waste management

• What is biodiversity?

  Biodiversity is the variety of all the different species of organisms on Earth or in an ecosystem.
• Why is it important to maintain a rich biodiversity on Earth?

  Maintaining rich biodiversity makes ecosystems more stable.
• How has the human population changed over the last 100 years?

  The human population has increased massively.
• What has contributed to the increase in resource use by humans?

  The increase in the average standard of living has contributed to more resource use.
• What is the relationship between human waste production and pollution?

  Humans are producing more waste, which leads to increased pollution.
• How does human waste lead to water pollution?

  • Large amounts of sewage produced, containing urine and feces
  • In some countries, sewage is released into waterways untreated
  • In the UK, sewage is treated before release, but accidents can occur
  • Fertilizers from farms can also pollute rivers and streams
  • Toxic chemicals from factories can kill aquatic organisms
• What effect do fertilizers and untreated sewage have on aquatic ecosystems?

  They cause dissolved oxygen levels to fall, which can kill aquatic organisms.
• What can be a consequence of toxic chemicals released into rivers?

  Toxic chemicals can kill animals in the river.
• How does waste from human activities pollute the air?

  • Burning coal in power stations releases acidic gases
  • Acidic gases can cause acid rain
  • Burning can also release smoke
  • Air pollution can kill plants and animals
• What is one major consequence of air pollution from burning coal?

  Air pollution can kill plants and animals.
• How does waste pollute the land?

  • Millions of tons of waste are dumped in landfills
  • Landfills destroy habitats for plants and animals
  • Toxic chemicals can leach out and pollute the soil
  • Some toxic chemicals are dumped directly onto the land
• What are the effects of toxic chemicals leaching from landfills?

  Toxic chemicals can pollute the soil and kill living organisms.
• Why is it important to handle and dispose of waste materials carefully?

  Careful handling and disposal prevent harm to the environment and reduce biodiversity loss.
• What can students find in the revision workbook mentioned in the video?

  • Questions on how waste produced by human activities reduces biodiversity