Climate change
Name three air pollutants released in wildfires.
Particular matter (PM)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Nitrogen oxides such as NO2
Ozone
Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Aromatic hydrocarbons
Hazardous metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury
Which country pollutes the oceans the most?
China (Not Japan although they started to discharge tainted water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean!)
What are GM crops?
Genetically modified crops can be defined as plants in which its genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology involved is called recombinant DNA technology, of which it allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism to another.
State and explain one impact brought by changes in precipitation patterns.
Decreased sanitation and hygiene
When water is in excess → increase risks of water borne diseases
Giardiasis
Salmonellosis
E.coli infection
Industrial discharges
Oil spills
Coastal development
Plastic and microplastic pollution
Any other reasonable answers
What are some impacts of herbicide/pesticide usage on the environment? (Give 2 examples)
Reduction of beneficial, non-target species populations
Water contamination due to percolation or runoff
Air pollution from volatile pesticides
Any other reasonable answers
What are some effects of climate change on the environment? (Give 5 examples)
- Water scarcity
- Change in precipitation patterns
- Melting of icecaps/ permafrost
- Rising sea levels
- Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
- Any other reasonable answers
What are some ways to reduce or prevent water pollution? (Give 5 examples)
Proper waste disposal: Dispose of waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials properly. Avoid pouring chemicals down drains or toilets, as they can contaminate water sources.
Water conservation: Practice water conservation to reduce the amount of wastewater produced. Fix leaky faucets and pipes, install water-efficient appliances, and avoid unnecessary water usage.
Responsible agriculture practices: Farmers should adopt sustainable agriculture practices to minimise runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into water bodies.
Proper sewage treatment: Ensure sewage and wastewater are properly treated before being discharged into water bodies.
Prevent oil and chemical spills: Properly store and handle hazardous substances, and have spill response plans in place to minimise the impact of accidental spills.
Education: Raise awareness on the importance of clean water and the steps individuals can take to prevent water pollution.
Describe how superbugs are developed under the exposure to GM crops.
- Proportion of bugs with the desirable gene to the overall bug population increases over time (Due to a higher chance of survival)
- When such bugs are exposed to different types of GM crops, the population of superbugs with multiple desirable genes may increase greatly, leading to superbug development over time
Give a 2-minute elevator pitch to convince us not to use air conditioning during the summer.
If you can make us laugh, you pass!
This is what POE wrote lol:
Hey there, have you ever heard of the phrase "Summer bodies are made in the winter"? Well, the same can be said for summer heat tolerance! Instead of relying on air conditioning to keep us cool during the summer, we can use this opportunity to build up our heat tolerance by going outside and getting some sun. Plus, think of all the money you'll save on electricity bills! And if you're still not convinced, just think of all the hilarious sweaty moments you'll have with your friends and family. If laughter truly is the best medicine, then ditching the AC this summer is sure to be the perfect prescription!
Create a 4-line poem about water pollution prevention. (Bonus points if it rhymes)
If we find it funny, you pass.
POE's masterpiece:
Water pollution is quite a fright,
It makes our fish look quite a sight,
But if we all pitch in and do what's right,
We can keep our waters clean and bright!
Make a rap to discourage farmers from using chemical pesticides/ herbicides.
If you make us laugh, you pass!
POE's cool rap:
Listen up, let me drop some knowledge on your plate,
We gotta talk about a farming debate,
Pesticides, yeah they seem to be the trend,
But let me tell you why we need to put it to an end.
No more pesticides, it's time to make a change,
Let's find a better way, a sustainable exchange,
Protect the Earth, let our ecosystem thrive,
Say no to chemicals, let nature survive.