3.3 Anthropogenic Changes

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What is environmental degradation?

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The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; and the extinction of wildlife.

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What are the main causes of environmental degradation?

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Population explosion, increasing urbanization, and rapid industrialization.

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How does the burning of fossil fuels affect the environment?

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It increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

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What is global warming?

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The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

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What are greenhouse gases?

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Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat energy, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

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What is the impact of increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?

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It leads to global warming and climate change.

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What was the BP oil spill?

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A catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 that caused extensive damage to marine and coastal ecosystems.

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What are the effects of oil spills on marine life?

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Fish populations suffer from oil ingestion, coastal wetlands become contaminated, and marine birds and mammals suffer from oil coating their feathers and hair.

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What is acid rain?

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Precipitation that is significantly more acidic than natural, resulting from the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

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What is ozone depletion?

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The reduction of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere caused by chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).