Problem 1
China relies on coal for two-thirds of its commercial energy usage and \(80 \%\) of its electricity, partly because the country has abundant supplies of this resource. Yet China's coal burning has caused innumerable and growing problems for China and neighboring countries, and now, because of the Asian Brown Cloud (Core Case Study), for the Pacific Ocean and the west coast of North America. Do you think China is justified in developing this resource to the maximum, as other countries, including the United States, have done with their coal resources? Explain. What are China's alternatives?
Problem 2
Photochemical smog is largely the result of motor vehicle emissions. Considering your use, now and in the future. of motor vehicles, what are some ways in which you could reduce your contribution to photochemical smog?
Problem 5
A top U.S. presidential economic adviser once gave a speech in Williamsburg. Virginia (USA), to representatives of governments from a number of countries. He told his audience not to worry about global warming because the average global temperature increases predicted by scientists were much less than the temperature increase he had experienced that day in traveling from Washington, D.C., to nearby Williamsburg. What was the flaw in his reasoning? Outline an argument you would use to counter his claim.
Problem 8
What are three consumption patterns or other aspects of your lifestyle that directly add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere? Which, if any, of these things would you be willing to give up to help slow projected dimate change?
Problem 9
Congratulations! You are in charge of the world. List at least three points in your strategy for dealing with each of the following problems: (a) outdoor air pollution, (b) indoor air pollution, (c) climate change from human activities, and (d) ozone depletion.
