C9 : Carbon footprints

Question 1

What is the carbon footprint of a product

Answer 1

The total amount of CO2 and greenhouse gases released by that product throughout it’s full life cycle. The life cycle includes greenhouse gases released in manufacture and disposal.

Question 2

How can the carbon footprint of a product be reduced

Answer 2

. Using renewable sources of energy
. Using products less frequently
. Building more efficient products that waste less energy
. Carbon capture and storage methods to remove CO2 from the atmosphere
. Taxing emissions and allowing companies to not pay them if they plant trees instead
. Using biofuels which are “carbon neutral”
Reducing CO2 emissions globally requires international cooperation however some countries dont agree that climate change is happening, for some countries, taking the measures above would reduce economic productivity

Question 3

What is the origin and effect of Carbon monoxide

Answer 3

Origin : Incomplete combustion of fuels
Effect : Colorless and odorless but toxic gas

Question 4

What is the origin and effect of particulates

Answer 4

Origin : Incomplete combustion of fuels especially in diesel engines
Effect : Global dimming and respiratory problems and potential to cause cancer

Question 5

What is the origin and effect of Sulphur dioxide

Answer 5

Origin: Sulphur impurities in the fuel reacting with oxygen
Effect : Acid rain and respiratory problems

Question 6

What is the origin and effect of Oxides of nitrogen

Answer 6

Origin : Nitrogen form the air being heated near an engine and reacting with oxygen
Effect : Acid rain and respiratory problems

Question 7

Photochemical smog

Answer 7

Nitrogen oxides can react with other pollutants to make a type of air pollution that appears as a visible smoky fog that causes health problems