Sustainability
What does sustainability mean?
Meeting our needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs.
What does the 3R rule stand for?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Name one renewable energy source.
Solar / wind / hydro / geothermal etc.
What gas is released when fossil fuels are burned and contributes to climate change?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
What is a pollutant?
A substance that causes pollution or environmental harm.
Name one resource that can be used sustainably.
Water / forests / fish / soil etc.
Which is better: reducing waste or recycling waste?
Reducing waste.
Is natural gas renewable or non-renewable?
Non-renewable.
Name one fossil fuel.
Coal / oil / natural gas.
What is pollution?
The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
What is meant by a renewable resource?
A resource that can naturally replenish itself.
What happens to biodegradable waste?
It can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.
What energy source uses sunlight to generate electricity?
Solar energy.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The warming of Earth caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Why can plastics be a problem for the environment?
Many plastics do not biodegrade easily and can accumulate as waste.
Is coal a renewable or non-renewable resource?
Non-renewable.
Give one example of something that can be composted.
Food scraps / grass / leaves etc.
Give one environmental advantage of wind energy.
It produces electricity without directly producing greenhouse gases.
Name one human activity that increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels / deforestation etc.
What is a life cycle of a product?
The stages from obtaining raw materials through production/use to disposal or recycling.
Why is sustainability important for future generations?
So resources and a healthy environment remain available for them.
Why is recycling aluminium useful?
It uses less energy than producing aluminium from raw materials.
Why do we need to reduce our use of fossil fuels?
They are finite and burning them releases greenhouse gases/causes pollution.
Why does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Fewer trees are available to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, and stored carbon can be released.
Why should we consider the life cycle of a product when thinking about sustainability?
Its environmental impact can occur at every stage, not just when it becomes waste.