Question

Large-scale environmental catastrophes _______. A. Result from human activities b. Have a negative impact on ecosystems c. Affect a variety of environmental factors d. All of the above Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D.

Answer 1

The correct answer to the question is 'D. All of the above', indicating that large-scale environmental catastrophes result from human activities, have a negative impact on ecosystems, and affect a variety of environmental factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Large-scale environmental catastrophes can have multifaceted effects on the planet. These include the result of human activities, having a negative impact on ecosystems, and affecting a variety of environmental factors. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 'D. All of the above'.

Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and overfishing lead to destruction and fragmentation of habitats, contributing to environmental disturbance. This disturbance then results in changes to the ecosystems, leading to a negative impact on biodiversity and the potential for ecosystem collapse. Moreover, as the human population grows, our interactions with the environment intensify, leading to consequences like climate change, ozone depletion, and acid rain, causing irreversible damages to ecosystems and reducing the planet's carrying capacity for human life.

The principle of precaution suggests that when the effects of human activity are poorly understood, it is wise to presume that harm may exist to the environment, so we must proceed cautiously with such activities to avoid exacerbating potential large-scale environmental catastrophes.

Answer 2

D. All of the above