In three to five sentences, describe two impacts of obtaining nonrenewable resources and how these have been affected by increasing population.(4 points)
Obtaining nonrenewable resources has led to significant environmental damage in the form of pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. These pollutants have affected our air, water, and soil quality, leading to health problems in humans and wildlife. Moreover, the increasing population has resulted in a greater demand for these resources, leading to higher prices and the exploration of more inaccessible and dangerous regions for extraction.
In order to expand agriculture and stimulate a sagging economy, the Brazilian government eased environmental laws which allowed large tracts of rainforest to be cut down or burned. In three to five sentences, construct a potential chain of consequences for what can happen as a result of this kind of deforestation. The chain does not have to be linear (i.e., five steps in a row), but can have several branches, one for each different potential consequence. Your chain should include at least four steps, including the original event.(4 points)
The chain of consequences of deforestation in Brazil may be caused by the following events: The easing of environmental laws leads to deforestation of large tracts of rainforest. As a result, the loss of trees leads to a decline in the ability of the rainforest to absorb carbon dioxide, which leads to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In addition, deforestation results in soil erosion and may cause landslides. Ultimately, the loss of the rainforest's biodiversity, which includes potentially undiscovered plants and animals, may also have long-term consequences for medicine and scientific research.
In three to five sentences, describe how a person can reduce consumption of natural resources when drinking water. Assume that there is no change in the amount of water consumed and that the change is only in the way water is produced.(4 points)
One effective way to reduce consumption of natural resources when drinking water is to switch to reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles. This reduces the need for oil and energy to produce and transport these bottles. Another way is to install a water filter at home rather than buying bottled water, reducing the number of plastic bottles and therefore reducing waste. Finally, using a system to collect and reuse rainwater can significantly reduce the amount of tap water used.
Use the scenario to answer the question.
A city planner is designing a new apartment complex. The complex will have several apartment buildings as well as a paved parking area for residents.
In one to two sentences, describe two ways the planner can help minimize the human impact of the apartment complex on the environment.
(2 points)