Human Impact on Earth's Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What is meant by living sustainably?

Focusing solely on technological advancements

Prioritizing economic growth over environmental health

Using all resources available without regard for future impact

Living on natural income derived from renewable resources (correct)

What percentage of the population is suggested to be sufficient for major social and environmental change?

10-15%

5-10% (correct)

20-25%

1-3%

Which of the following best describes the role of the current generation according to the content?

To ignore environmental challenges in pursuit of lifestyle comforts

To focus solely on technological development without regard for ecology

To lead the way in creating a sustainable future (correct)

To continue traditions without questioning their sustainability

What major challenge does the content suggest the transition generation must confront?

Environmental degradation and disruption Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the timing of social and environmental change?

Such change can occur in a shorter time than expected Signup and view all the answers

What is one major factor contributing to resource consumption and environmental degradation?

Population growth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes poverty in the context of environmental issues?

It often leads to short-term survival priorities over long-term environmental health. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average consumption comparison between Americans and individuals in poorer countries?

Americans consume 30 times the resources of the average Indian. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant obstacle to addressing environmental problems according to the provided information?

Full-cost pricing avoidance Signup and view all the answers

How many planet Earths would be needed to sustain the average American's resource use indefinitely?

5 Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the IPAT model, what does the 'P' represent?

Population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of unsustainable resource use?

Increased environmental degradation Signup and view all the answers

Which case exemplifies the challenges faced by people living in extreme poverty?

Struggling to meet basic needs each day Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of human wellbeing?

Participation in society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an earth-centered worldview?

All species are part of a life-support system. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sustainability' refer to?

The capability of systems to adapt to changes long-term. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of sustainable development?

Dependence on non-renewable resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in Natural Capital?

Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily reflected in an environmental worldview?

Assumptions about human-nature relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What are basic needs associated with in the context of human wellbeing?

Access to necessary resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a nonrenewable resource?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does a life-centered worldview emphasize?

The intrinsic value of all living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes renewable resources?

They can be replenished by natural processes Signup and view all the answers

How does solar energy contribute to life on Earth?

It warms the planet and supports plant growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an ecosystem service?

Water purification Signup and view all the answers

Natural Capital Degradation refers to what?

The waste, depletion, or destruction of natural capital Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a supporting service?

Water regulation Signup and view all the answers

What type of resource is topsoil classified as?

Renewable resource Signup and view all the answers

Cultural ecosystem services provide which of the following?

Recreation and aesthetic experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes human interaction with Earth's ecosystems?

Human expansion has led to degradation of natural systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the degradation of natural capital?

Sustainable resource management Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of companies when utilizing natural resources?

To maximize profits for owners or stockholders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of full-cost pricing not being applied?

Decision-makers lack effective evaluation of harmful effects Signup and view all the answers

What impact do government subsidies have on companies that utilize natural resources?

They stimulate the economy while leading to natural capital degradation Signup and view all the answers

What trend is occurring with the world's population in relation to urban areas?

More than half live in urban areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of increased urbanization mentioned in the content?

Isolation from the natural world Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of not considering the environmental costs in product pricing?

Environmental degradation remains unaccounted for in market transactions Signup and view all the answers

How does the growth of technology-related products impact people's connection to nature?

It draws people away from reliance on nature Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main issues associated with timber companies and environmental costs?

They maximize profits without considering ecological impacts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Use of Earth's Ecosystems

Humans have degraded natural systems that support all species, including humans and economies.
Natural Capital: Natural resources and ecosystem services that sustain life and support human economies.
- Natural Resources: Materials and energy in nature essential for humans.
  - Inexhaustible Resources: Continuous supply, lasting for a very long time (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal energy).
  - Renewable Resources: Replenished naturally within hours to centuries (e.g., air, trees, topsoil, freshwater) if not used faster than they can renew.
  - Nonrenewable (Depletable) Resources: Exist in a fixed quantity, cannot be replenished within a human lifetime (e.g., fossil fuels - oil, natural gas, coal)
- Ecosystem Services: Processes provided by healthy ecosystems vital for life and economies, without monetary cost to humans.
  - Supporting Services: Essential for all other ecosystem services, indirect or long-term impacts on people. Examples include: primary production, oxygen production, nutrient and water cycling, pollination.
  - Regulating Services: Benefits obtained from regulation of ecosystem processes. Examples: air quality maintenance, climate regulation, water regulation, erosion control, water purification, waste treatment, disease regulation, storm protection.
  - Provisioning Services: Products obtained from ecosystems. Examples: food, fiber, fuel, freshwater, genetic resources, biochemicals, natural medicine, pharmaceuticals.
  - Cultural Services: Nonmaterial benefits humans gain from ecosystems. Examples: spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, aesthetics.
Natural Capital Degradation: Waste, depletion, or destruction of Earth's natural capital.
IPAT Model: Shows the impact of human activities on the environment.
- I = Impact
- P = Population
- A = Affluence (consumption per capita)
- T = Technology (environmental impact per unit of consumption)
Causes of Environmental Problems:
- Population Growth: Increasing population leads to increased resource use and consumption, resulting in greater environmental degradation, waste, and pollution.
- Unsustainable Resource Use: As affluence increases, so does per capita resource consumption, leading to higher levels of environmental degradation, waste, and pollution.
- Poverty: About 1 billion people live in extreme poverty with limited access to basic necessities. They often degrade forests, topsoil, grasslands, fisheries, and wildlife for survival.
- Avoidance of Full-cost Pricing Companies often do not pay the full cost of using resources, including harmful environmental and health costs, leading to unsustainable practices.
- Increasing Isolation from Nature: Urbanization and technology isolate people from nature, leading to a disconnect with environmental understanding and responsibility.

Human Wellbeing and Environmental Worldviews

Human Wellbeing: What is ultimately good for a person, encompassing basic needs, sense of purpose, achievement of personal goals, social participation.
Environmental Worldviews: Assumptions and values about how the world works and our role within it.
- Human-centered: The natural world serves humans primarily as a support system.
- Life-centered: All species have equal value as members of the biosphere, regardless of their use to humans.
- Earth-centered: Humans are part of and dependent on nature, recognizing the earth's life-support system exists for all species.

Principles of Sustainability

Sustainability: The capacity of Earth's natural and human systems to survive, flourish, and adapt to long-term environmental changes.
Scientific Principles:
- Dependence on Solar Energy: Solar energy warms the planet and provides energy for plant life, which forms the base of the food chain.
- Living on Natural Income: Using only renewable resources like plants, animals, soil, clean air, and water within the rate at which they can replenish.

Our Hope

5-10% of a population can enact significant social and environmental change.
The current generation can decide towards creating a sustainable future or further environmental degradation.

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Description

Explore how human activities have influenced natural systems that are crucial for sustaining both human life and the economy. Learn about various types of natural capital, including resources and ecosystem services, and their importance. This quiz covers the classifications of renewable, nonrenewable, and inexhaustible resources.