Ecosystem Basics
What is an ecosystem?
Answer: An ecosystem includes all living organisms (biotic) and non-living components (abiotic) in an area.
What is the main threat that climate change poses to the Andes Mountains?
Answer: Melting glaciers threatening water supplies.
Which two countries in Latin America are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels?
Answer: Mexico and Brazil.
Why are ecosystems crucial for maintaining environmental balance?
Answer: They support biodiversity and regulate environmental processes.
What is one way Latin America can adapt to climate change?
Answer: Strengthen infrastructure to withstand extreme weather.
Name two examples of biotic components in an ecosystem.
Answer: Plants and animals.
What percentage of greenhouse gases causing global warming are attributed to Latin America and the Caribbean?
Answer: 12%.
What role do glaciers in the Andes Mountains play for people living below?
Answer: They are vital sources of water.
What is a key role of rainforests in mitigating climate change?
Answer: They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
How can agriculture be diversified to combat climate change?
Answer: Grow a wider variety of crops that are more resilient to changing conditions.
What are abiotic components?
Answer: Non-living components such as soil, air, and water.
Name two impacts of climate change on the Caribbean islands.
Answer: Increased rainfall and stronger storms.
How large is the Amazon Basin?
Answer: Almost as big as Australia.
What can happen if important ecosystems like coral reefs are damaged?
Answer: It can severely impact marine life and local economies.
Why is monitoring climate important?
Answer: To track weather patterns and understand future challenges.
How are ecosystems defined?
Answer: By the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
How does climate change affect the Amazon Rainforest?
Answer: Deforestation, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns threaten its health.
What are some unique challenges faced by Latin America due to climate change?
Answer: Deforestation, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns.
Why is sustainable management of ecosystems essential?
Answer: To protect against threats like climate change.
What is one strategy to protect vulnerable populations from climate change?
Answer: Provide social safety nets and insurance.
What causes ecosystems to change over time?
Answer: Climate variations, nutrient availability, habitat size, connectivity, and exploitation of species.
Why are Latin America and the Caribbean highly vulnerable to climate change effects?
Answer: They rely heavily on natural resources and have infrastructure susceptible to extreme weather.
What is expected to be the economic impact of climate change in Latin America by 2050?
Answer: $100 billion in damages each year.
What happens to the economy of regions heavily reliant on natural resources during extreme weather events?
Answer: They can face significant economic losses.
How can countries exchange best practices in addressing climate change?
Answer: By sharing knowledge and experiences.