EDEXCEL IGCSE Geography – Fragile Environment – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Agro-forestry
answer
The growing of trees for the benefit of agriculture, as windbreaks or as protection against soil erosion.
question
Alternative energy
answer
Renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, that offer an alternative to the use of fossil fuels.
question
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
answer
Chemicals once used in foams, refrigerators, aerosols and air-conditioning units. It is responsible for the destruction of world's ozone layer and for part of the greenhouse effect.
question
Climate change
answer
Long term changes in the global atmospheric conditions.
question
Deforestation
answer
The deliberate clearing of forested land, often causing serious environmental problems such as soil erosion.
question
Desertification
answer
The spread of desert conditions into what were semi-arid areas.
question
Famine
answer
A chronic shortage of food resulting in many people dying from starvation.
question
Fossil fuel
answer
Carbon fuels such as coal, oil and nature gas that cannot be 'remade' because it will take tens of millions of years for them to form again.
question
Fragile
answer
A term used to describe those natural environments that are sensitive to, and easily abused by human activities.
question
Global warming
answer
A process whereby global temperature rise over time.
question
Malnutrition
answer
A condition resulting when a person is unable to eat what is needed to maintain good health.
question
Overgrazing
answer
When pasture or grazing is unable to support the number of animals relying on the food. The result is the vegetation cover declines and soil erosion sets in.
question
Population pressure
answer
When the number of people in an area begins to approach carrying capacity and places a strain on available resources.
question
Refugee
answer
A person whose reasons for migrating are due to fear of persecution and death.
question
Soil erosion
answer
The washing or blowing away of topsoil so that the fertility of the remaining soil is greatly reduced.
question
Sustainable
answer
A term used to describe actions that minimise negative impacts on the environment and promote human well-being.
question
Well-being
answer
A condition experienced by people and greatly influenced by the standard of living and quality of life.
question
Ecological Footprint
answer
A measure of the mark the humans make on the natural world. It considers how much land and sea are required to provide the humans with the water, energy and food they need to support lifestyles.
question
Sustainability
answer
Actions and forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
