environmental indicators Flashcards
What is environmental science and what does it study?
Environmental science is the study of the impacts of human activities on environmental systems. It examines how human actions, such as agriculture, mining, and pollution, affect the environment, including both natural and human-made systems.
What is an environmental system?
An environmental system is a set of living and nonliving components connected in such a way that changes in one part affect other parts. Examples include ecosystems, farms, and the Earth itself.
What is biodiversity?
Biological diversity refers to the variety of genes, species, habitats, and ecosystems on Earth. It measures the diversity of life and can indicate the environmental health of the planet.
How do human activities affect species extinction rates?
Human activities, especially habitat destruction, have greatly accelerated species extinction rates, causing them to be up to 100 times higher than natural extinction rates.
What is the current trend in global human population growth?
the growth rate is slowed from exponential growth. Will level off between 8 and 12 billion people by 2150
What is the main environmental concern associated with food production?
The main concern is the sustainability of food production. Intensive agricultural practices can lead to soil degradation, erosion, and pollution from fertilizers and pesticides.
What is the impact of resource consumption on the environment?
High resource consumption leads to the depletion of natural resources, increased pollution, and unsustainable practices, which harm ecosystems and the environment.
give an example of a pollutant and explain its impact
lead is a pollutant that can contaminate air, water, and soil. It is toxic to humans wildlife.