Introduction to Environmental Science

Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

To promote global environmentalism

To conduct scientific research

To enforce environmental laws (correct)

To provide educational programs

Which of the following is NOT considered an environmental indicator?

Biodiversity

Education levels (correct)

Food production rates

Climate change

How do developed countries generally differ from developing countries in terms of life expectancy?

Life expectancy is higher in developing countries

Life expectancy is similar in both developed and developing countries

Life expectancy is lower in developed countries

Life expectancy is higher in developed countries (correct)

What economic measure is typically higher in developed countries compared to developing countries?

Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is commonly associated with developing countries?

Inadequate infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What is more likely to lead to resource depletion in a village?

Divided ownership of pasture sections Signup and view all the answers

Which modern issue is an example of the Tragedy of the Commons?

Overfishing of international waters Signup and view all the answers

What conservation measures were taken during the Progressive Era in the United States?

Establishment of National Parks Signup and view all the answers

What activities are prohibited in National Parks?

Commercial logging Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the need for a reservoir in the Hetch Hetchy valley?

Destruction from an earthquake and fire Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes National Wildlife Refuges?

Only recreational activities permitted Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental event led to the establishment of conservation measures by President Teddy Roosevelt?

Excessive logging and hunting Signup and view all the answers

What does anthropocentrism prioritize in decision-making regarding the environment?

Human interests and well-being Signup and view all the answers

Who was the biggest advocate of ecocentrism?

John Muir Signup and view all the answers

Which category of resources consists of materials that cannot be used up?

Inexhaustible resources Signup and view all the answers

What environmental disaster involved the introduction of Cane Toads into Australia?

Invasive species leading to ecological disruption Signup and view all the answers

What was Gifford Pinchot's summary of his environmental ethic focused on?

The greatest good for the greatest number long-term Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a major factor in raising awareness of environmental issues besides resource conservation?

Environmental disasters Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of radioactive fallout from nuclear bomb testing?

Higher risk of cancer among exposed individuals Signup and view all the answers

What type of resource is coal categorized as?

Nonrenewable resource Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of environmental science?

The interaction of humans with the natural environment Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of unsustainability refer to?

Conditions that cannot continue at their current rate Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant agricultural feature of Sumeria around 2400 B.C.?

Grain production similar to modern agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What does the Law of Unintended Consequences imply?

Actions have unexpected effects, often negative Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Tragedy of the Commons', what is the main source of environmental conflict?

Shared and unowned resources being depleted Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the decline in agricultural yields in Mesopotamia?

Accumulation of salt in the soil over time Signup and view all the answers

How did the first village manage the common pasture?

With unrestricted access for all villagers Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of environmental science as a field of study?

It incorporates concepts from multiple fields of study Signup and view all the answers

Which country has the highest life expectancy according to the provided data?

India Signup and view all the answers

What is the total fertility rate of Japan?

1.93 Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is primarily responsible for the rising cost of resources according to economic principles?

High demand and low supply Signup and view all the answers

What significant environmental incident occurred in Bhopal, India?

Water leak causing a pesticide release Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the hidden costs faced by workers in developing countries?

Dangerous working environments Signup and view all the answers

According to the data, which country has the lowest GDP per person?

Haiti Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor contributing to the Bhopal pesticide factory disaster?

Overproduction and accumulation of chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is the carbon dioxide production level per person in Japan?

17.0 tons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Protection Agency

Established to enforce environmental laws and regulations.

Global Environmentalism

Environmental issues are increasingly complex and global.
Key environmental indicators include:
- Biodiversity
- Food production rates
- Climate change
- Human population growth
- Resource depletion

The Demographic Divide

Countries divided into developed and developing categories based on economic status.
Developed countries:
- Wealthier with advanced infrastructure
- Higher education and living standards
- Higher GDP per capita
- Lower total fertility rates
- Higher life expectancy
Developing countries:
- Lower GDP per capita
- Higher total fertility rates
- Lower life expectancy
- Often lack strong environmental regulations

Resource Depletion and Environmental Challenges

Villages with shared resources commonly face quicker resource depletion.
Modern examples include climate change, air pollution, and overfishing, illustrating the Tragedy of the Commons.

Progressive Era

The U.S. environmental movement began under President Teddy Roosevelt with conservation efforts.
National Parks and Wildlife Refuges established to protect land from resource extraction and preserve ecosystems.

Hetch Hetchy Debate

Caused by San Francisco's fire and subsequent water supply issues after an earthquake.
Proposal to build a reservoir in Hetch Hetchy valley required federal government approval.

Environmental Ethics

Emergence of two philosophies:
- Anthropocentrism: Human-centered approach prioritizing human interests, championed by Gifford Pinchot.
- Ecocentrism: Nature-centered philosophy valuing ecosystems, promoted by John Muir.
Construction of the Hetch Hetchy dam began in 1914, still operational today.

Types of Natural Resources

Inexhaustible resources: Cannot be depleted (e.g., sunlight).
Renewable resources: Can be replenished but over long periods (e.g., timber).
Nonrenewable resources: Depleted faster than they can replenish (e.g., coal, oil).
Recyclable nonrenewable resources: Can be reused but cannot be replaced at the rate used (e.g., metals).

Modern Environmentalism

Environmental disasters in the early 20th century raised awareness for broader issues.
Introduction of cane toads to Australia led to invasive species problems.
Donora, Pennsylvania experienced a severe air pollution incident in 1948.
Nuclear bomb testing fallout exposed risks in inhabited areas.

Environmental Science

The study of interactions between humans and the natural environment, including climate, soil, water sources, and living organisms.
Requires interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental problems.

Environmental History

Human impact on Earth dates back to early civilization, with ancient Sumerians practicing advanced agriculture around 2400 B.C.
Irrigation reliance in Mesopotamia led to soil salinity issues, resulting in agricultural decline over centuries.
Two key concepts:
- Law of Unintended Consequences
- Unsustainability

The Tragedy of the Commons

Garrett Hardin's concept highlights environmental conflict in shared resources.
Commons are prone to depletion as individuals prioritize self-interests, leading to overuse and resource exhaustion.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of Environmental Science, focusing on the interactions between humans and their natural environment. Topics include climate, soil, water sources, and other living organisms. Understand how these elements are interconnected and their impact on future generations.