Threat 1: Ozone Depletion

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Threat 1 Ozone Depletion

• Description The ozone layer protects us from
  ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, but it
  is becoming thinner in places.
• Causes Air pollution such as chlorofluorocarbons
  (CFCs) from aerosol spray cans.

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Threat 1 Ozone Depletion

• Effects Increased UV radiation reaches Earth,
  causing sunburn, skin cancer, and damage to
  plants.
• Solutions Eliminate the use of CFCs.

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Threat 2 Global Warming

• Description Earths climate is getting warmer.
  
• Causes Pollution, mostly from CO2 emissions
  from fossil fuels.

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Threat 2 Global Warming

• Effects Altered weather patterns, sea level
  rise from melting ice caps, plant and animal
  loss.
• Solutions Use alternative energy sources
  (solar, wind, hydroelectric) instead of fossil
  fuels to decrease CO2 emissions.

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Threat 3 Habitat Loss

• Description Habitats for organisms, such as the
  Amazon rainforest and coral reefs, are being
  destroyed by humans.
• Causes Deforestation to create pastureland for
  cattle, urban development, pollution, global
  warming.

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Threat 3 Habitat Loss

• Effects Loss of biodiversity / extinction of
  species.
• Solutions Sustainable use of resources,
  protecting land and species in national parks.

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Threat 4 Acid Precipitation

• Description Precipitation with unusually high
  amounts of acid. The pH is below 7.
• Causes carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, etc.
  (from factory or car pollution) mixes with H2O to
  form acid rain.

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Threat 4 Acid Precipitation

• Effects Harms or kills plants and causes metal
  in bridges, cars, etc. to corrode quickly.
• Solutions Filter harmful pollution from
  factories/cars and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

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Threat 5 Invasive Species

• Description Species not native to a particular
  area. (kudzu, zebra mussels, etc.)
• Causes Humans carry them to a new area either
  ON PURPOSE (kudzu) or ACCIDENTALLY (zebra
  mussels.)

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Threat 5 Invasive Species

• Effects Harms or kills native species,
  decreases biodiversity, and negatively affects
  food webs.
• Solutions Killing or otherwise eliminating the
  invasive species. Usually, this is difficult!

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Threat 6 Bioaccumulation

• Description The increasing concentration of
  harmful chemicals in the bodies of organism in a
  food web.
• Causes Chemicals such as DDT mercury are
  released in ecosystem and absorbed or eaten by
  plants/animals.

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Threat 6 Bioaccumulation

• Effects Death by poisoning, low birth rates due
  to birth defects or thin-shelled eggs, and
  behavioral changes.
• Solutions Decrease the use of toxic chemicals
  in ecosystems.