Environmental Education: Biodiversity Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the rank of the Philippines in terms of global biodiversity for fish species?

4th

2nd (correct)

1st

3rd

What percentage of the original forests in the Philippines has been lost over the past 500 years?

70%

93% (correct)

54%

80%

How much of the total land area in the Philippines is classified as agricultural lands?

30%

40%

43% (correct)

50%

What is the current forest cover percentage in the Philippines according to the CIA World Factbook?

25.9% Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated rate of forest shrinkage in the Philippines per year?

2% Signup and view all the answers

What rank does the Philippines hold in global biodiversity for reptiles?

8th Signup and view all the answers

How many species of coral reefs out of the known global species can be found in the Philippines?

488 Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of the Philippines in terms of mineral resources worldwide?

5th Signup and view all the answers

What impacts the delicate ecosystem mentioned in the content?

Deforestation of native trees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major cause of water scarcity mentioned in the content?

Changes in land use Signup and view all the answers

How much is Africa expected to warm compared to the global average?

What is one key crop predicted to have decreased yields in Zimbabwe and South Africa by 2050?

Maize (corn) Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge of addressing the water pollution issue?

Usability of local initiatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT contribute to water scarcity in Africa?

Increased agricultural yield Signup and view all the answers

What factor is exacerbating the problem of melting glaciers?

Global warming Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of coral loss mentioned in the content?

Decreased biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What recent record high temperature was recorded at an Argentine research base in Antarctica?

17.5°C Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following impacts related to climate change is affecting the Southeast region of the United States?

Decreased water availability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern regarding the Antarctic ice cap?

It holds 90% of the world's fresh water. Signup and view all the answers

What natural disaster is increasing in frequency in the Southwest due to climate change?

Heat waves Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is contributing to changes in water supplies in the Northwest region of the United States?

Shifts in the timing of streamflow Signup and view all the answers

How are extreme temperatures projected to impact the Midwest region?

Decreasing air and water quality Signup and view all the answers

Which ice shelf recently collapsed, raising concerns about climate change's effects?

Larsen C Ice Shelf Signup and view all the answers

What does the rising sea level threaten in the Northeast region?

Infrastructure and ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What are some key impacts of climate change on Australia according to military and climate experts?

Revolting natural disasters Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary driver of environmental degradation?

Human disturbance Signup and view all the answers

How is pollution defined in the context of environmental degradation?

The addition of contaminants to the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a result of climate change mentioned by climate experts?

Strengthened governmental policies Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a type of air pollution?

Chemicals released from industrial processes Signup and view all the answers

What is light pollution also known as?

Sky glow Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best represents environmental degradation?

Extinction of a species Signup and view all the answers

What impact does climate change have on urban infrastructure in Australia?

Risks from coastal weather changes Signup and view all the answers

What can overpopulation contribute to?

Water scarcity Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of reduced agricultural yields due to climate change?

Increased risk of food insecurity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes deforestation?

The permanent destruction of forests Signup and view all the answers

What happens as a result of overexploitation of resources?

Deterioration of resources Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered a natural cause of environmental degradation?

Earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

What could light pollution disrupt in addition to astronomers' observations?

Plant flowering patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of global overpopulation?

Increased energy needs Signup and view all the answers

How many acres of forest are estimated to be lost each year due to deforestation?

18 million acres Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

State of Local and International Environment

The Philippines is recognized as one of the megadiverse countries, housing a significant number of Earth’s species and high levels of endemism.
In biodiversity rankings, the Philippines holds second place in fish, fifth in plants, trees, and mammals, and eighth in reptiles.
While global discoveries yield one new species per family annually, the Philippines reports five to six discoveries per taxa each year.
The Philippines is the "Center of Marine Biodiversity," surpassing the Great Barrier Reef, with extensive coral reefs where 488 out of 800 known species globally are found.
Geographic diversity contributes to rich water resources: 421 rivers, over 69 natural lakes, and significant freshwater swamps.
The country has vast agricultural land, with 14.2 million hectares classified as alienable and disposable land, alongside 13 million hectares of agricultural land.
Mineral resources are abundant, making the Philippines the fifth mineralized country worldwide.

Environmental Crisis in the Philippines

Despite its rich forests, Philippine forest cover has declined from 70% in 1909 to 18.3% in 1999, continuing to reduce at an average rate of 2% annually, with 25.9% cover reported in 2018.
Marine biodiversity is threatened by habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution, causing displacement and endangerment of various species due to the destruction of vital ecosystems.
Freshwater scarcity is a pressing issue, with many areas in Southeast Asia suffering from significant contamination, posing challenges to clean water access.

Environmental Challenges in Africa

Africa faces severe climate impacts, including droughts, floods, and storms, worsening health and economic conditions.
The continent is expected to warm up to 1.5 times faster than the global average, complicating agricultural productivity of key crops by 2050.
Water scarcity issues arise from multiple factors, making it difficult to isolate the direct impacts of climate change.

Climate Change in Antarctica

Recent record-high temperatures in Antarctica indicate significant climate change implications, including the collapse of ice shelves, impacting global water resources.

Climate Change Impacts in the United States

Different regions in the U.S. face unique climate change challenges:
- Northeast: Heatwaves and heavy downpours threaten infrastructure and agriculture.
- Northwest: Changes in streamflow and increased wildfires disrupt water supply and ecosystems.
- Southeast: Sea level rise presents ongoing threats to the economy and environment.
- Midwest: Extreme weather affects infrastructure, health, and agriculture.
- Southwest: Heat, droughts, and flooding pose serious concerns for water and health.

Climate Change in Australia

Australia is predicted to experience dangerous consequences from climate change, including natural disasters and widespread forced migration.
Political indecision has hindered responses to climate impacts, contributing to increased vulnerability.

Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation refers to the depletion of resources like air, water, and soil due to human activities and natural disturbances.
Major causes include pollution, overpopulation, deforestation, overexploitation, and natural disasters.

Causes of Environmental Degradation

Pollution: Contaminating the environment via land, water, air; includes light and sound pollution.
Overpopulation: Exceeds ecological capacity, leading to shortages of food, water, and energy.
Deforestation: Permanent loss of forests; approximately 18 million acres lost annually worldwide.
Overexploitation: Unsustainable use of renewable resources, leading to depletion and ecosystem collapse.
Natural Causes: Events like earthquakes and hurricanes that disrupt ecosystems.

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Description

Explore the state of local and international environments with a focus on biodiversity. This quiz discusses the richness of Philippine forests and the country's ranking in global biodiversity. Test your knowledge on endemic species and conservation efforts.