Resources, Waste Management and Climate Change Flashcards
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism is responsible travel that aims to have minimal negative environmental impacts.
Why is it important to be a responsible tourist?
Being a responsible tourist is important to ensure the safety of the environment and other creatures worldwide.
What are some principles of ecotourism mentioned in the text?
Some principles of ecotourism mentioned include decreasing negative impacts on local communities, increasing knowledge and respect for environmental conservation, ensuring financial support for preserving the natural environment, respecting local communities’ spiritual beliefs and rights, and generating profit for local communities.
How can educational campaigns promote ecotourism?
Educational campaigns can promote ecotourism by suggesting how tourists can act and behave responsibly when visiting other countries.
What is agritourism?
Agritourism is the symbolic connection between agriculture and tourism, where tourists learn about agriculture and food production in rural areas while enjoying a vacation away from urban
areas.
What are some activities associated with agritourism?
Activities associated with agritourism include visiting farms to buy fresh products, learning about the story of agriculture, and participating in cultural tours, bike riding, and canyoning.
Why is agritourism important?
Agritourism is important because it supports farmers who work hard to produce fresh food products and helps preserve rural areas.
How do agritourism and ecotourism share similar ideals?
Agritourism and ecotourism share similar ideals of helping and respecting local communities and preserving rural areas.
What are some examples of agritourism and ecotourism activities in Malta?
Examples of agritourism and ecotourism activities in Malta include visiting bird sanctuaries, farms in various locations like Mgarr Valley and Rabat, and participating in grape picking from local vineyards in Marsaxlokk.
What are the three pillars of sustainable development mentioned in the text?
The three pillars of sustainable development mentioned in the text are social, environmental, and economic.
How does ecotourism contribute to sustainable development?
Ecotourism contributes to sustainable development by promoting conservation efforts, providing economic opportunities, and encouraging local communities to care for their environment.
Why is it important for local communities to care for their environment according to the text?
It is important for local communities to care for their environment because it helps attract tourists, which can improve the local economy and social prospects.
What are some benefits of agritourism mentioned in the text?
Some benefits of agritourism mentioned in the text include educating tourists and locals about the history and culture of the farm, preserving rural areas, and providing financial support for healthcare and education.
How does agritourism help in preserving rural areas and biodiversity?
Agritourism helps in preserving rural areas and biodiversity by promoting a pro-environment attitude and preventing harmful behaviors related to waste management and vandalism.
What are some types of pollution caused by quarrying?
Some types of pollution caused by quarrying include air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, and visual/soil pollution.
How does air pollution from quarrying affect human health?
Air pollution from quarrying can harm the respiratory system due to microparticles in the air, which can also affect soil and plants.
What are the potential consequences of water pollution caused by quarrying?
Water pollution caused by quarrying can contaminate groundwater and the sea with toxic chemicals, making the water unsafe for consumption by most living organisms.
Why is quarrying considered necessary despite its environmental impact?
Quarrying is considered necessary because it provides natural resources for construction and work processes, such as asphalt, brickwork, and cement.
What are some examples of materials that can cause air pollution when mined?
Examples of materials that can cause air pollution when mined include those that release harmful microparticles and CO2 emissions from the use of machines.
How does noise pollution from quarries affect wildlife?
Noise pollution from quarries can disturb wildlife, such as birds and other species that live in forests close to quarries, by the noise generated from construction machines and the breaking down of rocks.
What is visual pollution, and how is it related to quarrying?
Visual pollution refers to the disturbance caused by the presence of trucks and machinery in the environment, which can prevent wildlife from living in those areas.
What are the environmental impacts of quarrying on habitats?
Quarrying can significantly impact the ecosystem by destroying natural habitats to extract minerals and rocks, affecting various creatures like birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, fish, and insects.
What types of waste are produced by quarries?
Quarries produce different types of waste, including recyclable waste, organic waste, and hazardous waste.
How can organic waste be beneficial to the environment?
Organic waste, such as food scraps, can be broken down by bacteria and used as compost, which is beneficial to the soil by improving its fertility and nutrient-holding capacity.
What is hazardous waste, and why is it important to manage it properly?
Hazardous waste is a type of waste that can significantly impact both humans and the environment if not managed properly. It can contaminate groundwater and soil if it ends up in landfills.
Can you give examples of hazardous waste mentioned in the text?
Examples of hazardous waste include batteries, motor oil, household cleaners, and solvents.
What are civic amenity sites, and what types of waste can be taken there?
Civic amenity sites are locations where hazardous and bulky waste can be taken for proper disposal. Examples of bulky waste include washing machines, fridges, and televisions.
What is recyclable waste, and how can it be reprocessed?
Recyclable waste can be reprocessed into new products. For example, a plastic bottle can be turned into items like sleeping bags, insulation for jackets, and t-shirts.
