How does urbanization contribute to climate change?
Select all that apply.
A) Air pollution is worse in cities where industrial factories are close to each other. The air pollution alters the heating and cooling of the atmosphere.
B) Building materials used in urban areas cause more reflection of light. This cools urban areas as well as Earth.
C) Urban areas produce little car exhaust. This helps absorb less heat, causing the Earth to cool.
D) Intense heat waves cause urban dwellers to use more energy to cool their homes. This increased use of energy affects climate change.
The correct answers are A) and D).
A) Air pollution is worse in cities due to the concentration of industrial factories and vehicles in close proximity. The emissions from these sources release greenhouse gases and pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These pollutants trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, intensifying climate change.
To find this answer, one can analyze the impact of industrial factories and vehicle emissions on air pollution and climate change in urban areas. Researching studies and data on air pollution levels in cities and their effects on the atmosphere would provide evidence for the contribution of urbanization to climate change.
D) Intense heat waves, which are common in urban areas due to factors like the urban heat island effect (the phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas), lead to increased energy consumption for cooling purposes. As people use air conditioning and other cooling devices more frequently during heatwaves, the demand for electricity rises. This increased energy consumption often comes from fossil fuel-based power plants, which release additional greenhouse gas emissions and further contribute to climate change.
To arrive at this answer, one needs to examine the relationship between heatwaves, energy consumption, and climate change in urban areas. Studies on the impact of heatwaves on energy usage patterns, analysis of electricity demand during extreme weather conditions, and research on the sources of energy used for cooling can provide evidence of urbanization's contribution to climate change through increased energy consumption during heatwaves.