Module 3 Flashcards
Focus on key concepts/objectives
1
Q
What role does water play in the Caribbean region?
A
Water is a critically valuable resource used for domestic consumption, tourism, agriculture, industry, and it sustains many ecosystem services (e.g., providing habitats and regulating water cycles).
2
Q
How are aquatic resources in the Caribbean categorized by salinity?
A
They are divided into freshwater (<0.05% dissolved salts), brackish water (0.5–3% salinity), saline water (3–5%), and brine (>5%), which affects species distribution and resource use.
3
Q
What are the main sources of surface water in the Caribbean?
A
Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and shallow pools (like the Emerald Pool in Dominica) serve as key sources of surface water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses.
4
Q
What is the importance of groundwater in the Caribbean?
A
Groundwater, found below the surface in aquifers, provides potable water (e.g., in Barbados) and supports ecosystems where surface water is limited.
5
Q
How does the submarine volcano Kick Em Jenny relate to Caribbean water systems?
A
Kick Em Jenny, off Grenada, is an active submarine volcano that creates brackish water areas where seawater mixes with freshwater, influencing local marine and estuarine ecosystems.
6
Q
What role do wetlands play in Caribbean water resource management?
A
Wetlands, such as those found in Barbados, function as ecotones between marine and freshwater systems, providing critical habitats and natural water filtration services.
7
Q
Why is hydropower significant in the Caribbean context?
A
Although many islands have limited water for energy, Trinidad & Tobago operate nine hydropower sites and Guyana is exploring new projects to harness renewable energy from water
8
Q
What are the major types of mineral resources in the Caribbean?
A
Key minerals include bauxite (for aluminum production), gold, diamonds, limestone, and gravel, all of which contribute significantly to regional GDP.
9
Q
How is bauxite significant and what are its characteristics?
A
Bauxite, named after Les Baux in France, ranges in color from dark red to nearly white depending on its iron oxide content; it is the primary ore for aluminum, which is used in construction, packaging, and more.
10
Q
What are hydrocarbons and why are they important in the Caribbean?
A
Hydrocarbons, mainly found as crude oil and natural gas, are vital energy sources; Trinidad & Tobago is the region’s major exploiter, and initiatives like the Petrocaribe Agreement help secure affordable oil supplies.
11
Q
How do the Caribbean states benefit from the Petrocaribe Agreement?
A
The agreement with Venezuela allows member states to purchase oil under preferential conditions, thereby easing their dependency on expensive fossil fuel imports.
12
Q
What industrial minerals, besides bauxite, are important to the region?
A
Other significant minerals include limestone (used in cement production), gravel (for construction and coastal protection), and various gems and precious metals that fuel both local industries and export revenues.
13
Q
Describe the economic importance of sand and gravel in the Caribbean.
A
Quarried in places like Dominica and Guyana, sand and gravel are essential for construction and are also used in shoreline protection measures such as gabion baskets.
14
Q
What is the significance of soil in Caribbean agriculture?
A
Soil is a precious natural resource underpinning agriculture; historically, fertile soils have supported the cultivation of crops like sugar, rice, bananas, and coffee, which are central to food security and export earnings.
15
Q
How have historical agricultural practices shaped Caribbean landscapes?
A
The clearing of forests for sugar cane plantations and other cash crops transformed landscapes, while abandoned plantations now often serve as tourist attractions highlighting the region’s colonial past.
16
Q
What roles do beaches and mountains play in the Caribbean’s natural resource base?
A
Beaches attract tourists and serve as habitats (e.g., nesting sites for marine turtles), and mountains are crucial for watersheds, agriculture, and providing scenic beauty.
17
Q
How do seascapes contribute to the Caribbean economy?
A
The Caribbean Sea’s clear blue waters, scenic bays, and diverse marine habitats drive tourism, support fisheries, and offer recreational opportunities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
18
Q
What is the economic significance of fisheries in the Caribbean?
A
Fisheries supply essential proteins to local populations and are a major export product; however, overfishing has led to declining stocks, spurring interest in aquaculture and mariculture as sustainable alternatives.
19
Q
How does aquaculture differ from traditional fishing in the region?
A
Aquaculture involves farming fish and other aquatic organisms under controlled conditions, similar to agriculture, offering a way to meet seafood demand without depleting wild stocks.
20
Q
What are some examples of secondary industries derived from natural resources?
