Reducing the Effects of Environmental Issues (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Reducing the effects of environmental issues

• Two of the main environmental issues are:

  1. Climate change
  2. Acid rain

• There are strategies that can be used to reduce the impact of these issues

Strategies to reduce climate change

• Climate change is linked to increased greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide and methane
• The following strategies can reduce the amount of these gases:

Planting trees

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis
• This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and lowers the greenhouse effect

Reduction in livestock farming

• Methane is produced during digestion in animals
• Reducing livestock farming reduces methane emissions and lowers the greenhouse effect

Decreasing use of fossil fuels

• Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide

• Using fewer fossil fuels reduces carbon dioxide emissions and slows global warming

• This can be achieved by:

  • Using more fuel-efficient vehicles, e.g. electric and hybrid cars
  • Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, e.g. using public transport, car-sharing
  • Recycling or reusing products made from crude oil and its derivatives
  • Reducing household energy consumption, e.g. turning lights out, using more efficient appliances

Increasing use of renewable energy

• Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar do not release carbon dioxide during electricity generation
• Replacing fossil fuels with renewables reduces carbon dioxide emissions and slows global warming

Strategies to reduce acid rain

• Acid rain is caused by sulfur dioxide dissolving in rainwater
• Using low-sulfur fuels reduces the amount of sulfur dioxide produced when fuels are burned This reduces the formation of acid rain

Exam Hint Acid rain is also caused by oxides of nitrogen, but the syllabus specifically focuses on sulfur dioxide