as-biggest-obstacle.html?pagewanted=all Air Pollution Linked to 1.2 Million Premature Deaths in China Chapter 8

In 2010: 1.2 million premature deaths have been attributed to air pollution in China This accounts for almost 40% of the Global total It has been estimated that the cost of air pollution in china is $230 billion dollars. Questions to consider: What are the leading sources of air pollution in China? What environmental factors might be exacerbating the problem? What role does economics play in this issue?

NOAA-supported scientists find large Gulf dead zone, but smaller than predicted Chapter 9

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Gulf Dead Zone Source: Questions to consider: 1.What role does agricultural run-off play in the formation of the gulf dead zone? 2.What impact does the dead zone have on aquatic life in the gulf?

Promotion of biofuels (mainly ethanol produced from corn, soybeans, and sugarcane) based on idea that biofuels are “carbon neutral” Carbon neutral – carbon dioxide emitted from burning as fuel is recaptured during photosynthesis that originally created the fuel Flaw in assumption of carbon neutral biofuels: plants pull carbon dioxide out of atmosphere regardless of use as food or fuels – growing corn for production of biofuels does not necessarily remove any additional CO2 from atmosphere Same land used to grow crops for biofuels can be used for food or reforestation Reforestation sequesters CO2 without re-releasing it at a later point Chapter 10

Does the life cycle analysis of biofuel production support its use for climate protection? Are biofuels a suitable substitute for fossil fuels? Are there better alternatives?

Las Vegas: A desert oasis dying of thirst. Las Vegas, NV was once a popular vacation destination has now become the permanent home of more than 2 million residents. Over consumption and drought conditions have created a crisis situation for city residents. The majority of the cities water (90%) comes from the Colorado River and is stored in reservoirs at Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The Colorado River provides water for 30 million people in the Southwestern US Average Annual Rainfall Las Vegas Nevada 4.2 inches Seattle WA38 inches Read the whole story at: environment/las-vegas-water-chief-seeks-disaster-aid- colorado-river-drought environment/las-vegas-water-chief-seeks-disaster-aid- colorado-river-drought Chapter 11

Landmark Case: Massachusetts vs. EPA In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA must regulate Green House Gas (GHG) emissions as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act. Should the EPA consider Ocean Acidification when enforcing the Clean Air Act? Current Event: A new federal lawsuit has been filed to force the EPA to regulate GHG emissions as a pollutant under the Clean Water Act. The plaintiffs contend that CO 2 emissions are contributing to increased acidity of the oceans. What is Ocean Acidification? Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is absorbed by seawater. The CO 2 reacts chemically with water molecules (H 2 O). This reduces pH (increased acidity), changes concentration and saturation points of biologically important calcium carbonate ions. Carbonate ions are important building blocks for the skeletons and shells for many marine organisms. These marine organisms form the base of the food web for many larger ocean creatures. Read more about it at: water-laws-second-front-in-the-war-on- greenhouse-gases/ Chapter 12

/wp/2013/09/23/antarctic-sea-ice-hit-35-year-record-high-saturday/ Chapter 13

puzzling-growth-of-sea-ice-in-antarctica/ Stronger polar vortex winds around south pole cause greater convergence and compaction of sea ice and expose more ocean surface to harsh temperatures Stronger winds could be related to climate change, ozone depletion, or natural variability Trend expected to eventually reverse as global temperatures continue to increase Sea ice loss in the Arctic Greater than increases in Antarctic – overall loss of sea ice worldwide Northern ice in a basin protected from similar wind effects – water is not as exposed to wind