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Major Environmental Disasters

7 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

K

Krish Gupta

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

K

Krish Gupta

Why Do I Need to Know These?

  • On your AP exam in May, various multiple choice questions will often either directly or indirectly test your understanding of these disasters.

  • The College Board does not provide us with a list of required disasters that will be on the exam :( However, the CED does reference some disasters in some of the key concepts that you must learn for the course :) 

  • In this guide, we will outline what disasters you should know for the FRQ and MCQ sections of your AP Environmental Science Exam !!

    • These disasters and possible solutions/preventions may immensely help you to prepare for your Propose an Environmental Solution FRQ !

What Are These Major Environmental Disasters?

This is the list that we at Fiveable have created! While it would be helpful to have an understanding of other disasters, these are the 10 disasters you should focus on:

  1. Chernobyl, Ukraine (Unit 6)

  2. Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania (Unit 6)

  3. Fukushima, Japan (Unit 6)

  4. Kuwaiti Oil Fire, Kuwait (Unit 6)

  5. Exxon Valdez, Alaska (Unit 6)

  6. Great Smog, London (Unit 7)

  7. Bhopal, India (Unit 8)

  8. Love Canal, New York (Unit 8)

  9. Minamata Bay, Japan (Unit 8)

  10. Great Barrier Reef Bleaching, Australia, Pacific Ocean (Unit 9)

Unit 6 - Energy Resources - Disasters

Chernobyl, Ukraine

What Happened?

In 1986, the largest occurred in Chernobyl, USSR. During a safety check, there was a spark in power which led to a reactor vessel rupture and explosion where the roof blew off the building and released a radioactive cloud. A wide area surrounds Chernobyl, Ukraine in present-day where nobody tries to live due to the high rates of and defects of birth. There is a high around.

That radiation drifted to the west of the plant all the way from Russia towards Eastern then towards Western Europe. Since 1986, tons of kids in the thousands have been diagnosed with many different forms of , especially those within a twenty mile radius. The reactor involved, Reactor Number 4, has been sealed off with a concrete wall to prevent radiation from spreading. 

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Create for that allow frequent .

Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania

What Happened?

"Nuclear Nightmare," screamed the April 9, 1979, cover of TIME magazine.

In Three Mile Island Pennsylvania on March 28, 1979, near the major city of Harrisburg, PA, a nuclear reactor went into partial meltdown. The for water in the nuclear reactor broke and the non-nuclear cooling system of reactor 2 of the nuclear energy power-plant failed. This caused cooling water to drain away from the reactor resulting in partial melting of the reactor core. 

This partial , since it occurred in the USA, caused the country to go into a media feeding frenzy state where the public distrusted the government's control and regulation on nuclear reactors. In the USA, even today, nuclear energy is low on our portfolio because of the public fear associated with Three Mile Island.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Create for that allow frequent .

Fukushima Daiichi Reactor, Japan

What Happened?

On March 11, 2011, a huge 9.0 hit the coast of Japan causing a 15 meter tsunami to be created off the coast. The 15 meter tsunami caused 3 reactor’s cooling systems to be damaged as well as the power control supply to be damaged. Radioactive materials (the core of those 3 reactors) released tons of radiation around the .

The disaster caused radioactive materials to contaminate 11,580 square miles.

Land 12 miles from the power plant was considered and unfit for human habitation. The resulted in abandonment of cities.

Exxon Valdez, Alaska

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Exval.jpeg/250px-Exval.jpeg

Source: Wikipedia Commons

What Happened?

On March 24, 1989, in the Prince William Sound off the coast of Alaska, a large oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez, collided with the Blight Reef. The collision caused 10.8 million gallons of oil to be spilled into the Sound. This spill is considered the largest US in history. The oil spread almost 500 miles off of the spill site to go on to stain thousands of miles of coastline.

The spill also greatly reduced the biodiversity of the Sound. Hundreds of thousands of birds, fish, seals, otters and other animals would perish as a result of the oil in the water.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Require oil tankers to have where oil is stored. This would allow for a puncture in one wall to still have another layer of protection from oil spills.

Unit 7 - Air Pollution - Disasters

Great Smog, London

What Happened?

