Question

Americans, which represent about 5% of the world population, get confirmation of about 50% of the worst automobile exhaust into the atmosphere. Which of the following best describes how adding an automobile exhaust to the atmosphere has affected the environment?

Answer 1

Automobile exhaust contributes to air pollution and smog, and vehicles are responsible for approximately 20% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to reduce vehicle emissions have been mandated by law, but ongoing challenges require both technological advancements and behavioral changes to mitigate environmental impact.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adding automobile exhaust to the atmosphere has significantly affected the environment. Motor vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution and the creation of smog, particularly in urban areas. These emissions contain harmful pollutants such as soot, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Additionally, vehicles produce about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with carbon dioxide being a principal greenhouse gas from vehicles.

Despite steps like the Clean Air Act requiring reductions in vehicle emissions and the introduction of catalytic converters, the consumption of fossil fuels for transportation continues to be a significant environmental challenge. Urban planning, alternative fuels, fuel efficiency, along with lifestyle changes such as telecommuting, use of public transportation, and walking, are necessary to mitigate the impact. Mitigating these effects involves both technological advancements and personal decisions that reduce our carbon footprint.