HUMAN IMPACT

What is the greenhouse effect?

The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases like CO₂.

What causes global warming?

Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases CO₂, trapping heat and increasing global temperature.

What are fossil fuels?

Nonrenewable energy sources made from ancient organisms (coal, oil, gas).

What are the effects of global warming?

Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, climate change, loss of habitats, more extreme weather.

What is ozone depletion?

Loss of ozone layer caused by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) leading to more UV rays reaching Earth.

What is acid rain?

Rain made acidic by air pollution (sulfur/nitrogen oxides) from burning fossil fuels, harming plants, water, soil, and buildings.

What is pollution?

Release of harmful substances into air, water, or soil by humans.

What causes water pollution?

Pesticides/fertilizers, industrial waste, sewage, oil spills.

What causes land pollution?

Littering, landfills, industrial waste, overuse of pesticides.

What causes air pollution?

Burning fossil fuels, factory smoke, car emissions, wildfires.

What are invasive species?

Non-native organisms introduced by humans that outcompete native species and upset ecosystems.

What is deforestation?

Cutting down forests, leading to loss of biodiversity, erosion, and more CO₂ in the air.

What is habitat destruction?

Humans destroy natural environments (building cities, roads, farms), leading to endangered species.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of life in an ecosystem; more biodiversity equals more stable and resilient ecosystems.

How does human activity reduce biodiversity?

Through pollution, habitat destruction, overhunting, invasive species, and climate change.

What is overhunting/overfishing?

Killing too many animals or catching too many fish, leading to species decline or extinction.

What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replaced, such as sun, wind, water, and trees.

What are nonrenewable resources?

Resources that cannot be replaced quickly, like coal, oil, and gas.

How can humans reduce their negative impact?

By recycling, conserving energy, using renewable energy, planting trees, protecting habitats, and passing environmental laws.

Why is sustainability important?

To meet human needs now without harming future generations or destroying ecosystems.