In the height of the in London, in December of 1952, gray (industrial) smog laid on top of the city of London so thick that many people died from . The winter of 1952 was unusually cold and caused additional and many people transported themselves only by car. This caused the smog with a combination of black soot, sticky particles of tar and gaseous sulphur dioxide. During December of 1952, a also occurred over the city of London. This resulted in the heaviest winter smog that ever occured in the history of Industrialization and Coal-Burning.

DON’T CONFUSE the smog (gray) of London with photochemical (brown) smog. is caused by NOx, NOT SOx from Coal Burning.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Introduce new revisions and amendments to the Clean Air Act. Require multiple kinds of scrubbers to filter out pollutants coming from Industrial Coal-Burning Factories.

Unit 8 - Aquatic/Terrestrial Pollution, Waste, and Toxicity - Disasters

Bhopal, India

What Happened?

A chemical plant in Bhopal, India had an due to a poisonous gas cloud escaping from that plant. The Union Carbide Pesticide Factory Poisonous Gas Cloud contained 45 tons of MIC, also known as methyl isocyanate, and the cloud covered over 30 square miles of land in and around Bhopal.

Thousands of people died within a few hours of the gas cloud escaping. In the next few months, about 15,000 more people died from complications. In total, about 500,000 people died or were severely injured by the poisonous gas cloud. A very very high number of children around Bhopal have been born and have lived with many different and defects. The Union Chemical Company paid over $1 billion in litigation as compensation to families that were affected.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Create government regulations that control the storage of hazardous chemicals. Also require that buildings that hold chemicals or other toxic substances be built to withstand an earthquake of a magnitude of >6.0 and other natural disasters.

Love Canal, New York

What Happened?

The Hooker Chemical Company buried about 21,000 tons of toxic industrial waste underground in Niagara Falls, New York in the early 1950s. By 1978, the Niagara Falls School District had built an elementary school that attracted many housing developments in the working class neighborhood of Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York. This neighborhood was built right on top of the buried toxic waste.

By 1978, the problem was very apparent. Hundreds of families sold their homes to the government to the federal government for pennies on the dollar. Everybody evacuated the area after concerns were found that many kids were suffering and from the chemicals under the ground. The chemicals contaminated the drinking water fountains in the school and got many families sick and killed many people.

How Did We Fix It?

We developed the to help pay for the cleanup of toxic waste sites that have been abandoned.

Minamata Bay, Japan

What Happened?

In 1956, many people in Minamata Bay, Japan were diagnosed with a new disease called . The symptoms included fatigue, convulsions, loss of motor functions, and slurred speech. A few years later, an investigation concluded that the disease was the result of industrial waste poisoning by the Chisso Corporation. Large amounts of mercury and other toxic heavy metals were found in the Bay’s Waterways and in the fish. Fish is a huge part of the Japanese diet, so many Minamatans got the bio-magnified to them through many types of fish from the bay.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

We could have created legislation that requires open ocean fisheries to check their fish for mercury levels before selling them at markets.

Unit 9 - Global Change - Disasters

Great Barrier Coral Reef Bleaching, Australia, Pacific Ocean

What Happened?

Right now, due to , coral reefs are becoming stressed and the algae that it depends for food and color die out. This is leaving an underlying white or bleached skeleton of calcium carbohydrate that makes the Coral “Bleached”. 10% of all of the world’s coral reefs are becoming bleached which causes them to die out leading to a loss of biodiversity at coral reefs in the ocean. Coral reefs are some of the most productive that have habitats for all sorts of different fish species. 

How Could We Have Fixed It?

We can reduce our burning of coal and we can increase our dependence on like Solar and Wind. Reducing the burning of coal as a fossil fuel allows for less SOx to be in the atmosphere which causes less acid rain to happen. Less acid rain will lead to less .

Key Terms to Review (51)

Acid Rain Prevention

: Acid rain prevention refers to the actions taken to reduce or eliminate the release of pollutants into the atmosphere that contribute to the formation of acid rain. These actions aim to mitigate the harmful effects of acid rain on ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure.

Aquatic Biomes

: Aquatic biomes refer to the different types of ecosystems found in water, including freshwater and marine environments. These biomes are characterized by their unique physical and chemical properties, as well as the diverse organisms that inhabit them.

Bio-magnification

: Bio-magnification is the process by which the concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical or heavy metal, increases in organisms as it moves up the food chain. This occurs because each organism consumes many smaller organisms that contain the substance, resulting in its accumulation and higher concentrations at higher trophic levels.

