June 7, 2025

Environmental facts everyone should know

  1. What percentage of the Earth’s water is fresh and accessible for human use?
  2. Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect and global warming?
  3. What is the term for the process of reducing waste by reusing, recycling, and composting?
  4. Which renewable energy source uses sunlight to generate electricity?
  5. What is the main cause of acid rain, which damages ecosystems and buildings?
  6. Which type of pollution is caused by the release of chemicals and waste into water bodies?
  7. What is the name of the layer of the atmosphere that protects us from most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays?
  8. Which endangered species is known for its slow movement and is often called a “living fossil”?
  9. What is the term for large-scale planting of trees to absorb carbon dioxide and combat climate change?
  10. Which global agreement aims to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change?

Answers:

  1. About 2.5-3% (of all Earth’s water) is fresh water, but only a small fraction is accessible.
  2. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
  3. Waste management or recycling and composting
  4. Solar energy
  5. Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels
  6. Water pollution
  7. Ozone layer
  8. The coelacanth or certain species of turtles or whales (accept any endangered species)
  9. Afforestation or reforestation
  10. The Paris Agreement