Global warming is real and it’s happening. Yet, we struggle with ourselves when it comes to making a decision that may benefit the environment in the long run. The real problem is uncertainty about where to start.
Well, one way to get started is to build an environment mind map. It is a diagram with a particular action, idea, or concept at its core, which further branches out to associated activities, thoughts, and ideas. It is a great visual tool perfect for ascertaining where you stand and what you can do to go completely green.
In this article
Types of Environment
The word “environment” may seem like a rather casual and frequently used word, but it encapsulates the entire natural world. It includes and sustains a multitude of ecosystems, both big and small.
Marine ecosystems: Considering 70% of the surface of our planet is water, and it comes as no surprise that the marine ecosystem is probably the most abundant, life-sustaining ecosystem on our planet. It shelters and supports an estimated 228,450 documented and over 2 million undocumented species of marine flora and fauna.
Freshwater ecosystems: Freshwater ecosystems are the same as marine ecosystems. However, they are a separate ecosystem as the water itself is not saline, and flora and fauna differ from that of saltwater ecosystems.
Forest ecosystems: The diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the forested areas of the seven continents are forest ecosystems. They get categorized based on their latitudinal location and the type of vegetation that they support.
Desert ecosystems: Regions that receive less than 10 inches of rainfall annually are called desert ecosystems. They are bound together by their windy, arid, and sparse landscape. Flora and fauna in such ecosystems have adapted to their environment and are usually never found anywhere else.
Tundra ecosystems: The cold, barren swaths of the landscape with perennially frozen permafrost are known as Tundra ecosystems. Like the desert ecosystems, vegetation is sparse, and they mostly grow when the snow melts during the spring and summer. Animals highly adapted to these extreme climatic conditions thrive here.
Grassland ecosystems: The vast sweeping grasslands known as steppes, savannah, and prairie are collectively known as grassland ecosystems. Such areas receive low rainfall. Trees are sparse and even non-existent in certain areas.
Free Environment Mind Map Examples
Let us now analyze a few sound samples where mind maps help you identify
1. Air pollution mind map:
This environment mind map takes air pollution as its central concept and tries to analyze the impact of sprawling urbanization on the air quality of that region. The increase in urban settlements results in higher air-pollution and driving-related hazards. The consequences of sprawling urban areas range from cardio-pulmonary diseases and cancer to other conditions related to long term exposure, like infertility.
2. Energy sources mind map
Two-thirds of the global greenhouse gas emission gets attributed to the consumption and generation of energy. Now we should start looking at alternative energy sources that are both sustainable and green. Apart from the known alternative sources of energy like solar, wind, and nuclear power, in this environment mind map, we can find innovative ideas like a chemical reaction and thermal heat.
3. Backyard burning mind map:
Backyard burning as a practice is probably as old as civilization itself. But today they are a significant contributor to air pollution and greenhouse emissions. The density of particulates in the air increases due to backyard burning and prolonged exposure can lead to cardio-pulmonary severe diseases. Finding alternative solutions to convert this biomass into other useful products is the way of the future. Bio-diesel is one such innovative by-product of this recent shift in thinking.
4. Climate change mind map
Climatic change is a broad subject with numerous contributors and an equally high number of consequences. The contributing factors may range from improper garbage disposal to excessive greenhouse gas emissions. While the effects range from medical and health issues to extinction of certain species of flora and fauna. Preventive measures like embracing green technology and education are a step towards the right path.
5. Domestic waste classification mind map
Reduce your carbon footprint or greenhouse gas emissions from your home. An excellent way to start is by managing your domestic waste and its disposal thereof. As we see in the environment mind map above, you can classify domestic waste into five categories: liquid, solid, organic, recyclable, and hazardous. Once you have identified the nature of the garbage generated in your household, you can proceed towards its disposal.
6. Ecosystem mind map
The interdependence of living and non-living organisms on each other for nutrition and energy in a specified environment is called an Ecosystem. In this environment mind map, we look at the various interdependencies and cycles in an ecosystem. It is a symbiotic relationship where organisms and their environments always engage with each other in an intricate exchange of energy and nutrients. It not only provides them with sustenance but also creates a cyclic effect, which affects the overall environment at a much bigger scale.
7. Global Warming mind map
Let’s look at the global warming mind map above. Renewing the lost forest cover ensures some delay in the global warming process. If nothing else, this one single step should buy us enough time to research alternative sources of energy and look forward to a better future.
8. Reduce plastic bags mind map
The minute you decide to carry your shopping bag, you have already decided to say no to plastic. It’s a minuscule step, no doubt, nonetheless, in the right direction. Small actions like this accumulate to make a significant impact in the long run.
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How to protect our environment with an environment mind map
Planning the mind map before creating is crucial. It is a good idea to arrange and collect information about your mind map. Here are a few minutes of preparation that you need to invest to make a clear and more visually appealing mind map.
- Collect background information: Gather all the important points related to your topic so you know what will be added. You must have the background information in a draft or outline form.
- Identify the main categories: Group your points into large sections to keep the map organized and easy to navigate. Simply, assign categories to the information, explaining which is the main idea and which are the subtopics.
- Sketch a rough layout: Decide how many main branches you’ll need and where they will be placed. You can adjust later.
- Add topics and subtopics: Place the main idea in the center, add the major points around it, and then create smaller points under each.
- Use colour coding: Make each branch visually different by adding soft colours or icons. Colour coding is not only for making diagrams engaging but also makes it easy to remember and understand.
- Review for clarity: Make sure each point is correct, evenly spaced, and easy to read. Avoid stuffing information and provide enough space between the boxes.
- Export: Save your mind map digitally or export it as an image or PDF.
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Steps to Make the Mind Map
Step1 Create a New File and Add the Main Topic
- Open EdrawMind.
- Create a blank mind map to start fresh.
- Click the central topic and rename it according to your subject.
Step2 Add Main Branches
- Add multiple main topics around the center.
- Spread them evenly so the layout stays clean.
- Leave enough space for subtopics on each side.
- Tip: Try to maintain the main topics on both sides for a professional look.
Step3 Add Subtopics
- Add subtopics under each main branch.
- Keep text short and simple.
- Rearrange the nodes to make the structure look balanced.
- Tip: Use shorter words or phrases to maintain readability.
Step4 Customize the Design
- Assign the right font size to the main topic.
- Adjust the shape or size of the main branches.
- Change colours to highlight different sections.
- Add icons or stickers if needed.
- Tip: Use similar colour shades for subtopics to keep the design clean.
Step5 Organize and Connect
- Apply automatic layout using the built-in layout options.
- Use the One-Click Beautify or Auto Layout features to clean the structure.
- Add relationship lines only if you want to show extra connections.
Step6 Save or Export
- Save your mind map in the project file.
- Export it as PNG, JPG, or PDF for easy sharing.
In this case, we took the causes and effects of global warming into account. Now the whole idea behind this mind map is to identify a few preventive measures to delay global warming. So the protective measures section outlines everything you can do in your day to day life and make a difference.
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