Biodiversity Loss

: Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of species within a particular habitat or on a global scale. It is primarily caused by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change.

Biodiversity reduction

: Biodiversity reduction refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of species within a particular ecosystem. It is caused by factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.

Birth defects

: Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that can affect various parts of the body. They may result from genetic factors, exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, or a combination of both.

Calcium Carbonate Skeleton

: A calcium carbonate skeleton refers to the hard structure formed by corals made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It provides support and protection for the soft tissues of corals.

Cancer

: Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade and destroy surrounding tissues, and they can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

CERCLA Superfund Disaster Program

: The CERCLA Superfund Disaster Program is a federal program in the United States that addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. It provides funding and resources to remediate contaminated areas and protect human health and the environment.

Clean Air Act amendments

: The Clean Air Act amendments are changes made to the original Clean Air Act, a federal law in the United States aimed at controlling air pollution. These amendments strengthened regulations on emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources to improve air quality and protect public health.

Coal combustion

: Coal combustion refers to the process of burning coal to produce heat or electricity. This process releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mercury.

Cooling system failure

: Cooling system failure refers to the malfunction or shutdown of a system designed to remove excess heat from industrial processes or equipment. This can lead to overheating and potential damage to the machinery.

Cooling systems damage

: Cooling systems damage refers to harm or impairment caused to cooling systems, such as those used in power plants or industrial facilities. It can occur due to various factors like mechanical failures, leaks, or natural disasters.

Coral Bleaching

: Coral bleaching occurs when coral reefs lose their vibrant colors due to stress, such as increased water temperatures or pollution. This can lead to the death of the coral if the stress is prolonged.

Double-layered walls

: Double-layered walls refer to an energy-efficient building design technique where two layers of walls are constructed with an air gap between them. This air gap acts as insulation, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.

Endocrine Disruption

: Endocrine disruption refers to the interference or alteration of the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in living organisms. Exposure to certain chemicals can disrupt hormone production and lead to various health issues, including reproductive problems and developmental disorders.

Exclusion zones

: Exclusion zones are designated areas around hazardous sites where access is restricted or prohibited due to safety concerns. These zones are established to protect people from potential dangers such as radiation, chemical spills, or natural disasters.

Exothermic reaction

: An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. During an exothermic reaction, the products have less energy than the reactants, resulting in a net release of heat.

Feed pump

: A feed pump is a device used in power plants to supply water or other fluids at high pressure into boilers or reactors. It helps maintain proper flow rates for efficient operation.

Fukushima Daiichi Reactor

: The Fukushima Daiichi Reactor refers to a nuclear power plant located in Japan that experienced a severe accident following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The disaster resulted in multiple reactor meltdowns, release of radioactive materials, and significant environmental contamination.

Government Inspections

: Government inspections are assessments conducted by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and safety standards. These inspections aim to identify potential violations, hazards, or risks in various industries or sectors.

Human Habitation Abandonment

: Human habitation abandonment refers to the process of people leaving and permanently vacating an area due to various reasons such as natural disasters, environmental degradation, or economic decline. It involves the complete desertion of homes, buildings, and infrastructure.

Industrial Revolution

: The Industrial Revolution refers to the period in history when there was a significant shift from manual labor-based economies to machine-based manufacturing processes. It began in Britain around the late 18th century and had profound social, economic, and environmental impacts worldwide.

Legislation for fisheries mercury check

: Legislation for fisheries mercury check refers to laws and regulations implemented to monitor and control mercury levels in fish caught for human consumption. These measures aim to ensure that fish populations are not contaminated with high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to human health.

Magnitude earthquake

: A magnitude earthquake refers to the measurement of the energy released during an earthquake. It is a numerical value that indicates the size and strength of the seismic event.

Mercury Poisoning

: Mercury poisoning occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of mercury in the body. It can lead to various health issues, including neurological problems, kidney damage, and developmental disorders.

Methyl isocyanate (MIC)

: Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a highly toxic and volatile chemical compound used in the production of pesticides, plastics, and other industrial products. Exposure to MIC can cause severe respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even death.

Minamata Disease

: Minamata Disease is a neurological disorder caused by long-term exposure to high levels of mercury. It leads to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and even severe damage to the nervous system.

Nuclear Energy disaster

: A nuclear energy disaster refers to a catastrophic event that occurs at a nuclear power plant, resulting in the release of large amounts of radioactive materials into the environment. These disasters can have severe consequences for human health and the surrounding ecosystem.

