Atmosphere and Climate

What are the primary goals of the Clean Air Act?

To reduce outdoor air pollutants causing smog, haze, acid rain, and to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants, while phasing out chemicals that destroy stratospheric ozone.

Which pollutants does the Clean Air Act primarily regulate?

Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Particulate matter 2.5, and Ground level Ozone.

What significant event in 1988 influenced climate change awareness in the US?

James Hansen's testimony brought climate change before Congress.

What was the outcome of the Massachusetts vs Environmental Protection Agency case in 2006?

The Supreme Court declared that greenhouse gases fit within the Clean Air Act's definition of an 'air pollutant'.

What international agreement was adopted in 1997 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

The Kyoto Protocol.

What was one major climate action proposed in the Bill Clinton economic plan?

The B.T.U tax based on heat units emitted from burning fossil fuels.

What significant climate policy was executed under the Obama administration in 2014?

The Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing CO2 emissions by 32% by 2030.

What does the term 'sociogenic global warming' refer to?

It refers to the shift caused by industrialization that significantly impacted the natural biological regime, allowing for larger human populations and economies.

What year did the US ratify the Paris Agreement aiming for global climate action?

The Paris Agreement was reached in 2015.

How do Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) classify different scenarios for future climate challenges?

They categorize scenarios ranging from sustainability with low challenges to high challenges of mitigation and adaptation.

What layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

The stratosphere.

What major environmental issue is caused by bioaccumulation and biomagnification?

The contamination of the food supply through toxic substances accumulating in organisms.

What has been the trend of global temperatures in relation to CO2 levels since the 20th century?

Global temperatures have climbed roughly ten times faster than the average rate of ice-age recovery warming, indicating a strong correlation with rising CO2 levels.

What is the projected range of sea level rise by the year 2100?

Mean sea level rise projected to be between 0.63 to 1.60 meters (2 to 5 feet).

What is the significance of krill in the southern ocean ecosystem?

Krill acts as a crucial base of the food chain and plays a vital role in the carbon cycle.

What atmospheric concentration of CO2 should we aim to achieve to mitigate climate change?

We need to get below 350 ppm CO2 in the atmosphere.

What are 'forever chemicals' and their environmental impact?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that resist environmental degradation and can contaminate water supplies.

What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

To assess and provide information on climate change, its impacts, and possible adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Which layer of the atmosphere is densest and holds 75% of the atmosphere's mass?

The troposphere.

What is the impact of ocean acidification on marine life?

Ocean acidification threatens the survival of forams, corals, and shellfish, disrupting marine ecosystems.

What energy transition is essential for addressing climate change according to recent policies?

Drastically reducing fossil fuel emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources.