Understanding the environmental challenges affecting ecosystems, climate stability, and human societies.
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Card 1
Certain gases trap outgoing infrared radiation in the atmosphere
Explanation
Greenhouse gases let in sunlight but absorb and re-emit heat, warming the lower atmosphere.
Common mistake
Many people think the greenhouse effect is entirely bad, instead of a natural process intensified by humans.
Card 2
Burning fossil fuels for energy and transport
Explanation
Combustion of coal, oil and gas for electricity, heating and vehicles releases massive amounts of CO₂.
Common mistake
People often overestimate volcano emissions compared with human fossil fuel burning.
Card 3
Electricity is generated without emitting carbon dioxide during operation
Explanation
Wind power avoids the CO₂ and air pollutants released when coal is burned for electricity.
Common mistake
Some think wind energy still needs coal burning at the turbine site, which is false.
Card 4
Methane released through enteric fermentation
Explanation
Ruminant animals like cows produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, during digestion.
Card 5
It reduces carbon storage and often increases local temperatures
Explanation
Removing forests releases stored carbon and changes surface properties, often making areas hotter and drier.
Common mistake
Some believe clearing forests always improves climate by preventing natural wildfires.
Card 6
Reflective ice is replaced by darker water that absorbs more sunlight
Explanation
Loss of bright ice lowers albedo, meaning more solar energy is absorbed and further warming occurs.
Common mistake
People sometimes assume melted ice keeps the same reflectivity as the original ice surface.
Card 7
It releases trapped methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
Explanation
Frozen soils store large amounts of carbon that can become greenhouse gases when they thaw.
Card 8
It destroys natural habitats and sharply reduces local biodiversity
Explanation
Converting forests to pasture removes complex habitats, causing many forest species to decline or disappear.
Common mistake
Some assume pasture land supports the same range of species as intact rainforest.
Card 9
Maintaining ground cover with plants or mulch year-round
Explanation
Vegetation and mulch protect soil from rain impact and slow runoff, keeping soil in place.
Card 10
Frequent driving of diesel-powered cars and buses
Explanation
Diesel engines are major sources of nitrogen oxides, key pollutants in city air.
Common mistake
Some people think cycling is a major direct source of exhaust pollution.
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