Maintaining biodiversity

• What are some environmental damages caused by humans?

  Climate change, deforestation, and dumping waste
• What is the end result of human environmental damage?

  Reduction in biodiversity and damaged ecosystems
• What are the two main approaches to reversing environmental damage?

  • Reducing bad practices causing damage
  • Reducing the impact of those practices
• What is one way to improve biodiversity?

  Breeding programs for endangered species
• What do breeding programs for endangered species involve?

  Breeding animals in captivity to increase numbers
• What is a major problem with breeding programs?

  Unsafe natural habitats lead to population decline
• What is another important solution for biodiversity?

  Creating protected areas and regenerating habitats
• What types of habitats should be regenerated?

  Mangroves and coral reefs
• What is the hope for protected areas?

  Organisms will be safe without breeding programs
• How do governments help reduce harmful practices in farming?

  By introducing laws and paying farmers
• What is a field margin?

  A narrow strip around the field for growth
• What is a hedgerow?

  A border made of shrubs and trees
• How do field margins and hedgerows increase biodiversity?

  By providing habitats and food sources
• What do governments regulate regarding deforestation?

  Quotas on annual deforestation amounts
• How do governments regulate carbon dioxide emissions?

  By setting limits for businesses
• What can individuals do to help the environment?

  Recycle waste and reduce unnecessary purchases
• What are the benefits of recycling waste?

  Less waste in landfills and fewer toxic chemicals
• Why is protecting biodiversity considered expensive?

  Individuals and governments overlook its benefits
• What is a necessary practice that damages the environment?

  Farming with fertilizers and pesticides
• Why do developing countries rely on the environment?

  For their livelihood and basic needs
• What do people in developing countries often cut down forests for?

  Building homes and cooking food
• What are the challenges to fixing environmental problems?

  • Financial constraints
  • Overlooking biodiversity benefits
  • Necessary practices causing damage
• What are the impacts of fertilizers and pesticides on the environment?

  • Damage to ecosystems
  • Pollution of soil and water
  • Harm to non-target species
• What are the reasons for cutting down forests in developing countries?

  • Building homes
  • Gathering firewood
  • Clearing land for crops