Chapter 12 Objectives.

1. Define and describe troposphere and stratosphere. How are they similar? Different? How do these two layers of the atmosphere make life possible on earth?

2. Distinguish between weather and climate. How might the layperson get these two confused when discussing the human impact on our atmosphere?

3. What is the greenhouse effect? Is it good or bad for our planet? What are the major gases involved in this phenomena?

4. What is the difference between a primary air pollutant and a secondary air pollutant. Looking at Table 12-1 in your text, which pollutants are primary and which are secondary?

5. What is smog and how does industrial smog differ from photochemical smog? Where would you most likely get one type over the other?

6. What is a temperature inversion, how do they form and what problems do they produce?

7. What is the pH of normal rainwater and how does acid rain differ? What are the main sources of acid deposition and where in the world is acid deposition the worst and why?

8. What problems does acid deposition have on terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems? What are some of the first signs of acid deposition?

9. What are three reasons why indoor air pollutants may be more harmful to humans than outdoor?

10. According to the EPA, what are the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants in developed countries and what are their sources?

11. What are the most dangerous indoor air pollutants in developing countries? Describe the sources as well.

12. What is the good news concerning the implementation of the US Clean Air Act? How can this act be improved? (be complete! It looks like there are 8 ways to improve the CAA)

13. What is the definition of global warming and how is it different from the greenhouse effect? What do scientists notice about average global temperatures when they look at the past 900,000 years? 130 years?

14. Of all the greenhouse gases, why is CO₂ such a focus for most climatologists? What do scientists notice about average CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere when they look at the past 400,000 years?

15. What are the worst case scenarios for global warming predictions? Specifically discuss the prospects of drought, melting ice and snow, rising sea levels, melting permafrost, threats to biodiversity, disruption of agriculture, and threats to human health. Make sure you specifically address how climate change is responsible for each scenario.

16. What are the four major methods governments can promote to reduce the threat of climate change? Make sure you describe each method completely.

17. What is ozone depletion and what evidence do we have for it?

18. Why is there an ozone ‘hole’ over Antarctica (specifically describe the events that produce the seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over the Antarctic Circle)? Is there a ‘hole’ over the Arctic Circle? Explain.

19. What are the five major effects that ozone depletion has on planet earth? Be detailed on how each effect will be detrimental.

20. What are the methods to prevent ozone destruction and how successful are we being? What does the Montreal Protocol have to do with this issue?

Chapter 13 Objectives

1. Define urbanization. When did urban communities begin for humans and why?

2. What are the four major problems and challenges of urban growth? Describe exactly the problem/challenge.

3. What is meant by urban sprawl and why does it occur? Consequences?

4. What are the major advantages of urbanization? What are the seven major disadvantages of urbanization?

5. Read the Case Study of Mexico City on page 291 of your text. How does it illustrate the problems associated with urbanization? What progress has been made to reduce these problems?

6. What is the ‘Ecocity’ concept? How does the city of Curitiba illustrate the ecocity concept (be specific)?

7. Distinguish between municipal and industrial solid waste. Why are these two different from hazardous wastes?

8. Where percentage of the worlds solid waste does the US produce? Where does most of this waste come from?

9. What is electronic waste and why is it a growing problem?

10. What is the integrated waste management approach for dealing with solid waste and what are the priorities involved in this strategy? Give an example of each priority.

11. Compare and contrast burying versus burning solid wastes. Name at least three advantages and three disadvantages for both.

12. What are the priorities to an integrated waste management approach for hazardous wastes?

13. What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and what are its main goals? Has it accomplished these goals? Describe its successes and failures.

14. What is meant by a grassroots action and how did this type of action lead to the Environmental Justice ideal?

15. How can environmental justice be applied to the international level? Explain this link by describing the POP’s treaty and the precautionary principle.

16. Pick three of the methods outlined in making the transition to a low-waste society and describe how the people in your living community could facilitate their adoption (i.e. what would need to happen in order for their successful implementation into your community?).