Environmental History and Human Settlements
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Questions and Answers

What is encompassed within the definition of the environment?

  • Human-made structures and vehicles
  • All living organisms in a region
  • Only water and air
  • Air, water, soil, rocks, and climate (correct)

What was one major contribution of Fernand Braudel to environmental history?

  • He documented events of ancient wars
  • He ignored natural factors completely
  • He emphasized geography's role in shaping human history (correct)
  • He focused solely on political leaders

How did the Mediterranean Sea influence early civilizations?

  • By facilitating communication and trade (correct)
  • By promoting isolation among communities
  • By creating natural barriers to trade
  • By limiting access to economic resources

Which of the following was a key reason for the establishment of human settlements in the Fertile Crescent?

<p>Availability of fresh water and fertile soils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What negative effects can result from polluting environmental elements?

<p>Long-lasting negative effects on human health (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which commodity did many Mediterranean communities derive from seawater?

<p>Salt (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did early human civilizations rely upon for agricultural growth?

<p>Natural resources like fresh water and favourable climates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Braudel's approach to history differ from that of his predecessors?

<p>He included geographical context in understanding history (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has primarily contributed to settlement and agriculture in the Mediterranean region?

<p>Mild climate regulated by the sea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has NOT played a significant role in the development of Malta as a nation?

<p>The abundance of gold and silver mines (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major impact of Malta's strategic position in the Mediterranean?

<p>Increased risk of irregular immigration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant human impact on the environment related to economic practices?

<p>Over-reliance on fossil fuels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of economy is indicated as a contributor to environmental issues?

<p>Capitalistic economy focused on profits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity has been a traditional livelihood among the coastal communities of the Mediterranean?

<p>Fishing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily fueled the growth of tourism in the Mediterranean region?

<p>Natural beauty and temperate climate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge related to population growth is highlighted in the content?

<p>Over-consumption and environmental disregard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of entrepreneurs and investors in a capitalist system?

<p>Maximizing profit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does privatization refer to?

<p>Selling government-owned businesses to private owners (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mixed economy?

<p>An economy where government services coexist with private businesses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What negative environmental phenomenon is mentioned as a consequence of capitalism?

<p>Tragedy of the Commons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a government measure to mitigate environmental damage caused by capitalism?

<p>Establishing quotas on resource usage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle requires polluters to compensate for environmental damage?

<p>Polluter Pays Principle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue may arise when there is no control over capitalists?

<p>Environmental degradation occurs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a reaction of businesses to escape environmental regulations?

<p>Shifting operations to countries with fewer environmental obstacles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant environmental agreement was not binding for developing countries?

<p>Kyoto Protocol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agreement specifically aims to limit the Earth's temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius?

<p>Paris Agreement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Agenda 21?

<p>Setting long-term goals for the 21st century (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year were the Millennium Development Goals officially agreed upon?

<p>2000 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT one of the eight Millennium Development Goals?

<p>Enhance global cooperation for technology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge hindered the success of the Millennium Development Goals?

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

What is a primary reason many companies relocate to LEDCs?

<p>Less environmental regulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the number 21 in Agenda 21 signify?

<p>The 21st century (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event is highlighted as a key milestone in the history of environmentalism?

<p>The inauguration of Yellowstone National Park (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' influence environmental movements?

<p>It raised awareness about pesticide effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region still experiences a significant occurrence of extreme poverty and child mortality according to the discussed goals?

<p>Sub-Saharan Africa (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has environmental awareness created a demand for?

<p>Greener products like solar panels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is environmentalism primarily focused on?

<p>Protecting the natural environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group emerged as a response to growing environmental concerns after World War II?

<p>Green Political Parties (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can capitalism and environmentalism coexist according to the information?

<p>Through a system with fair government control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initial purpose was the Sierra Club founded to address?

<p>To protect the Sierra Nevada mountains (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons poverty contributes to environmental degradation?

<p>Unregulated capitalist systems neglect the needs of poorer populations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Sustainable Development Goal primarily aims to ensure access to clean drinking water?

<p>Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Sustainable Development Goals are there?

<p>17 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three key aspects of sustainable development?

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

Why is collaboration between people emphasized in achieving the SDGs?

<p>It is necessary for a change in attitudes and approaches. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following goals focuses on promoting gender equality?

<p>Goal 5: Gender equality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does improving access to clean water contribute to economic sustainability?

<p>It creates jobs in water treatment and transportation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?

<p>The focus on consumeristic lifestyles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environment definition

The objects and conditions surrounding an organism.

Natural environment elements

Air, water, soil, rocks, and climate that support human life.

Environmental impact of pollution

Harmful effects on human health and future generations.

