Climate Basics
The difference between day-to-day atmospheric conditions and long-term patterns of temperature and precipitation.
weather vs. climate
Tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size found in oceans and even drinking water.
Microplastics
This method of extracting oil and gas involves injecting high-pressure water and chemicals into rock formations.
Fracking
These leaders must balance economic growth with environmental protection when making policy decisions.
Government Officials
This term describes inexpensive clothing produced rapidly to follow trends.
Fast fashion
This major global issue is caused largely by greenhouse gas emissions and leads to rising temperatures and extreme weather.
Climate Change
This environmental disaster occurs when petroleum is accidentally released into oceans or coastal waters.
Oil spills
This environmental issue occurs when rare earth minerals are mined for technology like smartphones and electric vehicles.
Rare earth mineral mining
These stakeholders often prioritize profit, jobs, and shareholder interests but face pressure to become more sustainable.
Corporations
Fast fashion contributes heavily to this environmental problem due to large amounts of discarded clothing.
Textile waste
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are examples of these gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases
This occurs when warmer ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the algae they depend on.
Coral Bleaching
This type of pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Water pollution
Organizations like Greenpeace that advocate for strong environmental protections fall into this stakeholder group.
NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global emissions of these gases.
Greenhouse gases
This environmental problem occurs when freshwater resources are insufficient to meet demand.
Water scarcity
This global issue happens when fish are caught faster than they can reproduce.
Overfishing
Countries often debate between protecting the environment and continuing to rely on these fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Fossil fuels
This stakeholder group focuses on evidence and research when advising climate policy.
Scientists
Many clothing items are made from this plastic-based fabric derived from petroleum.
Polyester
This narrow waterway near Iran is crucial because about 20% of the world’s oil passes through it.
Strait of Hormuz
Large floating accumulations of plastic debris in the ocean are sometimes called these.
Garbage patches
The process of removing forests for agriculture, logging, or development is called this.
Deforestation
These stakeholders represent people directly affected by environmental problems like flooding, pollution, or land loss.
local community members
This environmental impact occurs when dyes and chemicals from clothing factories contaminate rivers.
water pollution (from textile waste)