Provide examples of items that can be made from recycled plastic and metal.
Recycled plastic can be used to make sleeping bags, insulation for jackets, and t-shirts. Recycled metal can be used to make cars, bicycles, computers, cast iron sinks, and bathtubs.
What are the three Rs mentioned in the text, and why are they important?
The three Rs mentioned in the text are reuse, reduce, and recycle. They are important because they help minimize waste and promote sustainability by encouraging the repurposing and reduction of waste materials.
What are the European Union’s renewable energy targets for 2030?
The European Union aims to reach 32% to 40% of renewable energy by 2030.
What are the five dimensions covered by Malta’s National Energy and Climate Plan?
The five dimensions covered by Malta’s National Energy and Climate Plan are decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security, internal energy market, and research, innovation, and competitiveness.
What challenges does Malta face in achieving its 2030 and 2050 energy goals?
Malta faces challenges such as space issues and high population density, which can make it harder to reach the 2030 and 2050 energy goals.
How does Malta currently obtain most of its energy?
Malta currently obtains most of its energy from the interconnector between Malta and Italy.
What renewable energy sources is Malta working towards diversifying into?
Malta is working towards diversifying its energy sources by incorporating renewable resources like sunlight and wind energy.
What is the ozone layer, and why is it important?
The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (03) molecules. It is important because it protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and how do they affect the ozone layer?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemical compounds that, when released into the atmosphere, rise to the stratosphere and release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms destroy ozone molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion.
What international agreement was established to reduce substances harmful to the ozone layer?
The Montreal Protocol is the international agreement established to reduce substances harmful to the ozone layer, including CFCs.
How can individuals contribute to protecting the ozone layer?
Individuals can contribute to protecting the ozone layer by using air conditioners and refrigerators that do not use CFCs as refrigerants.
What are the two layers of Earth’s atmosphere mentioned in the diagram related to ozone depletion?
The two layers of Earth’s atmosphere mentioned in the diagram are the Troposphere and the Stratosphere.
Why is September 16th significant in the context of ozone layer protection?
September 16th is significant because it marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol.
What are the benefits of reusing items instead of buying new ones?
Reusing items helps reduce the need to buy new products, which in turn decreases waste and conserves resources. For example, using fabric bags instead of plastic bags reduces plastic waste.
How can reducing waste help the environment?
Reducing waste helps conserve natural resources, decreases the number of landfills, and reduces municipal waste in public areas. It also promotes a more sustainable consumption pattern.
What is the process of recycling, and what are some examples of items that can be recycled?
Recycling involves reprocessing items into new materials or objects. Examples include turning plastic bottles into t-shirts, sleeping bags, and insulation for jackets, and reusing metal for automobiles.
How can the construction sector improve waste management?
The construction sector can improve waste management by reusing materials like steel, glass, wood, and concrete for new buildings, reducing the need to produce these materials from scratch.
What is the significance of using energy-efficient equipment in buildings?
Using energy-efficient equipment in buildings helps reduce energy consumption, lowers utility costs, and minimizes environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources and energy-saving lightbulbs.
What is Malta’s strategy for managing demolition waste, and what are its goals?
Malta’s strategy for managing demolition waste aims to reduce the number of vacant buildings and recycle at least 40% of all excavated material. It also focuses on restoring abandoned buildings and incentivizing people to restore their properties.
What is the current state of waste management in Malta?
The current state of waste management in Malta is problematic, with 90% of waste being transported to landfills and only 8% being recycled. This issue has worsened over time.
Why is landfill use a significant issue in Malta?
Landfill use is a significant issue in Malta because it is a small country with limited space for waste storage.
How does population growth affect waste management in Malta?
Population growth increases waste generation, leading to more waste management challenges, including improper waste separation and increased consumerism.
What are some solutions to the waste management problem mentioned in the text?
Some solutions mentioned include separating waste to reduce landfill use and pollution, recycling materials like paper, and utilizing services provided by local councils for bulky waste disposal.
What role do local councils play in waste management?
Local councils offer services such as the removal of bulky waste, which helps ensure proper disposal at civic amenity sites. These sites handle various types of waste, including hazardous waste.
What is a circular economy, and how does it differ from a linear economy?
A circular economy involves the implementation of the three Rs (reuse, reduce, recycle) and focuses on minimizing waste and making the most of resources. It contrasts with a linear economy, which follows a ‘take, make, dispose’ model.
What are the environmental impacts of land changes due to resource extraction and waste disposal?
Land changes due to resource extraction and waste disposal can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and groundwater contamination from chemicals used in mining operations. They also have a visual impact on landscapes.
How do engineered landfills prevent soil and groundwater contamination?
Engineered landfills prevent soil and groundwater contamination by using layers of materials like geosynthetic clay and HDPE membranes, which block toxic chemicals from leaching into the ground.