Human development natural factors

Natural resources like water, fertile soil, and climate influenced early settlements.

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Braudel's focus in history

Emphasized geography and its influence on human development.

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Mediterranean Sea's role in trade

Facilitated communication and trade between regions, helping communities engage in extensive trade networks.

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Mediterranean Sea as resource source

A source of valuable resources like salt, a means of transport for goods and people.

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Fertile Crescent importance

Region that provided resources for early civilizations' development.

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Mediterranean Climate

The Mediterranean region experiences mild and pleasant weather due to the regulating effect of the sea. This climate has attracted people and agriculture for thousands of years.

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Fishing in the Mediterranean

Fishing was a vital livelihood for people living near the Mediterranean Sea. The abundance of fish provided food and shaped the economy of coastal communities.

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Mediterranean Tourism

Modern times have seen the Mediterranean become a major tourist destination. Coastal resorts have been built along its shores, attracted by the beautiful environment and pleasant weather.

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Malta's Strategic Location

Malta's position in the central Mediterranean makes it strategically important. Its natural harbours and ports have attracted various European powers throughout history.

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Malta's Economic Development

Malta's harbours and central location have fueled economic growth. They support various sectors such as free ports, yacht marinas, and cruise liner terminals.

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Environmental Issues in Malta

Malta faces environmental challenges due to over-reliance on fossil fuels, overconsumption, unsustainable production, and population growth.

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Over-reliance on Fossil Fuels

Excessive dependence on fossil fuels contributes to environmental problems, such as pollution and climate change.

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Over-consumption and Materialism

Excessive consumption of resources, driven by materialistic desires, contributes to environmental issues.

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Privatization

The process of transferring government-owned businesses to private individuals or companies.

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Capitalism

An economic system where private individuals and businesses own the means of production and aim to maximize profit.

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Market Economy

An economy where prices are determined by supply and demand, not by government control.

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Mixed Economy

An economy that combines elements of both capitalism and socialism, with both private and government-owned businesses.

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Competition in Capitalism

A key driving force of capitalism where businesses strive to gain market share and profits by innovating and offering better products or services.

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Tragedy of the Commons

The overuse and depletion of shared resources, leading to negative environmental consequences for everyone.

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Environmental Impacts of Capitalism

The negative consequences of capitalist practices on the environment, such as resource depletion, pollution, and climate change.

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Mitigating Environmental Impacts

Measures taken by governments and businesses to reduce the negative environmental effects of capitalism.

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Environmentalism

A movement and philosophy dedicated to protecting the natural environment, emphasizing responsible resource use and minimizing human impact on ecosystems.

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Environmental Awareness

Understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and the importance of sustainable practices.

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Greener Products

Products designed and manufactured to reduce environmental impact, often using renewable resources and sustainable practices.

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Silent Spring

Rachel Carson's book (1962) that raised awareness about the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment and human health.

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Green Parties

Political parties focused on environmental protection, promoting sustainable policies and green living.

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Environmental Legislation

Laws and regulations designed to protect the environment by limiting pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and conserving natural resources.

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Relocation of Industries

Companies moving operations to countries with less strict environmental regulations and cheaper labor, often contributing to pollution in those areas.

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Capitalism vs. Environmentalism

The perceived conflict between economic growth and environmental protection, with debates on balancing development and sustainability.

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aiming to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. They address a wide range of challenges, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, affordable energy, climate change, and peace.

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Interconnectedness of SDGs

Each of the 17 SDGs is interconnected, meaning that progress in one area can positively or negatively impact progress in others. They encompass social, economic, and environmental dimensions, recognizing that tackling these issues requires a holistic approach.

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Clean Water SDG

This goal aims to ensure access to clean drinking water and sanitation for everyone. It recognizes the importance of water for human health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

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Collaboration for SDGs

Achieving the SDGs requires collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. It highlights the need for collective action and a shift in attitudes towards more sustainable practices.

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Consumeristic Lifestyle

A way of life characterized by excessive consumption and material possessions. This contributes to environmental problems due to the extraction of resources, production of goods, and generation of waste.

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Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the environment through human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. It threatens natural resources, biodiversity, and human well-being.

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Unregulated Capitalism

An economic system where businesses operate with minimal government regulation. This can lead to unsustainable practices driven by profit maximization, ignoring environmental and social consequences.

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Social Justice and Sustainability

The interconnectedness of social justice and environmental sustainability. Poverty and inequality drive environmental degradation, while a just and equitable society is key to achieving sustainable development.

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Earth Summit (1992)

A significant international conference held in Rio de Janeiro, leading to key agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

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Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC)

An international treaty aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.

