Air Pollution and Climate Changes APES Study Guide

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment.

Electrostatic Precipitator

A device that removes fine particles from a gas stream using electrical charges.

VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Organic chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature, contributing to air pollution and smog.

Heat of Fusion

The amount of energy required to change a substance from solid to liquid without a temperature change.

Point Source Pollution

A single, identifiable source of pollution (e.g., a factory smokestack).

Non-Point Source Pollution

Diffuse sources of pollution (e.g., runoff from agricultural fields).

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs.

PM / Particulate Matter

Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in air that can harm health.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.

CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons)

Chemicals that destroy ozone in the stratosphere, leading to ozone depletion.

Paris Accord / Agreement (2015)

An international climate agreement aiming to limit global temperature rise.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases.

Kyoto Protocol (1992)

An international treaty committing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Albedo

The reflectivity of a surface; ice has a high albedo, reflecting sunlight.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

A scientific body that assesses climate change research.

Mitigation

Actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

Cap and Trade on Carbon Emissions

A market-based system where companies can buy and sell allowances for emissions.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions.

Climate

Long-term patterns of weather in an area.

What is the troposphere?

The layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs.

What six pollutants are monitored by the EPA?

Carbon monoxide (CO), Lead (Pb), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Particulate matter (PM), Ozone (O3), Sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Why is ozone beneficial in the stratosphere?

It protects against UV radiation.

Why is ozone harmful in the troposphere?

It is a pollutant that causes respiratory issues.

Which particulates are more dangerous: large or small?

Small particulates (PM2.5) are more dangerous because they penetrate deep into the lungs.

Which greenhouse gas has the greatest effect?

Water vapor (H₂O) has the largest effect but is naturally regulated.

Which act primarily protects air quality in the U.S.?

The Clean Air Act (1970, amended 1990).

What pollutants are reduced by catalytic converters?

Carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (VOCs).

How was lead pollution reduced in the 1970s?

The phase-out of leaded gasoline.

What is the Paris Accord?

An agreement to limit global temperature rise, with no strict penalties but international pressure.

How does melting ice contribute to warming?

Lower albedo leads to less heat being reflected, causing more warming.

What is the advantage of cap and trade versus penalties?

It creates an economic incentive by allowing companies to buy and sell emissions credits.

What happens to CO₂ levels when emissions increase?

More CO₂ in the atmosphere leads to more CO₂ in oceans, forming carbonic acid, lowering pH.

Which organisms are most affected by ocean pH drops?

Coral reefs, shellfish, and plankton.

What have CO₂ levels been over the last 800,000 years?

They have fluctuated naturally but are now higher than at any point in history.

Do carbon dioxide concentrations and temperature follow the same pattern?

Yes, when CO₂ increases, temperature increases.