Air Renewable Resources Air Renewable Resources Air Throughout
Air
Renewable Resources Air
Renewable Resources Air • Throughout much of human history air has been so plentiful that it has not been regarded as a resource at all. – As our numbers have grown our impact on the environment has become so great the very air we breathe appears to be at risk.
Renewable Resources Air II • The World’s rainforests contribute substantially to the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen. Huge forest areas are harvested for their fibre or are cleared for agriculture. • This is a concern for us all. The Fijian Island of Viti Levu. Sugar plantations have replaced natural forest.
Renewable Resources Air III • On a much smaller scale the air within our buildings is also a concern. The United Nations reports that “Every Year more than 3 million die from air pollution – more than 80% of them from indoor pollution”. – In the developed world we worry about air quality in our sealed skyscrapers as poor air quality is linked to viruses. – In the developing world, emissions from heating and cooking fires harm the lungs of young and old alike.
Problem #1: Air Pollution • Air pollution is the modification of the natural characteristics of the atmosphere by a chemical, particulate matter, or biological agent
Sources of air pollution in Canada
Effects of air pollution • Worldwide air pollution is responsible for large numbers of deaths and cases of respiratory disease
Effects of air pollution • Acid rain is eroding building structures and rendering lakes and ponds incapable of sustaining life
Problem #2: Ozone Layer Depletion • The ozone layer is a thin • • layer of ozone in the atmosphere that blocks the damaging affects of UV rays from the sun Since the 1980 s, the ozone layer has been thinning In the North and South Poles, holes are actually forming in the ozone layer
What is causing ozone layer depletion? • 80% of the destruction of the ozone layer has been caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) • CFCs can be found in aerosol cans, refrigerators, air conditioners, and solvents • Depending on the type, CFCs stay in the atmosphere from 22 to 111 years
Solutions to ozone layer depletion • In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed – all developed nations agreed to cut their use of CFCs – developing countries were still allowed to use CFCs until 2000 • This initiative has been successful in limiting the amount of CFCs added to the atmosphere.
Problem #3: Global Warming • Gases in the atmosphere naturally trap heat – • • this is what keeps the planet warm However, since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been adding gases to the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas The addition of CO 2 gases into the atmosphere has caused the Earth’s temperature to rise Global Warming 101 (3: 03) http: //youtu. be/o. JAb. ATJCugs
The Greenhouse Effect
Effects of global warming
Effects of global warming Heat waves Violent storms Melting glaciers Rising sea levels Loss of coastline Loss of animals Loss of farmland Droughts Forest fires Melting permafrost Loss of plants Loss of jobs
Solutions to global warming • Kyoto Protocol 1997: signing countries promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6% of 1990 levels by 2012 – Key countries did not sign the agreement – Countries have failed at meeting target deadlines – The accord has been a failure – Canada pulled out of the agreement to avoid paying penalties for not meeting targets – The world is seeking a new global initiative
Solutions to global warming • Develop alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, hydrogen or battery powered cells to limit CO 2 • Reforestation • Carbon credits
QUESTION TIME • NAME 1 Problems we face related to AIR • Name one Solution
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