Unit 9: Threats to Human Health and Environment

Question 1

What are the issues surrounding polar ice?

Answer 1

The ice is greatly decreasing so large openings are increasing, damaging the ecosystem and causing sea level rise.

Question 2

What are the issues surrounding glaciers?

Answer 2

Glaciers are quickly melting which gets rid of aesthetics and freshwater supply for many people.

Question 3

What are the issues surrounding permafrost?

Answer 3

Melting permafrost causes overlying lakes to become smaller, damage to human built structures, and decomposition of organic matter in the tundra, releasing methane.

Question 4

What are the issues surrounding sea level?

Answer 4

Water from melting glaciers and ice sheets adds to volume and as water becomes warmer it expands.

Question 5

What are the issues surrounding organisms?

Answer 5

A mic of rising temps and habitat fragmentation makes it hard for animals to migrate, altered time of abundant food sources, organisms are moved out of their range of tolerance, and there are adverse effects on habitats and food webs.

Question 6

What are the issues surrounding heat waves?

Answer 6

They cause an increase in energy demand for cooling, increase risk of death if no cooling available, and heat and drought damage to crops causing increased irrigation.

Question 7

What are the issues surrounding cold spells?

Answer 7

Pest species can expand their range because warmer minimum temps cause less frequent and intense cold spells.

Question 8

What are the issues surrounding precipitation patterns?

Answer 8

Warmer temps should cause increased evaporation causing changed patterns and some areas to receive more than average, sometimes less.

Question 9

What are the issues surrounding storm intensity?

Answer 9

Ocean warming is increasing the intensity of atlantic storms. They are more frequent and hurricanes can expand their range further north.

Question 10

What are the issues surrounding ocean currents?

Answer 10

They may shift because of melting ice. Thermohaline circulation will be disrupted because of increased freshwater, altering temps.

Question 11

What are the issues surrounding humans?

Answer 11

Relocation from vulnerable areas, increased range of temp limited disease vectors, deaths from heat waves, affects tourism.