Environmental Impact and Resource Management

Study Notes

5.1: The Tragedy of the Commons

Shared resources are often overused due to individual self-interest.
Examples include overfishing, overgrazing, deforestation, and water pollution.
Solutions include regulations, privatization, or community management.
This concept connects to resource management and sustainable practices.

5.2: Clearcutting

Clearcutting is the removal of all trees in an area.
Impacts include habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, increased soil erosion, reduced carbon sequestration (worsening climate change).
Alternatives include selective cutting and sustainable forestry.

5.3: The Green Revolution

Mid-20th century advancements in agriculture (high-yield crops, fertilizers, pesticides) increased food production, reducing hunger.
Drawbacks include soil degradation, eutrophication, pesticide resistance, and dependence on monocropping.
Future goals focus on sustainable farming and crop diversification.

5.4: Impacts of Agricultural Practices

Monocropping: Leads to soil degradation, reduced biodiversity, and increased pest vulnerability.
Tilling: Causes soil erosion, organic matter loss, and sedimentation in waterways.
Slash-and-Burn Agriculture: Results in deforestation, carbon emissions, and nutrient loss.
Sustainable alternatives include no-till farming, cover cropping, and agroforestry.

5.5: Irrigation Methods

Furrow Irrigation: Inexpensive but high water loss.
Flood Irrigation: Efficient for some but can lead to waterlogging.
Spray Irrigation: Efficient but energy-intensive.
Drip Irrigation: Most efficient, minimal water loss, costly.
Environmental impacts include aquifer depletion and soil salinization.

5.6: Pest Control Methods

Chemical Controls: Pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) have problems with resistance, bioaccumulation, and harm to non-target species.
Biological Controls: Use natural predators or parasites to control pests.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combines various pest control methods to minimize environmental impacts and pesticide use.

5.7: Meat Production Methods

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs): High output, but lead to significant waste and water use, and increased antibiotic use. Ethical concerns exist.
Free-Range Farming: Better for animal welfare but requires more land and has lower yields.
Environmental impacts include overgrazing, deforestation, and methane emissions.
Diet shifts toward reducing meat consumption can lessen environmental impacts.

5.8: Impacts of Overfishing

Overfishing declines fish populations, leading to ecosystem collapse and bycatch (catching non-target species).
Solutions include better fisheries management, aquaculture, and marine protected areas (MPAs).
Sustainability practices involve quotas, gear restrictions, and consumer choices (like MSC-certified seafood).

5.9: Impacts of Mining

Mining methods include surface mining (strip, open-pit, mountaintop removal) and subsurface mining.
Environmental impacts include habitat destruction, soil erosion, water contamination (acid mine drainage), and air pollution.
Mining provides resources and jobs but leads to long-term environmental costs.
Remediation involves land reclamation, stricter regulations, and reduced demand for mined materials.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts in environmental science, focusing on the Tragedy of the Commons, clearcutting, and the Green Revolution. Explore the consequences of human activities on shared resources and agricultural practices, alongside potential sustainable solutions. Understand how these issues interconnect with resource management and environmental sustainability.