Environmental History Quiz

A major international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. Over 192 countries signed the protocol in 1997.

A landmark environmental law in the United States that regulates air pollution. It sets limits on emissions from industries and vehicles.

A large-scale environmental event that triggered significant regulatory changes in the oil and gas industry. In 2010, a drilling rig exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people and causing a massive oil spill.

The process by which individuals, organizations, or governments advocate for changes in policies or behaviors related to the environment. Methods include petitions, marches, protests, and raising awareness.

The vast amount of food that is wasted each year, contributing to various environmental and economic issues. Nearly one-third of all food produced for human consumption goes to waste.

A system for sorting and collecting recyclable materials, where all recyclables are placed in one container.

When non-recyclable items end up in the recycling bin, making the whole batch unusable.

A strategy to reduce the amount of waste we create by using less material in the first place.

A hierarchical system of waste management that prioritizes minimizing waste over disposal.

The practice of growing crops and raising livestock, contributing to both science and art.

The unique ecosystems created by agricultural practices, influencing the environment.

The initial stages of an ecosystem's development, like crops that grow rapidly.

A system for collecting recyclable items separately, based on their material type.

A 1970s environmental law requiring environmental impact assessments for major federal projects, allowing public participation in these processes, and establishing the Council on Environmental Quality.

The 1972 law that gives the EPA authority to regulate the production, use, and disposal of chemicals. This includes requiring testing of chemicals before they're released into the market.

The 1989 law aimed at preventing and responding to oil spills, increasing penalties for spills, and requiring double hulls for oil tankers.

The 1970s environmental movement focused on various issues, including the protection of wildlife.

The 1970 event held to raise awareness about environmental issues.

The harmful pesticide banned by the EPA in 1972 due to its impact on wildlife and the environment.

A destructive chemical that depletes the ozone layer, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer. The Montreal Protocol helped regulate this.

A stable air mass with cooler air near the ground and warmer air above, often trapping pollutants.

A philosophy of land management aimed at enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and ecological processes.

A practice of strategically integrating small amounts of native prairie into farmland to enhance biodiversity and soil health.

The ideal combination of soil particle sizes, providing good drainage, aeration, and water retention.

A facility designed to hold solid waste permanently, often creating environmental challenges.

Water that percolates through waste, potentially carrying pollutants.

The practice of moving animals between different grazing areas, mimicking natural grazing patterns.

The amount of crops grown per acre, often increasing due to technology and selective breeding.

Growing the same crop repeatedly in the same field, depleting soil nutrients and increasing vulnerability to pests and diseases.

A process that disrupts soil structure and exposes it to erosion, leading to nutrient loss and decreased fertility.

The excessive use of fertilizers can lead to increased nutrients in waterways, resulting in an algal bloom and ultimately leading to oxygen depletion and dead zones.

A type of pesticide that targets a wide variety of organisms, often impacting non-target species.

A type of pesticide that targets a specific group of organisms, reducing the impact on non-target species.

A comprehensive approach to pest management that combines various practices to control pests, minimizing pesticide use and environmental impact.

A process in which organisms are selectively bred for desirable traits, resulting in offspring with enhanced characteristics.

A technology that modifies an organism's genetic makeup through direct manipulation of their DNA, resulting in altered traits.

Intensive animal production systems that confine large numbers of animals in a small space, often raising concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact.

A traditional farming method that involves planting corn, beans, and squash together. The beans climb the corn stalks for support, while the squash spreads out and helps to suppress weeds.

A method of planting different crops on the same plot of land in a rotating sequence. It helps to improve soil health, control pests, and increase crop yields.

Planting crops on "unused" soil to improve soil health and prevent erosion. Often done with inexpensive crops like clover.

A farming technique that leaves the soil intact when planting, preventing soil disturbance and erosion. It mimics natural processes and helps to build soil health over time.

The process of converting organic waste (like animal manure and yard waste) into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. It involves bacteria, heat, and water.

A method of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, increasing biodiversity, improving soil health, and promoting natural pest control.

Vegetated zones near streams that help to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and create habitats for wildlife.