A research team is investigating the effect of solar and wind energy adoption on local air quality in a city previously reliant on coal power. The study measures airborne particulate matter (PM 2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels before and after transitioning to renewables.
Identify the dependent variable in the study.
Identify a testable hypothesis for the study.
Describe one reason why researchers should include a city that has not switched to renewables as a control.
Explain how seasonality might affect air quality measurements in the study.
Identify one source of PM2.5 pollution that would still be present even after transitioning to renewable energy.
Describe one possible economic impact of transitioning from coal to renewable energy in the city.
Explain how increased solar panel production could create a different environmental problem.
Identify one way a government policy could accelerate the transition to renewable energy [1 point].
Explain how a life cycle assessment (LCA) could help policymakers understand the full environmental impact of wind and solar energy.
Describe one reason why some communities may resist the transition to solar and wind power.
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