Nuclear meltdown

: A nuclear meltdown refers to a severe nuclear reactor accident where the reactor's core overheats, causing the fuel rods to melt. This can lead to the release of radioactive materials into the environment.

Nuclear Power Plants

: Nuclear power plants are facilities that generate electricity through nuclear reactions. These reactions involve splitting atoms (nuclear fission) or combining them (nuclear fusion) to release energy in the form of heat, which is then converted into electrical energy.

Ocean Acidification

: Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like burning fossil fuels dissolves into seawater and lowers its pH level. This decrease in pH makes seawater more acidic over time, harming marine life such as coral reefs and shellfish.

Oil Spill

: An oil spill is an accidental or deliberate release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment, typically occurring in water bodies such as oceans, rivers, or lakes. It can have severe ecological and economic consequences due to the toxic effects on marine life and ecosystems.

Oil Tanker Collision

: An oil tanker collision occurs when two or more large ships carrying oil collide with each other. This collision can result in significant damage to the vessels involved and can lead to oil spills into water bodies.

Photochemical smog

: Photochemical smog is an atmospheric condition caused by chemical reactions between sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It results in hazy, brownish-colored air containing high levels of ozone near ground level.

Poisonous gas cloud escape

: Poisonous gas cloud escape refers to an incident where toxic gases are accidentally released into the atmosphere due to leaks or accidents at industrial sites. These gas clouds pose serious risks to human health and can cause respiratory problems or even fatalities if exposed for prolonged periods.

Power control supply damage

: Power control supply damage refers to the destruction or impairment of the equipment responsible for regulating and distributing electrical power. This can occur due to various factors such as natural disasters, equipment failure, or human error.

Public Distrust

: Public distrust refers to skepticism or lack of confidence that individuals or communities may have towards government agencies, corporations, or institutions due to perceived dishonesty, incompetence, or lack of transparency.

Radiation level

: Radiation level refers to the amount of radiation present in a given area or emitted by a source. It is measured using units such as sieverts (Sv) or millisieverts (mSv) and helps assess potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation.

Radioactive materials release

: Radioactive materials release refers to the accidental or intentional discharge of substances that emit ionizing radiation into the environment. These releases can occur from nuclear accidents, improper handling of radioactive waste, or nuclear weapons testing.

Reactor Core Melting

: Reactor core melting refers to the catastrophic failure of a nuclear reactor's fuel rods, resulting in the melting of the radioactive material inside. This can lead to the release of dangerous radiation and contamination of the surrounding environment.

Renewable Energy Sources

: Renewable energy sources are forms of energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished over time. Unlike fossil fuels which deplete over time, renewable energy sources offer sustainable alternatives to meet our energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Respiratory illness

: Respiratory illness refers to a medical condition that affects the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Safety Regulations

: Safety regulations are rules and guidelines put in place to ensure the protection of people, property, and the environment from potential hazards or risks. They establish standards that must be followed to prevent accidents, injuries, or damage.

Scrubbers installation

: Scrubbers installation refers to the process of installing pollution control devices called scrubbers in industrial facilities, such as power plants or factories. These scrubbers help remove harmful pollutants from the emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

Smog composition

: Smog composition refers to the mixture of pollutants that make up smog, a type of air pollution. It typically includes ground-level ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals.

SOx Emissions Reduction

: SOx emissions reduction refers to efforts aimed at reducing the release of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. SOx emissions are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels, particularly those containing high levels of sulfur, and contribute to air pollution and acid rain.

Thermal inversion

: Thermal inversion refers to a weather condition where the normal temperature pattern in the atmosphere is reversed, with warm air being trapped above cooler air near the surface. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and smog in lower layers of the atmosphere.

Toxic Industrial Waste Burial

: Toxic industrial waste burial refers to the disposal method where hazardous materials generated by industries are buried underground. This practice aims to isolate and contain harmful waste materials to prevent them from contaminating soil, water sources, or affecting human health.

Toxic Substances Building Standards

: Toxic substances building standards are regulations and guidelines that aim to protect human health by setting limits on the amount of toxic chemicals allowed in buildings. These standards ensure that indoor air quality is maintained at safe levels and reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Tsunami damage

: Tsunami damage refers to the destruction caused by a tsunami, which is a series of large ocean waves triggered by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Major Environmental Disasters

7 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

K

Krish Gupta

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

K

Krish Gupta

Why Do I Need to Know These?

