Human Impact

• What is the definition of climate?

  The average weather conditions of a large area over a long period of time.
• What does climate change refer to?

  Any change or disturbance to an established climate pattern.
• What is global warming?

  The rise in earth's average temperature due to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
• How do greenhouse gases contribute to the natural greenhouse effect?

  They help keep Earth's temperature evenly warm at a range that supports life.
• What are the steps of the natural greenhouse effect?

  1. The sun emits radiation towards Earth.
  2. Some radiation reflects off the atmosphere back into space.
  3. Some radiation warms Earth's surface.
  4. Earth's surface releases radiation back into the atmosphere.
  5. Most reflected radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases, warming Earth.
  6. Trapped radiation is reflected back to Earth, insulating the surface.
• What is the main cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  An increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases due to human activities.
• What are some sources of carbon dioxide emissions?

  Cellular respiration, decomposition, burning fossil fuels, and chemical reactions.
• What is the biggest contributor to the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Carbon dioxide.
• What contributes to methane emissions?

  Natural anaerobic decomposition, melting ice, seawater decomposition, and intensive agriculture.
• How does deforestation contribute to global warming?

  It reduces CO2 absorption and releases CO2 when trees die or are burned.
• What is ozone depletion?

  The reduction in the concentration of ozone in the ozone layer.
• What are the main causes of ozone depletion?

  CFCs used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and spray cans.
• What does carbon footprint refer to?

  The total amount of CO2 emitted by an individual or group in one year.
• What are some ways to reduce carbon footprint?

  1. Refuse to waste – avoid disposable items.
  2. Reduce burning wood, gas, and coals.
  3. Reuse products whenever possible.
  4. Recover and replace items with recycled or donated materials.
  5. Repair clothing, furniture, and appliances.
  6. Replant indigenous vegetation.
  7. Renew energy production methods.
• Why is clean fresh water essential for living species?

  It is necessary for their survival.
• What is the purpose of a dam?

  To provide water supply for domestic, industrial, agriculture, and food production.
• What are some negative impacts of dams?

  Loss of habitats, changes in natural water flow, and reduction of water quality.
• What roles do wetlands play in the ecosystem?

  • Store rainwater and release it slowly.
  • Prevent flooding and soil erosion.
  • Provide habitats for diverse species.
  • Act as filters to clean water.
• What is the impact of exotic/alien plantations on water resources?

  They reduce groundwater and biodiversity due to high water consumption.
• How are wetlands damaged by human activities?

  They are drained for construction, dammed, and polluted by waste.
• What are the consequences of poor farming practices like monoculture?

  They use excessive water and lead to erosion and water loss.
• How do droughts affect water availability?

  They significantly decrease water availability due to increased evaporation.
• What happens during floods when natural vegetation is removed?

  Water loss increases due to erosion and reduced soil absorption.
• What is an aquifer?

  An underground layer of water-bearing, sponge-like rock.
• Why is monitoring boreholes important?

  To prevent excessive water extraction from aquifers.
• How does mining affect aquifers?

  Mining and fracking can drain and pollute aquifers, decreasing water availability.
• Why do municipalities charge for extra water usage?

  Due to the costs of building and maintaining water supply systems.
• What leads to water wastage in various sectors?

  Careless or poor management of water resources.
• What is the basic human right regarding water availability?

  6kL of water per month is free for a family of 5.
• Why is water quality important for human consumption?

  To prevent waterborne diseases that can lead to dehydration and death.
• What is eutrophication?

  It occurs when high nutrient levels encourage rapid algae growth.
• What are the effects of algal blooms on aquatic life?

  They block light needed for photosynthesis, leading to organism death.
• What are the consequences of industrial waste on water bodies?

  It leads to toxic pollution and increased salinity, harming aquatic organisms.
• How does agricultural contamination affect water quality?

  It introduces fertilizers and pesticides into water bodies, harming ecosystems.
• What is acid mine drainage?

  It is the contamination of groundwater with sulfuric acid from mining activities.
• What is thermal pollution in mining?

  It is the discharge of hot water that kills temperature-sensitive organisms.
• How do alien invasive plants affect water bodies?

  They block sunlight and contribute to eutrophication, decreasing water quality.
• What is the importance of water purification?

  It prevents ecosystem damage and ensures safe water for human activities.
• What does biodiversity refer to?

  The variety of all living organisms on Earth.
• Why is biodiversity important?

  It maintains water and air quality, climate stabilization, and natural pest control.