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SOK ENV > Environmental Issues > Flashcards

Environmental Issues Flashcards

1
Q

Environmental Issues

A

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Impact of Tourism, Land Degradation, Pollution, The Sea and Marine Environments, Urbanization, Waste Management, Water Resources

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2
Q

Biodiversity: Ecosystem Services

A

Biodiversity is critical for the provision of ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

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3
Q

Biodiversity: Habitat Loss

A

Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion are major drivers of habitat loss, leading to declines in biodiversity.

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4
Q

Biodiversity: Endangered Species

A

Many species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and over-exploitation.

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5
Q

Biodiversity: Conservation Strategies

A

Protected areas, such as national parks, and conservation programs like breeding and reintroduction efforts are crucial for preserving biodiversity.

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6
Q

Biodiversity: Biodiversity Hotspots

A

Areas like the Amazon rainforest and the Coral Triangle are rich in biodiversity but face significant threats from human activities.

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7
Q

Climate Change: Greenhouse Gases

A

The accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO2 and methane in the atmosphere is the primary driver of global climate change.

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8
Q

Climate Change: Global Warming

A

The increase in global temperatures due to climate change has led to more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.

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9
Q

Climate Change: Sea-Level Rise

A

Melting polar ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

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10
Q

Climate Change: Carbon Footprint

A

The measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by human activities is a key focus for climate mitigation efforts.

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11
Q

Climate Change: Climate Adaptation

A

Strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change include building resilient infrastructure and developing drought-resistant crops.

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12
Q

Impact of Tourism: Environmental Degradation

A

Mass tourism can lead to environmental degradation, including pollution, habitat destruction, and increased waste generation.

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13
Q

Impact of Tourism: Resource Consumption

A

Tourism often places a heavy burden on local resources, such as water and energy, leading to shortages and environmental stress.

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14
Q

Impact of Tourism: Sustainable Tourism

A

Practices such as eco-tourism and responsible travel are designed to minimize the environmental impact of tourism while benefiting local communities.

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15
Q

Impact of Tourism: Cultural Impact

A

Tourism can lead to the commodification of local cultures, potentially eroding traditional practices and values.

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16
Q

Impact of Tourism: Regulation

A

Many countries have implemented regulations to manage tourism’s impact on the environment, such as limiting visitor numbers in sensitive areas.

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17
Q

Land Degradation: Desertification

A

The process of fertile land transforming into desert, often due to deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices, is a significant issue in arid and semi-arid regions.

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18
Q

Land Degradation: Soil Erosion

A

Land degradation often leads to soil erosion, where the topsoil is worn away, reducing the land’s agricultural productivity.

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19
Q

Land Degradation: Deforestation

A

The clearing of forests for agriculture or development is a major cause of land degradation and loss of biodiversity.

20
Q

Land Degradation: Sustainable Agriculture

A

Techniques such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation tillage can help prevent land degradation and restore degraded lands.

21
Q

Land Degradation: Land Restoration

A

Efforts to restore degraded lands include reforestation, the establishment of conservation areas, and soil conservation measures.

22
Q

Pollution: Air Pollution

A

Caused by emissions from vehicles, industries, and agriculture, air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases and climate change.

23
Q

Pollution: Water Pollution

A

Contaminants such as industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff pollute water bodies, harming aquatic life and human health.

24
Q

Pollution: Soil Pollution

A

Chemicals from pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste contaminate soils, reducing agricultural productivity and posing health risks.

25
Q

Pollution: Noise Pollution

A

Urbanization and industrialization have led to increased noise levels, affecting both human health and wildlife.

26
Q

Pollution: Plastic Pollution

A

The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, poses significant threats to marine life and ecosystems.

27
Q

The Sea and Marine Environments: Overfishing

A

Over-exploitation of fish stocks threatens marine biodiversity and food security for communities that rely on fishing.

28
Q

The Sea and Marine Environments: Coral Reefs

A

Coral reefs, which are vital to marine biodiversity, are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices.

29
Q

The Sea and Marine Environments: Marine Pollution

A

Pollution, especially from plastic waste and oil spills, severely impacts marine life and ecosystems.

30
Q

The Sea and Marine Environments: Marine Protected Areas

A

These are designated regions where human activity is restricted to conserve marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

31
Q

The Sea and Marine Environments: Ocean Acidification

A

The absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 by oceans leads to acidification, affecting marine organisms, especially those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.

32
Q

Urbanization: Urban Sprawl

A

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding natural environments leads to habitat destruction and increased pollution.

33
Q

Urbanization: Infrastructure Development

A

Urbanization requires extensive infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, which can disrupt natural ecosystems and contribute to environmental degradation.

34
Q

Urbanization: Heat Islands

A

Urban areas tend to be warmer than their rural surroundings due to the concentration of buildings and human activities, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.

35
Q

Urbanization: Sustainable Urban Planning

A

Incorporating green spaces, efficient public transport, and sustainable building practices helps mitigate the environmental impact of urbanization.

36
Q

Urbanization: Waste Management

A

Urbanization leads to increased waste generation, necessitating effective waste management systems to prevent environmental contamination.

37
Q

Waste Management: Types of Waste

A

Waste can be categorized into municipal solid waste (household waste), industrial waste, hazardous waste, and electronic waste, each requiring different management approaches.

38
Q

Waste Management: Recycling

A

Recycling programs help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserving resources and reducing environmental impact.

39
Q

Waste Management: Composting

A

Organic waste can be composted to produce nutrient-rich soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and decreasing landfill waste.

40
Q

Waste Management: Waste-to-Energy

A

Some waste can be converted into energy through processes like incineration or anaerobic digestion, providing an alternative to landfilling.

41
Q

Waste Management: Landfills

A

Proper management of landfills, including measures to prevent leachate and methane emissions, is crucial for minimizing environmental impact.

42
Q

Water Resources: Water Scarcity

A

Many regions face water scarcity due to overuse, pollution, and climate change, threatening agriculture, industry, and human health.

43
Q

Water Resources: Water Conservation

A

Techniques such as rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and water recycling help conserve water resources.

44
Q

Water Resources: Pollution of Water Bodies

A

Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and sewage can contaminate water bodies, making them unsafe for drinking, recreation, and wildlife.

45
Q

Water Resources: Desalination

A

In water-scarce regions, desalination plants are used to convert seawater into potable water, though the process is energy-intensive and expensive.

46
Q

Water Resources: Integrated Water Management

A

Effective water management requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnections between water sources, usage, and ecosystems.

SOK ENV (5 decks)

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