Fragile environments

Question 1

What makes an environment fragile?

Answer 1

Thin soils, extreme climates, and sensitivity to small changes in human or natural factors.

Question 2

Examples of fragile environments?

Answer 2

Sahel (dry grassland), Amazon Rainforest, Maldives (low-lying island).

Question 3

Definition of desertification?

Answer 3

Land degradation where an area becomes desert-like, losing water, flora, and fauna.

Question 4

Main climatic causes of desertification?

Answer 4

Drought, variable rainfall, climate change.

Question 5

Main human causes of desertification?

Answer 5

Overgrazing, over-cultivation, deforestation, over-abstraction, population pressure, soil salinisation.

Question 6

How does overgrazing cause desertification?

Answer 6

Removes plant cover, exposing soil to erosion.

Question 7

How does over-cultivation affect land?

Answer 7

Depletes soil nutrients, leading to poor crop yields.

Question 8

Sahel case study of desertification?

Answer 8

Drought and population pressure led to loss of vegetation and soil erosion.

Question 9

Definition of deforestation?

Answer 9

Clearing forests for other land uses like agriculture, mining, or roads.

Question 10

Commercial drivers of deforestation in the Amazon?

Answer 10

Timber extraction, soy plantations, cattle ranching, mining.

Question 11

Amazon deforestation extent?

Answer 11

Amazon has lost around 20% of its forest cover.

Question 12

Milankovitch cycles and climate?

Answer 12

Orbital changes alter solar radiation, causing ice ages or warm periods.

Question 13

Volcanic eruption effects?

Answer 13

Ash clouds reflect sunlight, causing temporary cooling.

Question 14

How do sunspots affect climate?

Answer 14

Increased sunspot activity can lead to warming.

Question 15

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Answer 15

Human-added GHGs trap more heat, warming the Earth.

Question 16

Main greenhouse gases?

Answer 16

CO₂, methane, water vapour, nitrous oxide.

Question 17

CO₂ rise since industrial revolution?

Answer 17

From ~280 ppm to ~420 ppm.

Question 18

Why is the greenhouse effect essential?

Answer 18

Without it, Earth would be about –18 °C instead of ~15 °C.

Question 19

Impacts of desertification in the Sahel?

Answer 19

Crop failure, migration, malnutrition, soil erosion, poverty cycle.

Question 20

Economic effects of deforestation?

Answer 20

Short-term jobs, timber/crop exports, uneven benefits.

Question 21

Social effects of deforestation?

Answer 21

Displacement, loss of indigenous lands and culture.

Question 22

Environmental effects of deforestation?

Answer 22

Biodiversity loss, CO₂ release, disrupted rainfall, erosion.

Question 23

Hydrological effects of deforestation?

Answer 23

Reduced evapotranspiration, increased runoff, flood risk.

Question 24

Soil effects of deforestation?

Answer 24

Soils lose fertility and erode rapidly.

Question 25

Why is the Maldives vulnerable to climate change?

Answer 25

80% of land is under 1 m elevation; risk of submersion.

Question 26

Climate change impacts in the Maldives?

Answer 26

Sea-level rise, coastal erosion, coral bleaching, tourism loss.

Question 27

Global impacts of climate change?

Answer 27

Extreme weather, health issues, crop loss, migration.

Question 28

Technological solutions to desertification?

Answer 28

Desalination, drip irrigation, solar sterilisation, wells.

Question 29

What is agroforestry?

Answer 29

Integrating trees into farms to protect soil and provide shade.

Question 30

What is afforestation?

Answer 30

Planting trees to prevent erosion and restore land.

Question 31

What is the Great Green Wall?

Answer 31

Tree-planting project across Sahel to combat desertification.

Question 32

Sustainable farming methods?

Answer 32

Crop rotation, contour ploughing, drought-resistant crops.

Question 33

Protected area in the Amazon?

Answer 33

Central Amazon Conservation Complex (~60,000 km², UNESCO site).

Question 34

What is selective logging?

Answer 34

Cutting only mature trees to allow forest regeneration.

Question 35

What is FSC certification?

Answer 35

Label for timber from sustainably managed forests.

Question 36

Community conservation example?

Answer 36

Natütama project empowers river communities to protect wildlife.

Question 37

Ecotourism benefit example?

Answer 37

Yachana Lodge funds conservation and educates tourists.

Question 38

Maldives adaptation strategies?

Answer 38

Sea wall, new raised islands, carbon-neutral pledge, land-buying plans.

Question 39

Global mitigation strategies?

Answer 39

Renewables, energy efficiency, carbon capture, reforestation.

Question 40

Paris Agreement aim?

Answer 40

Limit global warming to well below 2°C.

Question 41

How can individuals help combat climate change?

Answer 41

Use less energy, reduce waste, support green policies.