Chapter 27: Carbon Footprint and Pollution

27.1-Carbon Footprints

`Carbon footprints are basically a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released over the full life cycle of something
Tat can be a service an event or a product
That’s because there are so many different factors to consider, for example you would have to count the emissions released as a result of sourcing all the parts of your toastie maker and in making it, emissions produced and actually use it

You can’t always measure a carbon footprint exactly, but there are always methods to try and reduce it
Anything that reduces the amount of greenhouse gases given out by a process will also reduce its carbon footprint
Here are some things that can be done:
- Renewable energy sources or nuclear energy could be used instead of fossil fuels
- Using ore efficient processes could conserve energy and cut waste
- Lots of waste decomposes to release methane, so this will reduce methane emissions
- Governments could tax companies or individuals based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit
- Governments can also put a cap on emissions of all greenhouse gases that companies make
- There’s also technology that captures the C02 produced buy burning fossil fuels before it’s released into the atmosphere

State two things governments can do to try to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of businesses
- Cap on emissions that companies make
- Tax companies based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit
State two ways making reductions are difficult
- Affect economic growth
- Individuals would have to change their lifestyles

Fossil fuels such as crude oil and coal, contains hydrocarbons
During combustion as the carbon and hydrogen in these compounds are oxidised so that carbon dioxide and water vapour are released into the atmosphere
When there’s plenty of oxygen all the fuel burns, this is called complete combustion
If there’s not enough oxygen, some of the fuel doesn’t burn, this is called incomplete combustion
Under these conditions, solid particles of soot and unburnt fuel are released and carbon monoxide can be produced as well as carbon dioxide
Particulates in the air can cause all sorts of problems:
- If particulates are inhaled, they can get stuck in the lungs and cause damage
- This can then lead to respiratory problems
- They’re also bad for the environment, they themselves or the clouds they help to produce reflect sunlight back into space
It’s not just particulates from incomplete combustion that cause problems, carbon monoxide is pretty nasty too
- Carbon monoxide is really dangerous because it can stop your blood from doing its proper job of carrying oxygen around the body
- A lack of oxygen in the blood can lead to fainting, a coma or even death

Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen can be released

Name three potential pollutants that could be released as a result of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, that wouldn’t be released as a result of complete combustion
- Particulates
- Unburnt fuels
- And carbon monoxide
What can sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause?
- Acid rain

Note

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