Maintaining Biodiversity #90

• 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
• How do breeding programs help endangered species?

  They build up numbers for reintroduction to the wild
• What is a major problem with breeding programs?

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

  Creating protected areas and regenerating habitats
• What is the hope behind protecting areas like mangroves and coral reefs?

  Organisms will be safe without breeding programs
• How do governments help reduce the impact of harmful practices like farming?

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

  A narrow strip around the field for growth
• What is the purpose of a hedgerow in farming?

  Acts as a border with shrubs and trees
• How do field margins and hedgerows increase biodiversity?

  They provide different habitats and food sources
• What do governments regulate regarding deforestation?

  Quotas on allowed deforestation each year
• How do governments regulate carbon dioxide emissions?

  By setting limits for businesses to follow
• 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
• What is a major barrier to fixing environmental problems?

  High costs associated with protecting biodiversity
• Why do individuals and companies overlook biodiversity benefits?

  They prefer to use limited money elsewhere
• What is necessary for maintaining a high standard of living?

  Damaging the environment through practices
• What do fertilizers and pesticides contribute to?

  Environmental damage for food production
• How do developing countries differ in their reliance on the environment?

  They rely on it for their livelihood
• Why do people cut down forests in developing countries?

  To build homes and gather firewood
• What is the purpose of clearing land in developing countries?

  To grow crops for food production
• What are the challenges in fixing environmental problems?

  • High costs of biodiversity protection
  • Need for environmental damaging practices
  • Overlooked benefits of biodiversity
• What are the consequences of excessive environmental damage?

  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Damaged ecosystems
  • Increased pollution and waste