Environment and Sustainable Development Quiz

The living framework, either naturally occurring or man-made. This includes things like air, water, soil, and ecosystems, as well as human-made elements such as urban areas, infrastructure, and social systems.

A group of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their physical environment (soil, water, air, climate) and the interaction between them.

Growth, progress, or evolution.

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Industrial Revolution saw rapid advancements in technology and manufacturing, leading to significant improvements in living standards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Economic growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Forests were cleared for farming and wood, minerals were extracted regardless of their environmental effects, and pollution was released into the air and water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Solar energy = Permanent Resource Fossil Energy = Non-permanent Resource Water Energy = Permanent Resource Natural Gas = Non-permanent Resource Minerals = Non-permanent Resource Air = Potentially Renewable Resource Water = Potentially Renewable Resource Soil = Potentially Renewable Resource Plants and Animals = Potentially Renewable Resource Wind Energy = Permanent Resource</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Availability of housing, overcrowding, and the spread of infectious disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A third of the city’s population lived in cellars of houses, which had no ventilation or sanitation, and as many as 16 people were living in a single room.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They were removed from poorhouses and housed in mill dormitories, where they worked long hours and were deprived of education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The growing number of transportation methods, the rapid expansion of industries and factories, and the increase in coal use without sufficient regulations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Great Smog of London.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A severe health condition caused by cadmium poisoning linked to the mining of zinc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fostering a good quality of life for all members of society, ensuring basic needs are met, and providing equitable opportunities and outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Functioning within the limits of the environment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Minamata, itai iati disease, Asbestos, Contaminated Blood Scandal, Growth Hormone Victims, and numerous ecological calamities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Caring for all living beings we encounter today and being concerned about the living conditions and sustainable development of future generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To guarantee that everyone has access to decent living conditions at an equitable level of quality of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The polluter, not the community, must pay the price for the pollution that results from their economic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Through taxes, pollution permits, and pollution quotas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sustainability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The natural warming of the Earth caused by the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Without a radical change in policy, the planet is destined for a genuine collapse during the 21st century.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>All of the above (F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It was the first world conference to make the environment a major issue, resulting in the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan for the Human Environment and several resolutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Famine, drought, conflict, disease, and poverty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word "environment" refers to the living framework, whether naturally occurring or man-made. It encompasses elements like air, water, soil, and ecosystems, as well as human-created elements like urban areas, infrastructure, and social systems.

An ecosystem is made up of plants, animals, microorganisms, and their physical environment (soil, water, air, climate), and how they all interact.

Development is a process of growth, progress, or evolution. It includes different aspects like biological, economic, and social development.

Biological development refers to the physical and physiological changes that occur in living organisms over time.

Economic development is often associated with improvements in living standards, economic growth, and enhancement of economic structures and systems within a society.

Social development focuses on improving the well-being of individuals and communities through education, healthcare, social justice, and equality.

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The Industrial Revolution in the 1780s saw rapid progress in technology and manufacturing, leading to significant improvements in living standards.

The rapid movement of people from rural areas to cities searching for jobs in factories or industries led to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the spread of infectious diseases in urban areas.

The environment was considered secondary to the pursuit of economic growth during the Industrial Revolution. Governments and businesses often prioritized economic expansion, leading to the depletion of natural resources and pollution.

Permanent resources are those that are continuously available or renewable at a rate faster than their consumption rate. Non-permanent resources are limited and finite and can be depleted faster than they regenerate.

Potential renewable resources can be replenished over time but are threatened by human activities like pollution or overexploitation. Examples include air, water, soil, plants, and animals.

Dr. William Henry Duncan discovered in the 1830s that a third of London's population lived in overcrowded, unsanitary cellars, resulting in poor living conditions and outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera.

The rapid growth of factories during the Industrial Revolution led to the exploitation of poor youth and orphans, who were forced to work long hours in mills with limited access to education.

The increased use of coal in industries and homes, coupled with the lack of regulations, resulted in significant air pollution. The Great Smog of London in 1952 was a tragic example of severe air pollution, causing widespread health problems and deaths.

The extraction of minerals and building materials like rock, sand, and gravel from quarries disrupts natural habitats and alters the landscape.

Itai-itai disease is a severe health condition caused by cadmium poisoning, linked to the mining of zinc. It results in a range of health problems, including kidney damage, bone pain, and osteoporosis.

Deforestation and the construction of dams disrupt natural environments, leading to the loss of habitats for animals and plants and contributing to the decline of species.

The chemical industry discharges pollutants into rivers and streams, contaminating water supplies and affecting human health, wildlife, and aquatic plants. Oil spills release hydrocarbons into seas and oceans, causing major ecological disasters.

Minamata disease is a tragic example of chemical pollution in Minamata Bay, Japan. The Chisso corporation discharged mercury waste into the bay, contaminating seafood and causing severe neurological disorders, birth defects, and even death in people who consumed the contaminated food.

The Santa Barbara Channel Oil Spill in 1969 caused a major oil spill, resulting in significant damage to marine life and beaches, with thousands of seabirds and marine animals killed.

Overfishing has led to the depletion of fish stocks and the disappearance of certain marine species, disrupting the balance of marine ecosystems. The collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery in Canada in the 1990s is a stark example of the consequences of overfishing.

The introduction of invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to their decline or extinction. The introduction of European wild rabbits to Australia in 1859 had devastating consequences for the continent’s native flora and fauna.