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Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement that committed industrialized countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a certain percentage.

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Paris Agreement

An international agreement that aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

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Convention on Biological Diversity

An international treaty that sets out actions to protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use.

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Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Eight internationally agreed goals set by the UN for improving the lives of people in developing countries, focusing on poverty, education, health, and sustainability.

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Why did the MDGs fail to achieve their full potential?

The MDGs' lack of legally binding commitments and the complex challenges faced by developing countries led to their incomplete success.

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What are some examples of areas where the MDGs fell short?

Extreme poverty, child mortality, and diseases like HIV/AIDS continued to affect many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Study Notes

Society, History, and the Environment

  • Humans and their environment have a profound relationship, shaping societies throughout history.
  • Environment encompasses elements like air, water, soil, rocks, and climate that support human life.
  • Pollution negatively impacts human health and the well-being of future generations.
  • Natural resources (fresh water, fertile soil, favorable climates) encouraged human settlements in regions like the Fertile Crescent (Middle East).
  • Fernand Braudel emphasized the importance of geography and environment in shaping history.
  • The Mediterranean Sea facilitated trade and communication between different regions and communities.
  • The sea became an important economic resource, a source of food through fishing, and a hub for tourism.
  • Its natural beauty and climate continues to draw visitors globally.

The Maltese Islands

  • Malta's history is significantly shaped by its strategic location in the central Mediterranean.
  • Its deep-water, sheltered harbors gave it importance throughout history.
  • Its ports and central position influenced industries such as shipping, boatbuilding, tourism, and trade.

Key Environmental Problems

  • Over-reliance on fossil fuels, leading to environmental issues.
  • Overconsumption in material-driven societies.
  • Unsustainable production and consumption patterns.
  • Uneven wealth distribution (influencing how people treat the environment).
  • Overpopulation in certain regions leading to environmental degradation
  • Abuse of common resources such as the sea (overfishing).

Major Global Environmental Issues

  • Deforestation, land degradation.
  • Loss of biodiversity (hunting, trapping, urban development)
  • Climate change (global warming, rising sea levels).
  • Ocean acidification.
  • Pollution (air, water, noise, light).
  • Ozone depletion.
  • Waste generation (solid, liquid, sewage).

Major Environmental Issues: Malta

  • Overdevelopment/habitat destruction.
  • Illegal hunting and trapping.
  • Waste management issues (illegal dumping of waste).
  • Air pollution.
  • Overdependence on fossil fuels.
  • Water quality issues.
  • Illegal hunting and collection of flora/fauna.
  • Quarrying.

The Environment, Choices and Values - ECO Versus EGO

  • Our values reflect man's position in nature.
  • Modern notions of nature and ethics (developed in Western World) are reflected in our culture.
  • Two projects (The Hilton Tower, St Julians, and the creation of golf courses) faced significant opposition and debate over the impact on Malta.

Capitalism and its effect on the Environment

  • Capitalism, driven by the pursuit of profit, can have negative environmental impacts due to the Tragedy of the Commons (over-consumption of shared resources).
  • The prioritization of profit can lead businesses to overuse resources and ignore environmental consequences.

Environmentalism

  • Environmentalism aims to protect the natural environment as a philosophy and movement.
  • It emerged in response to issues of excessive consumption and resource depletion.
  • Notable milestones include the establishment of Yellowstone National Park (1872) and the Sierra Club (1892).

Future Generations and Climate Change

  • Present generations have a responsibility to future generations to pass on a healthy planet.
  • The 1997 UNESCO declaration highlights the responsibilities of present generations to future generations.
  • Extreme carbon emissions from past and current generations are already significantly compromising the quality of life of future generations.
  • It's necessary to adopt sustainable practices and reduce reliance on finite resources to create a better future.

Sustainable Development

  • Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
  • The United Nations provided guidelines on sustainability (such as the Bruntland Report 1987).
  • The goals are to support people's well-being by addressing environmental challenges in a balanced way.
  • The three interrelated pillars are economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The 80/20 Ratio and the Sustainable Development Goals

  • Social Justice is a key element of sustainable development
  • The principle of sustainable development is linked to the 17 SDGs defined in September 2015 by the UN, to address global interconnected problems.
  • These goals are the basis for sustainable development into the future.

Building Sustainable Societies

  • Effective frameworks for sustainable development necessitate holistic approaches.
  • The document outlines key ethical principles (respect for the community of life) along with strategies for improving lives, preserving the environment, etc.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in environmental history, focusing on the contributions of Fernand Braudel and the influence of geography on early civilizations. Questions cover the role of the Mediterranean Sea, agricultural practices, and environmental impacts. Test your understanding of how the environment shaped human society and settlements.

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