1B2 Identifying and Addressing Adverse Impacts

Question 1

Define:

Acid rain

Answer 1

A form of precipitation that is highly acidic and harms the environment.

Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water vapor, creating sulfuric and nitric acids that fall as acidic precipitation.

Question 2

True or False:

Acid rain only negatively affects bodies of water.

Answer 2

False

Acid rain also damages forests, weakens soil nutrients, and corrodes buildings and monuments.

Question 3

How does acid rain affect soil?

Answer 3

It decreases soil fertility.

Acid rain causes the leaching of vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium from the soil, which diminishes its fertility and harms plant growth.

Question 4

Fill in the blank:

Acid rain lowers the _______ of water bodies.

Answer 4

pH level

pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity, and acid rain lowers the pH level of water bodies, making them more acidic.

Question 5

What is a major source of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions?

Answer 5

Coal-fired power plants.

Burning coal releases SO₂, which is a primary contributor to acid rain formation.

Question 6

How can acid rain damage buildings?

Answer 6

It corrodes stone and metal surfaces.

Acid rain reacts with building materials, especially limestone and marble, leading to surface erosion.

Question 7

Define:

Eutrophication

Answer 7

The buildup of excess nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, in water, causing imbalances in the environment.

Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus promote algae blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.

Question 8

Fill in the blank:

Eutrophication is often caused by agricultural _______.

Answer 8

runoff

Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus wash into water bodies during rain, triggering the process.

Question 9

What role do algae play in eutrophication?

Answer 9

They form algal blooms.

Algal blooms block sunlight and deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic organisms.

Question 10

How does industrial waste affect water quality?

Answer 10

It contaminates water with toxins.

Heavy metals and chemicals from industrial waste can poison aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Question 11

True or False:

Eutrophication improves biodiversity in water ecosystems.

Answer 11

False

It reduces biodiversity by creating oxygen-deprived “dead zones” where most organisms cannot survive. For example, the Gulf of Mexico experiences large dead zones due to agricultural runoff.

Question 12

Fill in the blank:

__________ is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment that cause damage to ecosystems.

Answer 12

Pollution

Pollution can come from various sources, such as factories, vehicles, and agricultural runoff, and has harmful effects on air, water, and soil quality.

Question 13

Define:

Air pollution

Answer 13

The contamination of the air by harmful substances.

This is caused by the release of pollutants like gases, particulate matter, and chemicals into the atmosphere, often from industrial, vehicular, and agricultural activities.

Question 14

What is a major health effect of air pollution?

Answer 14

Respiratory diseases

Pollutants like particulate matter can cause conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Question 15

How can air pollution be reduced?

Answer 15

By using clean energy sources.

Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power reduce harmful emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Question 16

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 16

The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane absorb heat from the Earth’s surface and prevent it from escaping into space, leading to a warming of the planet.

Question 17

What is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to global warming?

Answer 17

Carbon dioxide

(CO₂)

CO₂ is released by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

Question 18

Fill in the blank:

Ocean acidification occurs due to excess ______ ______ in the atmosphere.

Answer 18

Carbon dioxide

(CO₂)

When CO₂ is absorbed by the ocean, it forms carbonic acid, lowering the pH and disrupting marine ecosystems, particularly organisms like corals, mollusks, and plankton that rely on calcium carbonate.

Question 19

True or False:

Ocean acidification only affects coral reefs.

Answer 19

False

Ocean acidification affects a wide range of marine organisms, including shellfish, plankton, and fish, by interfering with their ability to build shells and skeletons.

Question 20

Which sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 20

Energy production

Fossil fuel combustion for electricity and heating produces the highest levels of CO₂ emissions.

Question 21

True or False:

Greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Answer 21

True

This process is known as the greenhouse effect, which warms the Earth.

Question 22

True or False:

Methane is more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat and contributing to climate change.

Answer 22

True

Methane is more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat, with a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP), despite being present in smaller amounts.

Question 23

What is one effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 23

Increasing energy efficiency.

Using energy-efficient appliances, buildings, and vehicles lowers energy consumption, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 24

True or False:

The ozone layer is essential for regulating Earth’s climate.

Answer 24

False

The ozone layer primarily protects against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not directly regulating Earth’s climate.

Question 25

What is one **consequence** of rising sea levels?

Answer 25

Coastal flooding ## Footnote Rising sea levels *threaten* coastal communities due to melting ice caps and thermal expansion.

Question 26

What **chemicals** primarily cause ozone layer depletion?

Answer 26

Chlorofluorocarbons | (CFCs) ## Footnote **CFCs**, found in older refrigerators and air conditioners, break down ozone in the stratosphere.

Question 27

# Fill in the blank: The ozone layer **protects** Earth from harmful \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ radiation.

Answer 27

ultraviolet | (UV) ## Footnote UV radiation can *cause* skin cancer and cataracts, among other health issues.

Question 28

# True or False: The **Montreal Protocol** successfully reduced ozone-depleting substances.

Answer 28

True ## Footnote Signed in 1987, the Montreal Protocol resulted in the global phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting chemicals, leading to significant recovery of the ozone layer.

Question 29

How does ozone layer depletion **affect** the environment?

Answer 29

Increased UV radiation **exposure**. ## Footnote This can harm human health and disrupt ecosystems, especially marine life.

