Air Pollution, Climate Justice, and Civic Engagement Through Case Studies
Explore the impact of air pollution through case studies on Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, wildfire smoke in Washington, and air quality concerns in September 2020. Delve into the chemical forms of matter present, reactions, and possible solutions to combat PM2.5 and CO2 pollution. Discover the importance of civic engagement and learn how to address these environmental challenges effectively.
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Presentation Transcript
Introduction to Air Pollution, Climate Justice, and Civic Engagement
Case Study: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia As we watch the documentary (24 minutes), write down and be prepared to share (on Jamboard): 1. Your thoughts and reactions as you watched this documentary. (Can be anything!) 2. Related chemistry: What do you know? What do you have questions about or want to know about the chemistry? 3. What chemical (atom, molecule, ion, ionic compound) and physical (solid, liquid, gas, dissolved) forms of matter are present? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUNuHxrd7Y0
Wildfire Smoke in Washington This type of pollution affects us! September 2020, wildfire smoke from eastern WA and especially CA and OR came to western WA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3-uj_aHoI 2015, 2017, and 2018 were also smokier than average years. This is our climate future
Wildfire Smoke in Washington Climate refugees were evacuated just to our south near Bonnie lake and Sumner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DOtPzxzuJw People experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected by wildfire smoke locally: https://grist.org/housing/homeless- people-air-quality-canadian- wildfires/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=news letter&utm_campaign=daily
September 19, 2020 WA Air Quality Purple Air Sensors (https://www.purpleair.com/map?opt=1/mAQI/a10/cC4#1.71/27.8/-64) CBS News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hMhNB0OsJ8
What to do? So we can all just stay inside, right ? Nope. !!! Nature Sustainability, August 2019, open source available online: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-019-0323-1
Solutions to PM 2.5 and CO2 Pollution Carbon capture removes CO2 from the atmosphere: https://www.squamishchief.com/local-news/is- squamishs-carbon-capture-technology-the-solution- to-climate-change-3349684 Box fans filter PM 2.5 out of the air: (1)Civic engagement example: https://southseattleemerald.com/2021/07/13/pr eparing-for-wildfire-smoke-in-south-seattle-this- summer/ (2)How box fans work (video): https://pscleanair.gov/525/DIY-Air-Filter
Chemical Forms of Matter What chemical forms of matter are present in this case study? Select all that apply. (1)atoms (neutral) (2)ions (charged) (3)ionic compounds (4)molecules
Physical Forms of Matter What physical forms of matter are present in this case study? Select all that apply. (1)solid (s) (2)liquid (l) (3)gas (g) (4)dissolved (aq)
Identifying Possible Chemical Forms Is the chemical a compound? yes no Are the elements metals or nonmetals? Is it a noble gas? yes no Two of same nonmetal? nonmetals metal + nonmetal neutral atom molecule ionic yes yes no compound Is it an acid? ion no
Identifying Possible Physical Forms gas Boiling point liquid Melting point solid Look up melting points and boiling points for chemicals using the PubChem Online Database: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Civic Engagement Ideas for Communities Affected By Pollutants Civic and Community Engagement Action Ideas Policy Vote Encourage or register, others to vote Contact government officials Canvassing Volunteer for a campaign Raise funds for a campaign Attend Lobby Days at state or federal capital Testify and public comment (written or in- person) Participate in city or county council meetings Run for political office Join or advise government council or task force Outreach Talk with friends or family Create PSA videos, articles, or comments for social media or publication (Medium, Tic-Toc, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, new Wikipedia page or add to one, etc) Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor Community problem solving Organize or educate your community Contact the media Protest Organize or join a protest Sign or organize petitions Take part or organize boycotts Participate in peaceful direct action Create art, fashion, music, or film, for protest Create or display buttons, logos, signs, stickers Volunteer Volunteer in a community organization Active member in a group or organization Participate in a fundraising run/walk/event Collect or donate food and goods Advise or Join the board of an organization List originally created by Sapan Parekh, RISE Learning Institute, Bellevue College (2019). A few additional ideas from faculty workshops at Bellevue College, University of Washington, and Seattle Colleges have been added.
