Environmental Issues Flashcards
Give 3 evidences that show climate change is happening:
1) Global sea level rose about 8 inchesin the last century.
2) Global temperatures have risen about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century.
3) Ice sheets are shrinking the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased in mass. For example, Greenland had lost 150 to 250 cubic kilometres (36 to 60 cubic miles) of ice per year .
What causes climate change?
Natural factors: volcanic activity, solar output and orbital changes.
Human factors: use of fossil fuels, agriculture and deforestation.
What are the effects of climate change?
- Agriculture, crop yields are expected to decrease for all major world crops by means of deforestation.
- Sea level changes, coastal land is at risk, especially land on deltas.
- Population, people will migrate from areas suffering drought. Any that remain will be in danger of dying from starvation and lack of water
What are the responses to climate change?
Mitigation - alternative energy productions, carbon capture, planting trees and international agreements.
Adaption - change in agricultural systems, managing water supply, reducing risk from rising sea levels.
Why is Antarctica under threat?
Because of 1) global warming, it causes ice sheets to melt and to decreases its size annually and 2) due to climate change, food chains and fauna will be affected in a negative way. Animals are becoming endangered/extinct.
Why is Amazon being deforested?
Mainly because of gold mining, biofuel, wood and fossil fuels (oil).
Why do we use intensive farming?
One of the major advantages of intensive farming techniques is that the crop yield is high. It helps the farmer to easily supervise and monitor the land and protect his livestock. Food Prices are less expensive, which solves part of the worldwide hunger problems to a great extent. This means that common people can now afford a balanced and nutritious diet.
What are the causes of river pollution?
- people/ household throwing rubbish
- open sewers
- textile factories
- untreated chemicals produced by factories
What are the effects of river pollution?
- dead fish - loss of food/fishing
- 60% of fishes extinct in rivers
- contaminated and toxic water
- if water drank, this water will cause rashes and other health problems such as intepego crustosa
- contaminated food
What are the causes of rubbish?
Waste, pollution, trash and filthy water are some of the causes of rubbish.
What are the effects of rubbish?
- land litter - It can cause vehicle accidents and injuries, smother plants, start fires and harm or kill animals. It also attracts rats and harmful bacteria.
- Contaminated Groundwater- Litter, chemical runoff, illegal dumping and tobacco products can seep into groundwater and affect the water quality of people, especially people who rely on wells for their drinking water. (cholera)
