UNIT 3

THE GREEN MOVEMENT
READIN
G

BLACK CARBON POLLUTION

SOOT

soot [sut] (n) bồ hóng, bụi than

['di:zl 'vi:hikl] xe động cơ diesel

['ɑ:ktik] tan chảy băng ở Bắc Cực

melting of the arctic

Activity 1: Match the pictures with the
appropriate phrases

Activity 2: Choose the appropriate heading
for each paragraph
a.  Soot and global warming
b.  The effect of soot on human health
c.  The origin of soot
d.  Ways to reduce soot emissions 

Nowadays we know a lot about the link between carbon
dioxide (C02) emissions and global warming. However, we
seem to be unaware of one very dangerous pollutant, soot
also called black carbon.
c.  The origin of soot
1.________
Soot comes from the incomplete combustion or coal, oil,
wood and other fuels. In other words diesel engines, vehicle
exhaust pipes, farming machines, construction equipment, or
simply fires in grills, fireplaces, and stoves are potential
sources of soot. It appears in our daily life and can easily
affect every one of us.

a.  Soot and global warming
2._______
Soot like all black things absorbs sunlight and heats
up the atmosphere. According to recent research, it is
the second most damaging greenhouse gas after C02,
and twice as harmful to the climate. Although black
carbon remains in the atmosphere for no more than
seven days it is particularly damaging to frozen areas.
Soot emissions might be responsible for the quick
melting of the Arctic. Controlling black carbon can
help to slow down global warming.

b.  The effect of soot on human health
3._______
Soot does not only have an impact on globs warming
and climate change, but is also unhealthy. A soot
particle is very tiny - smaller than dust and mould,
and about 1/30 the width of a human hair. It can
easily go into our bloodstream and lungs via the nose
and throat.  As a result, breathing in the tiny particles
car cause asthma attacks, heart disease, bronchitis and
many other respiratory illnesses.

d.  Ways to reduce soot emissions
4._______
Large quantities of man-made soot enter the atmosphere
every year. The effects are most damaging regionally,
especially in South and East Asia, Latin America and
parts of Africa. In developing countries, reducing soot
emissions can be achieved by replacing traditional
stoves with clean, alternative fuel cookers and heaters.
Installation of filters to remove black carbon from
diesel vehicles can also reduce soot. Changing to
electric or hydrogen vehicles will also reduce the
impact on the environment.
• In conclusion, reducing black carbon will have
immediate benefits in slowing down global warming
and the melting of the Arctic snow and ice. It would
also prevent many soot-related deaths and illnesses.

Activity 3: Complete the sentences with no
more than 5 words.
know little about soot.
oil, wood, and
other fuels.
second most damaging greenhouse gas
smaller than dust and mould/very tiny.

clean, alternative fuel stoves

Activity 4: Discussion. Question: Are soot emissions a
problem in your community in Vietnam in general?

• the effect of soot on the environment and
human health
• Soot does not only have an impact on
globs warming and climate change, but is
also unhealthy. 
• It can easily go into our bloodstream and
lungs via the nose and throat.  As a result,
breathing in the tiny particles can cause a
asthma attacks, heart disease, bronchitis
and many other respiratory illnesses.

Consolidation

soot emission

absorb sunlight

heat up the atmosphere

SOOT POLLUTION
The origin of soot

Soot and global warming
The effect of food
on human health

CONTENT
Ways to reduce
soot emission

THANK YOU FOR
YOUR ATTENTION