Questions and Answers
What is one principle of sustainability related to the support of life on Earth?
Which of these best defines biodiversity?
What is meant by chemical cycling?
Why is natural capital important for sustainability?
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What contributes to the degradation of natural capital?
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What is a point source of pollution?
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What is a core component of achieving sustainability?
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What does the 'tragedy of the commons' refer to?
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What factors does the IPAT model use to determine environmental impact?
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of environmental problems?
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How is ecological footprint defined?
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Which principle is NOT associated with sustainability?
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What is an ecological deficit?
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What is one potential scientific solution to pollution mentioned?
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Which component of the ecological footprint quantifies the biological land and water needed?
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Which of the following is an action that might help in achieving an environmentally sustainable society?
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What is one major consequence of growing affluence in many consumers' lifestyles?
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What does the term 'extreme poverty' refer to?
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Which of the following best describes the primary goal of companies in a capitalist system?
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Which environmental worldview suggests that humans should manage the Earth mostly for their benefit?
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What are the three principles of an environmentally sustainable society?
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How can a society reduce waste and pollution effectively?
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What is one belief associated with environmental wisdom?
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Which of the following statements best describes the exclusion of environmental costs from market prices?
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Study Notes
Environmental Science Overview
- Studies interactions between humans and the Earth, addressing environmental issues and sustainability.
- Aims to understand how life has persisted for over 3.5 billion years despite environmental changes.
Principles of Sustainability
- Sustainability Defined: Meeting present needs without jeopardizing future generations.
- Solar Energy: Essential for heating the planet, photosynthesis, and electricity production; foundational for life.
- Biodiversity: Encompasses the variety of organisms and ecosystems; provides essential free services to humanity.
- Chemical Cycling: Involves the transfer of chemicals through the environment; crucial for maintaining air, water, soil, and food supplies.
Key Components of Sustainability
- Natural Capital: Refers to resources and services essential for life.
- Degradation of Natural Capital: Occurs through rapid depletion of non-renewable resources and pollution.
- Solutions: Emphasis on implementing environmental laws to manage pollution and resource use.
Pollution Sources
- Point Sources: Easily identifiable sources of pollution.
- Nonpoint Sources: Diffuse sources that are harder to trace.
Ecological Footprint
- Represents the biologically productive area required to sustain population resource use and waste absorption.
- Discusses the concept of ecological deficit, measuring the sustainability of lifestyles.
Environmental Impact Model (IPAT)
- Impact (I) is determined by the equation: I = P (Population) x A (Affluence) x T (Technology).
Causes of Environmental Problems
- Population Growth: Surging population leads to excessive consumption of resources and increased pollution.
- Unsustainable Resource Use: High levels of affluence lead to overconsumption and wastefulness.
- Poverty: Affects one in five individuals globally; relates to an inability to meet basic needs like food and shelter.
- Excluding Environmental Costs: Companies often ignore environmental expenses in market pricing, focusing primarily on profit maximization.
Environmental Worldviews
- Planetary Management: Advocates for human-centered management of Earth for indefinite benefit.
- Stewardship: Focuses on responsible management of resources with an aim to discourage environmental harm.
- Environmental Wisdom: Emphasizes human dependence on nature and the importance of preserving ecosystems for all species.
Characteristics of an Environmentally Sustainable Society
- Greater reliance on renewable energy sources.
- Protection and preservation of biodiversity.
- Reduction of waste and pollution production.
Conclusion
- The chapter concludes with emphasis on the interconnectedness of the discussed principles, the necessity of sustainable practices, and continued education on environmental impacts.
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Description
This quiz covers Chapter 1 on environmental problems, their causes, and the principles of sustainability. Students will explore the impact of ecological footprints and learn how to foster an environmentally sustainable society. Enhance your understanding of environmental science and our interactions with the earth.
