Humans and the Environment Flashcards
Why is the world population rising so quickly?
Modern medicine and farming has reduced the number of people dying from disease and hunger.
What does higher standard of living mean for the environment?
- More raw materials used
2. More energy used to manufacture.
How does waste affect the air?
Smoke and gases can pollute the air (e.g sulfur dioxide acid rain)
How does waste affect the land?
- Toxic chemicals for farming.
- Nuclear waste buried underground
- Household waste dumped in landfill sites
How does waste affect the water?
- Sewage and toxic chemicals from industry pollute lakes, rivers and oceans affecting wildlife.
- Fertilisers can be washed into water
What are the four main human activities that reduce the amount of land and resources available to other animals and plants?
- Building
- Farming
- Dumping waste
- Quarrying for metal ores
Where can carbon dioxide be locked up?
- Oceans, lakes and ponds
- Green plants (carbon compounds)
- Peat bogs
How do gases in the atmosphere affect the Earth?
They trap heat radiation and heat up the Earth.
What are the main greenhouse gases?
- Carbon dioxide
2. Methane
Why are atmospheric gases necessary?
Nothing would keep the heat in and it would get too cold.
Why is deforestation done?
- Timber for building
- Wood for paper
- Crops (food or biofuels)
What are the four main problems of deforestation?
- More methane released
- More carbon dioxide released
- Less carbon dioxide taken in
- Less biodiversity
Why does deforestation cause more methane be released?
- Rice is grown in warm, watery conditions - decomposers
2. Cattle produce methane
Why does deforestation cause more carbon dioxide to be released?
- Trees are burnt
2. Dead wood is decayed
Why does deforestation cause less carbon dioxide to be taken in?
Less trees are taking in carbon dioxide by photosynthesis.
