or resistant industries.
Industry pushback can hinder progress.
How do trees help combat pollution?
Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to purify the air.
Reforestation and afforestation are important strategies.
What are the challenges of planting more trees?
Trees take time to grow and require land and resources.
Long-term commitment is necessary for tree planting initiatives.
What is the impact of reducing waste burning?
Cuts down release of harmful chemicals into the air.
Promoting recycling and proper waste management is key.
What challenges exist in reducing waste burning?
Requires public awareness, better waste management systems, and significant changes in consumer behaviour.
Community involvement is crucial for success.
