Russ Steele
Why does the press not challenge these pretend scientists? Oh, sorry dumb question!
A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, concludes that CO2-induced temperature increases will worsen ground-level ozone concentrations (the kind coming from power plants and exhaust pipes, not the kind that shields the Earth from UV rays). Higher concentrations of ground-level ozone threaten the health of millions of Americans, an impact that could cost the US $5.4 billion in 2020.
The report finds that in 2020, "climate change-induced ozone increases" could result in nearly half a million additional cases of "serious respiratory illnesses" and add more than $729 million to the state's health care costs.
There was this from KQED Climate Watch in reference to the report:
"California already has a big challenge in meeting air quality standards," said UCS senior engineer Don Anair. "The fact that the temperature is rising is going to make it even harder to meet those standards."
My emphasis added. How much harder is the question? While rising temperatures do increase chemical actions, they are not a big factor in the development of ground level ozone according to my discussion with Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District engineers. I asked Ed Duffek (NorCal Patriots Truth in Science Committee), who understands the physics of ozone creation for some help explaining the issue. Here is his response:
Topic: Your question on whether temperature or sunlight is the main factor in the production of ozone and thus smog:
Considering that most chemical reactions increase with an increase in temperature, we may conclude that there is a correlation in a sense. However, in the case of global warming the effect is minimal. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH 2005) lists the TLV for ozone at 0.05 ppm. A 3°F increase (such as 3% of 97–100°F) would only raise ozone from 0.100 ppm to 0.103 ppm.
The USEPA has declared that ground level ozone is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight (UV). Temperature is not mentioned in this definition, which appears to agree with your previous statements.
However, just like we hear of bad and good CO2 now we hear of back and good ozone. Global warmists claim world temperature increases will produce much more bad ozone and will lead to dire results.
Mary Nichols from CARB, 30 September 2010, spoke on“AB32, Preserving Life in the Foothills” and stressed that Nevada City has the highest level of ground level ozone in the country due to higher temperatures. A recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (USC) concluded that global warming will lead to 500,000 cases of serious respiratory illnesses and add $729million to California’s health care costs. (KQED Climate Watch, 2 June 2011.) As a result, UC is awarded $1billion per year for climate change research.
Instead of chasing renewables for years to come, can we consider a more scientific solution such as continuing to develop vehicle fuels that emit less nitrous oxides and VOCs.
I agree with Ed, let's solve the real problem, less VOCs, and not try to human generated CO2 and global warming to the creation of increased ozone. The science just does not support any strong connection, it is just more scares tactics by rent seeking scientists.
