Ecosystems & Biodiversity
The variety of life in a habitat
biodiversity
The "3 Rs" to reduce waste
reduce, reuse, recycle
The main greenhouse gas from burning fossil fuels
carbon dioxide
The process of water moving through the environment
water cycle
The term for growing food in cities on rooftops or vacant lots
urban farming
This process occurs when fertile land becomes desert
desertification
This patch of floating plastic is the largest in the ocean
great pacific garbage patch
Energy from sources like wind or solar
renewable energy
Farming practice that causes soil to lose nutrients
monoculture
A tax on carbon emissions to discourage pollution
carbon tax
A species introduced to a new area, often harming natives.
invasive species
The process of burning waste to generate energy
incineration
The layer of the atmosphere that blocks UV radiation
ozone layer
The loss of trees that leads to soil degradation
deforestation
Tourism that minimizes environmental harm
ecotourism
The disappearance of a species from Earth
extinction
A chemical once used in aerosols that harmed the ozone layer
CFC's
Rising global temperatures cause this frozen ground to melt
permafrost
A natural process that replenishes groundwater
infiltration
UN goals to address global challenges by 2030
Sustainable Development Goal
The term for the maximum population an ecosystem can support
carrying capacity
Tiny plastic particles that harm marine life
microplastics
How can urban areas reduce their "heat island" effect
green roofs, urban parks
The term for water stored underground in permeable rock
aquifer
A policy that charges polluters for emission
carbon tax