← Earth and Environmental Science syllabus

New YorkEarth and Environmental Science

Environmental Science: Resources and Human Impact

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the greenhouse effect work, and how are humans changing the climate?

Explain the greenhouse effect and the role of greenhouse gases, distinguish natural from human-enhanced climate change, and describe the evidence for and consequences of recent global warming.
A Regents answer on the greenhouse effect and climate change: how greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor) trap outgoing infrared energy and warm the surface, natural versus human-enhanced warming from burning fossil fuels, the evidence (rising carbon dioxide and temperature, melting ice, rising seas) and consequences, with worked exam questions.
12 min answer →

Where does our energy come from, and which sources can last?

Distinguish renewable from non-renewable energy resources, describe the main sources (fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) and weigh their advantages and environmental costs.
A Regents answer on energy resources: the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, the main sources (coal, oil and gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal), how fossil fuels form over geologic time, and the advantages and environmental costs of each for the Earth and Space Sciences exam, with worked exam questions.
12 min answer →

How do human activities change Earth's air, water, land and living systems?

Explain how human activities (pollution, deforestation, land use, resource extraction) affect Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere, and evaluate ways to reduce harm.
A Regents answer on human impact: how pollution, deforestation, land use and resource extraction affect the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere, examples such as air and water pollution, soil erosion and habitat loss, the idea of Earth's interconnected systems, and how to evaluate solutions, for the Earth and Space Sciences exam, with worked exam questions.
12 min answer →

What natural hazards do we face, and how can Earth science reduce the risk?

Describe major natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather, floods) and explain how forecasting, monitoring and preparedness use Earth science to reduce their impact on society.
A Regents answer on natural hazards and society: the main geologic and weather hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and severe storms, floods), why they cluster in certain places, and how Earth science (forecasting, monitoring, hazard maps, warning systems and preparedness) reduces their impact, for the Earth and Space Sciences exam, with worked exam questions.
12 min answer →

What natural resources do we depend on, and how do we use them without using them up?

Describe Earth's key natural resources (water, soil, minerals, air, forests) and explain how resource management, conservation and sustainability balance human needs against the limits of Earth's systems.
A Regents answer on natural resources and management: the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, the key resources (fresh water, fertile soil, minerals, air, forests), the meaning of conservation and sustainability, why resources are unevenly distributed, and how management balances human needs against Earth's limits, with worked exam questions.
12 min answer →

How does carbon move through Earth's systems, and how do humans change that flow?

Describe how carbon cycles among the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion, and explain how human activities alter the carbon cycle.
A Regents answer on the carbon cycle: how carbon moves among the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion, the role of carbon sinks (oceans, forests, fossil fuels), and how burning fossil fuels and deforestation move stored carbon into the air, with worked exam questions.
12 min answer →