All questions of Environmental Issues for Electrical Engineering (EE) Exam

The Environment Protection Act (EPA) was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing the protection and improvement of the environment.

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This threshold, often referred to as the "2-degree target," has been widely accepted by the international community as a critical limit to avoid catastrophic consequences of climate change.

The target was initially proposed by the scientific community and gained significant attention after being endorsed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2010. It was later reaffirmed in the Paris Agreement, signed by nearly all countries in 2015.

Exceeding the 2-degree limit could lead to severe impacts, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to ecosystems and human societies. It is crucial to limit global warming within this threshold to minimize these risks and safeguard the well-being of both present and future generations.

Efforts to combat climate change focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices in various sectors. These actions aim to mitigate the causes of global warming and limit temperature increase to a manageable level.

The most common nutrients causing eutrophication are nitrogen N and phosphorus P. The main source of nitrogen pollutants is run-off from agricultural land, whereas most phosphorus pollution comes from households and industry, including phosphorus-based detergents.

Montreal Protocol is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances.

Background:
In the 1970s and 1980s, scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. The ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, is important for protecting life on Earth. It was found that certain man-made chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

Montreal Protocol:
To address this issue, the international community came together to negotiate the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. The aim of the protocol was to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

Key Provisions:
- The protocol required participating countries to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs, halons, and methyl bromide.
- It established a timetable for the phase-out, with developed countries required to phase out production and consumption by 1996, and developing countries given longer timelines.
- The protocol also established a financial mechanism to support developing countries in their efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

Impact:
The Montreal Protocol has been successful in reducing the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. As a result, the ozone layer is slowly recovering, and it is expected to fully recover by the middle of this century.

Conclusion:
The Montreal Protocol is an important international agreement that demonstrates the ability of the international community to come together to address global environmental issues.

The Acidification of Oceans - A cause of concern

Introduction:
Ocean acidification is a phenomenon that results from the dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater. The increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere leads to an increase in the amount of CO2 that dissolves in seawater, causing a decrease in ocean pH.

Effects of ocean acidification:
Ocean acidification has numerous effects on marine ecosystems. Some of the significant effects are:

1. Adverse effect on calcareous phytoplankton:
Calcareous phytoplankton, such as coccolithophores, are tiny marine organisms that play a vital role in the ocean's food chain. They are an essential source of food for many marine organisms, including zooplankton, which, in turn, are food for larger animals. The acidification of seawater makes it difficult for these organisms to form their calcium carbonate shells. This leads to a decline in their population, which has a cascading effect on the entire marine ecosystem.

2. Adverse effect on coral reefs:
Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. They are made up of tiny polyps that build calcium carbonate skeletons. The acidification of seawater makes it difficult for these polyps to build their skeletons, which can lead to the loss of coral reefs. Coral reefs provide habitat and shelter for a vast number of marine organisms, including fish and invertebrates. The loss of coral reefs can have a significant impact on the entire marine ecosystem.

3. Adverse effect on animals with phytoplanktonic larvae:
Many marine animals, such as oysters, clams, and sea urchins, have larvae that feed on phytoplankton. The acidification of seawater makes it difficult for these larvae to find food, which can lead to a decline in their population.

4. Adverse effect on cloud seeding and formation:
Clouds play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. They reflect sunlight back into space, which helps to cool the planet. The acidification of seawater can impact cloud seeding and formation, which can have a significant impact on the Earth's climate.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, ocean acidification is a growing concern for marine ecosystems. It has numerous adverse effects on marine organisms, including calcareous phytoplankton, coral reefs, and animals with phytoplanktonic larvae. It can also impact cloud seeding and formation, which can have a significant impact on the Earth's climate. It is essential to take steps to reduce CO2 emissions to slow down the process of ocean acidification.

Sources of Methane as a Greenhouse Gas

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Sources of methane include:

1) Rice fields
2) Coal mining
3) Domestic animals
4) Wetlands

Explanation:

1) Rice fields: Methane is produced in rice paddies due to the anaerobic conditions in the soil. When rice fields are flooded, organic matter in the soil breaks down and produces methane as a byproduct.

2) Coal mining: Methane is often found in coal seams and can be released during mining operations. This methane can escape into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

3) Domestic animals: Methane is produced during the digestive process of domestic animals, such as cows and sheep. This methane is released through belching and flatulence.

4) Wetlands: Wetlands are natural sources of methane due to the anaerobic conditions in the soil. When organic matter in the soil breaks down, methane is produced as a byproduct.

Conclusion:

All of the above sources are major contributors to methane emissions and therefore contribute to global warming. It is important to find ways to reduce methane emissions from these sources in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.