1. Chapter 18 Environmental Issues 1 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

2. Environmental Issues Environmental health: the area of health concerns that focuses on the interactions of humans with all aspects of their environment –Diseases associated with contaminated water, food, waste, and other pollutants –Pollutants that result from human and industrial activities and that cause chronic diseases and global environmental damage –Climate change, the depletion of resources, and world overpopulation 2 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

3. Water and Water Quality Water cycle: natural process by which the earth’s supply of water is continuously collected, purified, and distributed Surface water: precipitation stored in lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands on the surface of the earth Groundwater: precipitation that sinks into the ground and makes up 95% of the world’s supply of freshwater Deep aquifers: giant underground reservoirs 3 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

4. Water Supplies and Shortages In U.S. and Canada water supplies abundant but much of it is contaminated Withdrawal rates of surface water projected to double in the next 20 years Conflicts between regions and states over water supplies Main cause of water waste is artificially low cost of water –Government subsidies to agriculture and industry lead to limited financial incentive to invest in water-saving technologies 4 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

5. Water Supplies and Shortages Consumers and businesses need to use water-saving technologies Farmers and the agricultural industry need to develop ways to irrigate crops more efficiently Government and policy makers must manage water basins and groundwater fairly and effectively Failure to address our water-related problems will lead to economic and health problems, increased environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity 5 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

6. Virtual Water Virtual water: water used to produce foods, consumer products, and other services –One hamburger = 640 gallons of water The amount of water needed to produce a give amount of a product is its water footprint 6 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

7. Water Footprint for Food Production 7 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

8. Water Pollution Any chemical, biological, or physical change in water quality that harms living organisms or makes water unsuitable for desired use Most surface-water reservoirs are contaminated by pollutants at specific locations through sewers, pipes, or ditches Main sources of groundwater contamination: –Storage lagoons –Septic tanks –Landfills and hazardous waste dumps –Underground storage tanks filled with gasoline, oil, solvents, and hazardous waste 8 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

9. Safe Drinking Water The Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) established many health standards for drinking water 98% of Americans have plumbing where lead can leach into tap water as pipes and fixtures deteriorate over time –Cold water from the tap is less likely to contain lead from supply pipes –Run water after being away to flush out potential contamination Many benefits to water fluoridation, but excessive fluoride consumption can lead to fluorosis 9 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

10. Conserving Water Americans use three times the water per capita of the average worldwide –70% used for washing and carrying away waste There are many ways to use less water: –Bathroom: shorter showers, turn off faucet when brushing teeth; low-flow toilet; water-saving showerheads –Laundry: wash only when full load; buy only Energy Star appliances –Kitchen: run dishwasher only with full load; do not run water continuously when doing dishes by hand 10 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

11. Earth’s Atmosphere Troposphere: lower atmosphere, containing about 80% of the earth’s air Stratosphere: upper atmosphere, 11 to 30 miles above the earth’s surface Greenhouse effect: warming of the earth’s surface by heat trapped by gases in the lower atmosphere –Greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, water vapor Ozone in the upper atmosphere shields us from about 95% of the sun’s UV rays –Protective in upper atmosphere, but at ground level it is a main source of air pollution 11 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

12. Air Pollution Air pollution: the presence of one or more chemicals in the atmosphere in sufficient quality and quantity to cause harm to life Air Quality Index (AQI): measure of air pollution issued daily by the EPA 100 or higher, air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with asthma 300 or higher, air is considered hazardous The EPA charts four pollutants: ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide 12 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

13. Air Quality Index 13 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

14. Ozone and Particulate Matter Ozone is poisonous to most living organisms –Ground-level ozone causes respiratory irritation, aggravates respiratory and heart disease, and damages the lungs, especially in those with respiratory problems Particulate matter consists of particles or droplets of dust, soot, oil, metals, or other compounds suspended in the air –Small particles may remain in the lungs and irritate and damage alveoli; and may also trigger an immune system response that contributes to heart disease and lung disease 14 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

15. Smog Smog: mixture of pollutants in the lower atmosphere that makes the air hazy –Industrial smog: air pollution that forms mostly in cold weather Coal and oil burning –Photochemical smog: sits as a thick haze over cities in the summer Vehicle exhaust, industry, and other sources combine, producing large amounts of ozone and more than 100 other chemicals Fossil fuels: oil, coal, natural gas Problems amplified by temperature inversion 15 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

16. Acid Deposition and Precipitation Acid deposition: the depositing of acidic pollutants from the atmosphere on the earth’s surface, in either dry or wet form Acid precipitation: mixing of acidic pollutants in the atmosphere with moisture and their precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet, hail, or fog Environmental damage depends on the ability of the soil to neutralize acid Less damage where soils are alkaline—Midwest Extensive damage where soils are neutral or acidic —northwestern U.S., northeastern North America 16 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

17. Reducing Outdoor Air Pollution Clean Air Act (1990) empowered the EPA to set emission standards –Improved air quality Clear Skies Initiative (2002) set mandatory caps to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and mercury A new car today emits 75% less pollution than cars built in 1970 57% of Americans still live in areas where the air is considered unhealthy at some time of the year 17 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

18. Global Warming and Climate Change Climate change is the long-term changes in average daily weather that occurs over many years –Substantial evidence of earth’s warming; debate over whether it’s natural or human-caused Human activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere As a result, global temperatures have risen –Melting glaciers and polar ice caps; rising sea levels Intensification of greenhouse effect has led to global warming 18 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

