Environmental Problems and
Solutions
Chapter 6
Objectives
SPI 0807.5.4 Identify several reasons for
the importance of maintaining the earth’s
biodiversity.
I can:
 Identify reasons to maintain Earth’s
biodiversity.
 Explain the importance of maintaining
Earth’s biodiversity.
 Explain possible activities that threaten
biodiversity.

Environmental Problems
Pollution
 Resource Depletion
 Exotic Species
 Overpopulation
 Habitat Destruction

I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
Pollution
Unwanted change in the environment
caused by substances or forms of energy.
 Examples of pollutants:

◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Garbage
Chemicals
Radioactive waste
Greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide, CO2
Noise
I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
Resource Depletion

Renewable
Resource (#78)
◦ One that can be
replaced at the same
rate at which the
resource is used.
◦ Examples:




Water
Wind
Trees
Solar

Nonrenewable
resource (#62)
◦ One that cannot be
replaced or can be
replaced only over
thousands or millions
of years.
◦ Examples:
 Fossil fuels
 Oil
 Natural gas
 Coal
I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
Exotic Species




An organism that makes a home for itself in
a new place outside its native home.
Carried by ships, planes, people to other
places.
Creates competition and predators to the
native species.
Examples:
◦ Northern snakehead fish
◦ Pigs, Goats in the Galapagos Islands
◦ http://www.defenders.org/publications/tennessee.
pdf
I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
Fire ant
Northern snakehead fish
Zebra Mussels
Japanese honeysuckle
I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
Overpopulation

The presence of too many individuals in
an area for the available resources.
Population Clock
http://www.census.go
v/main/www/popcloc
k.html
I can explain
possible activities
that threaten
biodiversity.
Habitat Destruction

If a habitat is damaged or destroyed,
BIODIVERSITY IS LOST.
◦ Biodiversity (#12): the number and variety
of organisms in a given area during a specific
time period.

Examples:
◦
◦
◦
◦
Deforestation: clearing of forest lands
Oil spills
Draining marshlands
Building malls, homes, etc.
I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
I can explain possible activities
that threaten biodiversity.
Environmental Solutions
Conservation: preservations and wise
use of natural resources
 The 4 R’s

◦ Reduce: reduce waste and pollution
◦ Reuse: Reuse products
◦ Recycle: recovering valuable or useful
materials from waste or scrap
 Paper, plastic, aluminum, glass
◦ Repurchase: buy recycled products
I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.
I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.
Use Alternative Energy
Wind
 Water
 Solar

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.
I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.
I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.
I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.
Maintain Biodiversity

Protect species
◦ Endangered Species Act
◦ Endangered Species List
http://www.earthsendangered.com/list.asp
Protect habitats
 Maintain biodiversity

◦ Food, resources, medicines
I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.
I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.
Environmental Strategies
Reduce pollution
 Reduce pesticide use
 Protect habitats
 Learn about local issues
 Develop alternative energy sources

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.
I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.
What you can do to help!
Use recycled paper
 Turn off electrical devices when not in
use
 Walk or ride a bicycle
 Use rechargeable batteries
 Use both sides of your paper
 Reuse plastic shopping bags
 Turn off water while brushing your teeth
 Recycle

I can identify reasons to maintain Earth’s biodiversity.
I can explain the importance of maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.