  • On your AP exam in May, various multiple choice questions will often either directly or indirectly test your understanding of these disasters.

  • The College Board does not provide us with a list of required disasters that will be on the exam :( However, the CED does reference some disasters in some of the key concepts that you must learn for the course :) 

  • In this guide, we will outline what disasters you should know for the FRQ and MCQ sections of your AP Environmental Science Exam !!

    • These disasters and possible solutions/preventions may immensely help you to prepare for your Propose an Environmental Solution FRQ !

What Are These Major Environmental Disasters?

This is the list that we at Fiveable have created! While it would be helpful to have an understanding of other disasters, these are the 10 disasters you should focus on:

  1. Chernobyl, Ukraine (Unit 6)

  2. Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania (Unit 6)

  3. Fukushima, Japan (Unit 6)

  4. Kuwaiti Oil Fire, Kuwait (Unit 6)

  5. Exxon Valdez, Alaska (Unit 6)

  6. Great Smog, London (Unit 7)

  7. Bhopal, India (Unit 8)

  8. Love Canal, New York (Unit 8)

  9. Minamata Bay, Japan (Unit 8)

  10. Great Barrier Reef Bleaching, Australia, Pacific Ocean (Unit 9)

Unit 6 - Energy Resources - Disasters

Chernobyl, Ukraine

What Happened?

In 1986, the largest occurred in Chernobyl, USSR. During a safety check, there was a spark in power which led to a reactor vessel rupture and explosion where the roof blew off the building and released a radioactive cloud. A wide area surrounds Chernobyl, Ukraine in present-day where nobody tries to live due to the high rates of and defects of birth. There is a high around.

That radiation drifted to the west of the plant all the way from Russia towards Eastern then towards Western Europe. Since 1986, tons of kids in the thousands have been diagnosed with many different forms of , especially those within a twenty mile radius. The reactor involved, Reactor Number 4, has been sealed off with a concrete wall to prevent radiation from spreading. 

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Create for that allow frequent .

Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania

What Happened?

"Nuclear Nightmare," screamed the April 9, 1979, cover of TIME magazine.

In Three Mile Island Pennsylvania on March 28, 1979, near the major city of Harrisburg, PA, a nuclear reactor went into partial meltdown. The for water in the nuclear reactor broke and the non-nuclear cooling system of reactor 2 of the nuclear energy power-plant failed. This caused cooling water to drain away from the reactor resulting in partial melting of the reactor core. 

This partial , since it occurred in the USA, caused the country to go into a media feeding frenzy state where the public distrusted the government's control and regulation on nuclear reactors. In the USA, even today, nuclear energy is low on our portfolio because of the public fear associated with Three Mile Island.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Create for that allow frequent .

Fukushima Daiichi Reactor, Japan

What Happened?

On March 11, 2011, a huge 9.0 hit the coast of Japan causing a 15 meter tsunami to be created off the coast. The 15 meter tsunami caused 3 reactor’s cooling systems to be damaged as well as the power control supply to be damaged. Radioactive materials (the core of those 3 reactors) released tons of radiation around the .

The disaster caused radioactive materials to contaminate 11,580 square miles.

Land 12 miles from the power plant was considered and unfit for human habitation. The resulted in abandonment of cities.

Exxon Valdez, Alaska

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Exval.jpeg/250px-Exval.jpeg

Source: Wikipedia Commons

What Happened?

On March 24, 1989, in the Prince William Sound off the coast of Alaska, a large oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez, collided with the Blight Reef. The collision caused 10.8 million gallons of oil to be spilled into the Sound. This spill is considered the largest US in history. The oil spread almost 500 miles off of the spill site to go on to stain thousands of miles of coastline.

The spill also greatly reduced the biodiversity of the Sound. Hundreds of thousands of birds, fish, seals, otters and other animals would perish as a result of the oil in the water.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Require oil tankers to have where oil is stored. This would allow for a puncture in one wall to still have another layer of protection from oil spills.

Unit 7 - Air Pollution - Disasters

Great Smog, London

What Happened?

In the height of the in London, in December of 1952, gray (industrial) smog laid on top of the city of London so thick that many people died from . The winter of 1952 was unusually cold and caused additional and many people transported themselves only by car. This caused the smog with a combination of black soot, sticky particles of tar and gaseous sulphur dioxide. During December of 1952, a also occurred over the city of London. This resulted in the heaviest winter smog that ever occured in the history of Industrialization and Coal-Burning.

