Environmental Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the Great Barrier Reef has experienced bleaching according to scientists?

90%

74% (correct)

50%

16%

What is the estimated range of bee colony loss/collapse experienced between the 1960s and 2000s?

10% to 20%

50% to 70%

75% to 90%

25% to 50% (correct)

According to studies, what proportion of protein consumed by humans comes from the ocean?

16% (correct)

25%

50%

10%

What major environmental issue is linked to increased levels of greenhouse gases?

Increased global temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed in relation to natural disasters due to environmental changes?

Increasing intensity Signup and view all the answers

What type of extreme weather events have become stronger and more frequent due to climate change?

Hailstorms Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated contribution of bees to pollinating crops for human consumption?

90% Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of losing a significant amount of ocean life due to coral reef loss?

Decreased protein supply Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason for discussing environmental problems in a lecture?

They represent the greatest current social problem. Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed regarding global wildlife populations since 1970?

A 70% loss of wildlife on average. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of coral bleaching?

Increased micro-plastics and ocean acidification. Signup and view all the answers

How do coral reefs impact ocean life?

They are crucial as a food source for most ocean life. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the global nature of environmental issues?

They require cooperation among competing nations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does rising nationalism have on environmental solutions?

It creates barriers to cooperative solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated effect of environmental problems on economic systems?

They resist and challenge environmental protection efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the notable environmental effects observed in coral ecosystems?

Major food chain disruptions due to reef loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of implementing a carbon tax?

To create a financial burden on pollution Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason given for the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement?

To prioritize the well-being of American citizens Signup and view all the answers

Why might carbon taxes be unpopular among the public?

They result in higher prices and economic strain Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence could arise from the U.S.'s decision to leave the Paris Agreement?

Prompting other countries to prioritize their national interests Signup and view all the answers

How does the revenue from carbon taxes typically get utilized?

To fund environmental initiatives Signup and view all the answers

According to symbolic interactionism, how are nation states viewed?

As arbitrary constructs shaped by human interaction Signup and view all the answers

What argument do opponents of carbon taxes commonly present regarding their impact?

They increase the cost of living for consumers Signup and view all the answers

How does symbolic interactionism relate to nationalism?

It explains how symbols create a sense of national purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What was the financial impact of gasoline costs attributed to in the provided example?

$0.10 for environmental damage through carbon tax Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'externality' refer to in this context?

An unaccounted economic consequence of an action Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible effect of prioritizing national interests over collective environmental concerns?

Deterioration of common shared resources Signup and view all the answers

What might be a potential consequence of not implementing a carbon tax?

Continued free pollution without financial repercussions Signup and view all the answers

What role do cultural symbols play in the context of nation states?

They evoke collective memory and national pride. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tragedy of the commons' refer to in the context given?

Individual exploitation of shared resources leading to depletion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of introducing a recycling deposit scheme?

It incentivizes recycling and reduces waste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions exemplifies the symbolic interactionism approach in nationalism?

Singing the national anthem at events Signup and view all the answers

What does Moral Foundation Theory primarily help to understand?

Differences in political preference Signup and view all the answers

Which type of moral foundation emphasizes caring for the weak and vulnerable?

Harm/Care Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society is linked to the Fairness/Reciprocity moral foundation?

Mutually beneficial exchanges Signup and view all the answers

How is cultural understanding related to Moral Foundation Theory?

It recognizes how history shapes present moral beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a potential political divide as per Moral Foundation Theory?

Differences in empathizing with drug addiction Signup and view all the answers

What often summarizes the Fairness/Reciprocity moral foundation?

The Golden Rule Signup and view all the answers

Which theory examines the historical influences on present values, emphasizing in-group loyalty?

Evolutionary Sociological Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of moral foundation mentioned?

Trust/Obedience Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant barrier to addressing climate change mentioned in the content?

Immediacy bias Signup and view all the answers

What does misinformation about climate change often lead to?

Strengthening of echo chambers Signup and view all the answers

Why might people see misinformation about climate change as valid?

Well-paid lobbyists and spokespeople promote it Signup and view all the answers

What effect does confirmation bias have on public perception of climate change?

It leads people to accept only information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How does in-group bias affect discussions on climate change?

