Managing Atmospheric Pollution (Copy)
7.4 Managing Atmospheric Pollution – Cheat Sheet
Strategies at Different Levels
| Level | Strategy | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals | Reduction of Carbon Footprint | Use public transport, energy-efficient appliances, less meat consumption | Cycling in Copenhagen |
| Energy Efficiency | Switch off unused devices, insulate homes | LED lighting in households | |
| Governments | Reduced Use of Fossil Fuels | Promote renewables (solar, wind, HEP) | Germany’s Energiewende policy |
| Transport Policies | Promote public transport, congestion charges, EV subsidies | London congestion charge | |
| Taxation | Carbon taxes on industries to discourage emissions | Sweden’s carbon tax | |
| Reforestation/Afforestation | Plant trees to absorb CO₂ | China’s “Great Green Wall” | |
| International Community | Agreements & Policies | Global treaties to cut emissions | Paris Climate Agreement (2015) |
| CFC Replacement | Montreal Protocol banning ozone-depleting CFCs | Global phase-out of CFC aerosols | |
| Technology | Catalytic Converters | Reduce NOₓ and CO emissions from vehicles | Standard in cars since 1990s |
| Flue-Gas Desulfurisation | Removes SO₂ from power station emissions | UK coal power stations retrofitted | |
| Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) | Captures CO₂ and stores underground | Sleipner project, Norway |
Case Study Example: Beijing Air Pollution (China)
- Causes: Vehicle emissions, coal power stations, industrial growth.
- Impacts: Severe smog, health issues (respiratory diseases), reduced visibility, global criticism.
- Management:
- Restrictions on car use, promotion of electric vehicles.
- Shift from coal to renewables + natural gas.
- Stricter air quality standards and industrial relocation.
Quick Pointers
- Individuals = small-scale but widespread impact.
- Governments = enforceable laws and incentives critical.
- International community = essential for global problems (ozone, climate change).
- Technology + legislation + behaviour change = most effective combination.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course