DON’T CONFUSE the smog (gray) of London with photochemical (brown) smog. is caused by NOx, NOT SOx from Coal Burning.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Introduce new revisions and amendments to the Clean Air Act. Require multiple kinds of scrubbers to filter out pollutants coming from Industrial Coal-Burning Factories.

Unit 8 - Aquatic/Terrestrial Pollution, Waste, and Toxicity - Disasters

Bhopal, India

What Happened?

A chemical plant in Bhopal, India had an due to a poisonous gas cloud escaping from that plant. The Union Carbide Pesticide Factory Poisonous Gas Cloud contained 45 tons of MIC, also known as methyl isocyanate, and the cloud covered over 30 square miles of land in and around Bhopal.

Thousands of people died within a few hours of the gas cloud escaping. In the next few months, about 15,000 more people died from complications. In total, about 500,000 people died or were severely injured by the poisonous gas cloud. A very very high number of children around Bhopal have been born and have lived with many different and defects. The Union Chemical Company paid over $1 billion in litigation as compensation to families that were affected.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

Create government regulations that control the storage of hazardous chemicals. Also require that buildings that hold chemicals or other toxic substances be built to withstand an earthquake of a magnitude of >6.0 and other natural disasters.

Love Canal, New York

What Happened?

The Hooker Chemical Company buried about 21,000 tons of toxic industrial waste underground in Niagara Falls, New York in the early 1950s. By 1978, the Niagara Falls School District had built an elementary school that attracted many housing developments in the working class neighborhood of Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York. This neighborhood was built right on top of the buried toxic waste.

By 1978, the problem was very apparent. Hundreds of families sold their homes to the government to the federal government for pennies on the dollar. Everybody evacuated the area after concerns were found that many kids were suffering and from the chemicals under the ground. The chemicals contaminated the drinking water fountains in the school and got many families sick and killed many people.

How Did We Fix It?

We developed the to help pay for the cleanup of toxic waste sites that have been abandoned.

Minamata Bay, Japan

What Happened?

In 1956, many people in Minamata Bay, Japan were diagnosed with a new disease called . The symptoms included fatigue, convulsions, loss of motor functions, and slurred speech. A few years later, an investigation concluded that the disease was the result of industrial waste poisoning by the Chisso Corporation. Large amounts of mercury and other toxic heavy metals were found in the Bay’s Waterways and in the fish. Fish is a huge part of the Japanese diet, so many Minamatans got the bio-magnified to them through many types of fish from the bay.

How Could We Have Fixed It?

We could have created legislation that requires open ocean fisheries to check their fish for mercury levels before selling them at markets.

Unit 9 - Global Change - Disasters

Great Barrier Coral Reef Bleaching, Australia, Pacific Ocean

What Happened?

Right now, due to , coral reefs are becoming stressed and the algae that it depends for food and color die out. This is leaving an underlying white or bleached skeleton of calcium carbohydrate that makes the Coral “Bleached”. 10% of all of the world’s coral reefs are becoming bleached which causes them to die out leading to a loss of biodiversity at coral reefs in the ocean. Coral reefs are some of the most productive that have habitats for all sorts of different fish species. 

How Could We Have Fixed It?

We can reduce our burning of coal and we can increase our dependence on like Solar and Wind. Reducing the burning of coal as a fossil fuel allows for less SOx to be in the atmosphere which causes less acid rain to happen. Less acid rain will lead to less .

Key Terms to Review (51)

Acid Rain Prevention

: Acid rain prevention refers to the actions taken to reduce or eliminate the release of pollutants into the atmosphere that contribute to the formation of acid rain. These actions aim to mitigate the harmful effects of acid rain on ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure.

Aquatic Biomes

: Aquatic biomes refer to the different types of ecosystems found in water, including freshwater and marine environments. These biomes are characterized by their unique physical and chemical properties, as well as the diverse organisms that inhabit them.

Bio-magnification

: Bio-magnification is the process by which the concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical or heavy metal, increases in organisms as it moves up the food chain. This occurs because each organism consumes many smaller organisms that contain the substance, resulting in its accumulation and higher concentrations at higher trophic levels.

