Carbon Footprints and Air Pollution

• What is a carbon footprint?

  It measures greenhouse gases released over a life cycle
• How can reducing carbon dioxide and methane emissions affect the carbon footprint?

  It reduces the overall carbon footprint
• What limits actions to reduce carbon footprints?

  Individuals and governments' willingness or ability to change
• What do fossil fuels contain that contributes to air pollution?

  Hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur impurities
• What happens when fossil fuels are combusted?

  They release gases and particles that pollute the air
• What are the pollutants formed from fossil fuel combustion and their effects?

  • Carbon monoxide: Stops oxygen transport, can cause death
  • Carbon particulates: Causes respiratory problems
  • Carbon dioxide: Leads to global dimming
  • Sulfur dioxide: Causes acid rain
  • Oxides of nitrogen: Damages plants, causes respiratory problems
• What is the effect of carbon monoxide on the body?


  It stops blood from transporting enough oxygen
• What can carbon monoxide cause if inhaled in high amounts?

  Fainting, coma, or death
• What are carbon particulates associated with?

  Respiratory problems
• What causes global dimming?

  Carbon dioxide emissions
• How are sulfur dioxide emissions formed?

  From oxidation of sulfur impurities during combustion
• What causes the formation of oxides of nitrogen?

  Reaction between nitrogen and oxygen from burning fuels
• What are the effects of oxides of nitrogen on the environment?

  They cause damage to plants, statues, and buildings
• Why is carbon monoxide difficult to detect?

  It has no color or smell
• How does Santa's clothing relate to carbon footprints?

  • Santa wears many clothes
  • This contributes to a high carbon footprint