Anthropocene: What is the impact of humans on the world?
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60 Terms
What is the Anthropocene?
A proposed time period showing significant human impact on Earth.
Why is the Anthropocene important?
It highlights how humans are changing the planet.
What is human impact?
The effects humans have on environments and ecosystems.
What is industrialisation?
The growth of factories and machine production.
How did industrialisation affect the environment?
It increased pollution and fossil fuel use.
What are fossil fuels?
Coal, oil and natural gas formed from ancient organisms.
Why are fossil fuels important?
They provide energy for transport, electricity and industry.
How does burning fossil fuels affect Earth?
It releases greenhouse gases causing climate change.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.
What is climate change?
Long-term changes in Earth’s climate patterns.
What is global warming?
The increase in Earth’s average temperature.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The trapping of heat by gases in the atmosphere.
Why is the enhanced greenhouse effect harmful?
Too much heat becomes trapped causing warming.
What is pollution?
Harmful substances entering the environment.
What are types of pollution?
Air, water, land and noise pollution.
How can air pollution affect people?
It can damage health and breathing.
What is deforestation?
The cutting down of forests.
Why is deforestation harmful?
It destroys habitats and increases carbon dioxide levels.
What is biodiversity?
The variety of living organisms in an area.
How can human activity reduce biodiversity?
Habitat destruction and pollution can harm species.
What is extinction?
When a species no longer exists.
How can humans cause extinction?
Overhunting, pollution and habitat destruction.
What is urbanisation?
The growth of towns and cities.
How has urbanisation changed environments?
It replaces natural habitats with buildings and roads.
What is population growth?
An increase in the number of people.
How does population growth affect resources?
It increases demand for food, water and energy.
What is sustainability?
Using resources without harming future generations.
Why is sustainability important?
It helps protect resources and ecosystems.
What is renewable energy?
Energy from naturally replenished sources.
What are examples of renewable energy?
Solar, wind and hydroelectric power.
Why is renewable energy important?
It reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
What is recycling?
Processing materials so they can be reused.
Why is recycling important?
It reduces waste and resource use.
What is waste management?
The collection and disposal of waste.
Why is waste management important?
To reduce pollution and environmental damage.
What is plastic pollution?
The build-up of plastic waste in the environment.
Why is plastic pollution harmful?
It damages ecosystems and wildlife.
What is conservation?
The protection of environments and species.
Why is conservation important?
It helps preserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
What is reforestation?
Planting trees to replace lost forests.
How does reforestation help the environment?
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and support habitats.
What is carbon footprint?
The amount of greenhouse gases produced by activities.
How can people reduce their carbon footprint?
Using less energy, recycling and sustainable transport.
What is sustainable transport?
Transport causing less environmental damage.
What are examples of sustainable transport?
Cycling, walking and public transport.
What is food security?
Having reliable access to enough safe food.
How can climate change threaten food security?
Extreme weather can reduce crop yields.
What is desertification?
The process of fertile land becoming desert.
How can humans contribute to desertification?
Deforestation and overfarming damage soil.
What is ecosystem?
A community of organisms interacting with their environment.
How can ecosystems be disrupted by humans?
Pollution, climate change and habitat destruction alter ecosystems.
What is ocean acidification?
The lowering of ocean pH due to carbon dioxide absorption.
How can ocean acidification affect marine life?
It damages shells and coral reefs.
Why are coral reefs important?
They support many marine species.
What is environmental stewardship?
Responsible management of the environment.
Why is environmental stewardship important?
It helps protect Earth for future generations.
What role do governments play in environmental protection?
They create laws and environmental policies.
What role do individuals play in reducing environmental impact?
They can recycle, conserve energy and reduce waste.
Why is the Anthropocene debated by scientists?
Some disagree on whether it should be an official geological time period.
How does geography help us understand the Anthropocene?
It studies the relationship between humans and the environment.