Flashcards on Environmental Issues and Sustainability
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What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere, due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface. It is a natural process that is necessary for supporting life on Earth.
What are the major causes of air pollution?
The major causes of air pollution include emissions from industries and vehicles, burning of fossil fuels, agricultural activities, and the release of pollutants from household products and chemicals.
What is deforestation and why is it a concern?
Deforestation refers to the clearing, destroying, or removal of forests. It is a concern because it leads to habitat loss, loss of biodiversity, contributes to climate change, and disrupts the water cycle.
What is the ozone layer and why is it important?
The ozone layer is a layer of ozone molecules located in the Earth's stratosphere. It plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
What are renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that can be replenished naturally and are considered environmentally friendly. Examples include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, and geothermal energy.
What is biodiversity and why is it important?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. It is important because it supports ecosystem stability, provides resources for human use, and has intrinsic value.
What are the effects of water pollution?
Water pollution can lead to the contamination of drinking water sources, the destruction of aquatic ecosystems, the decline of fish populations, and the spread of waterborne diseases.
What is climate change and how is it impacting the environment?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, winds, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. It is impacting the environment by causing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, loss of habitats, and shifts in ecosystems.
What are the benefits of recycling?
Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, saves energy, reduces pollution, and helps mitigate climate change.
What is overfishing and why is it a problem?
Overfishing refers to the excessive harvesting of fish from oceans and other bodies of water. It is a problem because it leads to the depletion of fish populations, disrupts marine ecosystems, and threatens the livelihoods of fishing communities.
What is the concept of sustainable development?
Sustainable development is a mode of human development in which resource use aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment for future generations. It involves balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
What is the role of individuals in promoting sustainability?
Individuals can promote sustainability by conserving resources, reducing waste, adopting environmentally-friendly practices and behaviors, supporting sustainable businesses, and advocating for environmental protection.
What are the consequences of soil erosion?
Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, reduced agricultural productivity, increased water pollution, and land degradation. It can also contribute to desertification and the destruction of habitats.
What is the Paris Agreement and why is it significant?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at combating climate change. It sets out goals to limit global warming, increase adaptive capacity, and facilitate financial flows to support climate action. It is significant because it represents a global commitment to addressing climate change.
What are the benefits of using sustainable transportation?
Using sustainable transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public transportation, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, alleviate traffic congestion, promote physical activity, and save money on fuel costs.
What are the main sources of plastic pollution in the oceans?
The main sources of plastic pollution in the oceans include single-use plastics, plastic packaging, improper waste disposal, and microplastics from products like synthetic clothing and personal care items.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere, due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface. It is a natural process that is necessary for supporting life on Earth.
What are the major causes of air pollution?
The major causes of air pollution include emissions from industries and vehicles, burning of fossil fuels, agricultural activities, and the release of pollutants from household products and chemicals.
What is deforestation and why is it a concern?
Deforestation refers to the clearing, destroying, or removal of forests. It is a concern because it leads to habitat loss, loss of biodiversity, contributes to climate change, and disrupts the water cycle.
What is the ozone layer and why is it important?
The ozone layer is a layer of ozone molecules located in the Earth's stratosphere. It plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
What are renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that can be replenished naturally and are considered environmentally friendly. Examples include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, and geothermal energy.
What is biodiversity and why is it important?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. It is important because it supports ecosystem stability, provides resources for human use, and has intrinsic value.
What are the effects of water pollution?
Water pollution can lead to the contamination of drinking water sources, the destruction of aquatic ecosystems, the decline of fish populations, and the spread of waterborne diseases.
What is climate change and how is it impacting the environment?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, winds, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. It is impacting the environment by causing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, loss of habitats, and shifts in ecosystems.
What are the benefits of recycling?
Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, saves energy, reduces pollution, and helps mitigate climate change.
What is overfishing and why is it a problem?
Overfishing refers to the excessive harvesting of fish from oceans and other bodies of water. It is a problem because it leads to the depletion of fish populations, disrupts marine ecosystems, and threatens the livelihoods of fishing communities.
What is the concept of sustainable development?
Sustainable development is a mode of human development in which resource use aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment for future generations. It involves balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
What is the role of individuals in promoting sustainability?
Individuals can promote sustainability by conserving resources, reducing waste, adopting environmentally-friendly practices and behaviors, supporting sustainable businesses, and advocating for environmental protection.
What are the consequences of soil erosion?
Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, reduced agricultural productivity, increased water pollution, and land degradation. It can also contribute to desertification and the destruction of habitats.
What is the Paris Agreement and why is it significant?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at combating climate change. It sets out goals to limit global warming, increase adaptive capacity, and facilitate financial flows to support climate action. It is significant because it represents a global commitment to addressing climate change.
What are the benefits of using sustainable transportation?
Using sustainable transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public transportation, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, alleviate traffic congestion, promote physical activity, and save money on fuel costs.
What are the main sources of plastic pollution in the oceans?
The main sources of plastic pollution in the oceans include single-use plastics, plastic packaging, improper waste disposal, and microplastics from products like synthetic clothing and personal care items.