Climate Change Flashcards

1
Q

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

A

Ecosystem

Example: The destruction of the rainforest has a profound impact on the global ecosystem.

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2
Q

The presence or introduction into the environment of contaminants or substances that cause harm.

A

Pollution

Example: Air pollution from factories is a major concern in many urban areas.

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3
Q

Energy collected from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale.

A

Renewable energy (noun):

Example: Solar and wind power are examples of renewable energy sources.

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4
Q

The protection and preservation of natural resources.

A

Conservation

Example: National parks play a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity.

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5
Q

Capable of being maintained over the long term without harming the environment.

A

Sustainable

Example: Using sustainable farming practices helps protect the soil and water.

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6
Q

Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

A

Biodegradable

Example: The use of biodegradable packaging reduces environmental impact.

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7
Q

Relating to or concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment.

A

Ecological

Example: Ecological balance is essential for the health of our planet.

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8
Q

Susceptible to harm or damage.

A

Vulnerable

Example: Polar bears are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

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9
Q

: To fell or chop down trees.

A

Cut down

Example: The logging industry has been cutting down vast areas of the Amazon rainforest.

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10
Q

To stop using a particular resource.

A

Turn off

Example: We should all strive to turn off lights and appliances when not in use to save energy.

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11
Q

To remove dirt or pollutants from a place.

A

Clean up

Example: Community volunteers organized a beach cleanup to address coastal pollution.

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12
Q

Over or after a long period of time; eventually.

A

In the long run

Example: Conserving water is crucial for our survival in the long run.

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13
Q

To find a compromise between two opposing factors.

A

Strike a balance

Example: It’s essential to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

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14
Q

To do something about a situation or problem.

A

Take action

Example: Governments must take action to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

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15
Q

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.

A

Biodiversity

Example: The conservation of biodiversity is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

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16
Q

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly by human activities.

A

Carbon footprint

Example: Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation.

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17
Q

Capable of working successfully; feasible.

A

Viable

Example: Finding viable alternatives to fossil fuels is crucial for sustainable energy.

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18
Q

Reduced in quality or condition.

A

Degraded

Example: Deforestation has led to degraded soil quality in many regions.

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19
Q

To gradually eliminate or stop using something.

A

Phase out

Example: The government plans to phase out single-use plastics to reduce environmental impact.

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20
Q

To cause or create a change or result.

A

Bring about

Example: Sustainable practices can bring about positive changes in our environment.

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21
Q

Very close to experiencing something, usually something negative.

A

On the brink of

Example: The endangered species is on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss.

22
Q

To make a great effort to achieve something.

A

Strive for

Example: We should strive for a future where humans coexist harmoniously with nature.

23
Q

The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.

A

Ripple effect

Example: Planting trees can have a positive ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

24
Q

The action of clearing a wide area of trees.

A

Deforestation

Example: Deforestation is a major contributor to the loss of biodiversity.

25
Q

A layer of ozone high up in the Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

A

Ozone layer

Example: Depletion of the ozone layer is a global environmental concern.

26
Q

Having a pH below 7, indicating a higher concentration of hydrogen ions.

A

Acidic

Example: Acidic rain can harm aquatic ecosystems and soil quality.

27
Q

Capable of recovering quickly from difficult conditions.

A

Resilient

Example: Resilient ecosystems can better withstand the impact of climate change.

28
Q

When rainwater or melting snow flows over the surface of the ground.

A

Run off

Example: Urbanization often leads to increased runoff, causing water pollution.

29
Q

To reduce or control the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.

A

Curb emissions

Example: Implementing strict regulations is crucial to curb emissions from industrial activities.

30
Q

Confronting a difficult situation or challenge.

A

In the face of

Example: In the face of climate change, global cooperation is imperative.

31
Q

To be proactive and take the first steps in a particular situation.

A

Take the initiative

Example: Individuals can take the initiative by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives.

32
Q

To ignore or pretend not to notice something.

A

Turn a blind eye to

Example: We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the environmental consequences of our actions.

33
Q

The ability to maintain ecological balance and avoid depletion of natural resources.

A

Sustainability

Example: Sustainable agriculture focuses on long-term environmental and economic viability.

34
Q
A
35
Q

To introduce or implement gradually.

A

Phase in

Example: Governments should phase in policies that promote renewable energy.

36
Q

To separate something into smaller parts.

A

Break down

Example: Microorganisms help break down organic matter in compost.

37
Q

Surrounded by or in the middle of something.

A

In the midst of

Example: In the midst of rapid urbanization, preserving green spaces becomes crucial.

38
Q

A very small amount compared to the whole.

A

A drop in the ocean

Example: Individual efforts, while important, can sometimes feel like a drop in the ocean in addressing global environmental challenges.

39
Q

Projects or actions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

A

Green initiatives

Example: Many companies are adopting green initiatives to reduce their ecological footprint.

40
Q

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local communities.

A

Ecotourism

Example: Ecotourism can contribute to both environmental conservation and local economic development.

41
Q

Not able to be replaced or regenerated naturally at a rate equal to its consumption.

A

Non-renewable

Example: Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy.

42
Q

Causing or capable of causing death.

A

Lethal

Example: Pesticides can have lethal effects on insect populations and ecosystems.

43
Q

To reduce the amount of something.

A

Cut back on

Example: Individuals should cut back on single-use plastics to minimize environmental impact.

44
Q

To gradually damage or erode something

A

Wear down

Example: Natural processes, such as wind and water, can wear down mountains over time.

45
Q

Leading or most advanced in a particular field.

A

At the forefront of

  • Example: Sustainable technologies are at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change.
46
Q

Considering the overall perspective.

A

In the grand scheme of things

Example: Recycling may seem small, but in the grand scheme of things, it contributes to a healthier planet.

47
Q

The final small burden that causes a large cumulative effect.

A

Straw that breaks the camel’s back

Example: Each additional deforested area could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in terms of biodiversity loss.

48
Q

Weakened or damaged.

A

Impaired

Example: The impaired water quality in the river is affecting aquatic life.

49
Q

Tending to spread aggressively and harmfully.

A

Invasive

Example: Invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems and biodiversity.

50
Q

The natural home or environment of an organism.

A

Habitat

Example: Wetlands serve as a vital habitat for various bird species.