Urban
What is a common issue in urban development characterized by the uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas, often resulting in inefficient land use, increased traffic congestion, and environmental degradation?
Urban Sprawl
Describe the green revolution
a transformative period in agriculture during the mid-20th century, characterized by the widespread adoption of high-yielding crop varieties and modern farming techniques aimed at increasing global food production and alleviating hunger.
Name one kind of _____cides and what they kill.
Rodenticides kill rodents
Fungicides kill fungi
Insecticides kill insects
Herbicides kill plants
Give an example of the tragedy of the commons
Did Old MacDonald Have a farm?
What term refers to the precipitation and surface water that flows over urban surfaces, picking up pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and trash, before draining into nearby water bodies, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health
Urban Runoff
Describe one implication of using synthetic fertilizers
Leaching: water carries excess nutrients (nitrates & phosphates) into groundwater or into surface waters (as runoff)
What are two environmental impacts of commercial pesticide use that farmers want to avoid?
Soil and water contamination, harm to non-target organisms such as beneficial insects and birds, and development of pesticide-resistant pests.
Describe two consequences of overfishing on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Decline in fish populations leading to ecosystem imbalances and loss of livelihoods for fishermen and coastal communities.
Define ecological footprint and its significance in assessing resource consumption. Explain two factors that contribute to an individual's ecological footprint and how they can be reduced to promote sustainability.
he ecological footprint measures the amount of resources consumed and waste generated by an individual or population, including factors such as energy use and dietary choices. Reduction strategies may involve adopting energy-efficient practices and consuming locally sourced foods.
What industry involves the extraction of valuable minerals and other geological materials from the earth's surface or subsurface, often leading to environmental disruption, habitat destruction, and socio-economic impacts on local communities?
mining
Describe two methods of irrigation
flow, drip, flood, spray
What could be one reason for the presence of GMO corn in a field where it wasn't intentionally planted, and what potential economic drawback might arise from GMO crops inadvertently growing in that field?
The phenomenon of pollen drift from neighboring fields or farms. An economic downside of GMO crops ending up in a non-GMO field could be the loss of organic certification for the affected crops, which can significantly reduce their market value and profitability.
you visit a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) and witnesses environmental degradation caused by intensive livestock farming. Identify two environmental impacts of CAFOs on air, water, or soil quality.
Air pollution from ammonia emissions and water contamination from runoff containing excess nutrients and pathogens. Manure lagoons etc.
renewable energy options to mitigate climate change. Describe two renewable energy sources and their potential benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability.
Solar energy and wind power offer clean alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on finite resources.
What phenomenon occurs when saline water infiltrates freshwater aquifers in coastal areas due to excessive groundwater pumping or sea level rise, leading to contamination of drinking water supplies and agricultural land, as well as ecological damage to wetlands and estuaries?
Saltwater intrusion
How does the documentary "Food, Inc." shed light on the challenges faced by farmers in the modern food industry?
Food, Inc." exposes the struggles of farmers who face corporate control, low wages, and limited options as they navigate a system prioritizing profit over their livelihoods.
Where does the buildup of salt on the surface of soil come from, and what is one solution farmers can implement to remediate this problem?
The salt buildup comes from irrigation water carrying dissolved salts. One solution could be to implement proper drainage systems or use salt-tolerant crops.
concerned about the depletion of fish stocks in local waters. Describe two strategies that can be implemented to promote sustainable fisheries management and prevent overfishing.
Implementing catch quotas and seasonal fishing closures to allow fish populations to replenish, and promoting the use of selective fishing gear to minimize bycatch. Banning specific fishing methods.
Analyze the challenges associated with electronic waste (e-waste) disposal. Name two environmental hazards posed by improper handling and disposal of electronic devices.
answers may vary, toxic substances like lead and mercury leaching into soil and water, and electronic components releasing greenhouse gases when incinerated or left in landfills.
How can cities effectively manage their growth while minimizing the negative impacts of urban sprawl on communities and the environment?
Implementing smart growth policies that promote compact, mixed-use development, prioritize public transportation, and preserve green spaces to combat urban sprawl.
In "Food, Inc.," how does the documentary challenge traditional notions of food production and consumption, and what broader societal implications does it suggest regarding corporate influence, consumer awareness, and sustainable agriculture?
Answers may vary, swanson gets to say yes or no.
How could the use of large tractors and heavy machinery contribute poor soil health farms?
Compaction of soil and disruption of soil structure, leading to decreased water infiltration and root growth.
Describe two environmental consequences of deforestation. Name the method that is the worst.
Clearcutting. Habitat destruction leading to loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions from forest clearance, contributing to climate change.
Define climate change and its causes. Explain two human activities contributing to climate change and their environmental impacts.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and habitat loss.