Reducing the Effects of Environmental Issues (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science): Revision Note

Reducing the effects of environmental issues

• Two of the main environmental issues are:

  1. Climate change

  2. Acid rain

• There are strategies that can be used to reduce the impact of these issues

Strategies to reduce climate change

• Climate change is linked to increased greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide and methane

• The following strategies can reduce the amount of these gases:

Planting trees

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis

• This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and lowers the greenhouse effect

Reduction in livestock farming

• Methane is produced during digestion in animals

• Reducing livestock farming reduces methane emissions and lowers the greenhouse effect

Decreasing use of fossil fuels

• Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide

• Using fewer fossil fuels reduces carbon dioxide emissions and slows global warming

• This can be achieved by:

  • Using more fuel-efficient vehicles, e.g. electric and hybrid cars

  • Reducing the number of vehicles on the road, e.g. using public transport, car-sharing

  • Recycling or reusing products made from crude oil and its derivatives

  • Reducing household energy consumption, e.g. turning lights out, using more efficient appliances

Increasing use of renewable energy

• Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar do not release carbon dioxide during electricity generation

• Replacing fossil fuels with renewables reduces carbon dioxide emissions and slows global warming

Strategies to reduce acid rain

• Acid rain is caused by sulfur dioxide dissolving in rainwater

• Using low-sulfur fuels reduces the amount of sulfur dioxide produced when fuels are burned

  This reduces the formation of acid rain