Environmental Studies - Air Pollution and Climate Change

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the Environmental Studies lecture on Air Pollution and Climate Change.

Troposphere

The inner layer of the atmosphere where 75% of its mass is found; it extends to 17 km deep at the equator and 8 km at the poles.

Stratosphere

The layer above the troposphere which extends about 17-48 km above the Earth's surface and contains a higher volume of ozone.

Primary air pollutants

Harmful chemicals that enter directly into the atmosphere from natural events or human activities.

Secondary air pollutants

Harmful chemicals that are the products of reactions among primary pollutants.

Smog

Air pollution that reduces visibility and is localized in urban areas, characterized by industrial smoke and particulate matter.

Acid deposition

A type of air pollution involving secondary pollutants like sulphuric and nitric acids in precipitation.

Greenhouse effect

The natural trapping of heat by gases in the atmosphere, essential for keeping the planet warm.

Global warming

The increase in average global temperatures due to enhanced greenhouse effect caused by human activities.

Ozone depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer caused primarily by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances.

Photochemical smog

A mixture of primary and secondary pollutants formed under the influence of sunlight, mainly consisting of nitrogen oxides and ozone.

Acid rain

Precipitation that contains harmful amounts of sulfuric and nitric acids, detrimental to the environment.

Thermal inversion

A meteorological phenomenon where air near the ground is colder than the air above it, trapping pollutants.

Sick building syndrome

Illnesses that arise from indoor air pollution in office buildings, causing eye irritations, nausea, and fatigue.

Carbon footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Carbon oxides

Pollutants like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced from combustion processes that impact air quality.

Nitrogen oxides

Gases that inhibit plant growth and contribute to the formation of acid deposition and photochemical smog.

Tropospheric ozone

Ozone found at lower altitudes which is a secondary pollutant harmful to human health and the environment.

Biodiversity loss

Reduction in the variety of species in a particular habitat, often a consequence of climate change and pollution.

Renewable energy

Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar and wind energy.

Climate adaptation

Strategies and activities aimed at enabling human or natural systems to adjust to actual or expected climate changes.