What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide) from burning fossil fuels enhance the greenhouse effect and drive climate change

Deforestation reduces carbon sinks, increases CO₂ levels, destroys habitat, and leads to biodiversity loss

Water pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and plastics harms aquatic ecosystems and human health

Sustainability strategies aim to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

Key Vocabulary

Greenhouse effect

The natural process by which gases in the atmosphere trap heat; enhanced by human emissions, causing global warming

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms in an ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of forest cover, releasing stored carbon and destroying habitats

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which human activity is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions globally?

Agriculture Volcanic eruptions Burning fossil fuels for energy Ocean evaporation

Question 2

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Trees cool the planet directly through shade It has no significant effect on climate Deforestation increases rainfall which cools the atmosphere Removing trees reduces carbon absorption and releases stored carbon

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a sustainable practice?

Using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power Replacing natural forests with monoculture crops permanently Mining and burning all available coal as efficiently as possible Draining wetlands for agriculture

Human Impacts on the Environment