1B2 Impacts on the Environment and Society

Question 1

Fill in the blank:

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

Answer 1

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 2

Define:

Air pollution

Answer 2

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 3

What is a major health effect of air pollution?

Answer 3

Respiratory diseases

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

Question 4

How can air pollution be reduced?

Answer 4

By using clean energy sources.

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

Question 5

Define:

Eutrophication

Answer 5

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 6

Fill in the blank:

Eutrophication is often caused by agricultural _______.

Answer 6

runoff

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

Question 7

True or False:

Eutrophication improves biodiversity in water ecosystems.

Answer 7

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 8

What role do algae play in eutrophication?

Answer 8

They form algal blooms.

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

Question 9

Which activity is responsible for the majority of freshwater use?

Answer 9

Agriculture

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

Question 10

What is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to global warming?

Answer 10

Carbon dioxide

(CO₂)

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

Question 11

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 11

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 12

True or False:

Greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Answer 12

True

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

Question 13

True or False:

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

Answer 13

True

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

Question 14

What is one effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 14

Increasing energy efficiency.

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

Question 15

Which sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 15

Energy production

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

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Using electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline-powered cars, helping reduce overall carbon emissions.

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Coal-fired power plants.

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

Question 18

What is one consequence of rising sea levels?

Answer 18

Coastal flooding

Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities due to melting ice caps and thermal expansion.

Question 19

Fill in the blank:

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

Answer 19

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 20

True or False:

Ocean acidification only affects coral reefs.

Answer 20

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 21

What is one effect of global warming on polar regions?

Answer 21

Melting ice sheets.

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 22

What is composting?

Answer 22

Decomposing organic waste into fertilizer.

Composting recycles organic matter into nutrient-rich soil that benefits agriculture.

Question 23

True or False:

Recycling plastics reduces pollution.

Answer 23

True

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

Question 24

Why are plastics considered an environmental issue?

Answer 24

They do not degrade in the environment for many, many years.

Plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, causing pollution.

Question 25

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

Answer 25

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

Question 26

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

Answer 26

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 27

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

Answer 27

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

Question 28

What is a **biodegradable** plastic?

Answer 28

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 29

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

Answer 29

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 30

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

Answer 30

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

Question 31

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

Answer 31

**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 32

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

Answer 32

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

Question 33

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

Answer 33

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 34

How does industrial waste **affect** water quality?

Answer 34

It **contaminates** water with toxins. ## Footnote Heavy metals and chemicals from industrial waste can *poison* aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Question 35

# Define: Acid rain

Answer 35

A form of **precipitation** that is *highly acidic* and harms the environment. ## Footnote 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 36

# True or False: Acid rain **only** negatively affects bodies of water.

Answer 36

False ## Footnote Acid rain also **damages** forests, weakens soil nutrients, and corrodes buildings and monuments.

Question 37

# Fill in the blank: Acid rain **lowers** the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ of water bodies.

Answer 37

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

Question 38

How does acid rain **affect** soil?

Answer 38

It **decreases** soil fertility. ## Footnote 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 39

How can acid rain **damage** buildings?

Answer 39

It **corrodes** stone and metal surfaces. ## Footnote Acid rain reacts with building materials, especially limestone and marble, leading to surface erosion.

Question 40

# 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 40

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

Question 41

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

Answer 41

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

Question 42

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

Answer 42

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

Question 43

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

Answer 43

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 44

# Define: ozone depletion

Answer 44

The **reduction of ozone** in the stratosphere ## Footnote The *ozone layer* absorbs harmful UV radiation. Its depletion increases UV exposure, raising the risk of skin cancer and cataracts.

Question 45

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

Answer 45

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

Question 46

List the **environmental consequences** of ozone depletion.

Answer 46

* Increased UV radiation (harmful to marine life, especially phytoplankton) * Disruption of terrestrial ecosystems (affects crop yields) * Negative effects on aquatic life (damages coral reefs) * Alteration of global climate patterns

Question 47

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

Answer 47

**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 48

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

Answer 48

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 49

# Define: urban development

Answer 49

The growth and expansion of urban areas. ## Footnote It includes changes in land use, like converting natural habitats into settlements, and can lead to increased resource consumption and environmental degradation.

Question 50

# True or False: Urban development only has **positive effects** on the environment.

Answer 50

False ## Footnote While urban development can improve infrastructure and economic growth, it often leads to significant environmental costs.

Question 51

What are the **main environmental impacts** of urban development?

Answer 51

* Habitat destruction * Increased pollution (air and water) * Loss of agricultural land * Higher energy consumption ## Footnote These contribute to climate change, ecosystem degradation, and a lower quality of life for local populations.

Question 52

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

Answer 52

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