HUMAN IMPACT

Absolutely — here’s a Knowt-style, no-BS flashcard set on Human Impact on the Environment, fully Regents-aligned:

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Human Impact – Living Environment Regents Flashcards

1. What is the greenhouse effect?

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

2. What causes global warming?

Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) → releases CO₂ → traps heat → increases global temperature.

3. What are fossil fuels?

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

4. What are the effects of global warming?

• Melting glaciers

• Rising sea levels

• Climate change

• Loss of habitats

• More extreme weather

5. What is ozone depletion?

Loss of ozone layer caused by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons from old spray cans/fridges) → more UV rays reach Earth.

6. What is acid rain?

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

7. What is pollution?

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

8. What causes water pollution?

• Pesticides/fertilizers

• Industrial waste

• Sewage

• Oil spills

9. What causes land pollution?

• Littering

• Landfills

• Industrial waste

• Overuse of pesticides

10. What causes air pollution?

• Burning fossil fuels

• Factory smoke

• Car emissions

• Wildfires

11. What are invasive species?

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

12. What is deforestation?

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

13. What is habitat destruction?

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

14. What is biodiversity?

The variety of life in an ecosystem.

More biodiversity = more stable and resilient ecosystems.

15. How does human activity reduce biodiversity?

• Pollution

• Habitat destruction

• Overhunting

• Invasive species

• Climate change

16. What is overhunting/overfishing?

Killing too many animals or catching too many fish → species decline or extinction.

17. What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replaced (sun, wind, water, trees).

18. What are nonrenewable resources?

Resources that cannot be replaced quickly (coal, oil, gas).

19. How can humans reduce their negative impact?

• Recycle

• Conserve energy

• Use renewable energy

• Plant trees

• Protect habitats

• Pass environmental laws

20. Why is sustainability important?

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

Let me know if you want this in PDF or quiz format.