Global Pollution

1
Global Pollution

• Changing the balance.

2
Outline

• Acid Rain
• The AIDS of the forest.
• Death to lakes.
• Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
• The ozone layer
• CFCs and ozone holes
• Global Warming
• The theory
• The evidence
• The fears
• The decisions

3
Acid Rain

• SOx and NOx are both products of fossil fuel
  combustion.
• In the air, they combine with Oxygen and water to
  produce sulfuric and nitric acids.
• Rain has a natural pH level of 5.6 due to Carbon
  dioxide in the air.
• Acidity has been increased in some areas to pH lt
  4, which is the level of vinegar.

4
Effects of Acid Rain

• Tree defoliation Germany, Canada, US northeast.
• Lake acidity and fish population decline.
• Destruction of man-made products.
• acidrainprogress.pdf
• http//www.epa.gov/oar/aqtrnd97/brochure/acidr.htm
  l
• Acid Rain Progress Report

5
Ozone Depletion

• The Stratospheric Ozone layer serves as a natural
  barrier to UV radiation.
• Production and use of CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons,
  specifically degrades the ozone layer.
• CFCs were used in aerosol sprays, as
  refrigerants, and blowing agents.
• Since 1995 their production has been banned in
  the US
• stratoz.pdf

6
Global Warming Theory

• CO2 in atmosphere serves a minor role, together
  with H2O, in trapping Infrared radiation near the
  surface of the earth. (60 F total impact, CO2
  accounts for roughly 2 F)
• Accelerated release of CO2 during the industrial
  age has disrupted the natural balance.
• CO2 levels predicted to double by mid century,
  leading to perhaps another 2-4 F rise in surface
  temperatures.

7
Global warming evidence

• The 1990s the warmest decade on record.
• Warming is occurring globally.
• Satellite data indicate less warming. Why?
• Natural variability?

8
Global warming fears

• Isnt warming good?
• Isnt additional CO2 good for Agriculture?
• Potential sea level rise
• Potential rise in extreme weather
• Potential increase in infectious diseases.

9
Decisions

• To reduce CO2 in any meaningful way means an
  abrupt change in Fossil fuel use.
• Kyoto agreement in 1997 But no one is obeying
  it.
• Is there a legitimate alternative?
• Why the rush to make a decision?
• Where does the US fit in, and why doesnt the US
  want to lead the way?

10
Global Warming Links

• all_science.pdf
• all_emissions.pdf
• all_impacts.pdf
• EPA Global Warming Site
• links to various sites on global warming
• Global warming opinions page