Introduction to Overconsumption
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Questions and Answers

What does the IPAD equation indicate about environmental impact?

  • It relates environmental impact to population, consumption, and technology. (correct)
  • It emphasizes the importance of individual consumption only.
  • It focuses exclusively on technological advancements.
  • It only considers population growth.

What biological aspect contributes to human overconsumption?

  • The evolution of minimal resource accumulation.
  • Traits that favor resource accumulation for survival and reproduction. (correct)
  • The ability to share resources within groups.
  • The reduction of resource competition among individuals.

How is dopamine linked to consumption according to neurological studies?

  • Consumption experiences trigger dopamine release, creating a pleasure response. (correct)
  • Dopamine acts as a deterrent to consumer behavior.
  • Dopamine levels decrease with repeated consumption.
  • Dopamine is only released during competitive activities.

What influence does social identity have on consumption habits?

<p>It fosters competition among individuals to surpass their peers in consumption. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a healthier approach to consumption moving forward?

<p>Investing in experiences and relationships rather than material goods. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'decoupling' refer to in the context of environmental impact?

<p>Separating economic growth from environmental benefits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals do when considering a purchase according to the recommended approach?

<p>Invest in higher quality, sustainable products. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a common misconception about wealth and consumption?

<p>Wealth correlates directly with a lack of understanding of overconsumption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does impact decoupling refer to?

<p>Separation in environmental impact and GDP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the concept of degrowth?

<p>It implies growth as inherently negative (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Donut Economics primarily focuses on addressing how many key environmental challenges?

<p>9 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of environmental justice?

<p>To ensure all individuals have a right to a healthy environment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered one of the first documented cases of racialized environmental issues?

<p>Love Canal incident (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about 'Take, make, use, lose' production?

<p>It emphasizes regeneration and restoration in production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does distributive justice refer to in the context of resources?

<p>Equal distribution of access to goods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the protests in Warren County, North Carolina?

<p>There was no significant impact from the protests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept involves reducing material consumption globally?

<p>Degrowth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did Jimmy Carter take regarding toxic waste disposal?

<p>Implemented strict environmental protection laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What negative impact did the mercury pollution have on the Grassy Narrows community?

<p>It led to significant health issues like mercury poisoning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which community is known for experiencing environmental racism due to its proximity to a chemical valley?

<p>Aamjiwnaang First Nation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym NIMBY stand for in relation to environmental issues?

<p>Not In My Backyard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key issue identified in the 1987 Toxic Waste and Race report?

<p>Discrimination in policy making and enforcement of regulations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Ontario government's announcement in 2017 for Grassy Narrows?

<p>An investment of $85 million for cleanup. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Africville demonstrate environmental racism?

<p>It was situated next to landfills and unwanted facilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the energy transfer efficiency in ecosystems?

<p>Usually about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'assimilation' refer to in energy flow?

<p>The process of a consumer absorbing energy from ingested material. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect does warmer aquatic temperatures have on fish?

<p>Higher energy requirements for growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems derived from photosynthesis?

<p>Chemical energy stored in glucose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'phenological mismatch' in ecological studies?

<p>Interaction disruptions between species at different life cycles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary method of energy loss during energy transfer in ecosystems?

<p>Excretion of waste. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which government action aimed to address environmental racism in recent years?

<p>Launching Bill C-226 for environmental equity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health issue affects 40% of the residents in the Aamjiwnaang First Nation community?

<p>Asthma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Overconsumption

Excessive consumption of goods and services, often exceeding what is needed or sustainable.

IPAD Equation

A formula to calculate environmental impact (pollution and resource depletion), Environmental impact = population x affluence x technology.

Biological Basis of Consumption

Humans evolved to consume as much as possible because those who accumulated more resources were better at surviving & reproducing, potentially leading to overconsumption.

Dopamine and Consumption

The pleasure experienced from consumption triggers dopamine release, creating cravings which can lead to overconsuming.

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Social Competition & Consumption

Humans are driven by social competition and identity seeking to be part of groups, potentially leading to overspending to fit in.

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Decoupling

The separation of economic growth from environmental impact.

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Needs vs. Wants

Distinguishing between essential necessities and unnecessary desires.

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Sustainable Consumption

Consumption patterns and habits that consider the environmental and social consequences without compromising future generations and their potential.

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Resource Decoupling

Economic growth without increasing resource consumption.

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Impact Decoupling

Economic growth without increasing environmental damage.

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Environmental Justice

Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, colour, national origin or income, in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

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Love Canal

A site in USA where hazardous waste disposal led to environmental contamination and influenced environmental justice movement.

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Warren County

A location in USA where the proposed dumping of toxic waste led to civil disobedience and highlighted racial disparities in environmental policy.

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Donut Economics

Economic framework focused on sustainability and environmental limits.

