Environmental Systems and Societies Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in Environmental Systems and Societies.

What are Environmental Value Systems (EVSs)?

How people view the environment (ecocentric, anthropocentric, technocentric)

What does Ecocentric mean?

Nature-centered

What does Anthropocentric mean?

Human-centered

What does Technocentric mean?

Technology can fix problems

What is a Feedback Loop?

Chain reaction that can stabilize or destabilize a system

What is an EIA?

Used to predict environmental impacts of development projects

What is a Negative Feedback Loop?

Keeps the system in balance.

What is the goal of a Negative Feedback loop?

Keeps the system from spiraling out of control.

What is a Positive Feedback Loop?

Escalates change. Pushes system away from equilibrium.

What is the result of a Positive Feedback Loop?

Collapse. Irreversible damage.

What does Ecocentrism mean?

Nature comes first. Intrinsic value.

What does Anthropocentrism mean?

Humans first, nature second.

What does Technocentrism mean?

Tech saves the day.

What does Cornucopian mean?

Infinite resources, infinite innovation.

What does Deep Ecology mean?

Radical. Life is equal, human impact must shrink.

What is an Ecological Footprint?

How much land/water you need to sustain your lifestyle

What is a Carbon Footprint?

CO₂ emitted from your activities

What is Biodiversity?

The variety of life forms, ecosystems, and genetic variation in a given area.

What is Genetic Diversity?

Variety of genetic material within a species.

What is Species Diversity?

Variety of species in an ecosystem.

What is Ecosystem Diversity?

Variety of ecosystems in a region.

What are Endemic Species?

Species that are found only in one place.

What is Species Extinction?

When a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth.

What is In-situ Conservation?

Protecting species in their natural habitats (e.g., national parks, wildlife reserves).

What is Ex-situ Conservation?

Protecting species outside their natural habitats (e.g., zoos, botanical gardens).

What is Restoration Ecology?

Rebuilding degraded ecosystems to restore biodiversity.

What are Protected Areas?

National parks, marine protected areas, biosphere reserves.

What is Sustainable Resource Management?

Managing resources to avoid depletion and allow regeneration.

What are Invasive Species?

Non-native species that threaten native biodiversity.

What are Endangered Species?

Species at risk of extinction in the wild.

What is Precipitation?

Water falls from the atmosphere (rain, snow, hail)

What is Evaporation?

Liquid to vapor from oceans/lakes.

What is Transpiration?

Plants release water vapor through leaves.

What is Runoff?

Water flows over land into rivers/lakes.

What is Infiltration?

Water sinks into soil from surface.

What is Percolation?

Water moves deeper into groundwater systems.

What is Groundwater flow?

Water moves underground through aquifers.

What is a Watershed?

An area of land where all the water drains into a single body (like a river).

What is a River Basin?

Larger area that contains multiple watersheds.

What is Physical Scarcity?

When natural supply is insufficient (e.g., deserts, dry climates)

What is Economic Scarcity?

When water is available but inaccessible due to lack of infrastructure, poverty, or corruption

What is Water Stress?

Temporary difficulty meeting demand

What is Water Scarcity?

Chronic long-term inability to supply enough water

What is Virtual Water?

The hidden water used to produce goods and services

What is Aquaculture?

Farming of aquatic organisms

What are Capture fisheries?

Wild fish harvesting from natural bodies

What is Point Source Pollution?

Comes from a single, identifiable site

What is Non-Point Source Pollution?

Comes from many diffuse sources

What is Erosion?

The removal of topsoil by wind, water, or human activity.

What is Salinization?

Accumulation of salts in soil, usually due to improper irrigation, making it toxic for plants.

What is Compaction?

Soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and affecting water and air flow.

What is Desertification?

The process where fertile land becomes desert due to overuse and climate change

What is Monoculture?

Growing one crop over a large area.

What is Polyculture?

Growing multiple crops together.

What is Contour plowing?

Plowing along natural curves of land.

What is Terracing?

Carving steps into steep land.

What are Cover crops?

Plants grown between main crops

Why Reforestation is a Long-Term Soil Savior?

Reforestation helps restore soil quality by stabilizing the soil structure, preventing erosion, and enhancing nutrient cycling through leaf litter decomposition and root development.

Why do Governments Neglect Soil Conservation?

Governments may prioritize short-term economic gains over sustainable practices, leading to insufficient funding and policies for soil conservation efforts.

National Soil Conservation Strategy – The Sahel Solution

A framework aimed at promoting sustainable land management and restoring soil health in the Sahel region, addressing issues such as desertification and food security.

The composition of Earth's atmosphere

includes gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases that are essential for life and climate regulation.

Case Study: The London Smog (1952)

A severe air pollution event caused by a temperature inversion that trapped industrial and vehicle emissions in London, leading to thousands of deaths and prompting significant changes in air quality regulation.

 Layers of the Atmosphere

are composed of different strata, including the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.

 Human Impact on Atmosphere

Human activities, particularly industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization, have significantly altered the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. These impacts include the increase of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), which contribute to climate change and global warming. Deforestation and land use changes lead to reduced oxygen production and increased carbon storage loss. Additionally, pollution from vehicles and industries has resulted in the release of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), leading to acid rain and smog. The cumulative effects of these actions threaten weather patterns, biodiversity, and human health.

So what happens when GHG becomes deadly?

The increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere can lead to extreme climate changes, resulting in conditions that threaten human health, food security, and ecosystems. Such alterations can elevate temperatures, cause more frequent and severe weather events, and enhance the risk of heatwaves, droughts, and floods.

