Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one primary effect of the global race to the bottom regarding wages?

Exploitation of workers and downward pressure on wages (correct)

Development of rigorous labor standards

Increased worker wages globally

Improvement of labor rights

How does competition over corporate tax rates impact government services?

It leads to reduced tax revenues and affects public services (correct)

It increases overall tax revenues

It creates a more equitable tax system

It encourages better public services

What is a significant concern regarding the current economic system and resource exploitation?

Unlimited access to resources by small businesses

The sustainable use of resources is prioritized

Equal distribution of resources across all nations

The depletion of finite world resources (correct)

What social issue arises from wealth accumulation in the context of globalization?

It leads to a growing gap between the wealthy and the poor Signup and view all the answers

In terms of the current global economic model, what does continuous commodification of resources indicate?

Unlimited access for corporations, threatening resource availability Signup and view all the answers

What underlying issue is raised regarding the purpose of wealth creation?

Majority still remain poor despite economic growth Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a necessary action to address the issues arising from globalization?

Limit wealth accumulation for equitable resource distribution Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the global race to the bottom have on corporate behavior?

Motivates corporations to seek the lowest operational costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of sustainable development?

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is not associated with food security?

An excessive amount of food waste Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of degrowth contribute to sustainability?

It advocates for slower economic growth to meet sustainable development Signup and view all the answers

What does global citizenship emphasize?

Obligation to the international community Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of global warming mentioned in the content?

Decreased abundance of basic necessities Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a principle of sustainable development?

It seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement does not accurately describe global food security?

It is only a problem in developed countries. Signup and view all the answers

Overexploitation of resources is likely to worsen which of the following issues?

Access to basic necessities in vulnerable communities Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

To reverse climate change and promote social equality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four key dimensions of food security?

Production Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term 'stability' in the context of food security?

Access to food should remain constant over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are related to reshaping the economic system?

7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Signup and view all the answers

What role does Elon Musk play in the context of sustainable development?

He joined an organization focusing on sustainable energy. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) not considered legally binding?

They are recommendations rather than obligations. Signup and view all the answers

How does 'utilization' factor into food security?

By having the knowledge and ability to use food effectively for nutrition. Signup and view all the answers

What year marked the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals?

2016 Signup and view all the answers

What does degrowth emphasize as the main indicator of prosperity?

Well-being Signup and view all the answers

What does Pachamama represent in the context of Bolivian laws?

Mother Earth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of buen vivir?

Harmony with nature Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining principle of green businesses?

Balancing profitability with societal issues Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sumak kawsay' relate to in buen vivir?

Communal well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which organization has a program advocating for a transition to a sustainable economy?

Green Party of the US Signup and view all the answers

What paradigm shift was introduced by Bolivia's laws related to nature?

Legal recognition of nature’s rights Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the concept of buen vivir?

Focusing on environmental preservation and community well-being Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Roman system of panem et circenses?

To keep citizens content and prevent riots Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes global food security?

The ability to distribute food effectively to all citizens Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of their income do many poor households in developing countries typically spend on food?

50-70% Signup and view all the answers

Why is merely increasing food production insufficient for eliminating hunger?

Availability does not guarantee access for everyone Signup and view all the answers

What effect do sudden increases in food prices have on poor households?

They become vulnerable to malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

How do big corporations influence global food security?

By prioritizing profit over food accessibility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups remained significantly hungry according to the 2012 UN Hunger Report?

852 million in developing countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between food security and poverty?

Food security and poverty are closely linked, especially in crises Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a key indicator of the Global Hunger Index related to children?

The share of children under five who are wasted Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of food produced globally is wasted or lost each year?

Nearly one-third Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor contributing to food waste in developing countries?

Lack of infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes food waste behavior in rich countries?

Consumers waste food due to preferences against 'ugly food'. Signup and view all the answers

How much food waste is equivalent to the amount needed to feed hungry people worldwide?

870 million people Signup and view all the answers

What is one recommended solution to reduce food loss and waste?

Strengthen the supply chain and support farmers Signup and view all the answers

What weight of food waste do consumers in Europe and North America generate on average each year?

95-115 kg Signup and view all the answers

What action is suggested for industries to decrease food waste?

