What is soil erosion?
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What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the wearing away of the topsoil by the action of wind or water.
True or False?
Soil erosion is only caused by human activities.
False.
Soil erosion is a natural process that is made worse by human activities.
Name three human activities that can lead to soil erosion.
Human activities that can lead to soil erosion include:
Deforestation.
Overgrazing.
Overcultivation.
Over abstraction of groundwater.
Human induced climate change.
Population increase.
What is salinisation?
Salinisation is the process where high rates of evaporation lead to groundwater being drawn to the surface, leaving salts in or on the topsoil when it evaporates.
Define desertification.
Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
True or False?
Desertification is only caused by natural factors.
False.
Desertification is caused by both natural factors and human activities.
What is agroforestry?
Agroforestry is a land use management system that combines trees or shrubs with crops or pastureland.
Name two methods of sustainable management of soil erosion.
Methods of sustainable management of soil erosion include:
Contour ploughing.
Terracing.
Education in sustainable farming methods.
Agroforestry.
Afforestation.
Contour stones.
What is the Great Green Wall?
The Great Green Wall is a tree planting (afforestation) project across the Sahel region of Africa aimed at reversing desertification.
True or False?
Education about sustainable farming methods can help reduce soil erosion and desertification.
True.
Education about sustainable farming methods can help reduce soil erosion and desertification.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat and warm the Earth's surface.
Name three natural sources of greenhouse gases.
Natural sources of greenhouse gases include:
Volcanic eruptions.
Wildfires.
Respiration.
Evaporation from oceans/seas and plants.
Decomposition
Soils
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
The enhanced greenhouse effect is the intensification of the natural greenhouse effect due to human activities increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
True or False?
Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have remained stable over the past century.
False.
Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased by more than 100 parts per million over the past century.
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is a global agreement signed in 2015 to limit global warming to 2 °C (preferably 1.5 °C) above pre-industrial levels.
Name three impacts of global warming on ecosystems.
Impacts of global warming on ecosystems include:
Shifting biome locations.
Coral bleaching.
Changes in animal migration patterns.
Ocean acidification.
Changing ocean currents due to melting ice.
Loss of mangrove swamps.
Loss of habitats due to flooding, drought and wildfires.
What is sea level rise?
Sea level rise is the increase in the level of the world's oceans due to the effects of global warming.
True or False?
All scientists agree that human activities are the main cause of current global warming.
False.
While most scientists agree, there are some who argue that global warming is primarily the result of natural climate patterns.
What is the IPCC?
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is an international body set up to assess the science related to climate change.
Name three ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:
Using renewable energy.
Improving energy efficiency.
Reducing deforestation.
Increasing afforestation.
Improving public transport.
Electric vehicles.
What is pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful contamination into the environment.
Name the five main types of pollution.
The five main types of pollution are
Air.
Water.
Land.
Visual.
Noise pollution.
What is water pollution?
Water pollution is when harmful substances contaminate streams, rivers, aquifers, oceans, or other bodies of water.
True or False?
Air pollution only occurs outdoors.
False.
Air pollution can be a combination of indoor and outdoor particulates.
What is visual pollution?
Visual pollution is the impact of human-made constructions or pollution that affect the visual landscape.
Name three sources of noise pollution.
Sources of noise pollution include:
Transport.
Construction.
Industrial activities.
Night activities: nightclubs, bars.
Energy production .
What is land pollution?
Land pollution is the presence of contaminants in the soil at high enough concentrations to pose a risk to humans and the environment.
True or False?
Plastic waste in water bodies only affects large marine animals.
False.
Plastic waste can break down into microplastics, affecting a wide range of aquatic life.
What is a congestion charge?
A congestion charge is a fee charged to drivers for entering certain areas, typically city centers, to reduce traffic and air pollution.
Name three ways to sustainably manage water pollution.
Ways to sustainably manage water pollution include:
Regulating fertiliser use.
Increasing water treatment.
Education about plastic waste disposal.
Fines for industry discharging waste into waterways.
What is resource conservation?
Resource conservation is the protection and rational use of the environment and natural resources to ensure they are there for future generations.
Name three conservation measures.
Conservation measures include:
Recycling.
Using energy-efficient appliances.
Stewardship of protected areas.
Investment in renewable energy.
Quotas on resource use.
Reducing deforestation.
Protection of particular ecosystems.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a protected area of land designated for conservation due to its special features of scientific interest.
True or False?
NGOs play no role in resource conservation.
False.
Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) aim to conserve and protect the environment and natural resources.
What is the World Wildlife Fund?
The World Wildlife Fund is an NGO that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
Name three individual actions that can help conserve resources.
Individual actions that can help conserve resources include:
Using public transport.
Reducing energy consumption.
Recycling.
Buying energy efficient appliances.
Investing in double glazing and insulation.
Compost food and garden waste.
Wash clothes less often and at lower temperatures.
What is a renewable energy source?
A renewable energy source is one that is naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
True or False?
Conserving natural resources is only important for future generations.
False.
Conserving natural resources is important for both current and future generations.
What is composting?
Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment, reducing waste sent to landfills.
Name three government actions that can help conserve resources.
Government actions that can help conserve resources include:
Congestion charges.
Investment in renewable energy.
Grants for solar panels.
Gas emission limits for vehicles.
Charging points for electric vehicles.
Increased tax on petrol and diesel.
Investment in public transport.
Fines for businesses and industries that pollute.