It creates exclusive environments that reinforce shared beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the perception of climate change among certain individuals?

Some believe it is a distant issue. Signup and view all the answers

What is an echo chamber?

A situation where individuals reinforce similar beliefs without considering alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What role do media debates play in public opinion about climate change?

They lend legitimacy to conflicting opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 6: Environmental Problems

Environmental problems are likely the greatest social problem today, for three reasons:
- They have the potential for catastrophic results.
- Current economic systems hinder environmental protection.
- Global cooperation is needed, but nationalism prevents true global solutions.
The midterm test is worth 20% of the final grade; it can be replaced if the final exam grade is higher.
The midterm will be held on Thursday, October 17th, from 4:10-6:00pm at 255 McCaul Street.
Students will be assigned to rooms based on their last name (EX100, EX200, EX310).
Practice tests will be available by Monday, October 14th.
The course study guide, midterm FAQ, and a midterm discussion board are also available.
The midterm will consist of 50 multiple-choice and true-false questions.
Questions will be distributed by lecture. This exam excludes dates, specific stats. and certain assigned materials.
A make-up midterm is available for students with conflicts, with deadlines ending on Friday.
There wil be no class during the midterm week.

Environmental Problems:

Coral bleaching is caused by rising ocean temperatures, increasing micro-plastics and ocean acidification.
- This poses a serious threat to ocean life, including 25% of ocean life, impacting the entire food chain.
Bee populations have declined by 25-50% since the 1960s-2000s, impacting food production.
- 90% of crops rely on bees for pollination.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are at unprecedented levels, exceeding historical norms.
- This increase is a result of human activity.
Average wildlife loss is around 70% since the 1970s.
There's an increase in global temperatures from 1850 to 2023.
Recent years have seen a rapid increase in wildfires, related to climate change.
There has also been an increase in the frequency of arctic wildfires, which is another major environmental concern.
An increasing trend of droughts worldwide is also a result of climate change.
Stronger and more frequent natural disasters such as hailstorms, hurricanes, tropical cyclones and more, are all influenced by climate change.

Specific Data Points

Global GHG emissions (GtCO₂e). (Data from graphs)
Current spending on global climate change (USD$)
The estimated price tag for enacting all these climate change related initiatives (USD$).
Number of countries that signed the Paris Agreement(Number from graph).
Percentage of the Great Barrier Reef that has experienced bleaching (Percentage from graph).

Structural Functionalism

Structural functionalism views society as a system with interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability.
- Disruptions affect the system.
Four tenets : Human behavior is governed by stable social structures, maintaining/undermining social stability, foundation of social structures is based on shared values and preferences,re-establishing equilibrium solves social problems.
Imbalances in the system occur due to growing human populations putting strain on the environment and greater scientific developments leading to resource exploitation.

Path Dependence

Path dependence suggests that societies tend to stay on current trajectories because it's more cost-effective to continue.
- Our reliance on fossil fuels is an example of this.
The current economic incentives and structures make widespread change difficult.

Moral Foundation Theory

Moral foundation theory helps understand the basis for differing political preferences or beliefs.
Five key foundations: Harm/Care, Fairness/Reciprocity, In- Group/Loyalty, Authority/Respect, Purity/Sanctity.

Immediacy Bias

Our brains prefer immediate gratification over long-term benefits which causes short sighted views on environmental issues.
- People often prioritize immediate concerns, like current economic benefits or personal interests, over long-term environmental concerns.

Misinformation

There's a lot of misinformation about climate change, and this is often due to well-funded campaigns, media, and political influence.
People are more easily persuaded by information that aligns with their pre-existing views/bias (confirmation bias).
Misinformation about climate change creates doubts about the existence or severity of the issue.

Other notes

The text includes discussion of the Tragedy of the Commons, and the social contract as key concepts in understanding environmental challenges.
It also emphasizes the importance of social and political considerations and how these factors influence response strategies for environmental problems.

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Description

Test your knowledge on crucial environmental topics, including coral bleaching, bee population declines, and the effect of climate change on natural disasters. This quiz explores various aspects of ocean health, biodiversity, and the challenges we face due to human activity. Prepare to learn and reflect on the importance of preserving our environment.