A
Caribbean states produce secondary products such as rum from sugar cane, processed minerals, and refined petroleum products that add value to primary resources and boost GDP.
21
Q
In what ways do natural resources support livelihoods in the Caribbean?
A
They underpin agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, and manufacturing, while also generating employment and foreign exchange earnings for the region.
22
Q
What is the role of natural resources in tourism within the Caribbean?
A
Natural resources such as pristine beaches, lush mountains, vibrant coral reefs, and culturally significant sites create the “sun-sand-sea” appeal that drives the multi-billion-dollar tourism industry.
23
Q
How do underwater sculptures and marine attractions add value to Caribbean tourism?
A
They enhance the aesthetic appeal and cultural uniqueness of marine environments (e.g., Grenada’s underwater sculptures), attracting niche markets such as eco- and heritage tourism.
24
Q
What intrinsic values are associated with Caribbean natural resources?
A
Beyond their utilitarian uses, these resources possess aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, and intrinsic ecological values that inspire conservation and environmental ethics.
25
How do indigenous and traditional practices relate to the natural resources of the Caribbean?
Indigenous knowledge guides sustainable harvesting and resource management (e.g., medicinal plants, traditional fisheries) and is vital for cultural preservation and bioprospecting ethics.
26
What is bioprospecting and how does it relate to natural resource management?
Bioprospecting is the search for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical resources, but it raises issues of biopiracy if indigenous rights and equitable benefit-sharing are not respected.
27
What are some notable examples of biopiracy mentioned in the Caribbean context?
Cases involving species like the rosy periwinkle, neem tree, and hoodia illustrate controversies where traditional knowledge is exploited without adequate benefit-sharing.
28
How are forests and non-timber forest products important to the Caribbean economy?
Forests supply timber, medicinal plants, oils, and other NTFPs; sustainable forestry is vital to preserving biodiversity while providing raw materials for local industries.
29
ntfps
NTFPs" stands for Non-Timber Forest Products, which are biological resources derived from forests other than timber, such as fruits, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants, and more.
30
What challenges are associated with the exploitation of natural resources in the region?
Overexploitation, unsustainable mining, deforestation, pollution, and invasive species threaten biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem services.
31
Define species depletion and explain how it differs from species extinction.
Species depletion is the reduction or local disappearance of a species, while extinction is the complete loss of all individuals globally. Depletion can be a precursor to extinction if unchecked.
32
What anthropogenic factors contribute to species depletion in the Caribbean?
Overexploitation, habitat destruction from agriculture, urbanization, pollution, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species are key drivers.
33
What is functional extinction?
When only a few individuals remain in a population that cannot reproduce effectively, leading to a loss of the species’ ecological function.
34
How has the red lionfish impacted Caribbean marine ecosystems?
As an invasive species, the red lionfish outcompetes native species, disrupts food chains, and leads to declines in coral reef biodiversity.
35
What are the main causes of habitat and ecosystem destruction in the Caribbean?
Clearing for agriculture, logging, urban development, unsustainable fishing practices, and infrastructure expansion lead to fragmentation and loss of critical habitats.
36
How does habitat fragmentation affect Caribbean biodiversity?
It isolates populations, reduces genetic diversity, and increases vulnerability to external disturbances, ultimately leading to species depletion.
37
38
What is the environmental impact of overfishing in the Caribbean?
Overfishing reduces fish stocks, disrupts predator–prey dynamics, and can cause cascading effects that diminish overall marine biodiversity and ecosystem function.
39
How does water pollution threaten natural resources in the Caribbean?
Contamination by heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pathogens, and industrial chemicals degrades water quality, harms aquatic life, and poses health risks to humans.
40
What are some common waterborne diseases affecting the Caribbean?
Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, giardiasis, hepatitis A, and schistosomiasis often arise from contaminated water supplies.
41
What methods are used to purify water in the Caribbean?
Techniques include filtration, disinfection, distillation, and desalination to remove pollutants and make water potable for domestic and industrial use.
42
How does improper sewage treatment contribute to water pollution?
Inadequate treatment leads to the discharge of pathogens and chemicals into water bodies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and ecological degradation.
43
What are the key economic benefits of natural resource-based tourism in the Caribbean?
Tourism generates significant income and employment through attractions such as beaches, coral reefs, waterfalls, and cultural sites, driving foreign exchange earnings.
44
How do natural resource exports contribute to Caribbean economies?
Primary exports (e.g., bauxite, oil, gold) and secondary products (e.g., rum, processed minerals) are vital for GDP and help finance development projects.
