Environmental Issues and Solutions

Louisa Roaz, a sustainability coordinator, discusses the impact of storm water runoff on the environment. She explains how human activities increase surface runoff, leading to pollution and ecological damage. The video covers the effects of runoff, such as nutrient pollution and flooding, and offers solutions like rain gardens and permeable pavements to mitigate these issues. The importance of community involvement and available rebates for sustainable practices are also highlighted.

What is Louisa Roaz's role in the city of Greenbelt?

• Environmental Scientist

• Sustainability Coordinator

• City Mayor

• Public Works Director

Which part of the water cycle involves water moving from plants to the atmosphere?

• Surface Runoff

• Evapotranspiration

• Percolation

• Infiltration

Why is surface runoff a concern in urban areas?

• It causes pollution and flooding

• It leads to more evaporation

• It reduces precipitation

• It increases groundwater levels

What environmental issue was caused by nutrient overload in the Chesapeake Bay?

• Algal blooms

• Air pollution

• Oil spills

• Deforestation

What is a 'dead zone' in the context of water bodies?

• A place with abundant fish

• A zone with low oxygen levels

• A region with high biodiversity

• An area with no sunlight

Which of the following is a method to reduce surface runoff?

• Using rain gardens

• Constructing taller buildings

• Building more roads

• Increasing lawn areas

What is the purpose of a rain barrel?

• To filter pollutants from the air

• To increase surface runoff

• To provide habitat for wildlife

• To store rainwater for later use

What type of plants are recommended for rain gardens?

• Exotic plants

• Native, water-tolerant plants

• Desert plants

• Tall trees

What is permeable pavement designed to do?

• Prevent water infiltration

• Reduce evaporation

• Allow water to pass through

• Increase surface runoff

What is a key benefit of increasing urban tree canopy?

• It raises local temperatures

• It decreases biodiversity

• It increases surface runoff

• It reduces air pollution