7.4 Atmospheric CO₂ and Particulates

• What is atmospheric CO₂?

  Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• CO₂ is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming
• What are examples of natural sources of CO₂?

  Volcanic eruptions, Respiration
• Anthropogenic sources of CO₂ include burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• Burning fossil fuels for energy releases significant amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
• What are atmospheric particulates?

  Tiny solid or liquid particles
• Sources of atmospheric particulates are divided into natural and anthropogenic
• What natural phenomena can cause dust storms that release particulates?

  Dry soil conditions
• CO₂ contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
• Increased CO₂ from burning fossil fuels intensifies the greenhouse effect
• Order the health conditions affected by atmospheric particulates based on their severity:

  1️⃣ Asthma

  2️⃣ Bronchitis

  3️⃣ Heart Disease

  4️⃣ Lung Cancer
• What is the impact of particulates on asthma?

  Exacerbates symptoms
• Particulates can increase the risk of heart attacks due to their effect on the cardiovascular system
• High particulate levels in urban areas can worsen asthma symptoms for residents.
• CO₂ is released into the atmosphere, contributing to increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations
• Atmospheric particulates include dust, soot, smoke, and pollen.
• The sources of atmospheric particulates are divided into natural and anthropogenic sources.
• Volcanic eruptions are a natural source of atmospheric particulates.
• Combustion processes are examples of anthropogenic sources of atmospheric particulates.
• Combustion processes from vehicles are an anthropogenic source of atmospheric particulates.
• Steps in the process by which CO₂ contributes to global warming

  1️⃣ CO₂ enhances the greenhouse effect

  2️⃣ Heat is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere

  3️⃣ Global temperatures rise

  4️⃣ Climate change occurs

  5️⃣ Extreme weather events increase
• Rising global temperatures are an effect of increased CO₂ levels.
• More frequent droughts are an example of extreme weather caused by climate change.
• Shifts in species distribution are an effect of ecosystem changes caused by increased CO₂.
• Atmospheric particulates primarily affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
• Atmospheric particulates can exacerbate symptoms of asthma.
• Exposure to atmospheric particulates can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Acid rain can damage plants and acidify lakes, harming aquatic life.
• Soil degradation reduces soil fertility.
• Steps in the process of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

  1️⃣ CO₂ is captured from industrial emissions

  2️⃣ CO₂ is transported to storage sites

  3️⃣ CO₂ is stored underground
• Reforestation is a method to absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.