Smog
What is Smog?
Smog is fog mixed with pollutants
What is the Ozone layer?
The Ozone layer is a protective layer of gas in the Earth's stratosphere
What are some alterative sources of power for cars?
Electric and Hydrogen
How can Smog hurt you?
Pollutants in the air can damage your lungs, cause cancers and Emphysema, and make it hard to breathe
How is Smog formed?
Pollutants in the air from burning coal, gasoline and other emissions from homes and factories hang near the ground, causing Smog
What does the Ozone layer do?
The Ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet light from the Sun
What state is leading the way in electric cars?
California
What happened to air pollution during COVID and why?
Air pollution decreased dramatically because people were driving less and factories were not operating as much
Where is Smog commonly found?
Industrial cities like Beijing, Dubai and Los Angeles
How was the Ozone layer damaged?
Choloroflurocarbons from aerosol cans, refrigeration units and chemicals burned a hole in it
How is hydrogen generated for cars?
Breaking down water molecules (H2O) to create gaseous hydrogen
Why was the damaged Ozone layer and problem?
The Ozone layer protects us from UV light. Without it, skin cancer rates skyrocket.
Where is Smog the BIGGEST problem?
Developing countries that do not have air quality requirements or environmental laws
How did scientists prove that the Ozone layer was damaged?
Satellite images as well as traveling to Antarctica to measure levels of UV light
What group of people is opposed to alternative auto technology?
The oil industry
What are some solutions to fix unhealthy air indoors?
1) dehumidifiers reduce mold
2) good ventilation keeps air fresh
3) changing air filters keeps toxins out of the air
How can Smog be prevented?
Restrictions on coal, catalytic converts on cars, and cleaner energy sources
How did the world come together to fix the ozone layer?
The UN and all its countries passed laws to limit certain chemicals in aerosols and refrigeration, helping to reduce emissions
What is the Opportunity-Cost of new auto technology?
Opportunity- Better for the environment, new jobs in alternative technology
Cost- Expensive to buy and limited power , cost of jobs in the oil industry
How can technology both damage and improve our lives and environment?
Damage- New technology such as steam engines, automobiles, and coal burning power plants have devastated the environment through pollution
Improve- technology can be used to fix these problems, such as wind turbines, solar panels and electric cars