last unit test Flashcards
(38 cards)
What are the categories of endangered species?
- Extinct
- Extinct in the wild
- Critically endangered
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Near threatened
- Least concern
These categories help classify the risk of extinction for different species.
What are some threats to endangered species?
- Habitat destruction
- Over exploitation
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Poaching
These threats significantly impact wildlife populations and ecosystems.
Why are zoos considered harmful to animals?
- Animal cruelty
- Animals often become lonely and bored
- Animals may develop ‘zoochosis’
- Zoos incentivize illegal hunting
- Some animals live longer in the wild
These factors raise ethical concerns about animal welfare in captivity.
What does the IUCN do?
- Keeps track of endangered species
- Tracks endangered ecosystems
- Maintains the Red List of species at risk for extinction
The IUCN is crucial for conservation efforts globally.
What is habitat destruction?
Occurs when a natural environment is altered so drastically that it can no longer support the species that once lived there.
Causes of habitat destruction include climate change, pollution, mining, and invasive species.
Which river is the main contributor to ocean waste?
The Yangtze River
It is one of the ten rivers responsible for significant ocean waste.
Define biodegradable.
An item that can be broken down into increasingly smaller pieces by bacteria, fungi, or microbes.
Biodegradable materials decompose naturally.
Define compostable.
Can break down into carbon dioxide, water, biomass, etc., degrades in around 90 days and creates ‘humus’ - nutrient rich.
Compostable items are designed to decompose efficiently in composting conditions.
What are the main factors contributing to pollution through the fashion industry?
- Use of synthetic fibers
- Vast overproduction of fashion items
- Agriculture pollution of fashion crops
These factors lead to significant environmental degradation associated with fashion.
What percentage of humanity’s carbon emissions is attributed to the fashion industry?
10%
The fashion industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions.
What is greenwashing?
The process of converting a false impression or providing misleading information about how companies’ products are more environmentally sound.
Greenwashing can mislead consumers and undermine genuine sustainability efforts.
What is the greenhouse effect?
Process which heat from the earth’s surface is absorbed by the atmosphere and re-radiated back to earth.
This natural process is essential for maintaining Earth’s temperature.
What are natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions?
- Volcanic eruption
- Decay of organic material
- Forest fires
These sources contribute to the natural carbon cycle.
What percentage of total global greenhouse gas emissions does Canada contribute?
1.6%
This statistic highlights Canada’s role in global emissions.
By how much has Canada warmed in the last 60 years?
1.5°C
This warming trend is significant and indicative of climate change impacts.
What does CEPA stand for?
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
CEPA targets pollution prevention and aims to protect human health and the environment.
Which provinces have cap and trade as their carbon tax?
- Quebec
- Nova Scotia
These provinces have implemented market-based approaches to reduce emissions.
When was the carbon tax implemented in Canada?
2019
This tax aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What is a greenbelt?
A permanently protected area of green space, farmland, forests, wetlands, and watersheds that acts like a belt around the urban built-up area.
Greenbelts help preserve biodiversity and provide recreational spaces.
What causes the ‘heat island’ effect?
An abundance of dark paved surfaces and dark rooftops can make urban areas several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas.
This effect exacerbates urban heat during summer months.
What percentage of GHG emissions do cities contribute?
About 70%
This statistic reflects the significant impact urban areas have on climate change.
Which mode of transportation has the highest carbon emissions per passenger?
An airplane
Air travel is more carbon-intensive compared to other modes of transport.
What does the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) measure?
It provides a data-driven summary of the state of sustainability around the world.
The EPI ranks countries based on their environmental performance.
What is the rank of Canada in the EPI as of 2022?
49th
This ranking highlights Canada’s environmental challenges.
