Science For Environment Policy's Green Week Quiz 2013

1. Air pollution is known to affect the climate and weather. But which of the following statements is true?

Aerosol pollution over the North Atlantic ocean worsens droughts in Africa.

Soot and ozone pollution may be responsible for the expansion of the tropics in the northern hemisphere.

Both statements are true.

Both are true.

A 2012 study by Booth et al. indicated that increases in aerosol emissions experienced prior to the 1980s were linked to cooler Atlantic temperatures and persistent drought in Sahel Africa. Since the 1980s, aerosol emissions have fallen, in response to legislation to cut pollution. Aerosols are mostly produced by power stations, and from the burning of trees and crop waste.

A 2012 study by Allen, et al. suggested that black carbon (soot) and tropospheric (lower atmosphere) ozone, formed from the burning of fossil fuels, biofuels and plants, are warming the atmosphere in the Earth's mid latitudes (30° to 50° N), causing the tropical belt to become bigger.

Explanation

Both are true.

A 2012 study by Booth et al. indicated that increases in aerosol emissions experienced prior to the 1980s were linked to cooler Atlantic temperatures and persistent drought in Sahel Africa. Since the 1980s, aerosol emissions have fallen, in response to legislation to cut pollution. Aerosols are mostly produced by power stations, and from the burning of trees and crop waste.

A 2012 study by Allen, et al. suggested that black carbon (soot) and tropospheric (lower atmosphere) ozone, formed from the burning of fossil fuels, biofuels and plants, are warming the atmosphere in the Earth's mid latitudes (30° to 50° N), causing the tropical belt to become bigger.

2. Let's get deeper into some scientific studies now... Childhood exposure to mercury can reduce IQ, which can have knock-on effects for the economy. What do you think is the estimated value of reducing mercury emissions for the global economy?

€100-150 million

€1.3-1.6 billion

No net benefits

A 2010 study by Sundseth et al. predicted that the global economic benefits of reductions in mercury emissions were between €1.3-1.6 billion, based on reduced IQ damage alone.

You can keep up-to-date with scientific research like this, by signing up to Science for Environment Policy's News Alert at Green Week.

Explanation

A 2010 study by Sundseth et al. predicted that the global economic benefits of reductions in mercury emissions were between €1.3-1.6 billion, based on reduced IQ damage alone.

You can keep up-to-date with scientific research like this, by signing up to Science for Environment Policy's News Alert at Green Week.

3. Can you talk like a scientist? Match the following air pollutants to their chemical symbols.

Mercury

Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrous oxide

You can put away your copy of the periodic table. If you want to get to grips with air pollution science, but all that jargon makes it tough - take a look at Science for Environment Policy. We 'translate' high quality research into easy-to-understand articles and reports to keep you up-to-date with the latest research.

Explanation

You can put away your copy of the periodic table. If you want to get to grips with air pollution science, but all that jargon makes it tough - take a look at Science for Environment Policy. We 'translate' high quality research into easy-to-understand articles and reports to keep you up-to-date with the latest research.

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4. EU air pollution policies are designed to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. But how much are nitrogen oxide emissions predicted to change by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, as a result of EU policy?

Reduce by 25%

Remain the same

Reduce by 50%

A 2012 study by Colette et al. predicted that nitrogen oxide emissions will fall by half, compared to 2005, if all current and planned EU legislation goes ahead.

Explanation

A 2012 study by Colette et al. predicted that nitrogen oxide emissions will fall by half, compared to 2005, if all current and planned EU legislation goes ahead.

5. Air pollution and climate change go hand-in-hand in many ways. Which of the following air pollutants also contribute to global warming? (Tick all that apply)

Black carbon

Sulphates

Methane

Both black carbon and methane make the Earth warmer, but sulphates actually have a cooling effect. The relationship between air pollution and climate change is complex and must be carefully managed for effective policies that clean our air and avoid dangerous global warming.

Pick up your free copy of Science for Environment Policy's special Air Pollution and Climate Change issue from our Green Week stand, to learn more.

Explanation

Both black carbon and methane make the Earth warmer, but sulphates actually have a cooling effect. The relationship between air pollution and climate change is complex and must be carefully managed for effective policies that clean our air and avoid dangerous global warming.

Pick up your free copy of Science for Environment Policy's special Air Pollution and Climate Change issue from our Green Week stand, to learn more.

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