Jacob, Daniel J. and Darrell A. Winner. “Effect of climate change on air quality.” Atmospheric Environment 2009: 51-63.
In this research study, Daniel J. Jacob of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Harvard University and Darrell A. Winner from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigate the potential impact of climate change on air quality since it is influenced by weather. Other studies have studied this research question using a variety of methods including computer simulation models and the authors revisit these studies to analyze their results.
The authors primarily focus on two air pollutants which are surface ozone (oxidation of CO, methane, and non-methane volatile organic compounds by OH) and particular matter (sulfate, nitrate, organic carbon, elemental carbon, soil dust, and sea salt) and conclude that frequency of stagnation episodes over northern mid-latitudes continents will continue to decrease, resulting in degradation of air quality as a result of constant anthropogenic emissions. Similarly, rising temperatures are also expected to further deteriorate ozone air quality. This article also emphasizes the fact that current models are still inadequate and there is substantial room for developing more effective models. The language of the article makes it apparent that it has been aimed at professionals and student at the graduate level and above.
Miller, G. Tyler and Scott Spoolman. “Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion.” Environmental Science. 13th. Cengage Learning, January 1, 2010. 188-191.
The authors of Environmental Science have included an informational article at the end of the chapter 15 which informs the readers about the potential consequences of change in climate. The authors acknowledge the fact that climate change has always been there but what is alarming is the fact that it has never been so rapid as it was during the last century which gives us little time to be prepared. The authors state that a climate change of at least 4 degree centigrade will be devastating. One of the consequences may be a severe draught that may cover about 45 percent of the world”s land area by 2059. Similarly, the melting of ice and snow may also increase which will affect global air and water circulation patterns. Sea levels may also rise which means greater levels of economic and social threats to coastal areas. In addition, extreme weather conditions such as flooding and tropical storms may also increase in frequency and magnitude and the climate change will also negatively affect biodiversity. The article has been aimed at everyone and it”s easy-to-understand language makes it quite valuable in terms of raising awareness.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Causes of Climate Change. 21 July 2013
This information article is hosted on EPA website and it provides the background information into the causes of climate change. The article informs the readers that earth”s temperature depends on the balance between energy entering and leaving the planet”s sytem and human activities have been disturbing this balance, resulting in an average rise in temperatures. The article states that changes in climate change occurred due to natural causes prior to 1700 but after 1700, human activity has been a major contributor, especially emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The article makes use of diagrams and graphs to help readers better understand the trend and it takes a historical view of the climate change to persuade readers that human activity and not natural factors account for the global warming as opponents often claim. This article has been aimed at everyone as can be expected from a public agency which is tasked with enforcing environmental regulations.
- Jacob, Daniel J. and Darrell A. Winner. “Effect of climate change on air quality.” Atmospheric Environment 2009: 51-63.
- Miller, G. Tyler and Scott Spoolman. “Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion.” Environmental Science. 13th. Cengage Learning, January 1, 2010. 188-191.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Causes of Climate Change. 21 July 2013