19. The Greenhouse Effect 19 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

20. Greenhouse Gases from Food 20 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

21. What Needs to Be Done? Kyoto Protocol (1997), not ratified by Congress 2009 Copenhagen Accord: produced a nonbinding pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2013 world’s top scientist endorsed a cap on greenhouse gases –Scientists now worried about feedback loops and that delaying prevention efforts could be devastating Substantial reductions will require massive changes in industrial processes, transportation, energy sources, and personal lifestyles 21 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

22. Predicted Effects of Climate Change 22 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

23. Your Carbon Footprint Every time you use fossil fuels you contribute to carbon dioxide emissions –Driving a car, turning on a light, running a dishwasher The more CO 2 you generate, the larger your carbon footprint www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/index.htm www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghemissions/ind_calculator.html –Walk more; drive less –Consume less electricity –Recycle –Eat less or no meat 23 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

24. Indoor Air Pollution Indoor air pollution can be higher and more hazardous than outdoor air pollution; yet we spend 80–90% of our time indoors Eleven of the most common air pollutants are usually 2 to 5 times higher inside the home Environmental tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, radon, carbon monoxide, mold, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) Also dust mites, animal dander, mildew Reduce many pollutants by keeping the house, pets, and bedding clean; maintaining 30–50% humidity; and removing shoes 24 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

25. Solid Waste Any unwanted or discarded material that is not a liquid or gas; garbage –1,600 pounds per person per year in U.S. –E-waste is the fastest growing problem; the U.S. sends most to Afghanistan and Haiti for disposal and recycling 25 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

26. Hazardous Waste Any discarded solid or liquid material that meets one or more of four criteria: –Contains a toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic compound at levels that exceed EPA standards –Catches fire easily –Can explode or release toxic fumes –Corrodes metal containers Direct exposure poses health hazards Federal laws restrict the storage of hazardous waste in sanitary landfills 26 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

27. Hazardous Waste Common forms: –Household hazardous waste: batteries, paints, household cleaners, oils, pesticides –Emergent contaminants: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, antibacterial soap, shampoo, shaving cream, dishwashing liquids, plastic, flame retardants, and other chemical compounds –Medical waste: any solid or liquid waste that is generated in the medical diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals –Radiation and radioactive waste: low-level radiation used in medical and dental procedures; high-level radioactive waste from nuclear weapons and power plants 27 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

28. Approaches to Waste Management Sanitary landfills are carefully selected sites where waste is buried in plastic-lined pits Incinerators burn waste and sometimes sell the energy generated by the burning “Not in my backyard” Living near a hazardous waste dump increases risk for respiratory disorders and cancer Recycling: circle, or loop, program; materials collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials to make new products Many communities provide curbside pickup; and many states have deposit/refund programs Individuals can also buy recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials 28 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

29. Recycling Plastic 29 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

30. Ecosystems and Biodiversity Ecosystem: an interconnected community of organisms living together as a balanced, mutually supportive system Biodiversity: variety of different animal and plant species on earth and the genetic variation in their gene pools Human activities significantly disrupt these ecosystems and have caused a decline in biodiversity through: –Deforestation –Desertification –Loss of freshwater resources 30 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

31. Protecting Ecosystems Stringent federal and state protection of animal and plant habitats in forest, deserts, and wetlands is a component of sustainable land management programs –Protecting endangered species; controlling climate change Individuals can help: –Reusing and recycling paper products –Refusing the buy products or materials made from endangered or threatened species –Purchasing wood with the Good Wood Seal –Stopping junk mail 31 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

32. Energy Resources World energy consumption continues to rise World’s largest consumers: 1.China 2.United States 3.India Nonrenewable energy provides 93% of the commercial energy used in the U.S. 32 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

33. Energy Resources Crude oil: U.S. reserves will be depleted by 2100 Coal: largest domestic source for heat and electricity; dirtiest of all fossil fuels Natural gas: a mixture of gases, mostly methane; costly to extract –Could meet U.S. energy demands for about 82 to 118 years –Fracking: environmental and health costs unknown Nuclear power: problems with storing nuclear waste, and concerns about safety –Three Mile Island (1979); Chernobyl (1986); Fukushima (2011) 33 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

34. Solar Energy, Liquid Biofuels, and Energy Conservation Solar energy: could meet 25% of consumer demand by 2050 Wind, geothermal, and hydro power also being explored Biofuels—biodiesel and bioethanol—made from plants and other biological material –Problems include increased forest clearing and soil erosion, use of water, loss of biodiversity Environmentalists believe the solution is to conserve –Reduce ecological effects, diminish energy waste; shift to renewable, nonpolluting energy sources 34 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

35. Your Electronic Footprint 35 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

36. Population Growth How many people can the planet support? Global carrying capacity is estimated at 50 billion people Cultural carrying capacity—the number the earth can support at an optimum standard of living—is much less As it stands today, there are probably not enough resources to extend an optimum standard of living to everyone on planet right now –Currently about 1.4 billion people are living in extreme poverty 36 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

37. Approaches to Population Control and Management Family planning: informed decisions about the number and spacing of children –Programs provide information on birth control, birth spacing, breastfeeding, and prenatal care –Could have a significant effect if implemented in developing countries Smart growth: concentrates growth in compact urban centers and environmentally sustainable communities 37 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

38. A Sustainable Planet An ecological footprint compares human consumption of resources with the planet’s capacity to regenerate them –Can reveal how sustainable a particular lifestyle is –Can point out inequities of resource use and consumption The ecological footprint of the United States is the largest in the world –Consume more resources, generate more pollution, and discard more waste Each of us can take actions today to reduce that footprint 38 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.