Summary
Man's activities have significant impacts on the environment, affecting natural resources, contributing to deforestation, pollution, and global warming.
- Natural Resources — resources that can be renewable or non-renewable. Example: Fossil fuels are non-renewable and provide energy for machinery.
- Deforestation — removal of trees by burning or cutting down to obtain land. Example: Leads to loss of habitats and soil erosion.
- Pollution — release of harmful substances into land, water, or air. Example: Smoke can cause acid rain, damaging buildings and ecosystems.
- Global Warming — increase in Earth's average temperature due to more carbon dioxide in the air. Example: Causes melting of ice and changes in weather patterns.
- 3 Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to minimize waste and protect the environment. Example: Reforestation helps restore habitats and reduce carbon dioxide levels.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Natural Resources
- Deforestation
- Pollution
- Global Warming
- 3 Rs
Common Confusions
- Confusing renewable and non-renewable resources
- Misunderstanding the effects of deforestation
Typical Exam Questions
- What are non-renewable resources? Resources that do not replenish naturally within a human timescale.
- How does deforestation affect rainfall? Fewer trees mean less water vapor released, reducing cloud formation and rainfall.
- What is the impact of CFCs on the ozone layer? CFCs thin the ozone layer, increasing UV radiation reaching Earth.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of how human activities impact the environment
- Ability to explain the consequences of pollution and global warming
- Knowledge of positive actions like the 3 Rs and reforestation