45
What role does foreign investment play in natural resource exploitation?
It provides capital for resource extraction and development; however, proper government regulation is needed to prevent environmental degradation and ensure sustainable use.
46
How can overexploitation of natural resources lead to national debt issues?
Excessive extraction to service foreign debt (as seen in some HIPC countries) can deplete resources unsustainably, compromising long-term economic stability.
47
HIPC
The HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) initiative, launched by the World Bank and IMF in 1996, aims to provide debt relief to low-income countries with unsustainable debt burdens, helping them achieve sustainable levels of external debt.
48
What are the benefits of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in the Caribbean?
EIAs help gauge the potential environmental consequences of development projects, promote public participation, and guide mitigation measures to protect natural resources.
49
How does legislation influence the sustainable use of natural resources?
Laws and regulations (such as those mandating EIAs) help manage exploitation, set restoration requirements, and enforce conservation measures to prevent resource depletion.
50
How do natural resources contribute to food security in the Caribbean?
Agriculture, fisheries, and livestock production ensure local food supplies and reduce dependence on imports, thus stabilizing food security.
51
What are the challenges facing Caribbean agriculture today?
Challenges include competition from imported goods, declining soil fertility, environmental degradation from unsustainable practices, and the impacts of climate change.
52
How do marine resources underpin the region’s protein supply?
Fish and seafood, including lobster, conch, shrimp, and shellfish, are staple proteins and critical to both local consumption and export markets.
53
What role does aquaculture play in mitigating overfishing?
Aquaculture provides a controlled method to raise aquatic species sustainably, easing pressure on wild stocks and ensuring a stable seafood supply.
54
How does tourism drive the conservation of natural resources in the Caribbean?
The high economic value of tourism encourages governments and local communities to invest in the preservation and sustainable management of landscapes, seascapes, and biodiversity.
55
What is ecotourism and how does it differ from mass tourism?
Ecotourism focuses on experiencing and conserving natural environments, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental education rather than high-volume, low-impact visitation.
56
What are some examples of iconic natural attractions in the Caribbean?
Attractions include underwater sculpture parks (Grenada), picturesque bays (Parlatuvier Bay, Tobago), and notable waterfalls (Morne Trois Pitons in Dominica).
57
How do natural resources enhance the spiritual and cultural life in the Caribbean?
Many communities assign sacred or intrinsic values to landscapes and seascapes, incorporating them into religious practices, folklore, and cultural identity.
58
What are some methods used to assign an economic “value” to ecosystem services?
Valuation methods may include cost–benefit analysis, market pricing of outputs, and bilateral agreements (e.g., Guyana’s forest valuation with Norway) to quantify benefits like water regulation and biodiversity conservation.
59
Why is research and teaching critical for sustainable natural resource management in the Caribbean?
They raise awareness, inform conservation strategies, support capacity-building in environmental management, and help document biodiversity and ecosystem services.
60
What are some examples of research institutions involved in natural resource studies in the region?
Institutions such as the University of the West Indies, the University of Guyana, and specialized centers like CERMES contribute significantly to research and advocacy.
61
bioprospecting
the search for plant and animal species from which medicinal drugs, biochemicals, and other commercially valuable material can be obtained.
62
How does bioprospecting relate to the discovery of new species and products in the Caribbean?
Bioprospecting leads to the discovery of valuable genetic and biochemical resources, such as novel orchids or medicinal compounds, while raising ethical issues over indigenous rights and benefit sharing.
63
Summarize the overall challenges facing natural resource use and sustainability in the Caribbean.
The region must balance economic development (through mining, agriculture, tourism, and energy) with conservation amid threats like overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change, while also ensuring social, cultural, and environmental equity.
64
Why is water an essential natural resource in the Caribbean?
* Supports agriculture, industry, tourism, and domestic use
* Provides habitat for freshwater and marine biodiversity
* Essential for drinking, sanitation, and hydroelectric power
65
What are the major sources of freshwater in the Caribbean?
* Surface water (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)
* Groundwater (aquifers, underground rivers)
* Rainwater harvesting
66
What is brackish water, and where is it found?
* Brackish water has more salinity than freshwater but less than seawater
* Found in estuaries and coastal wetlands
67
What are hydrocarbons, and how are they used in the Caribbean?
