Sustainability and Environmental Issues

Question 1

Sustainability

Answer 1

refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure long-term well-being.

Question 2

Environmental Issues

Answer 2

encompass a range of challenges affecting the natural world. These include climate change, deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and overconsumption of natural resources.

Question 3

Climate Change

Answer 3

refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

Question 4

Biodiversity

Answer 4

the variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within species. It plays a crucial role in ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services.

Question 5

Deforestation

Answer 5

the clearing or removal of forests, often for agricultural or industrial purposes. It contributes to habitat loss, disrupts ecosystems, and is a major driver of climate change, as forests act as carbon sinks.

Question 6

Pollution

Answer 6

the introduction of contaminants into the environment, causing adverse effects. Types of pollution include air pollution (from emissions), water pollution (from industrial discharges and runoff), and soil pollution (from improper waste disposal).

Question 7

Renewable Energy

Answer 7

derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources have lower environmental impacts and contribute to sustainable energy systems.

Question 8

Circular Economy

Answer 8

an economic model designed to minimize waste and make the most of resources. It involves recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption to create a closed-loop system that aims for sustainability.

Question 9

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Answer 9

set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. They aim to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

Question 10

Ecological Footprint

Answer 10

measures the environmental impact of an individual, community, or organization in terms of the resources consumed and waste produced. It helps assess sustainability and guides efforts to reduce environmental impact.