Indigenous Worldviews
What does it mean to view land as a “relative”?
It means treating the land with respect, care, and reciprocity, as though it is part of one’s family.
Give one example of a positive feedback loop related to climate change.
Melting Arctic ice reduces reflectivity → more heat absorbed → more warming → more ice melts.
Nitrogen Oxides- what is it and what role does it play in the environment
A group of reactive gases that includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide, Plays a major role in the formation of photochemical smog and contributes to nutrient pollution in water bodies.
Which type of smog is worse in winter?
Industrial smog.
Why was the first Earth Day in 1970 significant?
It raised global awareness about pollution and conservation, launching modern environmental activism.
Give two examples of sustainable Indigenous practices.
Seasonal harvesting, controlled burns
What are biotic components in an ecosystem? Give two examples.
Living parts of ecosystems, such as plants and animals.
What type of smog is often called “brown smog”?
Photochemical smog.
How do air scrubbers reduce pollution?
By spraying polluted air with liquid solutions that trap or neutralize gases.
What role did fossil fuels play in the Industrial Revolution’s environmental impact?
They powered machines and urban growth but caused massive air pollution, deforestation, and habitat loss.
How do Indigenous worldviews differ from Western industrial worldviews?
Indigenous views see humans as part of nature; Western often places humans above nature.
What are abiotic components in an ecosystem? Give two examples.
Non-living factors, such as sunlight, soil, water, or air.
How do baghouse filters work to clean emissions?
Air passes through fabric filter bags that trap dust/particles while clean air passes out (like a giant vacuum filter).
Compare the AQHI and NAAQOs (what do they each measure?).
AQHI: Tells the public how current outdoor air quality affects health (day-to-day).
NAAQOs: Long-term standards for acceptable levels of air pollutants to protect environment and health.
Which agricultural innovations were part of the Green Revolution?
Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties.
Give one example of how Indigenous fire management (controlled burns) benefits ecosystems.
It reduces fuel buildup, prevents larger wildfires, and supports plant regrowth.
What is the difference between inputs and outputs in a system?
Inputs = energy/materials entering; outputs = waste, products, or services leaving.
What are VOCs, and why are they dangerous indoors?
Volatile Organic Compounds are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily. Indoors they cause headaches, organ damage, and may be carcinogenic.
What is one limitation of air scrubbers in industry?
They mainly remove gases/particles but do not address CO₂ emissions.
How did the Medical Revolution affect natural resources?
It increased population growth, which put greater pressure on food, land, and water resources.
what is the significance of the 4 elements in environmental science
What lesson was learned from the Great London Smog about coal use?
Burning low-grade coal in cold, damp climates creates deadly smog.
How do ice cores provide evidence of past climates?
They trap air bubbles showing ancient greenhouse gas levels.