What is the purpose of a sewage treatment plant?
The purpose of a sewage treatment plant is to remove contaminants from wastewater before it is released back into rivers or other bodies of water, making it safer for the environment.
How long does the sewage treatment process take at a plant, and what is the outcome?
The sewage treatment process at a plant takes about eighteen hours to complete. The treated water is not suitable for drinking but can be used for irrigation, helping to make the soil more fertile and safe for marine life when released into the sea.
What are the benefits of using treated sewage water for irrigation?
Using treated sewage water for irrigation benefits the environment by making the soil more fertile and reducing the need for freshwater resources. It also ensures that the water released back into the sea does not harm marine animals.
What is the role of an incinerator in waste management?
The role of an incinerator in waste management is to process hazardous waste, such as medicine and animal waste, thereby reducing the amount of waste in civic amenity sites and municipal waste.
How does composting benefit the environment?
Composting benefits the environment by reprocessing organic material, which enriches the soil, reduces methane emissions from landfills, and decreases the amount of water wasted on plants by improving water and nutrient retention.
What are the significant impacts of climate change on the environment?
Significant impacts of climate change on the environment include rising temperatures, which can lead to forest fires and floods, and rising sea levels, which threaten natural habitats and species.
How does climate change affect people’s social lives?
Climate change affects people’s social lives by impacting their quality of life. For example, higher temperatures and extreme weather events can disrupt daily activities and living conditions.
What are some examples of hazardous waste that incinerators process?
Examples of hazardous waste that incinerators process include medicine and animal waste.
Why is it important to reduce organic waste in landfills?
It is important to reduce organic waste in landfills because it helps decrease methane gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and allows organic material to be used beneficially as compost for soil enrichment.
What is the ozone layer, and why is it important?
The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (03) molecules. It is important because it protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and how do they affect the ozone layer?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemical compounds that, when released into the atmosphere, rise to the stratosphere and release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms destroy ozone molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion.
What international agreement was established to reduce substances harmful to the ozone layer?
Consequences of ozone layer depletion include increased ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth’s surface, leading to higher rates of skin cancer in humans, more damage to animals’ eyes, and more deformities in juvenile amphibians.
How can individuals contribute to protecting the ozone layer?
Individuals can contribute to protecting the ozone layer by using air conditioners and refrigerators that do not use CFCs as refrigerants.
What are the two layers of Earth’s atmosphere mentioned in the diagram related to ozone depletion?
The two layers of Earth’s atmosphere mentioned in the diagram are the Troposphere and the Stratosphere.
Why is September 16th significant in the context of ozone layer protection?
September 16th is significant because it marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol.
What are the primary sources of pollution in Malta?
The primary sources of pollution in Malta are transport, power stations, agriculture, development/construction, and waste.
How do CO2 emissions impact air quality in Malta?
CO2 emissions impact air quality by increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is mainly emitted by vehicles and power stations.
What measures have been taken to reduce CO2 emissions from power stations in Malta?
One measure taken to reduce CO2 emissions from power stations in Malta was the shutdown of the Marsa power station in 2015, which reduced CO2 emissions in the area by up to 761,000 tonnes a year.
Why are cars considered the greatest source of air pollution in Malta?
Cars are considered the greatest source of air pollution in Malta because they release significant amounts of nitrogen oxide from petrol and carbon monoxide from diesel cars. Traffic congestion further increases pollution levels.
How does agriculture and urbanization contribute to pollution in Malta?
Agriculture and urbanization contribute to pollution by removing forests for construction and resource extraction, leading to habitat destruction and increased emissions from agricultural activities.
What are some consequences of habitat destruction due to urbanization and agriculture?
Consequences of habitat destruction due to urbanization and agriculture include the extinction of species, such as big cats, apes, and marsupials, as their natural habitats are destroyed.
What percentage of Malta’s overall waste is contributed by construction activities?
Construction contributes 80% of Malta’s overall waste.
What types of activities in the construction sector contribute to pollution in Malta?
Activities such as demolition, excavation, stone extraction, and the use of diesel-powered construction equipment contribute to pollution in Malta.
What is the EU’s goal for removing non-renewable energy sources by 2050?
The EU aims to remove non-renewable energy sources by the year 2050.
What renewable energy sources are commonly used in Malta?
The most common renewable energy sources used in Malta are solar energy, including photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters.
How is the Maltese government incentivizing the use of electric cars?
The Maltese government is providing financial aid to individuals interested in buying electric cars to incentivize their use.
What is the significance of the Paris Agreement in the context of the EU’s emission reduction targets?
The Paris Agreement is significant because it sets emission reduction targets for the EU, which are being met through a bottom-up approach where member states contribute their efforts towards a decarbonized energy system and climate change mitigation.
