How human activities change the environment: the ozone layer and its depletion, biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, and how we can manage our garbage.
3 lessons, about 1 h 15 min3 simulations10 problems3 practice questionsPython in every lesson
Created by StemPy LabOzone, O3, is a molecule of three oxygen atoms. Near the ground it is a poison, but high in the atmosphere it forms a layer that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet rays. Chemicals called CFCs, once used in refrigerators and fire extinguishers, thinned this layer. In 1987 countries agreed to freeze their production.
Substances that bacteria and other decomposers can break down are biodegradable: peels, paper, cotton and leaves. Plastics, glass and most metals are non-biodegradable. Decomposers' enzymes act only on certain substances, so plastics stay for a very long time and can harm living things.
Changes in lifestyle have increased our garbage, much of it packaging and disposable items. We can reduce, reuse and recycle, and sort wet waste from dry waste at home. Wet waste can be composted; dry waste can be recycled. Every choice has a cost: kulhads for every railway cup would use up fertile topsoil.
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