Emissions
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. After the gas is released into the atmosphere, it stays there, making it difficult to escape heat – and to warm the planet in the process.
It is mainly released from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, as well as cement production.
The average monthly concentration of CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere is from April 2019 413 parts per million (ppm). Before the Industrial Revolution, the concentration was only 280 ppm.
The CO2 concentration has changed between 180 and 280 ppm over the past 800,000 years, but has been significantly accelerated by human pollution.
Nitrogen dioxide
The nitrogen dioxide gas (NO2) comes from the burning of fossil fuels, exhaust fumes for cars and the use of fertilizers used in agriculture.
Although there is much less NO2 in the atmosphere than CO2, it is between 200 and 300 times more effective at trapping heat.
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is mainly derived from the combustion of fossil fuels, but can also be released from car exhaust fumes.
SO2 can react with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to cause acid rain.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an indirect greenhouse gas because it reacts and removes with hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyl radicals reduce the life of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Particles
What are particles?
Particles refer to small parts of solids or liquid materials in the air.
Some are visible, like dust, while others cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Materials such as metals, microplastics, soil and chemicals can contain particles.
Particles (or PM) are described in micrometers. The two chapters mentioned in reports and studies are PM10 (less than 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (less than 2.5 micrometers).
Air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, cars, cement manufacturing and agriculture
Scientists measure the amount of particles in the air according to cubic meters.
Particles are sent into the air through a number of processes, including the burning of fossil fuels, driving cars and steelmaking.
Why are particles dangerous?
Particles are dangerous because those less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs or even pass into your bloodstream. Particles occur in higher concentrations in urban areas, especially along highways.
Health Impact
What kind of health problems can pollution cause?
According to the World Health Organization, a third of deaths due to stroke, lung cancer and heart disease can be linked to air pollution.
Some of the effects of air pollution on the body are not understood, but pollution can increase inflammation, which narrows the arteries leading to heart attacks or strokes.
In addition, almost one in ten cases of lung cancer in the UK is caused by air pollution.
Particles find their way into the lungs and are trapped there, causing inflammation and damage. In addition, some chemicals in particles that enter the body can cause cancer.
Deaths due to pollution
About seven million people die prematurely due to air pollution. Pollution can cause a number of problems, including asthma attacks, strokes, various cancers and cardiovascular problems.
Causes asthma
Air pollution can cause asthma sufferers for several reasons. Pollutants in traffic fumes can irritate the airways, and particles can get into your lungs and throat and cause these areas to become inflamed.
Problems during pregnancy
Research suggested in January 2018 that women who were exposed to air pollution before becoming pregnant would get nearly 20 percent more babies with birth defects.
A study by the University of Cincinnati found that within 5 miles of a highly polluted area one month before becoming pregnant, it gives birth to babies with defects such as cleft palate or lips.
For every 0.01 mg / m3 increase in fine air particles, birth defects increase by 19 percent, the research adds.
Previous research suggests that it causes congenital abnormalities due to women having inflammation and ‘internal tension’.
What is being done to tackle air pollution?
Paris Agreement on Climate Change
The Paris Agreement, first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and curb climate change.
He hopes to keep the increase in world average temperature below 2 ° C (3.6 ° F) and aims to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 ° C (2.7 ° F).
Carbon neutral by 2050
The British government has announced plans to make the country carbon neutral by 2050.
They plan to do this by planting more trees and installing ‘carbon capture’ technology at the source of the pollution.
Some critics are worried that the government will use the first option to export carbon insurance to other countries.
International carbon credits keep nations from emitting carbon while paying for trees planted elsewhere, thus balancing their emissions.
No new petrol or diesel vehicles by 2040
In 2017, the UK government announced that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would be banned by 2040.
However, MPs on the Climate Change Committee urged the government to propose the ban until 2030, because by that time they will have an equal range and price.
The Paris Agreement, first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and curb climate change. Pictured: air pollution over Paris in 2019.
Norway’s subsidies for electric cars
The rapid electrification of Norway’s motor fleet is mainly attributed to generous government subsidies. Electric cars are almost entirely exempt from the heavy taxes levied on petrol and diesel vehicles, leaving them competitively priced.
A VW Golf with a standard internal combustion engine costs nearly 334,000 kroner (34,500 euros, 38,600 dollars), while its e-Golf cousin costs 326,000 kroner thanks to a lower tax rate.
Criticism of lack of action on climate change
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) said there was a ‘shocking’ lack of government preparation for the risks to the country due to climate change.
The committee assessed 33 areas where the risks of climate change needed to be addressed – from the resilience of properties to the impact on agricultural land and supply chains – and found no real progress in any of them.
The committee said the UK was not prepared for the 2 ° C warming, the level at which countries had committed to limiting the temperature, let alone a 4 ° C rise.
It added that cities need more green spaces to stop the urban ‘heat island’ effect, and to prevent flooding by absorbing heavy rainfall.