Environmental Science Essentials

Environmental Conservation

• Importance of Conservation: Protecting the environment and natural resources for future generations
• Human Impact: Human activities (e.g., deforestation, pollution, overfishing) harm the environment and cause loss of biodiversity
• Ways to Conserve:
  1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  2. Conserve water and energy
  3. Protect and preserve natural habitats
  4. Reduce pollution and waste
  5. Promote sustainable development

Latitude and Longitude

• What is Latitude?:
  • Measure of distance north or south of the equator (0° to 90°)
  • Lines on a map that run parallel to the equator
• What is Longitude?:
  • Measure of distance east or west of the prime meridian (0° to 180°)
  • Lines on a map that run from the North Pole to the South Pole
• Combining Latitude and Longitude:
  • Gives a unique location on the Earth's surface (e.g., 43° 40' N, 79° 24' W)
  • Used in navigation, mapping, and geography

Greenhouse Effect

• What is the Greenhouse Effect?:
  • Natural process that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere
  • Keeps the planet warm enough to support life
• Greenhouse Gases:
  1. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  2. Methane (CH4)
  3. Water vapor (H2O)
• How it Works:
  1. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation from the Earth's surface
  2. Trapped heat warms the planet
  3. Excess greenhouse gases enhance the effect, leading to global warming and climate change