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Questions and Answers
Which type of pollution is primarily caused by artificial lights and affects the visibility of stars?
Which type of pollution is primarily caused by artificial lights and affects the visibility of stars?
Noise pollution can have negative effects on the health of both humans and animals.
Noise pollution can have negative effects on the health of both humans and animals.
True
What is the term used for pollution caused by physical litter, particularly plastics?
What is the term used for pollution caused by physical litter, particularly plastics?
Plastic Pollution
The __________ pillars of Responsible consumption and production are essential for sustainable practices.
The __________ pillars of Responsible consumption and production are essential for sustainable practices.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is the primary goal of SGD 11?
What is the primary goal of SGD 11?
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Cities contribute to climate change but are not vulnerable to climate hazards.
Cities contribute to climate change but are not vulnerable to climate hazards.
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What are blue and green infrastructures?
What are blue and green infrastructures?
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The framework that emphasizes balancing environmental sustainability and economic stability is known as ______.
The framework that emphasizes balancing environmental sustainability and economic stability is known as ______.
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Match the following sustainable city characteristics with their definitions:
Match the following sustainable city characteristics with their definitions:
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What is one of the main goals of SDG2?
What is one of the main goals of SDG2?
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The agricultural land use has no impact on the environment.
The agricultural land use has no impact on the environment.
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What is the term used to describe the situation where people do not have access to energy?
What is the term used to describe the situation where people do not have access to energy?
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The goal of SDG6 is to ensure access to ______ and sanitation for all.
The goal of SDG6 is to ensure access to ______ and sanitation for all.
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Match the following SDGs with their main focus:
Match the following SDGs with their main focus:
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What insect larvae can turn food waste into nutrient in Singapore?
What insect larvae can turn food waste into nutrient in Singapore?
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The greenhouse effect is beneficial for the Earth's atmosphere.
The greenhouse effect is beneficial for the Earth's atmosphere.
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List one strategy for producing more food sustainably.
List one strategy for producing more food sustainably.
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Which of the following best defines sustainable development?
Which of the following best defines sustainable development?
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eliminate poverty in all its forms worldwide.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eliminate poverty in all its forms worldwide.
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What is one of the main challenges of global food security?
What is one of the main challenges of global food security?
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In 2015, more than ______ million people lived on less than $1.90 a day.
In 2015, more than ______ million people lived on less than $1.90 a day.
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Match the following SDGs with their main focus:
Match the following SDGs with their main focus:
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The increase in the number of undernourished people from 2014 to 2020 was:
The increase in the number of undernourished people from 2014 to 2020 was:
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Income inequality and social inclusion are unrelated issues.
Income inequality and social inclusion are unrelated issues.
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Name one form of assistance aimed at promoting development in poorer regions.
Name one form of assistance aimed at promoting development in poorer regions.
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Study Notes
Sustainability
- Sustainability is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Sustainability is a complex problem that requires an interdisciplinary approach.
- The three perspectives on sustainability are environmental, social, and economic.
- The environmental perspective focuses on preserving natural resources for future generations.
- The social perspective focuses on ensuring equity and justice for all people.
- The economic perspective focuses on creating a sustainable economy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
No Poverty, Social Inclusion, and Equality
- Sustainable development aims to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion, and achieve equality.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of ending poverty in all its forms everywhere and ensuring that all people have equal opportunities.
- Over 734 million people were living in extreme poverty in 2015, struggling to meet basic needs.
Definition of Poverty
- Poverty is defined as a lack of income and productive resources to provide sustainable living, resulting in hunger, malnourishment, social discrimination, exclusion, and lack of participation in decision-making.
Profile of Global Poor
- Poverty disproportionately affects people in developing countries, with the majority living in rural areas.
How to End Extreme Poverty?
- Strategies include increasing access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
- Investing in social safety nets can protect vulnerable populations from falling into poverty.
- Promoting economic growth and creating decent work opportunities are crucial.
Official Development Assistance (ODA)
- ODA is financial assistance provided by developed countries to developing countries.
- It is often used to support poverty reduction programs, but it is also used to promote sustainable development.
- The target for ODA is 0.7% of gross national income.
Social Inclusion
- Social inclusion refers to ensuring that all people have equal opportunities to participate in society and benefit from its resources.
- This includes addressing discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation.
Income Inequality
- Income inequality is a growing problem both within and between countries.
- It undermines social cohesion and economic growth.
Gender Inequality
- Gender inequality persists in many parts of the world, limiting the opportunities for women and girls.
- It is a major barrier to achieving sustainable development.
Introduction to Food Security and the Global Food System
- The challenge is to feed 10 billion people, eradicate hunger, and promote health while also ensuring economic growth, secure jobs, and protecting the planet.
- The number of undernourished people in the world has increased in recent years, reaching 720-811 million in 2020.
