Science and society test VII: Energy and environment

Abstract

Approximate numerical estimates are developed in order to quantify a variety of environmental effects that result from energy production. The results of these calculations are consistent with either direct observations or with more complex calculations. This paper will cover some of the possible environmental effects of the following: (1) the greenhouse effect caused by increased CO2 in the atmosphere; (2) loss of coolant accidents in nuclear reactors; (3) increased radon concentrations in buildings with very low air infiltration rates; (4) acid rain from the combustion of fossil fuels; (5) expolosions of liquified natural gas (LNG); and (6) ozone in the stratosphere.