Social Studies – Sustainability Review

A set of flashcards covering key sustainability terms, concepts, and examples from The Lorax, as well as classifications and pros/cons of different energy resources.

What is a resource in the context of sustainability?

Something that can be used to achieve a goal or be turned into something of value, making life easier.

How is a renewable resource defined?

A resource that can be replenished within a human lifetime.

How is a non-renewable resource defined?

A resource that will not replenish within a human lifetime.

What is meant by climate?

Weather systems that affect an entire region.

Differentiate global warming from climate change.

Global warming is the gradual warming of Earth due to a thicker atmosphere, whereas climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns over a wider area.

What does sustainable development aim to do?

Conduct human activities in ways that preserve the environment for future generations.

State the main theme of Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Lorax.’

It warns of the dangers of using resources unsustainably.

Which type of pollution affects the Barbaloots in ‘The Lorax’?

Land pollution caused by deforestation.

Which type of pollution affects the Swamee Swans in ‘The Lorax’?

Air pollution.

Which type of pollution affects the Humming Fish in ‘The Lorax’?

Water pollution.

What is the significance of the word “unless” in ‘The Lorax’?

It is a call to action—unless someone cares and acts, environmental damage will continue.

Give one way the Truffula Trees could have been harvested more sustainably.

Planting a new Truffula seed after each tree is felled (other valid answers: only taking leaves, creating a protected park).

Define raw materials.

Materials harvested directly from the land.

Who is considered the producer in economics?

The entity that makes the final product.

Who is the consumer?

The person or group that buys the final product.

What happens during the ‘refining’ stage of production?

Raw materials are processed into inputs used to make the final product.

Name one household strategy to reduce rubbish.

Reuse items—for example, take reusable shopping bags instead of single-use ones (other valid answer: reduce by buying in bulk).

Provide an example of reducing packaging waste sent to landfill.

Bulk buying items to cut down on the amount of individual packaging.

Classify solar power as renewable, in-between, or non-renewable.

Renewable.

Classify nuclear power as renewable, in-between, or non-renewable.

In-between (often debated due to uranium limits and low emissions).

Classify coal as renewable, in-between, or non-renewable.

Non-renewable.

Give one advantage of renewable energy sources.

They are better for the environment because they emit little or no greenhouse gases.

Give one disadvantage of renewable energy sources.

Up-front installation costs are often high.

Give one advantage of non-renewable energy asources.

They are typically cheap and provide a reliable, consistent supply.

Give one disadvantage of non-renewable energy sources.

They are harmful to the environment and subject to price volatility.