Environment and Nature Flashcards

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer: The warming of Earth's surface as atmospheric gases trap heat from the sun

The greenhouse effect occurs when gases like CO₂ and methane trap solar heat in Earth's atmosphere, warming the planet's surface.

Which U.S. federal agency is primarily responsible for protecting the natural environment and human health from pollution?

Answer: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA was established in 1970 to consolidate federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement for environmental protection.

What is biodiversity?

Answer: The variety of different species and ecosystems in a given region or on Earth

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

What does the term 'carbon footprint' mean?

Answer: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual, organization, or activity

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions — especially CO₂ — caused directly and indirectly by a person, product, or organization.

What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?

Answer: The absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs atmospheric CO₂, forming carbonic acid and lowering the ocean's pH.

Which of the following is a renewable energy source?

Answer: Wind power

Wind power is renewable because it harnesses energy from an inexhaustible natural resource — wind — without depleting it or producing direct emissions.