Climate Change
What is climate change?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth.
What is one cause of species extinction?
Habitat destruction, often due to deforestation, agriculture, or urban development, is a major cause. Others include pollution, overhunting, climate change, and invasive species.
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the removal or clearing of forests, usually for agriculture, logging, or development, resulting in loss of tree cover and natural habitat.
What is the main cause of air pollution in cities?
Vehicle emissions (from cars, buses, and trucks burning fossil fuels).
What is a coral reef?
A coral reef is a diverse underwater ecosystem made up of colonies of tiny coral animals that build calcium carbonate structures.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Deforestation leads to higher COâ‚‚ levels in the atmosphere because trees absorb carbon dioxide. When forests are cleared, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
How does deforestation affect biodiversity?
Deforestation destroys habitats, forcing species to relocate or perish. This reduces species populations, disrupts ecosystems, and increases the risk of extinction, especially for species that rely on forest environments.
Which type of forest is most affected by deforestation?
Tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon, are among the most affected.
What are some common sources of soil pollution?
Pesticides, industrial waste, chemical spills, and improper disposal of hazardous materials.
Why are coral reefs important?
They provide habitat for many marine species, protect coastlines from storms, and support fishing and tourism industries.
How does climate change affect sea levels?
Climate change causes glaciers and ice sheets to melt and ocean water to expand as it warms, both of which lead to rising sea levels that can flood coastal areas.
How do invasive species harm native ecosystems?
Invasive species outcompete native species for resources, spread disease, and disrupt food chains. They can cause native species to decline or go extinct, reducing biodiversity.
What are some human activities that lead to deforestation?
Logging, agriculture, urban expansion, mining, and infrastructure development (like roads or dams).
What are some effective ways to reduce pollution in everyday life?
Reducing plastic use
Recycling and composting
Using public transport or biking
Conserving energy and water
Supporting clean energy and eco-friendly products
How does pollution affect marine ecosystems?
Pollution introduces harmful chemicals, plastics, and nutrients that can poison marine life, cause disease, and create dead zones.
What are some effects of climate change on weather patterns?
Climate change leads to more extreme weather events, including stronger storms, longer droughts, more intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall, and unpredictable seasonal patterns.
Name two types of biodiversity.
Species diversity – the variety of species in an ecosystem or on the planet
Genetic diversity – the variation of genes within a species
What are some sustainable solutions to reduce deforestation?
Reforestation and afforestation (planting trees).
Sustainable logging practices.
Promoting agroforestry (integrating trees into farming).
Supporting indigenous land rights and forest protection policies.
Reducing demand for products linked to deforestation, like palm oil or unsustainable beef.
What is noise pollution, and how can it affect humans?
Noise pollution is excessive or harmful sound in the environment. It can cause stress, sleep problems, hearing loss, and affect concentration and health.
What are marine protected areas (MPAs)?
MPAs are designated ocean zones where human activities are restricted to conserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Why are polar regions warming faster than other parts of the world?
This is due to a phenomenon called Arctic amplification. As ice and snow melt, they expose darker surfaces (like ocean or land) that absorb more sunlight, accelerating warming in those regions more than elsewhere.
Explain the connection between biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Ecosystems with high biodiversity are more resilient to disturbances because they have a wider range of species performing different roles. This helps ecosystems maintain balance and recover more easily from disruption.
What is the impact of deforestation on the water cycle?
Trees help regulate the water cycle through transpiration. Deforestation reduces moisture in the air, leading to less rainfall and drier climates, which can worsen droughts and desertification.
Explain the concept of biomagnification in pollution.
Biomagnification is the process where toxic substances (like mercury or pesticides) become more concentrated as they move up the food chain, affecting top predators and humans most severely.
What is a marine dead zone?
A dead zone is an area with low oxygen where most marine life cannot survive, often caused by nutrient pollution.