SDG2 - Zero Hunger
- This SDG aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Climate Change and Food Security
- Climate change is a major threat to food security, affecting agricultural production and food availability.
- Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can lead to crop failures and food shortages.
Food Security
- Food security exists when people have access to enough safe and nutritious food to meet their needs.
- It is also dependent on the availability of food, its stability over time, and access for all people.
What is the Global Food System?
- The global food system encompasses everything from agricultural production to food processing, distribution, and consumption.
The Agri-Food Industry
- The agri-food industry is a key driver of the global economy.
- It is responsible for producing, processing, and distributing food.
As People get Richer, They Consume More Food
- As incomes rise, people tend to consume more food, especially meat and dairy products.
- This contributes to environmental problems, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Agricultural Land Use Impacts the Environment
- Agricultural land use can impact the environment in various ways, including contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution.
- It also can lead to biodiversity loss and contribute to climate change.
Strategies for Producing More Food Sustainably
- Strategies include promoting sustainable farming practices, reducing food waste, and developing alternative sources of food.
Food Waste
- Food waste is a significant problem, contributing to environmental pollution and resource depletion.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
- In Singapore, black soldier fly larvae are used to turn food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, reducing waste and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Why Veggies Feed More People
- Plant-based diets are more efficient than meat-based diets in terms of land use and resource consumption.
Lab-Grown Meat
- Lab-grown meat, or cultured meat, is a potential solution to the challenges of meat production and offers a more sustainable option.
Water - Availability and Sustainable Management of Water Resources
- Water scarcity is an increasing problem globally and its availability is a major concern.
- Water pollution degrades water quality and threatens human health.
SDG6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG6 aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
A Global Concern
- Water scarcity is a major concern in many regions, and water pollution is a serious problem worldwide.
- Climate change is also expected to exacerbate water scarcity and reduce water quality.
A Global Effort
- International cooperation is necessary to address the global water crisis.
- This includes sharing knowledge, technology, and financial resources.
How To Manage Water Resources: Singapore's Story
- Singapore has successfully managed its water resources despite limited natural sources through water desalination, water reclamation, and conservation.
Final Thoughts
- Addressing the global water crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including investing in water infrastructure, promoting sustainable water management practices, and raising awareness about the importance of water conservation.
Energy and Climate Change (I) - Background, Technologies, and Policy Instruments
- The world's wealth is highly unequal.
- The economy and the environment are closely interconnected.
- Global carbon dioxide emissions have been increasing, contributing to climate change.
- Atmospheric CO2 concentration is at its highest level in millions of years.
The Greenhouse Effect
- The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the atmosphere.
- This process is vital for maintaining a habitable planet, but excessive greenhouse gas emissions enhance the effect, leading to global warming and climate change.
Effects of Global Warming
- Global warming has diverse and far-reaching effects, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and impacts on biodiversity.
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Energy production and consumption are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Other significant sources include agriculture, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDGs include addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy use.
- The goal is to transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.
What is Energy Poverty?
- Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable and reliable energy services.
- It affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
Possible Actions to Tackle Climate Change
- Actions to mitigate climate change involve transitioning to cleaner energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation, and reducing deforestation.
- Adaptation strategies are crucial to adjust to the impacts of climate change that are already occurring, such as building seawalls and developing drought-resistant crops..
Energy and Climate Change (II) - Policy Instruments and Economics of Climate Change
- Policy Instruments to Combat Climate Change include:
- Carbon Pricing: This involves putting a price on carbon emissions through mechanisms such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems.
- Regulations: Governments can implement regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from specific sectors, such as vehicles or power plants.
- Investment in Renewable Energy: Governments can provide incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
- International Agreements: Global agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, provide frameworks for international cooperation and ambition to address climate change.
- Research and Development: Investing in research and development, particularly in clean energy technologies, is crucial for finding sustainable solutions.
Pollution - Air, Light, Noise, and Plastic
- Pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects air, water, land, and human health.
Air Pollution
- Air pollution mainly stems from burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions.
- It can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
Impact on Children’s Health
- Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution because their bodies are still developing.
- Air pollution can lead to respiratory illnesses, cognitive impairment, and other health problems.
White Pollution (Plastic Pollution)
- Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem.
- It pollutes oceans, landfills, and ecosystems, harming wildlife and releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
- Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, are particularly concerning due to their persistence and ability to accumulate in food chains.
Noise Pollution
- Noise pollution is caused by excessive noise from various sources, like transportation, construction, and industrial activities.
- It can lead to hearing loss, stress, and other health problems.
- It can also disrupt the behavior of animals and harm wildlife.
Light Pollution
- Light pollution from artificial lighting can disrupt natural ecosystems and harm wildlife, particularly nocturnal species.
