Human activity changes the planet. Growing populations need more food, water, energy and land. This can cause habitat loss, pollution of air, water and soil, overfishing, and climate change. Plastic waste harms sea life, and fertiliser running off fields can cause algae to grow in rivers and kill fish.
People can reduce these impacts. Switching to renewable energy and electric transport cuts carbon dioxide. Insulating homes saves energy. Recycling and reusing reduce waste and mining. Protecting habitats and planting trees keeps biodiversity and stores carbon. Scientists measure the effects of each solution, so communities can compare costs and benefits and choose the best mix.
Worked example
A town replaces old bulbs with LEDs that use 80% less energy. Why does this help the climate?
- Less electricity is needed for the same light.
- Less fuel is burned in power stations.
Answer:So less carbon dioxide is released.
Key words
- biodiversity
- the variety of living things in an area
- pollution
- harmful substances added to the environment
- sustainable
- meeting needs now without harming the future
- carbon footprint
- the greenhouse gases caused by an activity
New questions every time.
NGSS-referenced: MS-ESS3-3