Ecology and pollution

lecture 5

What is ecology?

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including different species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.

What does the Global Living Planet Index indicate?

The Global Living Planet Index shows a continuing decline, with an average 73% decrease in population sizes of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish between 1970 and 2018.

Why does biodiversity matter?

Biodiversity is fundamental to human life on Earth as it supports ecosystems, food networks, and environmental quality.

What is the status of plants worldwide in terms of extinction risk?

One in five plant species is threatened with extinction globally.

What significant decline was reported by Hallmann et al. (2017) regarding insects?

There was more than a 75% decline over 27 years in total flying insect biomass in protected areas.

Why are freshwater invertebrates important?

Freshwater invertebrates underpin most non-marine food networks and serve as indicators of environmental quality.

What trend is observed in Ireland's bird populations between 1994-1999 and 2011-2016?

There was a significant decrease in wintering waterbirds, mallard ducks, kestrels, and seabirds, with 23 of 24 seabird species listed as Red or Amber status.

What is the conservation status of native plants and bird species in Ireland?

Over half of native plant species are in decline, and more than 50 bird species are of high conservation concern.

What percentage of Ireland’s protected habitats and species have an unfavorable status?

85% of protected habitats and almost one third of protected species of flora and fauna have an unfavorable status.

What are the main drivers of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation mentioned?

The main drivers include land change, pollution, pathogens, and climate change.

According to Dr. Ryan, what is a consequence of poor planetary and ecosystem management?

Emerging epidemics are seen as a consequence of poor planetary and ecosystem management.

What proportion of emerging diseases are linked to environmental factors?

30% of emerging diseases are linked to environmental factors.

What proportion of Europeans are affected by water stress?

Water stress affects already one in three Europeans and is expected to worsen with climate change.

How is Ireland’s water quality rated?

Ireland’s water quality is rated as “poor” with no improvement in the condition of rivers or lakes over the last five years.

What is deoxygenating pollution?

Deoxygenating pollution occurs when biodegradable organic materials use up oxygen in water, often due to organic effluents.

Why is oxygen depletion in water harmful?

Many invertebrates and fish, such as salmonids, are intolerant of low oxygen levels and can be harmed or killed.

What are common sources of freshwater effluents?

Sources include agricultural effluents (e.g., silage effluent, animal slurry), sewage effluent, industrial effluents, and domestic septic tanks.

What do Q values indicate in biological monitoring?

Q values are used to assess the biological quality of water bodies, with values ranging from 1 to 5 indicating water quality status.

What percentage of water bodies in Ireland are affected by agriculture-related pollution?

Agriculture affects 53% of water bodies in Ireland.

What percentage of water bodies in Ireland are affected by urban and domestic wastewater discharge?

Discharges from urban and domestic wastewater treatment systems affect 29% of water bodies.

What percentage of rivers in Ireland have unsatisfactory biological water quality?

43% of rivers in Ireland have unsatisfactory biological water quality.

What is the main environmental health risk in Europe?

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe.

What health issues are primarily caused by air pollution in Europe?

Cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke are the main causes of premature death attributed to air pollution.

What percentage of premature deaths in Europe are due to air pollution?

Air pollution is responsible for 80% of cases of premature death in Europe (2014 data).

What misconception do most people have about the main source of air pollution?

Most people (72%) believe transport and industry are the main causes, not domestic fuel burning.

What are the key pollutants involved in air pollution?

Key pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter PM10, and PM2.5.

What was the impact of air pollution in Beijing in 2013?

There were 11.26 deaths per day attributed to air pollution, including 6.5 deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

What actions are suggested to reduce particulate matter pollution?

Actions include moving away from burning solid fuels toward cleaner energy, implementing a national Smoky Coal ban, and individuals considering transport and lifestyle choices.

How can individuals contribute to improving air quality?

By making sustainable transport and lifestyle choices that reduce emissions and air pollution.