Environmental Issues and Conservation in Antarctica

What is the term used to describe the contamination of earth's land, water, or air?

What is the primary cause of pollution according to the passage?

What is an example of a point source of pollution?

What is the term used to describe the pollution that cannot be tied to a specific origin?

At what level is a decision about whether to allow oil drilling in a wildlife refuge made?

What is the impact of personal decisions on the environment when combined?

Who works with lawmakers to make environmental decisions?

What is the result of balancing different needs in environmental decision-making?

What is the main characteristic of Antarctica that makes it a unique habitat?

What is the primary concern of those who oppose mining and oil exploration in Antarctica?

What are the three general categories of environmental issues?

What is the term for anything that occurs naturally in the environment and is used by people?

What is the main reason for conflict over natural resources?

What is the status of mining and oil exploration in Antarctica?

What is the main characteristic of natural resources that affects their use?

What is the significance of Antarctica in the context of environmental issues?

Environmental Issues

Environmental issues can be categorized into three types: population growth, resource use, and pollution.
These three types of issues are interconnected, making them difficult to study and resolve.

Antarctica

Antarctica is a habitat for many animals and has ores of oil, coal, and iron beneath its thick ice.
There are unique wildlife habitats in Antarctica.
Some people want to access its rich deposits of minerals and oil, while others are concerned about the harm that mining could cause to its delicate ecosystems.
In 1998, 26 nations agreed to ban mining and oil exploration in Antarctica for at least 50 years.

Natural Resources

A natural resource is anything that occurs naturally in the environment and is used by people.
Examples of natural resources include trees, water, oil, coal, and other things.
People use a wide variety of resources in different areas of the world, but access to these resources can be limited in some regions.

Pollution

Pollution is the contamination of the earth's land, water, or air.
It can be caused by wastes, chemicals, noise, heat, light, and other sources.
Pollution can destroy wildlife and cause human health problems.
It is often related to population growth and resource use.

Sources of Pollution

Point sources of pollution are specific sources that can be identified, such as a pipe gushing polluted water into a river.
Non-point sources of pollution are widely spread and cannot be tied to a specific origin, such as the polluted air in urban areas.

Environmental Decisions

Environmental decisions can be made at many levels, including personal, local, national, and global levels.
These decisions can have a significant impact on the environment, especially when combined with the decisions of millions of people.
Lawmakers work with various groups to make environmental decisions, balancing different needs and interests.

Learn about the environmental issues affecting Antarctica, including population growth, resource use, and pollution, and how they impact this unique ecosystem.