Human Impact

Petroleum is a fossil fuel used to make plastic. Which idea would best reduce the environmental impact of plastics and fossil fuels at the same time?

• pack goods to be shipped in plastic containers

• find inexpensive ways to use vegetable oil for fuel

• design a car completely made from recycled plastic

• convert plastic bags into fuel for cars, trucks, and planes

Human activities have which type of impact on the environment?

• positive

• negative

• neither a nor b

• both a and b

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a large area of floating trash in the Pacific Ocean that is caused, in part, by ocean currents. Which is a step people can take to minimize its effect on Earth's water?

• use satellites to measure its size

• measure ocean currents to predict where it will go

• design new and better ways to recycle

• work harder to prevent oil spills

Which is NOT a negative consequence of clearing land during deforestation?

• increase in the number of endangered species

• increase in the amount of photosynthesis

• increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• increase in the chance of flooding in an area

Urbanization is caused by an increase in population. Which describes an effect of urbanization on land?

• More land will be available for farming.

• More land will be used to build houses.

• More land will be used to grow trees.

• More land will be available for animal habitat.

Which is NOT a positive impact on Earth's water?

• fixing a dripping faucet

• disposing of chemicals properly

• increasing fertilizer runoff

• increasing recycling

Which describes an effect of laws like the U.S. Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act?

• They have helped people to eliminate water pollution.

• They are a step toward reducing water pollution.

• They result in an increase in water pollution.

• They cause a decrease in the amount of water on Earth.

Which of the following causes air pollution?

• volcanic eruptions

• burning of fossil fuels

• forest fires

• all of the above

Which describes the BEST way that people can minimize their impact on air pollution?

• decrease burning of oil and coal

• invent ways to remove particulate matter from the air

• decrease the size of the ozone layer

• invent ways to treat asthma

How much of Sweden's waste goes to landfills?

• 1%

• 50%

• 99%

• 100%