Syllabus | Notes
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BIOLOGY
14.1-Planet Under Stress
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Human activities are causing changes to the entire planet.
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Pollution is the process by which substances potentially
harmful to ecosystems are added to the environment.
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Pollution has endangered our water supply, promoted acid
precipitation in the atmosphere, and depleted the ozone layer.
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Acid rain is created when sulphur-containing pollution from
coal-burning factories mix with water in the atmosphere. It “kills”
forests and lakes.
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The protective ozone shield that surrounds our planet is
being destroyed by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
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Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may
lead to global warming in the future.
14.2-Meeting the Challenge
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Humans need to reduce pollution, find enough energy, and
conserve nonrenewable resources.
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Special laws and “pollution permits” have been enacted to
reduce pollution in the U.S.
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Nonrenewable energy resources include oil, coal, and natural
gas.
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Nuclear power is one alternative to fossil fuels, though
it has its problems.
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Renewable energy resources include solar energy and wind
power.
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Three nonrenewable resources warrant need attention:
fertile soil, ground-water supply, and existing species.
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The growth of the human population is the major factor contributing
to environmental pollution.
14.3-Solving Environmental Problems
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Some efforts to solve environmental problems have been successful.
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The 5 basic steps to solving an environmental problem are
assessment, risk analysis, public education, political action, and follow-through.
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An individual can make a difference in solving an environmental
problem by reducing needless consumptionof resources and by learning about
ecology.
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