The Environment (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

The Environment

Environmental Key Terms

1. Sustainable and Responsible Living:

• Living in a way that minimises negative impacts on the environment for future generations.

2. Greenhouse Gases:

• Gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane) that trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming.

3. Fossil Fuels:

• Non-renewable fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
• When burned, they release greenhouse gases.

4. Climate Change:

• Long-term changes in weather patterns due to human activity.

5. Global Warming:

• The Earth's rising temperature caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat.

6. Ozone Layer:

• A protective layer in the atmosphere that absorbs harmful UV rays.
• Damaged by greenhouse gases.

7. Carbon Footprint:

• The total greenhouse gases produced by human activities (e.g., transport, heating).

---

Environmental Pollution

Definition:

• Pollution is the harm caused to the environment by human activities when we don't live responsibly.

Types of Environmental Pollution

1. Air Pollution:

• Causes:
• Burning fossil fuels.
• Deforestation.
• Agricultural activities (e.g., releasing methane).
• Effects:
• Health issues (e.g., asthma, cancer).
• Climate change and global warming.
• Smog and acid rain.
• Damage to the ozone layer.

2. Water Pollution:

• Causes:
• Human sewage.
• Agricultural runoff with chemicals.
• Industrial waste (e.g., oil spills).
• Effects:
• Diseases from contaminated water.
• Death of aquatic animals.
• Damage to ecosystems like rivers and lakes.