Climate Change
What gas is the main driver of global warming?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
What does “biodegradable” mean?
Able to be broken down by natural processes
What is the main source of freshwater for humans?
Rivers, lakes, and groundwater
What is ocean acidification?
A decrease in ocean pH due to increased CO2 and carbonic acid.
What is the expected increase in temperature over the next century?
Around 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is a common source of plastic pollution?
Plastic debris from single-use plastics
What is groundwater and why is it important?
Water stored underground between impervious rock layers.
How does air pollution affect human health?
Might damage respiratory exchange surfaces, cause damage to surrounding tissues, or promote absorption of toxic compounds that will affect other parts of the body.
What is the greenhouse effect?
Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
What are microplastics and why are they a concern?
Tiny plastic particles harmful to wildlife and human health.
Name the main processes in the water cycle.
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation
Does increased atmospheric stability (e.g., less wind) promote better air quality? Why?
No, because stable atmosphere means pollutants are not being dispersed.
How might deforestation affect climate change?
Less trees means less CO₂ absorbed, increasing warming
What is a point source of pollution?
Concentrated and localized source that can be pin-pointed.
TRUE/FALSE: As humans use water, some of it is loss and does not return to the water cycle. As such, water shortages are caused.
FALSE.
What was a main source of lead pollution in the air?
How does habitat loss threaten species survival?
Less resources and promotion of inbreeding.
What can all Christians agree on regarding climate change?
Diffuse sources of pollution, hard to identify and to control.
What is a nonpoint source?
What percentage of the Earth's water is directly accessible and usable for humans?
Less than 1 percent.
What are two main sources of particulate pollution?
Transportation and construction.