Food Security Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is the main benefit of smallholder farming?

Requires large agricultural machinery.

Protects biodiversity and boosts the economy. (correct)

Increases reliance on imported food.

Reduces local food production.

Which region is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to poverty and conflict?

Sub-Saharan Africa (correct)

Southeast Asia

North America

Western Europe

How does improved infrastructure contribute to food security?

Moves food faster and cuts losses. (correct)

Encourages food waste.

Reduces transportation efficiency.

Increases food prices.

What is the primary focus of agroforestry?

Combining trees with crops for enhanced farming. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is NOT considered a productivity strategy for agriculture?

Food Waste Reduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship described by Engel's Law?

Rising income leads to a lower percentage of food spending. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to malnutrition in populations facing poverty?

Inability to afford food. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key objective of resilient cities?

To help cities recover and adapt to future challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in addressing climate change due to its long-term effects?

International cooperation requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following greenhouse gases is primarily emitted through livestock farming?

Methane (CH4) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'deep decarbonization' primarily focus on?

Enhancing energy efficiency and renewable sources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized impact of climate change?

Significant rise in world population Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of carbon capture technologies?

To remove CO2 from the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which type of renewable energy source uses high solar potential areas like deserts?

Solar energy Signup and view all the answers

Which greenhouse gas is associated with refrigeration processes?

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Signup and view all the answers

How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?

By trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a regulating service provided by ecosystems?

Create soil Signup and view all the answers

How does ecosystem health impact human well-being?

It directly influences social relationships and quality of life. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) refer to?

The largest annual fish catch that can be sustained without depleting stocks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a main threat to marine biodiversity?

Climate change Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

Conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable resource use. Signup and view all the answers

What is aquaculture?

Farming aquatic organisms in controlled environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of expanding protected areas for ecosystems?

Sustained habitats for various species. Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty regulates or bans trade in endangered species?

CITES Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of marine protected areas?

They help conserve biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the process of ocean acidification?

Carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid in seawater. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a socioeconomic impact of ocean acidification?

Decrease in population of shell-forming organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage increase in ocean acidity since 1850?

26% Signup and view all the answers

How does ocean acidification affect coral reefs?

It impairs their ability to form skeletons. Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient cycles are referred to as biogeochemical flows?

Nitrogen and phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of lower ocean pH levels on marine ecosystems?

Threat to marine food chains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of coral reefs in coastal protection?

They shield shorelines against storms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of excessive use of fertilizers on the nitrogen cycle?

Disruption of natural nitrification processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the phosphorus cycle?

Release of phosphate from rocks via weathering Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of hypoxia that leads to dead zones in aquatic environments?

Nutrient runoff promoting algal blooms Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Haber-Bosch process crucial for global food production?

It produces nitrogen fertilizers that support over a third of the population Signup and view all the answers

What human activity significantly contributes to the spread of dead zones?

Urban wastewater discharge Signup and view all the answers

What major global consequence arises from unchecked nutrient pollution in oceans?

Ocean acidification and marine life threat Signup and view all the answers

What process decreases ocean pH as a result of CO₂ absorption?

Ocean acidification Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors does NOT contribute to eutrophication?

Natural sedimentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of eutrophication?

Excessive algae growth due to nutrient runoff Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of hypoxia created by dead zones?

Impacts on marine life and fisheries Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is not included in effective waste management?

Increasing waste generation Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall effect of recycling 8 million tons of metal?

Eliminates 26 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately differentiates between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste?

Biodegradable waste decomposes naturally, while non-biodegradable does not. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key benefit of reduced greenhouse gas emissions through improved waste management?

Reduction of global warming effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Basel Convention?

An international treaty regulating hazardous waste movement Signup and view all the answers

Why is reducing food waste vital for the environment?

It prevents resource depletion and lowers CO₂ emissions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Security: Simplified Study Guide

Food security has four key pillars: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability.
Availability means enough food is produced or imported to meet needs.
Accessibility means people can physically and economically get food.
Utilization means food is safe, nutritious, and properly prepared for nourishment.
Stability means food is consistently available over time, even during crises or price changes.
Engel's Law states that as income increases, less money is spent on food.
Climate change threatens food security through droughts, floods, heat waves, and changed rainfall patterns, which disrupt growing seasons and livestock.
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East/North Africa face significant food insecurity due to poverty, conflict, and climate change
Strategies to improve food security involve boosting agricultural productivity (agroforestry, crop diversification, efficient irrigation) and reducing food waste (better storage, transport, and consumer habits).

Resilient Cities: Simplified Study Guide

Resilient cities recover, adapt, and prepare for future challenges
Key features of resilient cities include the ability to withstand and adapt natural disasters, economic crises, etc, and focus on adapting rather than just surviving
Sustainability is key to resilience, including long-term solutions, like renewable energy, and resource efficiency
Green infrastructure (parks, green roofs, urban forests) helps reduce heat and improve air quality.
Smart cities use technology for efficient services, real-time data for crisis management and quick responses to natural disasters and public health emergencies

Climate Change: Simplified Study Guide

Global climate change affects every country and requires international cooperation.
It's a multigenerational problem with long-term impacts.
Complex solutions involve all sectors and multiple technologies, and the heavily dependence on fossil fuels.
Key greenhouse gases include CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, HFCs, PFCs, Sulfur Hexafluoride.
Rising CO2 emissions, increased temperatures, risks to food, water, ecosystems,and weather patterns are due to climate change
Mitigation strategies include renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal), non-renewable energy, carbon capture and sequestration, and geoengineering.

Saving Biodiversity and Protecting Ecosystem Services: Simplified Study Guide

Ecosystems consist of living organisms interacting with non-living elements.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within species, between species, and across ecosystems.
Ecosystem services include provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services.
Biodiversity is threatened by pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
International treaties such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and CITES aim to protect biodiversity.
Marine protected areas, aquaculture, and maximum sustainable yield strategies (MSY) can help save biodiversity

Ocean Acidification and Biogeochemical Flows: Simplified Study Guide

Ocean acidification is a process where CO2 dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering pH.
CO2 reacts with seawater to create carbonic acid, which dissociates into H+ (hydrogen ions) and bicarbonate.
Increased acidity impacts marine organisms, like corals and plankton, which struggle to form and maintain shells and skeletons.
Wider ecosystem impacts include fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.
Nutrient cycles like nitrogen and phosphorus can be impacted by overuse of fertilizers, causing pollution and eutrophication

Waste Management: Simplified Study Guide

Waste is unwanted or useless materials.
Waste includes toxins expelled by organisms, substances, or objects.
Types of waste include solid, liquid, bio-medical, industrial, agricultural, fishery, e-waste, and radioactive waste.
Waste disposal methods include dilution, concentration, landfills, biomethanation, incineration, and composting.
Improper waste management can lead to chemical poisoning, neurological diseases, reduced quality of life and property damage, impacted food security, and polluted ecosystems.
Sustainable waste management strategies include reduce, reuse, recycle, donate, and educating the public on responsible waste management practices.

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Description

Explore the essential pillars of food security, including availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. This guide discusses the impact of climate change on food supply and highlights strategies to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce waste. Gain insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.