Biodiveristy DOC Pt2

Question 1

What is the leading driver of deforestation in the Amazon?

Answer 1

Cattle ranching

Over 60% of the forest lost is due to land clearing for grazing.

Question 2

What significant environmental impact does cattle ranching have on tropical rainforests?

Answer 2

Destruction of biodiversity

This loss occurs in one of the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth.

Question 3

What happens to carbon sequestration due to deforestation?

Answer 3

It is lost, and carbon stored in trees is released into the atmosphere

This contributes to climate change.

Question 4

How do rainforests contribute to the global climate?

Answer 4

By acting as carbon sinks

They absorb carbon dioxide.

Question 5

What are the consequences of deforestation on the water cycle?

Answer 5

Disruption of precipitation patterns, reduced water quality, increased soil erosion

These changes can destabilize ecosystems.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Cattle ranching contributes to the loss of _______ in tropical rainforests.

Answer 6

biodiversity

Question 7

True or False: Deforestation has no impact on local ecosystems.

Answer 7

False

Deforestation disrupts critical habitats for countless species.

Question 8

What is a critical service lost due to the cutting down of trees in rainforests?

Answer 8

Carbon sequestration

This is essential for regulating global climate.

Question 9

What percentage of the Amazon rainforest has been lost due to land clearing for grazing?

Answer 9

Over 60%

Question 10

What critical role do forests play in the ecosystem?

Answer 10

Maintaining the water cycle

This includes regulating precipitation and water quality.

Question 11

What is a major driver of wildlife population decline related to leather and animal-based products?

Answer 11

Over harvesting of Animals for exotic leathers (crocodile, alligator, snake skins) leads to unsustainable hunting and poaching.

Question 12

How can the removal of top predators like crocodiles affect ecosystems?

Answer 12

Disruption of Ecosystems: Removing top predators can destabilize ecosystems by affecting prey populations and the balance of species.

Question 13

What is the fashion industry’s historical role in the illegal wildlife trade?

Answer 13

Exotic Skins: The fashion industry has been a driver of the illegal trade of animals like pythons, tigers, and caimans for their skins.

Question 14

What is a significant environmental concern related to the byproducts of the leather industry?

Answer 14

Chemical Pollution from the tanning process, which uses chemicals like chromium that can pollute water bodies and harm human and aquatic life.

Question 15

What are polyester, nylon, and acrylic?

Answer 15

They are synthetic fibers widely used in fashion that have significant environmental impacts.

Question 16

What raw material are polyester and nylon derived from? What about acrylic?

Answer 16

Polyester is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon is derived from polyamides. Both are produced from crude oil. Acrylic is a polymer made from polyacrylonitrile, also a petrochemical.

Question 17

Why is the production of polyester, nylon, and acrylic considered carbon-intensive?

Answer 17

The extraction, refining, and processing of crude oil for these synthetic fibers emit large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Question 18

What is the contribution of the fashion industry to global carbon emissions, and how do synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic play a role?

Answer 18

The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, and synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are major contributors to this footprint, intensifying global warming.

Question 19

What happens when polyester, nylon, or acrylic garments are washed?

Answer 19

They shed microplastics, which are tiny plastic fibers less than 5 mm in size, into the water.

Question 20

How many microfibers can be released from a single load of laundry of synthetic clothing?

Answer 20

Up to 700,000 microfibers can be released per load of laundry.

Question 21

Where do these microplastics from washing synthetic clothes eventually end up?

Answer 21

They enter wastewater systems and eventually make their way into rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water.

Question 22

What is the estimated contribution of synthetic textiles to microplastic pollution in oceans?

Answer 22

It is estimated that synthetic textiles are responsible for 35% of the microplastic pollution in oceans, making fashion a leading contributor to this type of pollution.

Question 23

How do microplastics harm marine organisms through ingestion?

Answer 23

Marine organisms like plankton, fish, and shellfish often mistake microplastics for food. Ingestion can cause physical damage to their digestive systems, reduce feeding efficiency, and potentially lead to starvation or death.

