The World of Child 6 Billion
AIRPresentation Guide
Key Issues: Modes of transportation and their effect on air quality
Discussion Openers
1. What information is the graph presenting?
2. What conclusions can you make from the data provided?
3. Which of those conclusions are based on fact and which are inferred?
4. What further information would you need to test your conclusions?
view full-size graph
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Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Major Regions of the World [Graph 3] This graph shows the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per person from fossil fuel burning and cement manufacturing for major regions of the world. Combustion of fossil fuels and cement manufacturing are two major sources of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Fossil fuels supply approximately 90 percent of commercial energy worldwide.
- Energy-related emissions account for more than 80 percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere annually.
- On average worldwide, annual emissions doubled from two metric tons per person in 1950 to four metric tons per person in 1995.
- Carbon dioxide emissions per person are much higher in North America* than in any other region of the world.
- Even in Europe per capita emissions are less than one half the level for North America.
* Here, and on the World Population Data Sheet, North America refers only to Canada and the United States. |
Discussion
- What effect can air pollution have on Child 6 Billion (for example, health effects)?
- Examine the prevalence of fossil fuels and cement in your community by listing how they are used (for example, transportation and housing). Are less-polluting alternatives available? Are they practical?
- If you combine the data shown in graph 3 with population figures for the regions, what region has the highest overall amount of carbon dioxide emissions? (Regional population figures were found on the 2000 World Population Data Sheet) [Answer: Asia, followed by Europe and North America; the levels for Africa and South America are about one-tenth the magnitude of those for Asia; Central Americašs level is 60 percent that of South America; the total level of carbon dioxide emissions in Oceania is far below any other region.]
- Why are carbon dioxide emissions per person highest in North America?
- Where would you concentrate efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions? Is a reduction in levels necessary?
Other Topics for Extension
- What are the fuels you use for transportation? Are they available in country, or must they be imported?
- Research alternative modes of transportation to school or work. What are some of the environmental costs of each?
- Is air quality in your community monitored and reported (for example, in the newspaper or as part of the evening news weather forecast)? If not, should it be? Contact the local meteorological society or news media to follow up.
- Fossil fuels are burned to power vehicles and to heat and cool buildings. Are there alternative energy sources that could serve as well? Is there a need to pursue alternatives?
Sources: World Resources Institute, World Resources 1998-99; Population Reference Bureau, 2000 World Population Data Sheet.
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