Stratospheric Ozone

The layer of ozone located in the stratosphere that absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth.

Tropospheric ozone

is a harmful air pollutant found in the lowest layer of the atmosphere, formed by chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. Unlike stratospheric ozone, it can have adverse effects on human health, vegetation, and overall air quality.

Montreal Protocol (1987)

An international treaty designed to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, promoting environmental protection.

Photochemical Smog

A type of air pollution formed by the interaction of sunlight with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and VOCs, leading to ground-level ozone formation. It is characterized by a brownish haze and can harm health and the environment.

Case Study: Los Angeles Smog

A significant example of photochemical smog, Los Angeles experiences severe air pollution due to its topography, climate, and high levels of vehicle emissions, leading to health issues and environmental regulations.

How does urbanization fuels photochemical smog?

Urbanization increases vehicular traffic and industrial activities, elevating emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which react with sunlight to produce photochemical smog.

Can we fix it?

Strategies include reducing emissions through cleaner transportation, improving public transit systems, and implementing stricter air quality regulations.

Acid Deposition

The process by which acidic pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, are deposited from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, often leading to environmental damage and affecting ecosystems.

solutions to acid deposition

Solutions include reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, adopting cleaner energy sources, and implementing regulatory measures to limit air pollution.

what are the different types of sustainable farming methods?

Sustainable farming methods include organic farming, permaculture, agroecology, and integrated pest management, all aimed at minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing the ecological balance.

dry vs wet acid deposition

Dry acid deposition refers to the direct deposition of acidic particles and gases onto surfaces without precipitation, while wet acid deposition involves the accumulation of acids in rain, snow, or fog, leading to increased acidity in the environment.

Case Study: Europe & North America in the 80s/90s

This case study focuses on the impacts of acid rain in Europe and North America during the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the environmental damage caused by industrial emissions and the effectiveness of regulatory actions taken to reduce acid deposition.

Case Study: Clean Air Act (USA)

This case study examines the Clean Air Act's effects on air quality and pollution levels in the United States, analyzing its role in reducing emissions and improving public health.

Urban Geography and Photochemical Smog

Urban geography studies the spatial aspects of cities, while photochemical smog is a type of air pollution formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants like vehicle emissions. This combination can exacerbate air quality issues in urban areas.

Urban Heat Island Effect

The Urban Heat Island Effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities, changes in land cover, and modifications in heat absorption and retention. This effect can lead to increased energy consumption, elevated emissions of air pollutants, and adverse health effects.

Consequences of Continued Ozone Depletion

Continued ozone depletion has severe consequences for the environment and human health, including increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can lead to higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to ecosystems such as phytoplankton and terrestrial plants.

Energy Choices and Security

Energy choices and security involve the decisions made regarding energy sources and consumption, balancing the need for energy reliability with environmental sustainability, and addressing issues such as energy dependence and vulnerability to supply disruptions.

non renewable energy

Energy sources that cannot be replenished within a short time frame, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy. These resources are finite and contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.

renewable energy

Energy sources that are replenished naturally over short periods, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. These resources are considered sustainable and have a lower environmental impact compared to non-renewable sources.

expensive renewable include…

solar and wind energy technologies, which require significant upfront investment.

cheap renewables include…

geothermal and biomass energy sources, which tend to have lower initial costs and are more accessible for implementation.

location dependent energies include…

solar and wind energy, which rely on specific geographical and climatic conditions for their effectiveness.

best energy methods include…

a mix of renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, maximizing efficiency and sustainability.

LEDCS or MEDCS use more energy?

MEDCs tend to use more energy due to higher levels of industrialization, consumerism, and population density, compared to LEDCs.

most sustainable countries in the world and why?

Countries like Denmark and Sweden are often cited as the most sustainable due to their commitment to renewable energy, low carbon emissions, and comprehensive policies promoting sustainability.

Why governments tend to pay less attention to climate issues?

Governments may pay less attention to climate issues due to political and economic priorities, lack of immediate public pressure, or the complexities of implementing effective policies that might disrupt current practices.

climate change causes

include greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activities that increase atmospheric CO2 levels.

climate change impacts

refer to effects such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity that result from global warming. These impacts can lead to significant threats to ecosystems, human health, and economic stability.

stage 1 of DTM

is characterized by high birth and death rates, resulting in a stable population. It reflects pre-industrial societies with limited access to healthcare and education.

Stage 2 of DTM

is marked by declining death rates and high birth rates, leading to rapid population growth. This stage reflects improvements in healthcare and sanitation while still maintaining traditional high fertility rates.

Stage 3 of DTM

is characterized by declining birth rates and low death rates, resulting in a slowing population growth. This stage reflects increasing urbanization, access to contraceptive methods, and enhanced education, especially for women.

Stage 4 of DTM

is marked by low birth and death rates, leading to a stable population. This stage often reflects developed countries with high living standards and effective healthcare systems.

Stage 5 of DTM

is characterized by very low birth rates that may fall below death rates, resulting in a declining population. This stage often reflects societal shifts such as increased education, career prioritization, and changing family structures.

how to increase a nation’s population?

Strategies to increase a nation’s population include enhancing family-friendly policies, providing financial incentives for families, improving access to childcare and education, promoting immigration, and supporting parental leave schemes. These measures aim to encourage higher birth rates and attract new residents.

How to decrease a nation’s population?

Strategies to decrease a nation's population include implementing family planning programs, promoting contraception access, raising awareness about reproductive health, encouraging delayed childbearing, and potentially enforcing policies that limit family size. These measures aim to manage population growth and balance resources.