Sustaining Ecosystems

Question 1

Antarctic Treaty P/N

Answer 1

• In 2018, 45 yachts visited which can put pressure on the environment due to over tourism
• We can study the patterns of climate change on the ice sheets as there is little to none physical human impact
• Pirate fishing is occurring as global fish stocks are reducing, due to 90% of fish stocks being overfished

Question 2

Amazon Rainforest - Prevent Deforestation

Answer 2

Selective logging - trees in Amazon contribute to 25% of carbon exchange, release. Absorb 21kg of CO2 per year
Ecotourism - 60,000 people visited Madre de dios in 2007
Replanting Schemes- One scheme in Peru planted 100,000 km of by 2018

Question 3

Amazon Rainforest - Causes of Deforestation

Answer 3

Mining - Illegal mining in Amazon contributed to 15% of gold production
Logging - Trees are needed for furniture and to build houses, these trees make up for 25% of global carbon intake
Cattle farming - Cattle farming requires lots of deforestation as cattle keep moving, it accounts for 80% of deforestation

Question 4

Amazon Rainforest - Impacts of Deforestation

Answer 4

Loss of biodiversity - 50% of world species live here
Climate change- A tree absorbs 25kg of Carbon a year
Soil Erosion

Question 5

Amazon Rainforest Locational

Answer 5

• The Amazon rainforest is 6.7million km^2
• Shared by 8 countries including Brazil, Bolivia and Peru
• Found in Northern South America, 60% of the forest is in Brazil

Question 6

Antarctic Treaty Locational

Answer 6

• It sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans military activity on the continent
• Came into force in 1961 and was initially signed by 12 countries
• Now signed by 52 countries to show commitment to preserving the untouched wilderness

Question 7

Trans-Alaskan Locational

Answer 7

• Started building in 1974 and took 3 years to build
• Stretches for 800miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez
• An oil transportation system spanning across Alaska from North to South

Question 8

Trans-Alaskan Sustainability

Answer 8

• Pipeline is raised off the ground for 420miles so that the heat does not melt the permafrost beneath, releasing harmful greenhouse gases, also allows animals to migrate
• Pumping stations have been built to keep the oil moving. Pumping over 1.8million barrels of oil a day, the oil industry comprises 85% of Alaskas revenue, so keeping it working is essential
• Road networks built in its construction have led to a rise in Nitrogen oxide, causing forest dieback. Also increased further resource extraction and almost 10,000 oil barrels spilt, causing $52.7million in damage