Environmental Issues Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Which pollutant from burning fossil fuels causes acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide (and nitrogen oxides).

Which gas released by burning fossil fuels causes global warming (climate change)?

Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

What environmental effect do particulates released by burning fossil fuels cause?

Global dimming, and breathing problems.

What is the main environmental problem with nuclear power?

Radioactive waste, which stays dangerous for a very long time and must be stored safely; there is also the risk of a major accident.

True or false? Renewable energy resources have no environmental impact at all.

False. They release no (or few) greenhouse gases in use, but can cause visual and noise pollution and destroy habitats, e.g. flooding valleys for hydro-electricity.

Why are environmental issues identified by science not always acted on?

Because of political, social, ethical and economic considerations, e.g. cost, jobs and public opinion.