Science 3.2 notes

Pollution

Contaminates air, land, and water, affecting living organisms and causing issues like acid rain and flooding.

Invasive Species

Introduction of non-native species that outcompete native species for space, food, light, and nutrients.

Habitat Destruction

Alteration of habitats making them unusable for native species due to activities like deforestation and urban development.

Overexploitation

Excessive use of species by humans for resources such as food, medicine, and clothing.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in climate patterns, notably a ~1°C rise since 1880 linked to increased greenhouse gases and significant environmental losses.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O that contribute to climate change, with significant increases noted since the Industrial Revolution.

Sea Level Rise

A 6-8 inch increase in sea level over the last 100 years attributed to climate change and melting ice.

Coral Loss

A significant decline in coral populations, with 90% lost since the 1950s due to climate and environmental changes.

Ocean Acidity

30% increase in ocean acidity since the 1970s, primarily due to increased CO₂ absorption.

Acid Rain

An environmental issue caused by pollution that results in the harmful acidification of ecosystems.