10.3.2 Pollution- Air

• What is pollution defined as in the context of human activities?

  Pollution is any effect of human activities upon the environment.
• What is a pollutant?


  A pollutant is any product of human activities that has a harmful effect on the environment.
• What is carbon dioxide primarily released from?

  Carbon dioxide is released during fossil fuel combustion.
• How is methane produced?

  Methane is produced in the guts of ruminants such as cows and in swamps/rice fields due to anaerobic conditions.
• What are CFCs and how are they produced?

  CFCs are produced from aerosols and refrigerators.
• What happens to solar radiation in the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Solar radiation can enter the lower atmosphere and heat is reflected from the earth’s surface.
• How is heat trapped in the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Heat is absorbed by the greenhouse gases close to the Earth’s surface and then trapped.
• What is the result of the enhanced greenhouse effect on the Earth's atmosphere?

  The Earth’s atmosphere gets hotter due to the trapping of heat.
• What is one major consequence of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Global warming is a major consequence of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
• What are some effects of global warming?

  Effects include greater climatic extremes, strong winds, heavier rainfall, unseasonal weather, melting of polar ice-caps, evaporation of water from fertile areas, and spread of pests.

  
• How does global warming affect crop yields?

  It can lead to smaller yields or loss of crops for farmers, but higher temperatures and more carbon dioxide can also result in more photosynthesis and better crop yields.
• What are the solutions to reduce the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  1. Reduce burning of fossil fuels (use less energy: turn off lights, walk instead of drive, etc.)
  2. Reduce deforestation for cattle ranches or rice growing.
  3. Re-plant forests.