Question 30

What is one long-term **consequence** of ozone layer depletion?

Answer 30

**Increased** skin cancer rates. ## Footnote Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, and can also lead to cataracts and weakened immune systems.

Question 31

Why are **plastics** considered an environmental issue?

Answer 31

They do not **degrade** in the environment for many, many years. ## Footnote Plastics persist in the environment for *hundreds* of years, causing pollution.

Question 32

What is a **biodegradable** plastic?

Answer 32

Plastic that decomposes **naturally** in the environment. ## Footnote A biodegradable plastic is designed to decompose *faster* than traditional plastic, but it still requires specific conditions to break down completely.

Question 33

# True or False: Biodegradable plastics are completely **harmless**.

Answer 33

False ## Footnote Although they degrade faster, they can still pose a threat to ecosystems if not properly disposed of.

Question 34

# True or False: Recycling plastics **reduces** pollution.

Answer 34

True ## Footnote Recycling plastics reduces the need for new plastic production and helps cut down on plastic waste.

Question 35

Which plastic waste is a **common** pollutant in oceans?

Answer 35

Single-use plastics ## Footnote Items like plastic bags, bottles, and straws often end up in the ocean, causing *harm* to marine life.

Question 36

What do **waste-to-energy** plants do?

Answer 36

**Convert** waste into electricity. ## Footnote Waste-to-energy plants burn municipal solid waste to generate electricity, helping reduce landfill space while also providing an alternative energy source. For example, some plants use the heat generated from burning waste to produce steam that drives turbines.

Question 37

What is **composting**?

Answer 37

**Decomposing** organic waste into fertilizer. ## Footnote Composting recycles organic matter into **nutrient-rich soil** that benefits agriculture.

Question 38

What is the term for the **large-scale** removal of forests for agricultural or urban development?

Answer 38

Deforestation ## Footnote Deforestation reduces biodiversity, increases carbon emissions, and disrupts the water cycle, leading to *environmental degradation*.

Question 39

How does **reforestation** help combat climate change?

Answer 39

By **absorbing** CO₂ from the atmosphere. ## Footnote Reforestation increases the *number* of trees that absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Question 40

# True or False: Recycling **reduces** the need for raw materials.

Answer 40

True ## Footnote Recycling materials like metal, paper, and glass reduces the need to extract new resources.

Question 41

What is one **disadvantage** of incinerating waste?

Answer 41

It can release **harmful** air pollutants. ## Footnote Incineration can release harmful air pollutants, including dioxins and particulate matter, though modern plants use technologies to reduce these emissions.

Question 42

What does the term "**zero waste**" mean?

Answer 42

The goal of **reducing** waste to near zero by reusing, recycling, and composting. ## Footnote Zero waste aims to divert all waste from landfills and incineration through sustainable practices.

Question 43

What **harmful gas** is released from landfills?

Answer 43

Methane ## Footnote Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Question 44

# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ describes the **variety of different species** of plants, animals, and microorganisms found in a particular area or on the planet?

Answer 44

Biodiversity ## Footnote It is crucial for ecosystem health and stability, as it supports ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

Question 45

What is an **invasive** species?

Answer 45

A **non-native** species that causes harm to the environment. ## Footnote Invasive species, such as the zebra mussel in North American lakes, can *outcompete* native species for resources, disrupt food chains, and alter habitats, leading to long-term ecological damage.

Question 46

# Fill in the blank: The **loss** of habitat primarily leads to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 46

species extinction ## Footnote A loss of biodiversity and increased habitat destruction disrupts ecosystems and food chains.

Question 47

# Fill in the blank: The process by which animals and plants **adapt** to changing environments over generations is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 47

Evolution ## Footnote Evolution through natural selection allows species to survive and thrive in changing environmental conditions.

Question 48

# True or False: Biodiversity **enhances** ecosystem stability.

Answer 48

True ## Footnote A diverse ecosystem is more resilient to environmental changes and provides essential services.

Question 49

How can **plastic pollution** affect marine food chains?

Answer 49

It can enter the food chain through **ingestion** by marine animals. ## Footnote Small plastics are consumed by fish, which are then eaten by larger predators, accumulating in the food chain.

Question 50

What is one **effective way** to protect biodiversity?

Answer 50

Establishing **protected** areas. ## Footnote *Wildlife reserves* and *protected areas* help conserve ecosystems, prevent habitat destruction, and provide safe spaces for endangered species to thrive

Question 51

# True or False: Climate change is caused **only** by natural factors.

Answer 51

False ## Footnote *Human activities*, especially burning fossil fuels, are the primary drivers of climate change, although natural factors also play a role.

Question 52

What is one **effect** of global warming on polar regions?

Answer 52

**Melting** ice sheets. ## Footnote Rising global temperatures cause ice sheets and glaciers in polar regions to melt, which contributes to the rising of sea levels and threatens coastal areas worldwide.

Question 53

Which **activity** is responsible for the majority of freshwater use?

Answer 53

Agriculture ## Footnote Irrigation for crops accounts for about **70%** of global freshwater usage, making agriculture the largest consumer of freshwater resources.

Question 54

What is one way to **reduce** the carbon footprint of transportation?

Answer 54

Using electric vehicles. ## Footnote *Electric vehicles* produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline-powered cars, helping reduce overall carbon emissions.