Raise awareness among retailers and consumers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Differentiate stability from sustainability
Articulate models of global sustainable development
Define global food security
Articulate a personal definition of global citizenship
Appreciate the ethical obligations of global citizenship

Words to Go By

Degrowth: a movement advocating for slower macroeconomic growth to achieve sustainable development
Sustainable Development: economic development focusing on fulfilling basic citizen needs instead of profit
Food Security: a state where all citizens have stable and sufficient access to nutritious food
Global Citizenship: citizenship emphasizing one's responsibility to the international community

Discovering Paths

Global warming reduces sustainability in vulnerable communities, impacting food, water, and clean air
Over-extraction of resources (e.g., deforestation, mining) is worsening the issue
The current economic system is unsustainable as excessive lifestyles drive carbon emissions

Discovering Paths (continued)

Macroeconomic growth exists alongside hunger and malnutrition in many countries
Developed countries face the problem of massive food waste while many developing countries suffer from food shortages
The key to sustainability lies in basic needs and living simply

Is Globalization Sustainable?

Sustainable Development: a mode of growth meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs. It balances economic, social, and environmental considerations, promoting inclusive and equitable societies while minimizing environmental impacts

Key Principles of Sustainable Development

Environmental Conservation: promoting responsible resource use, minimizing pollution, and protecting ecosystems for a healthy planet
Social Equity: focusing on social justice, poverty reduction, and improved living standards for all members of society, especially vulnerable populations
Economic Prosperity: supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth without compromising future generations' well-being, promoting innovation, efficient resource use, and responsible business practices
Intergenerational Equity: ensuring development benefits are shared across generations and present actions do not hinder future generations
Community Engagement: involving communities in decision-making for culturally sensitive and beneficial development projects

Is Globalization Sustainable? (continued)

Plociennik contrasts stability (short-term position, permanence, resistance to change) with sustainability (long-term system capacities to exist)
Western-centric globalization pushes for everyone to live like typical Westerners in terms of consumption. However, this model is unsustainable. The typical American consumes significantly more calories and produces more carbon emissions per capita than residents of developing countries. This is impacting the world’s finite resources.
The world's current consumption rate is unsustainable

Is Globalization Sustainable? (continued)

The race to the bottom (in wages and corporate tax rates) exemplifies the unsustainable nature of current globalization. Countries lower labor costs and taxes, potentially exploiting workers and potentially impacting public services.
Continuous commodification of world resources is unsustainable. Examples include: mining sites, timber resources for furniture/paper, and overfishing, driving declining coral reefs.

Sustainable Development and Degrowth

Degrowth: an alternative method of global sustainable development aiming for a paradigm shift from profit-seeking to the common good. The model seeks to meet needs, not wants, and foster simplicity over luxury for future generations. Basic needs and satisfying needs trump luxury
Degrowth/Buddhist Economics: promotes simpler demands and emphasizes reducing global consumption and production

Sustainable Development and Degrowth (continued)

Pachamama Socialism: an indigenous earth goddess concept now being used as "Mother Earth". It's a way of looking at and respecting nature, with Bolivia passing laws recognizing nature's rights equivalent to humans. It wants modernization without disregarding environmental concerns
Buen Vivir: a community-centric, ecologically balanced, and culturally sensitive alter-globalization movement prioritizing people, communities, and the environment over economic growth.

Sustainable Development and Degrowth (continued)

Buen Vivir highlights harmony among humans and nature
Humans are stewards of Earth
Green Businesses: balancing economic success with environmental and social considerations. Examples like the Green Party’s Green Transition Program and companies like Tesla

Global Food Security

Definition: a situation ensuring everyone has consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for active and healthy lives. Food security covers four central topics: availability, stability, access, and utilization.
Issues: Although the world produces enough food, issues in availability, access, and distribution lead to hunger and malnutrition. Food production often is treated as a for-profit commodity rather than a basic human good.
Historical examples: Rome’s "bread and circuses" exemplify a system that temporarily satisfied the needs of citizens but ignored long-term sustainability
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) a tool comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger. It uses different indicators of malnutrition

Key Facts on Food Loss and Waste

Significant amounts of food are wasted at every stage; roughly 1/3 of food produced globally is lost or wasted.
Developed and developing countries experience similar amounts of food waste.
Developed countries throw away food due to consumer behavior (ugly food, preference). In contrast, developing countries waste food due to a lack of infrastructure in harvesting, processing, storing, and transporting.
Practical solutions to food waste include improving supply chains and promoting beneficial use of wasted food, alongside raising consumer awareness, and measures like food donation.