* Naturally occurring substances made of carbon and hydrogen
* Used as fossil fuels (crude oil, natural gas, pitch)
* Trinidad & Tobago is the main producer in the Caribbean
68
What are some key minerals found in the Caribbean?
* Bauxite (Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname)
* Gold (Guyana)
* Limestone (Barbados, Jamaica)
69
What is the PetroCaribe Agreement?
* An oil alliance between Venezuela and 18 Caribbean states
* Provides oil under preferential payment conditions (venezuela provided oil, to c'bean states they paid a portion upfront and then rest over 25 yrs and 1% interest)
70
Impact and Challenges of PetroCaribe
**Impact**: The agreement had a significant impact on the economies of participating Caribbean countries, providing them with access to affordable energy and funding for development projects.
**Challenges and Criticisms**: Despite its initial success, the agreement faced challenges, including Venezuela's declining oil production, the impact of sanctions, and concerns about corruption and mismanagement of funds.
| failed in 2016. started in 2005
71
How does soil contribute to the Caribbean economy?
* Supports agriculture (sugarcane, rice, bananas, coffee)
* Provides raw materials for industries (construction, pottery)
* Essential for maintaining ecosystems
72
Why are beaches and mountains important in the Caribbean?
* Beaches support tourism and marine ecosystems
* Mountains act as watersheds and agricultural zones
73
What are some notable seascapes in the Caribbean?
Bays (Parlatuvier Bay, Tobago)
Coral reefs (Great Blue Hole, Belize)
* Archipelagos (The Grenadines, Bahamas)
74
How do natural resources contribute to the Caribbean’s economy?
* Major sources of GDP (agriculture, mining, tourism)
* Natural resources like oil, bauxite, and gold provide foreign exchange
* Tourism heavily depends on ecosystems like beaches and coral reefs
75
Why is the tourism industry so dependent on natural resources in the Caribbean?
* The region's natural beauty (beaches, coral reefs, forests) attracts tourists
* Ecosystem services (clean water, scenic landscapes) contribute to tourism value
* Ecotourism promotes sustainable use of resources
76
What role does water play in the livelihood of Caribbean people?
* Crucial for domestic use, agriculture, and industry
* Essential for the production of potable water
* Supports tourism through water-based activities
77
How has agriculture historically influenced land use in the Caribbean?
* Large-scale agricultural plantations (sugar, bananas) led to significant deforestation
* Agriculture has impacted soil quality through overexploitation and monoculture
78
What agricultural crops are significant in the Caribbean?
* Sugarcane, bananas, coffee, rice, and ground provisions (roots and tubers)
* Specialty crops like Blue Mountain coffee (Jamaica) and nutmeg (Grenada)
79
What challenges face the fishing industry in the Caribbean?
* Overfishing leading to species depletion
* Habitat destruction (coral reefs, seagrasses)
* Invasive species, like the lionfish, disrupt marine ecosystems
80
How does soil quality affect agriculture in the Caribbean?
* Soil degradation due to overuse (erosion, salinization, and loss of fertility)
* Dependence on fertilizers and irrigation to maintain crop production
81
What is the significance of biodiversity in the Caribbean region?
* High biodiversity, including endemic species (species found only in the Caribbean)
* Provides ecological services like pollination, pest control, and habitat for marine life
82
What is aquaculture, and how is it being used in the Caribbean?
* The farming of aquatic species (fish, shellfish) in controlled environments
* Used to supplement declining wild fisheries due to overfishing and habitat loss
83
What are some threats to biodiversity in the Caribbean?
* Habitat destruction (deforestation, pollution, urbanization)
* Overexploitation of species for food, medicine, and trade
* Climate change and the introduction of invasive species
84
How does invasive species affect Caribbean biodiversity?
Answer:
* Invasive species like the red lionfish compete with native species for food
* They disrupt local ecosystems and can lead to the extinction of native species
85
why are lionfish invasive
* Rapid Reproduction rate
* Voracious Predators- especially those crucial to coastal/coral reef ecosystems
* No natural predators: in the Atlantic, no population control
* Outcompeting Native Species: compete with native species for food and habitat
* Venomous Spines:- predators are rendered defenseless
86
What role does environmental impact assessment (EIA) play in resource management?
* EIA evaluates the environmental effects of projects before they are implemented
* Aims to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems and local communities
87
88
89
What factors contribute to the degradation of natural resources in the Caribbean?
* Overexploitation of resources (mining, fishing, agriculture)
* Pollution (industrial runoff, sewage)
* Unsustainable development (urban sprawl, tourism infrastructure)
90
Why is sustainable development important for the Caribbean’s natural resources?
