Land Use
Give an example of a type of land use.
Mining, Residential, Commercial, Agricultural, Industrial, etc.
What are examples of water use?
Shower, drinking water, irrigation, washing clothes, etc.
How do humans impact air quality?
Humans pollute air by burning fossil fuels
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable?
Renewable: will replenish in short time periods
Nonrenewable: can be depleted and will not regenerate for millions of years
Walking, cycling, public transportation/car pooling
Which type(s) of land use cause more damage to their surrounding environment?
Mining or Industrial (residential could be argued)
How does urbanization impact groundwater?
Aquifers aren't refilled as much due to increase in impervious surfaces OR
Increased pollution OR
Increased usage
What effect does wastewater have if it contaminates surrounding bodies of water?
Contaminants in the wastewater cause bioaccumulation in fish, leading to health issues in predators higher up the food chain.
Give 2 examples of renewable energy sources.
Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric, Tidal, Biomass, Geothermal, Hydrogen Fuel Cell
What is a strategy that would best promote sustainable resource use in Charlotte?
Implementing green infrastructure (such as parks, green roofs, and permeable surfaces) to manage storm water and support biodiversity.
What is an urban heat island?
a metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human development
What is suspended sediment?
particles that remain suspended in water (instead of settling to the bottom) that make the water appear cloudy/dirty
How does mining affect the environment?
Mining has the most detrimental impact on both water and air quality, with the lowest soil pH, highest nitrate concentration in water, and the highest PM2.5 levels, suggesting significant environmental degradation.
Give an example of what you can do to conserve energy or be more energy efficient.
Use alternative transportation (bus, walking, cycling, etc.), Switching to LED lightbulbs, Unplugging electronics when not in use, Take shorter showers, etc.
How does reduce/reuse/recycle/repurpose benefit the environment?
Reduced trash/pollution
Which kind of land use has the worst impact on air quality?
1. Industrial
2. Mining
How would fertilizer runoff impact a body of water, like a lake?
Accepted answers: Eutrophication, pollution, harmful to plants/animals in water
What are impacts of high levels of air pollutants?
Respiratory issues/health issues/asthma/lung cancer
Most of the energy in the U.S. is generated using which nonrenewable energy sources?
Fossil fuels (coal, natural gas)
Why might low-income communities be more susceptible to the hurricane's impacts?
They have less access to resources, poorer infrastructure, and fewer emergency services.
How do green spaces influence temperature in a city?
Green spaces lower temperature in urban areas due to vegetation
What are the potential impacts of overuse of groundwater on the local ecosystem and human population?
Leads to habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity for human consumption.
What effect are increased greenhouse gas levels having on the environment?
Increasing temperature (climate change)
What are the benefits AND trade-offs of using wind energy?
Benefit: Minimal pollution (clean), Non-renewable (will never run out)
Trade-Off: Weather dependent, potentially deadly to flying animals
Give an example of strategies for promoting sustainability.
reducing energy consumption, using LED lighting, installing smart devices, and improving insulation, shifting to renewable energy sources, recycling, composting, using public transport, etc.