Social sustainability focuses on fostering a good quality of life and ensuring basic needs are met for all members of society, including health, housing, education, employment, resource security, and safety.

Equitable economic sustainability focuses on ensuring justice, fairness, and inclusion in the allocation of resources, opportunities, and benefits. It emphasizes resolving social injustices and ensuring everyone has the chance to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Environmental sustainability focuses on protecting the environment and ensuring economic activity remains within the limits of the environment's capacity. It emphasizes reducing pollution, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental stressors.

Bearable sustainability means that environmental and social sustainability combine to create living conditions that are good for everyone. It ensures everyone has access to resources like food and water and promotes fair distribution to prevent inequalities.

The precautionary principle encourages caution in cases of doubt about the environmental or health impact of an action. It suggests avoiding risks and minimizing the potential for lasting damage to the environment and health.

The principle of solidarity emphasizes that everyone, including the marginalized and less fortunate, must be included in sustainable development efforts. It encourages compassion and care for all people, both present and future generations.

The principle of participation promotes the inclusion of everyone in decision-making processes related to sustainable development. It emphasizes empowering people, informing them, and involving them in shaping a sustainable future.

The polluter-pays principle holds that those who pollute or cause environmental damage should bear the cost of repairing or mitigating the harm. This principle ensures that economic actors are accountable for the environmental consequences of their actions.

Pollution taxes are fines imposed on activities that cause pollution, aiming to deter and create a financial incentive for reducing pollution.

Pollution permits allow businesses to buy and sell permits that grant them the right to emit a certain amount of pollutants. This system limits the overall amount of pollution by setting a ceiling on the number of permits.

Pollution quotas are similar to pollution permits but establish a limit on the total quantity of pollution a business can release. Businesses exceeding their quota face penalties.

Hans Carl von Carlowitz introduced the term "Nachhaltigkeit" (sustainability) in his book Sylvicultura oeconomica (1713), advocating for sustainable forest management and focusing on using resources wisely to ensure their availability for future generations.

Thomas Malthus, in his Essay on the Principle of Population (1798), argued that population growth would outpace resource availability, leading to poverty, famine, and epidemics. He advocated for reducing population growth to address these challenges.

The global population dramatically increased during the 20th century due to advancements in medicine and a reduction in mortality rates. This rapid population growth contributed to environmental pressures and resource depletion.

Jean-Baptiste Fourier in the 1820s suggested that the Earth's atmosphere might act as an insulator, trapping solar radiation and contributing to the planet's warmth. This early concept led to the understanding of the greenhouse effect.

Stanley Jevons explored the issue of resource depletion in The Coal Question (1865), warning about the potential limits to economic growth due to the finite supply of coal and advocating for alternative sources of energy.

Léon Walras introduced the principle of scarcity in 1872, arguing that limited resources and unlimited human needs create value and influence prices in the market.

Guy Stewart Callendar in 1938 linked the rise in global temperatures to the increase in industrial carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the connection between fossil fuel use and climate change.

Charles David Keeling in the 1950s began meticulously measuring carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, creating the Keeling Curve, which shows the long-term continuous increase in atmospheric CO2 levels over time.

The Club of Rome published a report titled 'The Limits to Growth' (1972), warning about the potential for environmental and economic collapse within a century if unsustainable practices continued.

The Stockholm Conference on the Environment (1972) led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and introduced the concept of "eco-development", which aimed to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

The Cocoyoc Conference (1974) further developed the concept of sustainable development, recognizing the need for a holistic approach to development that considers economic, social, and environmental factors.

Environmental degradation occurs when natural resources are depleted, ecosystems are destroyed, and wildlife is wiped out. It refers to any harmful or undesirable changes to the environment.

Soil degradation involves the decline of soil quality, including loss of organic matter, reduced fertility, erosion, and contamination by pollutants.

Water degradation refers to changes in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water, making it harmful or unusable for various purposes.

Atmospheric degradation refers to changes in the atmosphere caused by human activities, leading to harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. This includes air pollution and global warming.

Population growth puts increasing pressure on natural resources, leading to environmental stress like deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Poverty can contribute to environmental degradation as people in poverty often rely heavily on natural resources, leading to overexploitation and depletion. Conversely, environmental degradation can lead to poverty by disrupting livelihoods and resources.

Economic growth often leads to increased demand for natural resources and industrial activity. This can result in resource depletion, pollution, and environmental degradation.

Political factors play a crucial role in determining environmental policies, regulations, and incentives. Governments that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability can have a negative impact on the environment.

Natural events like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the loss of biodiversity. These events can also create opportunities for invasive species to spread.

Eutrophication is the natural or accelerated enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, leading to excessive plant growth, which can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and cause oxygen depletion.

Environmental degradation impacts human health by increasing exposure to pollutants, which can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. It also contributes to the spread of infectious diseases.

The ozone layer protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, pollution from human activities is depleting the ozone layer, increasing the risk of skin cancer and other health problems.

Environmental degradation can negatively impact the tourism industry by causing damage to natural attractions and reducing their attractiveness to visitors.

Environmental degradation has significant economic impacts, including the cost of restoring damaged ecosystems, increased healthcare costs due to pollution-related illnesses, and reduced productivity in industries reliant on healthy ecosystems.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by world leaders in 2015 to address global challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable future.