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Assess the effects on the carbon cycle of incineration and landfill approaches to waste disposal in urban areas. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 3
Assess the effects on the carbon cycle of incineration and landfill approaches to waste disposal in urban areas.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the effects on the carbon cycle of incineration and landfill approaches to waste disposal in urban areas. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Assess the effects on the carbon cycle of incineration approaches.
Answer
Incineration involves burning waste materials, which releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the UK, for example, incinerators emitted approximately 11 million tonnes of CO2 in 2017, significantly contributing to atmospheric carbon levels. This process can have both positive and negative impacts: while it reduces the volume of waste and can generate energy through heat recovery, it also adds to the greenhouse gas emissions, thus impacting climate change. Moreover, incineration can diminish the carbon store that would exist if the waste were not burned, as this carbon is released rather than maintained within ecological systems.
Step 2
Assess the effects on the carbon cycle of landfill approaches.
Answer
Landfills, on the other hand, encapsulate waste in the ground, where organic materials decompose anaerobically, producing methane (CH4), which is a potent greenhouse gas. Landfills can contribute to carbon cycling by slowly releasing carbon over time, yet they also manage to sequester some carbon if the waste decomposes in an oxygen-limited environment. Methane emissions from landfills can be harnessed for energy, reducing the overall environmental impact. Landfill design and management significantly influence the extent of these carbon cycle changes. For instance, the protective measures implemented can reduce the escape of methane into the atmosphere, thus minimizing the impact on the carbon cycle. However, landfills present a long-term storage problem, as decomposing organic matter can release gases for years.
Step 3
Evaluate and compare incineration and landfill approaches.
Answer
Both incineration and landfill approaches have distinct effects on the carbon cycle. Incineration rapidly releases large quantities of CO2 but can generate energy, while landfills capture methane, which, when managed properly, can mitigate some greenhouse gas emissions. Each method interacts differently with the carbon cycle: incineration reduces carbon storage capacity, while landfills may temporarily store carbon but also release potent methane. A balanced waste management strategy may incorporate both methods, weighing environmental impacts and resource recovery for urban areas.