* Ensures that natural resources are available for future generations
* Helps maintain ecosystem services like clean water, biodiversity, and climate regulation
91
How do political factors affect natural resource use in the Caribbean?
* Government policies and regulations shape how resources are extracted and used
* Political instability or lack of regulation can lead to overexploitation
92
How do economic factors influence resource exploitation in the Caribbean?
* Economic pressures, like the need for foreign exchange, lead to intensive resource extraction
* Exporting raw materials, like bauxite and oil, is crucial for many Caribbean economies
93
94
What is the impact of foreign investment on Caribbean natural resources?
* Foreign investment often leads to the extraction of natural resources, such as oil and minerals
* Can provide economic benefits but may also result in environmental degradation
94
How does water pollution impact human health in the Caribbean?
* Causes waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid
* Contaminated water can lead to severe health issues, especially for vulnerable populations (children, elderly)
95
What are some common pollutants affecting water resources in the Caribbean?
Heavy metals (mercury, lead)
Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
96
What are some methods to mitigate water pollution in the Caribbean?
* Improved sewage treatment and waste management
* Better agricultural practices to reduce runoff
* Awareness campaigns to promote water conservation and protection
97
What is the role of groundwater in the Caribbean?
* Major source of potable(drinkable) water in Barbados
* Found in underground rivers and caves, like Harrison’s Cave in Barbados
98
What are the main uses of water in the Caribbean?
* Domestic use (drinking, sanitation)
* Industrial use (cooling, manufacturing)
* Agricultural use (irrigation)
* Tourism (water-based attractions)
99
Why is hydroelectric power limited in the Caribbean?
* Many islands lack sufficient rivers to generate hydropower
* Some nations, like Jamaica, have small-scale hydroelectric plants
100
What is bauxite, and where is it found?
* Bauxite is the ore used to make aluminum
* Found in Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname
101
What are some environmental concerns related to mining?
* Deforestation and habitat destruction
* Pollution of rivers and groundwater
* Loss of biodiversity
102
What is the role of seascapes in the Caribbean economy?
* Provide fisheries, tourism, and shipping routes
* Includes coral reefs, bays, and mangroves
103
Why are cliffs important in the Caribbean?
* Serve as nesting grounds for birds
* Attract tourists for sightseeing and rock climbing
104
How does the fishing industry contribute to Caribbean livelihoods?
* Provides employment and food security
* Fish markets like Oistins in Barbados are crucial
105
What is the impact of tourism on employment in the Caribbean?
* Creates jobs in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment
* Drives economic growth through foreign exchange
106
What is ecotourism, and why is it important?
* Focuses on nature-based tourism with minimal environmental impact
* Prominent in Guyana, Dominica, and Suriname
107
How has agriculture changed in the Caribbean?
* Shift from sugarcane plantations to mixed farming
* Some islands have reduced agricultural exports
* Shift in skilled labour
108
What challenges does agriculture face in the Caribbean?
* Soil degradation and erosion
* Dependence on imported fertilizers
* Climate change impacts
109
How does urbanization impact the environment?
* Leads to habitat destruction
* pollution
* Increases demand for resources like water and land
* disrupts nutrient cycle
* harms food chains
110
What role does climate change play in environmental degradation?
* Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas
* Increased frequency of hurricanes and droughts
111
What is sustainable development?
Using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations
112
What are some conservation efforts in the Caribbean?
* Marine protected areas and national parks
* Sustainable fishing regulations
113
How can individuals contribute to conservation?
* Reducing plastic waste
* Supporting eco-friendly businesses
* energy conservation
* water conservation
* recycling- three r's
114
How do government policies impact natural resource use?
* Laws regulate mining, fishing, and land use
* Some governments provide incentives for conservation
* fines
* initiatives-public awareness
* monitoring
115
What economic factors drive natural resource exploitation?
* Need for foreign exchange
* Export-driven economies- dependence
* industrialization-construction
* population growth- increased consumption and demand
* the demand for raw materials and energy
* corruption poor governance
* As resources become scarcer, competition for them intensifies
116
How does national debt affect environmental policies?
* Countries may prioritize economic growth over conservation
* Can lead to overexploitation of resources
* Less resources go into conservation efforts
* diverting resources towards debt servicing
117
What is habitat fragmentation?
