Environmental Chemistry

1. Global Environmental Issues
   1. Climate Change
      1. Greenhouse Gases
         1. Major greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, N2O, H2O vapor
         2. Anthropogenic sources
            1. Fossil fuel combustion
            2. Deforestation
            3. Agricultural practices
         3. Natural sources
            1. Volcanic eruptions
            2. Respiration and decomposition
         4. Effects on global temperature and weather patterns
            1. Global warming
            2. Extreme weather events
      2. Climate Feedback Mechanisms
         1. Positive feedback loops
            1. Melting ice and albedo effect
            2. Permafrost thaw and methane release
         2. Negative feedback loops
            1. Increased plant growth and carbon sequestration
      3. Mitigation Strategies
         1. Renewable energy adoption
         2. Carbon capture and storage
         3. Reforestation and afforestation
      4. International Agreements
         1. Paris Agreement goals and targets
         2. Role of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
   2. Ozone Layer Depletion
      1. Chemical Contributions
         1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons
         2. Bromine and chlorine emissions
      2. Stratospheric vs. Tropospheric Ozone
         1. Differences in effects and importance
      3. Ecological and Human Health Impacts
         1. Increased UV radiation exposure
         2. Effects on skin health, marine ecosystems, and agriculture
      4. Mitigation and Recovery Efforts
         1. Montreal Protocol and its amendments
         2. Alternates to CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances
   3. Ocean Acidification
      1. Causes and Chemical Processes
         1. Absorption of atmospheric CO2 by oceans
         2. Formation of carbonic acid
      2. Impact on Marine Life
         1. Effect on carbonate ions and shell-forming organisms
         2. Coral bleaching and its ecological consequences
      3. Long-term Environmental Impacts
         1. Disruption of marine food chains
         2. Changes in oceanic chemical balances
   4. Acid Rain and Deposition
      1. Formation and Chemical Reactions
         1. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere
         2. Formation of sulfuric and nitric acids
      2. Environmental Impacts
         1. Acidification of lakes and streams
         2. Soil nutrient depletion
         3. Damage to vegetation and wildlife
      3. Mitigation Strategies
         1. Emission reduction technologies
         2. Policy measures and international cooperation
   5. Overall Impact of Global Environmental Issues
      1. Interconnectedness of environmental systems
      2. Importance of multidisciplinary approaches to solutions
      3. Role of public education and grassroots movements in effecting change
      4. Economic and social challenges in implementing global solutions