- It can also affect human health by disrupting sleep patterns and increasing the risk of some diseases.
Waste Management - Responsible Consumption and Production
- Waste management is crucial for reducing the environmental impacts of consumption and production.
- It includes collecting, treating, and disposing of waste effectively and responsibly.
A Brief History of Modern Consumerism
- Consumerism has become more prevalent in recent decades, driven by factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and marketing strategies.
- It has contributed to increased consumption and waste generation.
Consumption vs Consumerism
- Consumption is the act of using goods and services.
- Consumerism is an ideology that emphasizes the importance of acquiring and possessing goods and services.
Consumption Explosion
- Overconsumption has led to increased environmental pressures, including resource depletion, pollution, and climate change.
Driving Forces that Influence Consumption
- Consumerism is influenced by factors such as advertising, marketing, social norms, and the availability of credit.
The Curse of "Faster, Cheaper, Newer"
- This mindset emphasizes frequent purchasing and discarding of products, contributing to waste generation and a throw-away culture.
Consumption and Well-being
- While consumption can contribute to well-being, excessive consumption can have negative consequences for both individuals and the planet.
From Over-Consumption to Sustainable Consumption and Production
- Sustainable consumption and production aim to reduce consumption to a sustainable level and promote practices that minimize environmental impacts.
NTU's Waste Management Efforts
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has a strong commitment to promoting sustainable waste management practices.
- These efforts include waste reduction, recycling, and composting.
The 3 Pillars of Responsible Consumption and Production
- Reduce: emphasizes minimizing consumption through practices like purchasing less, using durable goods, and opting for eco-friendly products.
- Reuse: involves finding new uses for items that would otherwise be discarded, promoting a circular economy by reusing and repurposing materials.
- Recycle: involves recovering valuable materials from waste for reuse in new products, helping to conserve resources and reducing the need for new materials.
Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable cities aim to balance environmental, social, and economic considerations.
- These cities strive to create a clean, healthy, equitable, and resilient environment for their residents.
Sustainable Dimensions
- Urban planning and design can create more sustainable cities - promoting compact, walkable urban spaces that prioritize public transportation and cycling.
- Green spaces and parks can increase biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce noise and heat, and provide recreational opportunities for residents.
Key Characteristics
- Sustainable cities emphasize the importance of public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
- They incorporate green infrastructure such as parks, green roofs, and green walls.
- They also promote renewable energy sources, reduce waste generation, conserve water, and minimize pollution.
Doughnut Economics
- This economic model advocates for living within the safe and just operating space for humanity, ensuring both planetary limits and social equity.
Cities' Interactions with the Broader Natural Ecosystems
- Cities rely on natural ecosystems for essential services such as clean air and water, and they also have an impact on the surrounding environment.
Cities Contribute to Climate Change and are Vulnerable to Climate Hazards
- Cities are major contributors to climate change through their energy consumption, transportation, and waste generation.
- They are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as heat waves, floods, and droughts.
Examples of Environmental Hazards
- Flooding, heat waves, and droughts are some of the most pressing environmental hazards faced by cities, and they are expected to become more frequent and severe as climate change progresses.
Blue and Green Infrastructure
- Blue infrastructure refers to water-related features like canals, storm water retention systems, and blue roofs.
- Green infrastructure refers to vegetation such as trees, parks, and green roofs.
- Both help manage storm water, reduce heat island effects, improve air quality, and enhance aesthetics.
SGD 11: Make Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient, and Sustainable
- SDG 11 aims to promote sustainable urban development and ensure that cities are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
What Can Cities Do?
- Cities can implement various actions to become more sustainable, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation options, and developing green infrastructure.
- The implementation of smart city technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve quality of life.
Environmental Feedback Loop and Socio-Economic Challenges of Sustainable Development
- Environmental feedback loops occur when changes in one part of the environment trigger further changes, often leading to unforeseen consequences, and can lead to tipping points.
- Socioeconomic challenges to sustainable development include:
- Conflict: Competition for limited resources can lead to conflicts, both within and between countries.
- Inequality: Sustainable development is difficult to achieve when there are significant inequalities in wealth, power, and access to resources.
- Governance: Effective governance is crucial for managing environmental resources and promoting sustainable development.
Environmental Feedback Effects and Tipping Points
- Climate change is an example of a feedback loop, with rising temperatures melting ice caps and glaciers, reducing reflectivity and leading to further warming.
Socioeconomic Challenges of Sustainable Development
- Sustainable development is challenging because achieving environmental sustainability may come at a cost socially or economically.
- There is a need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
Sustainable Development Requires a Global Effort
- Addressing the challenges of sustainable development will require global cooperation, sharing knowledge and resources.
- International agreements and partnerships are key to driving progress and achieving the SDGs.
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