Biodiversity, waste and land use

The idea

Biodiversity is the variety of all species in an ecosystem; high biodiversity makes ecosystems more stable. The growing human population uses more resources and produces more waste, polluting water (sewage, fertiliser), air (smoke, acidic gases) and land (landfill). Building, farming and quarrying reduce land for other species. Peat bogs are destroyed to produce compost, releasing carbon dioxide. Large-scale deforestation in tropical areas makes room for cattle, rice and biofuel crops.

1. Name the human activity.
2. Explain its effect on biodiversity.
3. Link to carbon dioxide where relevant.

Watch out Burning or decaying peat releases carbon dioxide, adding to global warming.