Sustainability & Human Impact
When a factory pollutes a river but doesn't pay for the cleanup, economists would say this has occurred.
What is an externality?
Roughly 70% of the world's freshwater withdrawals go toward this human activity.
What is agriculture?
Unlike coal, oil, wind, and biomass, this energy source does not trace its origin to sunlight.
What is nuclear energy?
This gas contributes significantly to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
What is carbon dioxide?
Scientists monitor frogs, lichens, and other organisms like these because they reveal environmental changes early.
What are indicator species?
This concept emphasizes leaving enough resources and environmental quality for future generations.
What is sustainability?
Farmers often apply these three nutrients to maximize crop growth.
What are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium?
This fossil fuel generates large amounts of electricity but releases more air pollutants than other major fossil fuels.
What is coal?
A discharge pipe from a factory is an example of this type of pollution source.
What is a point source?
A cold, clear mountain lake with few nutrients would be classified using this term.
What is oligotrophic?
The practice of harvesting timber at a rate that allows forests to recover is an example of this.
What is sustainable resource management?
Modern farming depends heavily on tractors, fertilizers, and pesticides that are powered or produced using this resource.
What are fossil fuels?
A power plant that produces both electricity and useful heat is using this strategy.
What is cogeneration?
Runoff from fertilized lawns often causes this process in lakes and ponds.
What is eutrophication?
This emerging technology attempts to reduce climate impacts by trapping carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere.
What is carbon capture and sequestration?
This occurs when environmental costs are not reflected in market prices.
What is an externalized cost (or externality)?
Large-scale livestock operations designed to maximize production are known by this acronym.
What are CAFOs?
The solar panels found on rooftops use this technology to generate electricity.
What are photovoltaic cells?
This toxic metal becomes increasingly concentrated as it moves up food chains.
What is mercury?
Name the process that occurs within a single organism and the process that occurs across multiple trophic levels when discussing toxic substances.*
What are bioaccumulation and biomagnification?
Name one reason sustainability is important for future generations.
What is conserving resources, protecting ecosystems, or maintaining environmental quality?
Scientists use this biotechnology technique when they transfer a bacterial gene into a crop plant.
What is genetic modification (GMO technology)?
One approach reduces energy use by changing behavior, while the other achieves the same result using less energy. Name both concepts.
What are energy conservation and energy efficiency?
DDT and PCBs belong to this group of chemicals known for lasting decades in the environment.
What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?
Together with the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish & Wildlife Service, this agency helps manage most U.S. public lands.
What is the National Park Service?