Monday, May 2, 2011

Chemistry - Global warming

Global warming alarm!


Humans created it, the effects are dire and humans can correct it.



Global warming is the rise in temperature of the earth's temperature.
It is a natural phenomenon, and there is nothing realistic that mankind can do to significantly change the global temperature. 

What causes Global warming?

- Greenhouse Emissions
caused due to:
~ Rapid industrialization
~ Population explosion
~ Depletion of natural resources
~ Natural phenomena 
~ Modification of Ecosystem


What are the effects of Global warming?

~ Increase in sea levels
~Increase in the intensity of extreme weather events
~Significant changes to the amount and pattern on precipitation 
~ Modifications of trade routes
~ Glacier retreat
~ Mass species extinctions 
~ Increases in the ranges of disease vectors




How to reduce Global warming?


~ Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
~ Use less heat and air conditioning
~ Drive less
~ Buy energy-efficient products
~ Use less hot water
~ Use the "off" switch
~ Plant a tree
~Encourage others to conserve




Air pollution


It comes from many sources. There are different kinds of pollution - some visible, that contribute to Global warming.


Generally any substance that people introduce in to the atmosphere that has damaging effects on living things and the environment is considered air pollution.


(Major) Air pollutants and sources -


Carbon monoxide:
produced by the incomplete burning of carbon containing fuels, such as petrol, coal and wood


Nitrogen oxides:
produced by petrol- or diesel-burning engines and coal/oil furnaces


Ozone:
produced by the reaction of oxygen gas with free atoms of oxygen which are formed  from the reactions between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in sunlight


Particulates:
produced by refuse incineration, factories, diesel vehicles, construction sites, and coal/charcoal burners. Particulates are solid or liquid particles which are so small that they remain suspended in the air for a long period of time


Hydrocarbons:
formed from the evaporation of materials such as petrol, diesel and solvents when exposed to air


Sulphur dioxide:
produced by burning of fossil fuels (e.g. - fuel oil and coil). A large proportion is produced by power stations and metal smelters which burn sulphur-containing coal, and also by the manufacturing industries which burn fuel oil


Effects of Air pollutants:


~Interferes with photosynthesis, carbohydrate production
~Cancer, asthma, birth defects, eye & respiratory system irritation, and genetic mutation
~Contribute to sick building syndrome indoors
~Acid rain: soil, buildings & materials, forest and aquatic life
~Prolonged exposure to high CO concentrations, unconsciousness, convulsions and death would occur; severe effects on the baby of pregnant woman


Methods of reducing/controlling Air pollution


~ Mechanical collectors (dust cyclone)
~ Electrostatic precipitators
~ Baghouses
~Scrubbers


In conclusion,


the Global warming is a serious problem that can lead to climate changing and desertification; However we can deal with it by doing little things such as planting trees and recycling. We should put serious effort to overcome the problems of our own doing. For the sake of our future generations, we must try our best to solve the problems and strive to reinstate balance on OUR earth.

sources:
http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/urbanair/
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/air_pollution.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/world/global_warming/newsid_1575000/1575441.st
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/good-reasons-to-use-online-advertising-597369.html
http://www.freeworldacademy.com/globalleader/ecology.htm
http://lrak.net/globalwarming.htm

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