Global Warming and Environmental Degradation

Flashcards testing concepts of biological diversity loss, global warming causes and effects, and environmental degradation due to industrialisation.

What has been the primary consequence of deforestation in tropical forests and rainforests?

It has led to the loss of a number of animal and plant species.

For what purposes are coastal mangroves in India being cleared, and what key species is threatened as a result?

They are cleared for aquatic sports and the construction of luxury resorts, which heavily threatens the mangrove ecosystem, including the Bengal tiger.

How is global warming defined in the transcript?

Global warming refers to an increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere resulting from the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, that trap the heat of the sun.

What are greenhouse gases, and what examples are mentioned in the notes?

Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to retaining heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Which dry countries rely on critical water supplies from the melting glaciers in the Himalayas and Alps?

Mongolia, western China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

What are the direct impacts of rising sea levels on coastal wetlands, lowlands, and populations?

A rise in sea level causes permanent flooding of wetlands and lowlands, loss of land due to coastal erosion, adverse economic effects, and displacement leading to large population migration.

In what ways do global climatic changes threaten global food security?

They affect food security through an increase in soil erosion and a reduction in rainfall, which adversely affects agricultural production.

What human activities lead to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide?

Industrialisation, urbanisation, rapidly expanding agricultural land use, burning of fossil fuels, and a variety of pollutants.

How does industrialisation contribute to water pollution and energy resource depletion?

Industrialisation causes water pollution by discharging chemical wastes into rivers, and depletes energy resources like coal and oil due to high energy demand met by thermal power.