Cycle 11

Anthropocene

The current geological age in which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and environment.

Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest

The process of clearing large areas of the Amazon rainforest, primarily for agricultural purposes, resulting in significant environmental impact.

Gold mining

The extraction of gold from the earth, often involving the use of mercury, which can contaminate water sources and have detrimental effects on the environment.

Crisis of Climate Change

The urgent and severe consequences resulting from the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Tipping point

A critical threshold or point of no return, beyond which irreversible and significant changes occur in the climate or environment.

Increased humidity

A rise in the amount of moisture in the air, often associated with climate change and global warming.

International Greed

The excessive desire for wealth and resources, often leading to unsustainable practices and exploitation of natural resources.

Water shortage

A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply, resulting in limited access to clean water for human and ecological needs.

Individual Solutions

Actions that individuals can take to mitigate the impact of their activities on the environment, such as using alternative transportation methods and reducing water consumption.

International Solutions

Collective efforts and policies implemented at a global scale to address environmental issues, including renovating buildings, reducing deforestation, and transitioning to zero-emission energy sources.

Agriculture

The practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock for food production, which can have significant environmental impacts and requires sustainable practices.

How will plants and animals cope?

The question of how various plant and animal species will adapt and respond to the changing climate and environmental conditions caused by human activities.

Geographical Changes

Alterations in the physical characteristics of a region or area, including changes in depth, altitude, and latitude, which can have implications for climate and ecosystems.

Drought

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water scarcity, reduced plant growth, and increased risk of wildfires.

Extreme Weather

Severe and unusual weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Asynchrony

A lack of synchronization or mismatch between the timing of environmental cues and the life cycle events of plants and animals, potentially disrupting ecological interactions.

Cucumber Plant

A plant species that has a symbiotic relationship with pollinators, but may face challenges such as reduced nectar and pollen production under high temperatures.

Univoltine Worm

A type of worm that has a single generation per year, with different cohorts entering and exiting the soil at different times, influenced by temperature and resource availability.

Sex Determination

The process by which the sex of an organism is determined, which can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, as seen in turtles.

Capacity to Displace

The ability of certain species or populations to adapt and survive in changing environments, often influenced by their genetic diversity and ecological flexibility.

Adaptation

The process by which organisms adjust to changes in their environment over time, allowing them to survive and reproduce in new conditions.

Increased Climate Trends

Observable patterns and changes in climate-related factors, including surface temperature, CO2 levels, sea level, and methane emissions, which are on the rise.

Decreased Climate Trends

Observable patterns and changes in climate-related factors, such as sea ice extent and global glacier mass balance, which are declining due to global warming.

Greenland ice sheet

The large ice mass covering most of Greenland, which is melting at an accelerated rate due to climate change, contributing to rising sea levels.