Unit 3: Combination quiz
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Questions and Answers

Matching the concepts:

Fixes-that-Fail = Increasing car fuel efficiency leads to more driving, negating environmental benefits Technohubris = Believing that technology alone, like building energy-efficient cars, will solve climate change. Shifting-the-Burden = Relying on carbon trading to reduce emissions without transitioning to renewable energy sources. Reductionist Thinking = Focusing only on recycling to reduce waste, without considering whether products are sustainable to begin with.

What is a significant problem with the focus on CO2 emission rates and carbon trading?

  • They are comprehensive solutions.
  • They are effective long-term strategies.
  • They promote renewable energy development.
  • They address only symptoms and ignore fundamental issues. (correct)

    • Ehrenfeld believes that technological solutions always provide effective long-term solutions for sustainability.

    False

    Ehrenfeld advocates for a __________ approach to sustainability.

    <p>holistic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best represents Ehrenfeld's view on eco-efficiency?

    <p>It merely addresses energy use without questioning production methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The shifting-the-burden archetype emphasizes focusing on fundamental issues instead of symptoms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts to their descriptions:

    <p>Shifting-the-Burden = Focusing on symptoms rather than underlying problems Technohubris = Overreliance on technology for solutions Eco-efficiency = Reducing energy or material use without systemic change Holistic approach = Looking at the entire system for sustainability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason Ehrenfeld gives for the difficulty of achieving sustainability?

    <p>We only address the symptoms of problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ehrenfeld believes reductionist thinking is beneficial for solving sustainability issues.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ loop represents a failure to address the root causes of hunger by only focusing on direct action like eating.

    <p>balancing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example illustrates the 'fixes-that-fail' archetype?

    <p>Improving car fuel efficiency leading to increased driving.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The causal loop diagrams used by Ehrenfeld show that actions can lead to unintended consequences.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Balancing Loop = A loop that provides a temporary solution without addressing root causes Fixes-that-Fail = A loop where addressing symptoms leads to new problems Holistic approach = An approach that targets both symptoms and root causes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Ehrenfeld warn about the reliance on technology for sustainability?

    <p>It often distracts from the need for deeper changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Ehrenfeld, reducing negative impacts is equivalent to creating sustainability.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Symptomatic solutions that do not address the root cause of problems are referred to as __________.

    <p>fixes-that-fail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of ‘fixes-that-fail’?

    <p>They can create new problems and worsen the original issue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Systems thinking aids in recognizing undesirable consequences of actions for sustainability.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Technohubris = Overconfidence in technology as a solution Fixes-that-fail = Temporary solutions that ignore root causes Shifting-the-burden = Addressing symptoms rather than problems Rebound effect = Original problem worsens due to symptomatic fixes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Ehrenfeld's Argument

    • Achieving sustainability is challenging due to superficial problem-solving approaches.
    • Many efforts focus on symptoms rather than underlying causes, indicative of "reductionist thinking."
    • This reductionist mindset breaks down complex problems but neglects the broader impacts, leading to unsustainable solutions.
    • Ehrenfeld emphasizes the need for a holistic approach addressing root causes of environmental issues.

    Causal Loops in Problem-Solving

    • Causal loops illustrate ineffective problem-solving behaviors and unintended consequences of actions.
    • Basic Problem-Solving Loop (Balancing Loop):
      • Addresses immediate issues, like hunger, through short-term actions (e.g., eating).
      • This approach is common in companies focusing on recycling while ignoring sustainable production practices.
    • Fixes-that-Fail Archetype (Reinforcing Loop):
      • Tackling only symptoms can worsen original problems over time.
      • Example: Increased fuel efficiency in cars leads to more driving, negating emission reductions.
    • Shifting-the-Burden Archetype:
      • More attention on symptoms (e.g., CO2 emissions) diverts focus from real solutions, such as renewable energy development.
      • Companies often prioritize eco-efficiency without examining long-term sustainability.
    • Technological Fix (Technohubris):
      • Overreliance on technology as a solution can mislead efforts toward genuine sustainability.
      • Technological advancements often target symptoms, neglecting necessary changes in consumption habits.

    Key Reasons for Sustainability Challenges

    • Sustainability is hindered by a reductionist approach, which results in temporary, ineffective solutions.
    • The focus on technological fixes distracts from deeper, systemic changes needed to address environmental crises.

    Ehrenfeld's Definition of Sustainability

    • Advocates for a holistic view of sustainability, emphasizing systemic changes rather than merely reducing negative impacts.
    • Acknowledges that reducing unsustainability does not equate to achieving sustainability.

    Concepts and Terms Explained

    • Technohubris:
      • Defined as excessive faith in technology to resolve sustainability issues.
      • Highlights the need for cultural and structural changes in addition to technological innovation.
    • Fixes-that-Fail:
      • Solutions that only address symptoms, leading to recurring problems.
      • Can cause side effects and undermine the urgency of addressing root causes.
    • Shifting-the-Burden:
      • A tendency to focus on symptoms rather than addressing fundamental issues.

    Importance of Systems Thinking

    • Promotes awareness of potential negative consequences of actions.
    • Helps avoid ineffective "fixes-that-fail."
    • Encourages examination of behaviors within organizations and broader social contexts.
    • Identifies perverse incentives and burdens that need removal for real progress in sustainability.

    Wicked Problems and Sustainability

    • Sustainability is categorized as a wicked problem, characterized by complexity and the difficulty of finding definitive solutions.

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    Related Documents

    Unit 3 Sustainability PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the key ideas from Ehrenfeld's article on sustainability, emphasizing the challenges of superficial problem-solving. It highlights the importance of system thinking over reductionist approaches in addressing complex sustainability issues. Dive deep into the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.

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