Case Studies

Question 1

minamata disaster

Answer 1

• chemical factory released toxic methyl mercury into wastewater
• bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in shellfish and fish caused mercury poisoning when people ate
• over 2000 people diagnosed
• 1784 died
• over 10,000 people received financial compensation

Question 2

minamata disease

Answer 2

neurological syndrome caused by mercury poisoning

Question 3

Kyoto protocol

Answer 3

• an international treaty that commited countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.5
• 1997

Question 4

Montreal protocol

Answer 4

• environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man made chemicals
• best example of international cooperation
• the first with carefully monitored regulations

Question 5

Uranium

Answer 5

• Had little no value until the age of atomic weapons and electricity
• After Chernobyl, fell in price due to nuclear energy falling out of favour

Question 6

Tibet and Himalaya energy use

Answer 6

• use animal dung instead of wood for cooking and heating system as there are few trees