Question 24

What is bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in the marine food chain?

Answer 24

As microplastics move up the food chain (from small fish to larger predators), they accumulate in greater concentrations, affecting marine biodiversity and potentially human health as these pollutants can enter the food system.

Question 25

How do microplastics impact marine ecosystems?

Answer 25

The presence of microplastics disrupts ecosystems by altering food chains, reducing biodiversity, and harming species already threatened by other forms of pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

Question 26

What is viscose (or rayon) made from?

Answer 26

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp.

Question 27

What types of trees are commonly used as a source for wood pulp in viscose production?

Answer 27

Beech, pine, eucalyptus, and bamboo.

Question 28

How is the demand for wood pulp for viscose production linked to environmental issues?

Answer 28

Deforestation for Wood Pulp: The demand has been linked to large-scale deforestation, especially in tropical regions, to make way for fast-growing monoculture tree plantations.

Question 29

What type of pollution is associated with the production of viscose? What chemicals are involved?

Answer 29

Chemical Pollution: The production uses hazardous chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which can lead to severe water and air pollution if not managed properly.

Question 30

Which are sustainable viscose alternatives?

Answer 30

- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- Certified Viscose - Lyocell (Tencel)

Question 31

- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- Certified Viscose

Answer 31

○ Viscose made from wood pulp certified by the FSC ensures that the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests that prioritize biodiversity conservation.

Question 32

Lyocell (Tencel)

Answer 32

is made from wood pulp using a closed-loop process that recycles 99% of the chemicals used, reducing environmental impact and protecting forests. It’s biodegradable, less water-intensive, and supports better land-use practices.

Question 33

What are some agricultural practices used in regenerative cotton farming to improve soil health?

Answer 33

Composting, cover cropping, and no-till farming.

Question 34

How does healthy soil in regenerative cotton farming help with carbon sequestration?

Answer 34

Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, helping to offset the carbon emissions associated with conventional cotton farming.

Question 35

Besides carbon sequestration, what other benefits does healthy soil in regenerative cotton farming provide?

Answer 35

It has higher organic matter, retains more water, and supports a greater diversity of microorganisms. It also contributes to climate mitigation and enhances biodiversity.

Question 36

How do crop rotation and polyculture in regenerative cotton farming promote biodiversity?

Answer 36

Rather than growing cotton in monocultures, these practices improve soil nutrients, attract diverse insect species, and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Question 37

How does regenerative cotton farming lead to reduced pesticide use?

Answer 37

By fostering a diverse ecosystem, it relies less on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Beneficial insects help to control pests naturally.

Question 38

What is the focus of regenerative wool farming?

Answer 38

Managing livestock grazing to improve ecosystem health, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change through enhanced soil carbon storage.

Question 39

What is "Rotational and Holistic Grazing" in the context of regenerative wool farming?

Answer 39

Sheep are rotated across pastures in a way that mimics natural animal migrations, preventing overgrazing and allowing plants time to recover, which promotes greater plant diversity and soil health.

Question 40

How does regenerative wool farming contribute to soil carbon sequestration?

Answer 40

Healthy grasslands sequester large amounts of carbon in the soil. Regenerative wool farming practices can enhance this carbon-storing capacity.

Question 41

How does regenerative wool farming contribute to habitat restoration?

Answer 41

It encourages the growth of native plants and grasses, which provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals.

Question 42

How does regenerative wool farming aid in water conservation?

Answer 42

Improved soil health enhances the land's ability to absorb and retain water, reducing erosion and desertification, creating a more sustainable ecosystem.

Question 43

What is The Savory Institute's role in regenerative wool farming?

Answer 43

The Savory Institute promotes holistic management practices for wool farming, restoring degraded grasslands and promoting biodiversity.

Question 44

What positive outcomes has The Savory Institute's work in regions like Patagonia shown?

Answer 44

It has led to the recovery of native species and improved wool production.