Biodiversity Loss

: Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of species within a particular habitat or on a global scale. It is primarily caused by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change.

Biodiversity reduction

: Biodiversity reduction refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of species within a particular ecosystem. It is caused by factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.

Birth defects

: Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that can affect various parts of the body. They may result from genetic factors, exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, or a combination of both.

Calcium Carbonate Skeleton

: A calcium carbonate skeleton refers to the hard structure formed by corals made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It provides support and protection for the soft tissues of corals.

Cancer

: Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade and destroy surrounding tissues, and they can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

CERCLA Superfund Disaster Program

: The CERCLA Superfund Disaster Program is a federal program in the United States that addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. It provides funding and resources to remediate contaminated areas and protect human health and the environment.

Clean Air Act amendments

: The Clean Air Act amendments are changes made to the original Clean Air Act, a federal law in the United States aimed at controlling air pollution. These amendments strengthened regulations on emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources to improve air quality and protect public health.

Coal combustion

: Coal combustion refers to the process of burning coal to produce heat or electricity. This process releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mercury.

Cooling system failure

: Cooling system failure refers to the malfunction or shutdown of a system designed to remove excess heat from industrial processes or equipment. This can lead to overheating and potential damage to the machinery.

Cooling systems damage

: Cooling systems damage refers to harm or impairment caused to cooling systems, such as those used in power plants or industrial facilities. It can occur due to various factors like mechanical failures, leaks, or natural disasters.

Coral Bleaching

: Coral bleaching occurs when coral reefs lose their vibrant colors due to stress, such as increased water temperatures or pollution. This can lead to the death of the coral if the stress is prolonged.

Double-layered walls

: Double-layered walls refer to an energy-efficient building design technique where two layers of walls are constructed with an air gap between them. This air gap acts as insulation, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.

Endocrine Disruption

: Endocrine disruption refers to the interference or alteration of the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in living organisms. Exposure to certain chemicals can disrupt hormone production and lead to various health issues, including reproductive problems and developmental disorders.

Exclusion zones

: Exclusion zones are designated areas around hazardous sites where access is restricted or prohibited due to safety concerns. These zones are established to protect people from potential dangers such as radiation, chemical spills, or natural disasters.

Exothermic reaction

: An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. During an exothermic reaction, the products have less energy than the reactants, resulting in a net release of heat.

Feed pump

: A feed pump is a device used in power plants to supply water or other fluids at high pressure into boilers or reactors. It helps maintain proper flow rates for efficient operation.

Fukushima Daiichi Reactor

: The Fukushima Daiichi Reactor refers to a nuclear power plant located in Japan that experienced a severe accident following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The disaster resulted in multiple reactor meltdowns, release of radioactive materials, and significant environmental contamination.

Government Inspections

: Government inspections are assessments conducted by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and safety standards. These inspections aim to identify potential violations, hazards, or risks in various industries or sectors.

Human Habitation Abandonment

: Human habitation abandonment refers to the process of people leaving and permanently vacating an area due to various reasons such as natural disasters, environmental degradation, or economic decline. It involves the complete desertion of homes, buildings, and infrastructure.

Industrial Revolution

: The Industrial Revolution refers to the period in history when there was a significant shift from manual labor-based economies to machine-based manufacturing processes. It began in Britain around the late 18th century and had profound social, economic, and environmental impacts worldwide.

Legislation for fisheries mercury check

: Legislation for fisheries mercury check refers to laws and regulations implemented to monitor and control mercury levels in fish caught for human consumption. These measures aim to ensure that fish populations are not contaminated with high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to human health.

Magnitude earthquake

: A magnitude earthquake refers to the measurement of the energy released during an earthquake. It is a numerical value that indicates the size and strength of the seismic event.

Mercury Poisoning

: Mercury poisoning occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of mercury in the body. It can lead to various health issues, including neurological problems, kidney damage, and developmental disorders.

Methyl isocyanate (MIC)

: Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a highly toxic and volatile chemical compound used in the production of pesticides, plastics, and other industrial products. Exposure to MIC can cause severe respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even death.

Minamata Disease

: Minamata Disease is a neurological disorder caused by long-term exposure to high levels of mercury. It leads to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and even severe damage to the nervous system.

Nuclear Energy disaster

: A nuclear energy disaster refers to a catastrophic event that occurs at a nuclear power plant, resulting in the release of large amounts of radioactive materials into the environment. These disasters can have severe consequences for human health and the surrounding ecosystem.

