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Chapter 6
Environmental Problems and Solutions
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Section 1 Environmental Problems
Section 2 Environmental Solutions
Chapter 6
Section 1 Environmental Problems
Pollution
• An unwanted change in the environment caused by
substances, such as wastes, or forms of energy,
such as radiation, is called pollution.
• Anything that causes pollution is called a pollutant.
•Examples:
•Garbage
•Chemicals
•Radioactive waste
•Greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide, CO2
•Noise
Chapter 6
Section 1 Environmental Problems
Resource Depletion
• A nonrenewable
• A renewable resource
resource is one that
is one that can be
cannot be replaced or
replaced at the same rate
that can be replaced
at which the resource is
only over thousands or
used.
millions of years.
• Examples
– Fossil fuels
–
–
–
–
Water
Wind
Trees
Solar
– Oil
– Natural gas
– Coal
Chapter 6
Section 1 Environmental Problems
Exotic Species
• People may carry plant seeds, animals eggs, or
adult organisms with them as they move from one
part of the world to another.
• An organism that makes a home for itself in a new
place outside its native home is an exotic species.
Exotic species often thrive in new places, and can
become pests and compete with native species.
Chapter 6
Section 1 Environmental Problems
Human Population Growth
• Overpopulation happens when the number of
individuals becomes so large that the individuals can’t
get the resources they need to survive. Some people
argue that there may eventually be too many people
on Earth.
Chapter 6
Section 1 Environmental Problems
Habitat Destruction
• When land is cleared for construction, crops,
mines, or lumber, organisms that were living in the
areas may be left without food and shelter. These
organisms may die.
• An organism’s habitat is where it lives. Every
habitat has a number and variety of organisms, or
biodiversity. If a habitat is damaged or destroyed,
biodiversity is lost.
Chapter 6
Section 1 Environmental Problems
Habitat Destruction, continued
• Forest Habitats Trees provide humans with oxygen,
lumber, food, rubber, and paper. For some of these
products, trees must be cut down. Deforestation is the
clearing of forest lands.
• Marine Habitats Many people think of oil spills
when they think of pollution in marine habitats. Spilled
oil pollutes both open waters and coastal habitats. In
addition to oil, chemicals and plastics are sometimes
dumped into marine habitats.
Chapter 6
Section 2 Environmental Solutions
Conservation
• Conservation is the preservation and wise use of
natural resources.
• Conservation helps reduce waste and pollution.
Conservation can help prevent habitat destruction.
• The three Rs describe three ways to conserve
resources: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Chapter 6
Section 2 Environmental Solutions
Reduce
• Reducing Waste and Pollution As much as onethird of the waste produced by some countries is
packaging material. Products can be wrapped in
less paper and plastic to reduce waste.
• Reducing the Use of Nonrenewable Resources
Some scientists are looking for sources of energy
that can replace fossil fuels. In some parts of the
world, solar energy can be used to power homes.
Chapter 6
Section 2 Environmental Solutions
Maintaining Biodiversity
• Protecting Species One way to maintain
biodiversity is to protect individual species. In the
United States, a law called the Endangered Species
Act was designed to do just that.
• Protecting Habitats Each organism is part of a
huge, interconnected web of organisms. The entire
web should be protected to protect these organisms.
Chapter 6
Section 2 Environmental Solutions
Environmental Strategies
• Reduce pollution.
• Reduce and pesticide use.
• Protect habitats.
• Learn about local issues.
• Develop alternative energy sources.