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Degrowth

Reduced focus on economic growth, emphasized redistribution and efficiency.

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Distributive

Idea of equally distribute resources and goods to improve society's access.

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Take-Make-Use-Lose

A common approach to production that should improve to a cyclical nature.

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Environmental Racism

Discrimination in environmental policy, enforcement, or placement of hazardous waste, targeting racial or ethnic minorities.

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NIMBY

Acronym for 'Not In My Backyard'; a sentiment that pollution or hazardous facilities should be located elsewhere.

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PIBBY

Acronym for 'Place in Black Backyards'; describing disproportionate placement of hazardous waste sites in communities of color.

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Grassy Narrows

A community in Canada affected by mercury poisoning from a pulp and paper mill's pollution.

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Mercury Poisoning

Harmful health effects caused by exposure to mercury, often from environmental sources.

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Photosynthesis

Process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

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Gross Primary Productivity

Total amount of energy plants convert to glucose.

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Net Primary Productivity

Energy available for transfer to other trophic levels.

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Transfer Efficiency

Percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.

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Assimilation

Energy absorbed by an organism after consuming.

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Catabolic Processes

Energy-releasing processes sustaining life's functions in organisms.

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Anabolic Processes

Energy-requiring processes for growth and tissue synthesis.

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Phenological Mismatch

Misalignment of life cycle events in interacting species due to changes in timing.

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Ocean Acidification

Increase in ocean acidity due to absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide.

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Ecosystem Energy Flow

Unidirectional flow of energy through an ecosystem.

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Cellular Respiration

Process where cells release energy from glucose using oxygen.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Overconsumption

  • IPAD Equation: Environmental impact = population × affluence × technology
  • Biological Basis: Humans evolved to accumulate resources; those who consumed more lived longer and reproduced more.
  • Neurological Basis: Dopamine release during consumption creates a positive feedback loop. Repeated consumption requires stronger stimuli (e.g., "acquiring" another item).
  • Social Competition: Belonging to specific groups can drive consumption to signal status and outdo others.
  • Shifting Needs: Current trends (e.g., social media, advertising) may encourage overconsumption compared to investments in long-term relationships.

Moving Forward with Consumption

  • Decoupling: Separating economic activity from environmental impact is crucial.
  • Types of Decoupling:
  • No decoupling: Resource use grows at the same rate as economic output.
  • Relative decoupling: Resource use grows more slowly than economic output.
  • Degrowth: Removing economic growth as a goal, focused on resource redistribution and sharing of services.

Donut Economics

  • Focus: Nine key environmental challenges and living within ecological boundaries.
  • Goal: Sustainable economic growth and addressing environmental issues simultaneously.
  • Production Cycle Transformation: Transition from "take, make, use, lose" to incorporate "regenerate and restore".
  • Distributive Approach: Ensuring equitable access to goods and services.

Environmental Justice and Racism

  • Environmental Justice Defined: Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regarding environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Historical Context: American environmental justice movement arose from issues like Love Canal and Warren County, highlighting racial disparities in environmental impacts.
  • Key Concepts: Environmental Racism, NIMBY/PIBBY (Not In My Backyard/Place In Black Backyards).
  • US Case Studies: Love Canal, Warren County, Waste Oil Disposals.
  • Canadian Case Studies: Grassy Narrows, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Village of Blue Water, Africville.

Ecosystem Energy Flows

  • Energy Flow: Unidirectional flow of energy; matter cycles within ecosystems.
  • Photosynthesis: Phototrophs convert radiant energy to chemical energy.
  • Gross Productivity: Total radiant energy converted to stored chemical energy.
  • Cellular Respiration: Glucose and oxygen produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
  • Net Primary Productivity: Energy available for transfer to the next trophic level.
  • Energy Transfer (TE): Efficiency of energy transfer between levels; generally 10% per trophic level.
  • Assimilation: Proportion of ingested energy assimilated by consumers.
  • Metabolism: Catabolic (energy production) and anabolic (growth) processes; greatly influence energy demands

Energy Flow in Aquatic Ecosystems

  • Impacts of warmer waters and ocean acidification on fish populations
  • Phenological mismatch: disruption in the timing of ecological cycles
  • Impacts of ocean acidification: increased energy demands for shell organisms and decreased energy for other processes
  • Effects of increased acidity and warmth on the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.

Energy Flow in the Arctic

  • Changes in sea ice availability impacting polar bears' hunting strategies.
  • Dovekies facing challenges in obtaining plankton due to changing weather patterns
  • Shifts in food sources (plant-based to fungal) due to climate change
  • Effects on keystone species (e.g., arctic lemmings) affecting the entire ecosystem.

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Explore the dynamics of overconsumption, its biological and neurological underpinnings, and the social factors that drive material accumulation. Delve into concepts such as decoupling and degrowth, and understand the impact of these trends on the environment and society.

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