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Questions and Answers
What is defined as a set of things working together as part of a mechanism or an interconnecting network?
What is defined as a set of things working together as part of a mechanism or an interconnecting network?
Which of the following are considered one of the four interconnected Earth systems?
Which of the following are considered one of the four interconnected Earth systems?
What is the main focus of ecology as a scientific study?
What is the main focus of ecology as a scientific study?
Which term refers to large-scale ecosystems that transition gradually from the Equator to the Poles?
Which term refers to large-scale ecosystems that transition gradually from the Equator to the Poles?
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Which statement best describes Systems Theory?
Which statement best describes Systems Theory?
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Which of the following best distinguishes weather from climate?
Which of the following best distinguishes weather from climate?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a biological system?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a biological system?
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What are abiotic components of ecosystems primarily concerned with?
What are abiotic components of ecosystems primarily concerned with?
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What is the primary concept behind Environmental Determinism and Possibilism?
What is the primary concept behind Environmental Determinism and Possibilism?
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of global sea level rise?
Which of the following is NOT a cause of global sea level rise?
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What does the term 'sustainability' primarily refer to?
What does the term 'sustainability' primarily refer to?
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Which of the following represents a component of Social Sustainability?
Which of the following represents a component of Social Sustainability?
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What characterizes the Inner Ring of the Sustainability Doughnut?
What characterizes the Inner Ring of the Sustainability Doughnut?
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Which of the following approaches is employed by The Long Run (TLR) organization in their sustainability efforts?
Which of the following approaches is employed by The Long Run (TLR) organization in their sustainability efforts?
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How much has the global average sea level increased since 1880?
How much has the global average sea level increased since 1880?
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Which aspect does NOT belong to the framework of Environmental Sustainability?
Which aspect does NOT belong to the framework of Environmental Sustainability?
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Study Notes
Systems Theory
- A way of understanding how different parts of the world work together as interconnected networks
- Simple systems contain a limited number of parts while complex systems have many interconnected parts
- Systems can be closed, where there is no exchange with the external world, or open, where there is exchange
- Systems have inputs and outputs, which interact with the outside environment
- Systems are more than the sum of their parts
Earth Systems
- Earth is made up of 4 interconnected systems:
- Atmosphere (air)
- Hydrosphere (water)
- Lithosphere (earth)
- Biosphere (life)
- All these systems work together to create the environment we live in
Biomes and Climate
- Biomes are large ecosystems that cover a wide geographic area
- Climate is influenced by geography and in turn influences societies
- Climate change is driven by an increase in global temperature, leading to changes in weather patterns and associated risks
Sea Level Rise
- Sea level has risen by approximately 8-9 inches since 1880
- Sea level rise is caused by melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of the ocean
- Many of the world's largest cities are located near coastlines, putting them at risk from sea level rise
Social-Ecological Systems Theory
- Humans are part of nature and not separate from it
- Human actions influence the environment and the environment influences humans
Sustainability
- Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations to meet their own needs
- Sustainability comprises three main aspects: Environmental, Social, and Economic
Environmental Sustainability
- Focuses on maintaining the health and resilience of ecosystems
- Aimed at avoiding environmental tipping points and reducing negative impacts
- Prioritizes biodiversity conservation and cohabitation with ecosystems
Social Sustainability
- Promotes social justice, equity, and cultural preservation
- Ensures equitable access to resources, opportunities, and basic needs
- Prioritizes gender equality and human rights
Economic Sustainability
- Aims to create economic systems that don’t rely on endless growth
- Focuses on transitioning away from fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy
- Aims to eliminate poverty and ensure a decent standard of living for all
Sustainability Doughnut
- Represents the intersection of social needs and environmental limits
- The inner ring depicts social needs for a decent life
- The outer ring represents planetary boundaries that must not be exceeded
- The hole in the middle represents social and environmental injustices
Case Study: The Long Run (TLR) and Caimans in the Pantanal
- TLR is a sustainability organization focused on conservation and community development
- Uses a 4Cs approach: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce for sustainability
- Works to protect caimans and their ecosystem in the Pantanal wetland
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Description
Explore the interconnectedness of Earth's systems in this quiz. From systems theory to biomes and climate change, understand how the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere interact to shape our environment. Test your knowledge on the impact of climate change and sea level rise.