Habitat fragmentation occurs when large, connected areas of habitat are divided into smaller, isolated areas, creating barriers to species movement and dispersal.
often due to human activities like development or infrastructure, leading to negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. also river channel change, volcanoes, climate change
118
What is species extinction?
When the last individual of a species dies
119
What are some common waterborne diseases?
Cholera, typhoid, dysentery
120
How does deforestation impact biodiversity?
* Reduces habitat availability
* Leads to soil erosion
* climate change
* monoculture
121
What are the effects of water pollution?
* Harms marine life and ecosystems
* nutrient cycle
* eutrophication
* fish kills
* biodiversity
* Leads to human health risks
122
What are some solutions to water pollution?
* Wastewater treatment and better sanitation practices
* legislation
* laws
* education
123
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A process that evaluates potential environmental effects of a proposed project before it is approved.
124
What are the key benefits of conducting an EIA?
* Helps prevent environmental damage
* Ensures sustainable resource use
* Encourages public participation in decision-making
125
Which Caribbean countries require an EIA for development projects?
* Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, and Belize have EIA laws
* Barbados requires EIAs for coastal developments
126
What is an invasive species?
A non-native species that spreads rapidly and disrupts local ecosystems
127
Can a native species be invasive?
A species can be both native and invasive if, while naturally occurring in a region, it exhibits characteristics that allow it to rapidly spread and outcompete other species, causing harm to the ecosystem, even in its native range.
128
Why are forests important in the Caribbean?
* Provide habitat for wildlife
* Prevent soil erosion
* Regulate climate by absorbing CO₂
129
What are the consequences of deforestation?
* Loss of biodiversity
* Increased soil erosion and landslides
* Disruption of the water cycle
130
What are the primary causes of deforestation in the Caribbean?
* Agriculture (e.g., clearing land for plantations)
* Logging for timber and fuelwood
* Urban expansion
131
What is overfishing, and why is it a problem?
The excessive harvesting of fish, leading to population declines and ecosystem imbalances
132
How does illegal fishing impact Caribbean fisheries?
* Reduces fish stocks beyond sustainable levels
* Hurts local fishing economies
* Disrupts marine ecosystems
133
What strategies can help prevent overfishing in the Caribbean?
* Establishing marine protected areas (MPAs)
* Implementing fishing quotas and regulations
* Promoting sustainable aquaculture
134
How is climate change affecting the Caribbean?
* Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities
* More intense hurricanes and storms
* Increased droughts affecting agriculture and water supply
135
What can Caribbean nations do to mitigate climate change effects?
* Develop renewable energy sources (solar, wind)
* Strengthen coastal defenses against erosion and flooding
* Promote reforestation and conservation efforts
136
How does coral bleaching relate to climate change?
* Higher ocean temperatures cause corals to expel algae, leading to coral death
* Weakens reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity
137
How does plastic pollution impact marine life?
ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction, leading to injuries, starvation, suffocation, and even death for various species.
138
What is water scarcity, and why is it a concern in the Caribbean?
* Insufficient water availability due to overuse, drought, and pollution
* Some islands rely heavily on rainfall, making them vulnerable to shortages
139
What are some human activities that contribute to water scarcity?
* Deforestation reduces water retention in soil
* Pollution contaminates freshwater sources
* Overuse of water in agriculture and tourism
140
What are some solutions to water scarcity in the Caribbean?
* Deforestation reduces water retention in soil
* Pollution contaminates freshwater sources
* Overuse of water in agriculture and tourism
141
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A set of global goals to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability
142
How do the SDGs relate to natural resource management in the Caribbean?
* Goals focus on clean water, climate action, and sustainable resource use
* Encourage conservation, renewable energy, and responsible tourism
143
What challenges do Caribbean nations face in achieving the SDGs?
* Economic reliance on fossil fuels and extractive industries
* Vulnerability to climate change impacts
144
What are the primary energy sources in the Caribbean?
* Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal)
* Renewable sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric)
145
Why is the transition to renewable energy important for the Caribbean?
Reduces dependency on imported fossil fuels
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
biodiversity
eco-tourism
146
How does resource extraction impact Caribbean economies?
Provides jobs and revenue but can lead to environmental damage
147
What are some challenges to renewable energy development in the Caribbean?
* High initial investment costs
* Limited infrastructure and technology access
148
What are the social consequences of environmental degradation?
* Displacement of communities due to deforestation and climate change
* Loss of cultural heritage tied to natural landscapes
149