Nuclear meltdown

: A nuclear meltdown refers to a severe nuclear reactor accident where the reactor's core overheats, causing the fuel rods to melt. This can lead to the release of radioactive materials into the environment.

Nuclear Power Plants

: Nuclear power plants are facilities that generate electricity through nuclear reactions. These reactions involve splitting atoms (nuclear fission) or combining them (nuclear fusion) to release energy in the form of heat, which is then converted into electrical energy.

Ocean Acidification

: Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like burning fossil fuels dissolves into seawater and lowers its pH level. This decrease in pH makes seawater more acidic over time, harming marine life such as coral reefs and shellfish.

Oil Spill

: An oil spill is an accidental or deliberate release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment, typically occurring in water bodies such as oceans, rivers, or lakes. It can have severe ecological and economic consequences due to the toxic effects on marine life and ecosystems.

Oil Tanker Collision

: An oil tanker collision occurs when two or more large ships carrying oil collide with each other. This collision can result in significant damage to the vessels involved and can lead to oil spills into water bodies.

Photochemical smog

: Photochemical smog is an atmospheric condition caused by chemical reactions between sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It results in hazy, brownish-colored air containing high levels of ozone near ground level.

Poisonous gas cloud escape

: Poisonous gas cloud escape refers to an incident where toxic gases are accidentally released into the atmosphere due to leaks or accidents at industrial sites. These gas clouds pose serious risks to human health and can cause respiratory problems or even fatalities if exposed for prolonged periods.

Power control supply damage

: Power control supply damage refers to the destruction or impairment of the equipment responsible for regulating and distributing electrical power. This can occur due to various factors such as natural disasters, equipment failure, or human error.

Public Distrust

: Public distrust refers to skepticism or lack of confidence that individuals or communities may have towards government agencies, corporations, or institutions due to perceived dishonesty, incompetence, or lack of transparency.

Radiation level

: Radiation level refers to the amount of radiation present in a given area or emitted by a source. It is measured using units such as sieverts (Sv) or millisieverts (mSv) and helps assess potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation.

Radioactive materials release

: Radioactive materials release refers to the accidental or intentional discharge of substances that emit ionizing radiation into the environment. These releases can occur from nuclear accidents, improper handling of radioactive waste, or nuclear weapons testing.

Reactor Core Melting

: Reactor core melting refers to the catastrophic failure of a nuclear reactor's fuel rods, resulting in the melting of the radioactive material inside. This can lead to the release of dangerous radiation and contamination of the surrounding environment.

Renewable Energy Sources

: Renewable energy sources are forms of energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished over time. Unlike fossil fuels which deplete over time, renewable energy sources offer sustainable alternatives to meet our energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Respiratory illness

: Respiratory illness refers to a medical condition that affects the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Safety Regulations

: Safety regulations are rules and guidelines put in place to ensure the protection of people, property, and the environment from potential hazards or risks. They establish standards that must be followed to prevent accidents, injuries, or damage.

Scrubbers installation

: Scrubbers installation refers to the process of installing pollution control devices called scrubbers in industrial facilities, such as power plants or factories. These scrubbers help remove harmful pollutants from the emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

Smog composition

: Smog composition refers to the mixture of pollutants that make up smog, a type of air pollution. It typically includes ground-level ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals.

SOx Emissions Reduction

: SOx emissions reduction refers to efforts aimed at reducing the release of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. SOx emissions are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels, particularly those containing high levels of sulfur, and contribute to air pollution and acid rain.

Thermal inversion

: Thermal inversion refers to a weather condition where the normal temperature pattern in the atmosphere is reversed, with warm air being trapped above cooler air near the surface. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and smog in lower layers of the atmosphere.

Toxic Industrial Waste Burial

: Toxic industrial waste burial refers to the disposal method where hazardous materials generated by industries are buried underground. This practice aims to isolate and contain harmful waste materials to prevent them from contaminating soil, water sources, or affecting human health.

Toxic Substances Building Standards

: Toxic substances building standards are regulations and guidelines that aim to protect human health by setting limits on the amount of toxic chemicals allowed in buildings. These standards ensure that indoor air quality is maintained at safe levels and reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Tsunami damage

: Tsunami damage refers to the destruction caused by a tsunami, which is a series of large ocean waves triggered by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.