Planetary Boundary Flashcards
What is planetary boundaries
9 global processes that regulate stability of Earth
If the boundary of anyway processes is crossed = unpredictable effect on environment
Climate change (crossed boundary)
more co2 is released - greenhouse gas
-polar ice melt: sea level rise, less ice reflect sunlight
-weather: more volatile - hot + cold air clash
To fix:
-bio fuel: grow plant for photosynthesis - then burn for energy
-use less fossil fuel
Biosphere integrity (crossed boundary)
Loss of biodiversity + extinction due to:
-overhunting, habitat destruction
-lead to less medication
To fix:
-conservation (seed bank)
-ban hunting
Land system change (crossed)
Loss of natural land due to:
-industrialisation, certain pollutant
To fix:
-decrease rate of industrialisation
-contribute to land succession
Biogeochemical flow (crossed)
Natural carbon, hydrogen, phosphate cycle disrupted due to over use:
-fertiliser, machinery
-greenhouse effect, eutrophication caused
To fix:
-reduce use of carbon releasing machine
-use solid manure
Ozone depletion (avoided)
Release of chloro-fluorocarbons from old machine release - damage ozone layer (o3)
-uv lights not reflected: cause DNA mutation (cancer)
Use of machine which damage ozone banned
Ocean acidification (avoidable)
CO2 dissolve in water = increase level + pH more acidic
-respiratory system of fish less efficient
-enzyme activity less efficient: photosynthesis
Fresh water use (avoidable)
Less save to drink water available:
-more population, pollution
Fix via:
-re-use water, stop pumping water from rivers
Atmosphere aerosol (undetectable)
Small particles from:
-mineral dust of car engine, smoke in cigarette
Cause damaged to lung or body if too much
Chemical pollution (undetectable)
Chemical that last for a long time such as:
-microplastic, radioactive material
Cause damages to body
