L6 - Smog 'is' Life

Question 1

How many of the Chinese are exposed to air that would be seen as ‘unhealthy’ in the USA?

Answer 1

83%

Question 2

On average how many deaths in China are caused by pollution annually?

Answer 2

1.6 million

Question 3

Why do pollution levels vary across China?

Answer 3

The region between Beijing and Shanghai is industrial heartland which produces more emissions. It is also bowl shaped meaning pollution collects. Rural west has lower industrial activity and emissions.

Question 4

What PM2.5 index for air quality does the World Health Organisation deem safe?

Answer 4

25

Question 5

How much of China’s underground water is polluted and what is the main cause?

Answer 5

60% - industrial waste from increase in manufacture output and agricultural pesticide run-off

Question 6

Why is there greater levels of air pollution in winter?

Answer 6

Colder climate meaning greater use of heating and car transport

Question 7

What is the average PM2.5 rating in Beijing?

Answer 7

90

Question 8

Explain the negative environmental impacts of rapid economic development..

Answer 8

Increase in urbanisation and disposable income
Greater vehicle emissions / industrial activity / power generation / waste generation in urban areas - causes health problems (e.g. respiratory)

Question 9

Why may increased car ownership may cause health problems?

Answer 9

Nitrogen dioxide emissions from diesel engines can cause respiratory issues (e.g. Bronchitis)

Question 10

Explain why economic growth may lead to greater land pollution?

Answer 10

Land clearance and wildlife habitat destruction with urban sprawl and greater deposition of landfill waste (e.g. plastic) in growing populations with higher disposable incomes

Question 11

Why is there more air pollution in countries like China?

Answer 11

Economic growth
Industrialisation
More CO2, NOX and SO2

Question 12

What’s the impact of growth on worker health?

Answer 12

Increased air pollution damages lungs
There aren’t any health/safe rules

Workers can be exploited to work long hours.

Question 13

What health problems does air pollution cause?

E.g. from vehicles / factors / power plants

Answer 13

Heart disease
Lung disease
Bronchitis

Question 14

What health problems does water pollution cause?

Answer 14

Cholera
Dysentery
Typhoid

Question 15

What causes water pollution problems?

Answer 15

Unsafe disposal of sewage

Groundwater pollution from pit latrines

Question 16

What health problems are caused by agricultural runoff?

Answer 16

Cancer

Question 17

What help problems are caused by global climate change

e.g. caused by industrial emissions

Answer 17

Extreme heat
Depletion of water sources

Potential for dehydration and heat stroke

Question 18

What health problems are caused by rural-urban migration?

Answer 18

Urban medical services can’t cope - too many people.

Question 19

What health problems are caused by increasing levels of disposable income?

Answer 19

Obesity