Foundations of Environmental Systems and Societies

A comprehensive set of flashcards on topics covered in environmental systems and societies.

What influences the development of Environmental Value Systems (EVSs)?

Significant historical influences come from literature, media, environmental disasters, international agreements, and technological developments.

Define Environmental Value System (EVS).

An EVS is a worldview that shapes how individuals or groups perceive and evaluate environmental issues, influenced by cultural, religious, economic, and sociopolitical contexts.

What are the three main types of Environmental Value Systems on the spectrum?

Ecocentric, anthropocentric, and technocentric.

What does an ecocentric viewpoint prioritize?

It prioritizes ecology and nature, emphasizing social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions.

How does an anthropocentric viewpoint approach environmental management?

It suggests that humans must sustainably manage the global system through regulatory measures and economic tools.

What is the technocentric perspective on environmental issues?

It believes that technological advancements can provide solutions to environmental problems.

What do negative feedback loops in environmental systems do?

They stabilize the system by counteracting changes, promoting stability.

What are positive feedback loops?

They amplify changes and drive systems towards tipping points, where a new equilibrium may be adopted.

What role do ecosystems play in the concept of open systems?

Ecosystems are considered open systems because they exchange both energy and matter with their surroundings.

What is entropy in the context of thermodynamics?

Entropy is a measure of disorder in a system, which tends to increase over time according to the second law of thermodynamics.

How does human activity influence the resilience of ecological systems?

Human activities can reduce diversity and storage within systems, diminishing their resilience and stability.

Explain sustainability in environmental systems.

Sustainability is the management of resources that enables full natural replacement and recovery of ecosystems.

How can environmental indicators be used in assessing sustainability?

Indicators like biodiversity, pollution rates, and population levels can quantitatively measure sustainability across different scales.

What is an ecological footprint?

An ecological footprint is the area of land and water required to sustainably provide resources consumed by a population.

What is the significance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)?

EIAs assess potential environmental impacts of proposed projects and suggest mitigation strategies.

How is pollution defined in environmental science?

Pollution is the addition of harmful substances to the environment through human activities, at a rate faster than they can be eliminated.

What are the types of pollutants?

Pollutants can be organic or inorganic substances, light, sound, thermal energy, biological agents, or invasive species.

What is the difference between point source and non-point source pollution?

Point source pollution comes from a single identifiable source, while non-point source pollution originates from many diffuse sources.

What is bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation refers to the build-up of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants within an organism.

What is biomagnification?

Biomagnification is the increased concentration of pollutants along the food chain as they move up trophic levels.

Explain the role of natural capital in sustainability.

Natural capital refers to resources that can generate a sustainable income through ecosystem services and products.

Define carrying capacity in ecological terms.

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support.

What factors influence the development of environmental movements?

Literature, media coverage of disasters, scientific research, and public awareness campaigns are influential.

How can feedback mechanisms affect environmental systems?

Feedback mechanisms, both positive and negative, can stabilize or destabilize a system depending on their nature.

What is the energetics of ecosystems related to thermodynamics?

The principles of thermodynamics govern energy flow and transformation in ecosystems.

Describe the laws of thermodynamics relevant to ecological systems.

The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, and the second law states that entropy increases over time.

What does resilience in environmental systems refer to?

Resilience is the ability of a system to resist tipping points and maintain stability despite disturbances.

Identify two contrasting Environmental Value Systems and their implications.

Ecocentric values prioritize biodiversity and ecosystem health, while technocentric values prioritize technological innovation for resource management.

Why are historical influences significant in shaping modern environmental movements?

They provide context and precedent for current issues, influencing public perception and policy.

How does human population growth impact ecological systems?

Human population growth increases demand for resources, leading to potential overexploitation and environmental degradation.

What is the significance of the Gaia hypothesis in environmental thought?

It posits that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system, promoting conditions conducive to life.

Explain the significance of acid deposition and its causes.

Acid deposition results mainly from industrial emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, affecting ecosystems and human structures.

What are some primary pollutants produced by fossil fuel combustion?

Primary pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

How do human activities contribute to increased greenhouse gases?

Activities like fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and agriculture lead to continuously rising levels of greenhouse gases.

What is the role of the Montreal Protocol?

It is an international agreement designed to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

What strategies are employed to mitigate climate change?

Strategies include reducing emissions, utilizing alternative energy sources, and enhancing carbon sinks.

How does climate change impact biodiversity?

Climate change alters species distributions, disrupts ecosystems, and can lead to extinction of vulnerable species.

What is eutrophication and its consequences?

Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae due to nutrient runoff, leading to oxygen depletion and dead zones in aquatic environments.

Identify the factors necessary for sustainable aquatic food production.

Sustainable aquatic food production requires responsible harvesting, habitat protection, and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.

Discuss the implications of soil degradation on food production systems.

Soil degradation reduces fertility, increases erosion, and impacts crop yields, threatening food security.

What are the responsibilities of governments in natural capital management?

Governments are responsible for regulating resource use, enforcing conservation laws, and promoting sustainable practices.

Explain the importance of international collaboration in addressing environmental issues.

International collaboration is essential to effectively tackle transboundary environmental problems and achieve global sustainability goals.

What is the difference between adaptation and mitigation in climate change strategies?

Mitigation involves reducing the causes of climate change, while adaptation focuses on managing its effects.

Define the term 'natural income' in an ecological context.

Natural income refers to the yield obtained from natural resources that allows for sustainable utilization.

What assessment tools are used to measure biodiversity?

Biodiversity can be assessed using diversity indices, species richness, and ecological surveys.

What challenges exist in accurately measuring the carrying capacity of human populations?

Human behavior and technological advancements complicate efforts to estimate carrying capacity.

Discuss the factors driving the choice of energy sources in societies.

Energy source choices are influenced by availability, costs, environmental impacts, and socio-political contexts.

What are the socio-economic factors influencing human population dynamics?

Factors include cultural norms, economic conditions, political stability, and education levels.

Identify the implications of climate change on water security.

Climate change disrupts rainfall patterns and causes variability in water availability, affecting human populations.

How do policies impact human population growth rates?

Policies that improve health care or women's education can reduce growth rates; poor policies can exacerbate growth.

Describe a management approach to deal with solid domestic waste.

A circular economy approach encourages recycling, reducing waste generation, and designing for sustainability.

How does age-gender pyramids assist in predicting population dynamics?

They provide visual representations of age distribution, indicating potential growth trends or stability.

Explain the importance of ecological footprints in assessing sustainability.

Ecological footprints provide insights into resource consumption and waste production, helping evaluate sustainability relative to available areas.

What is the impact of deforestation on soil health?

Deforestation leads to soil erosion, nutrient loss, and altered water cycles, reducing soil fertility.

Identify some environmental indicators relevant to sustainability assessment

Indicators include biodiversity levels, pollution rates, and resource availability metrics.

Discuss how technological advancements influence sustainability practices.

Technological advancements can increase resource efficiency, develop alternative energies, and improve waste management.

What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem stability?

Biodiversity increases resilience and adaptability of ecosystems to changes and environmental stress.

How can community engagement enhance conservation efforts?

Community involvement fosters stewardship, increases local support for conservation initiatives, and ensures sustainable practices.

What are the socioeconomic implications of unequal access to fresh water?

Inequalities may lead to conflicts, health issues, and hindered economic development in water-scarce regions.

How do the dynamics of energy and matter flow influence ecosystems?

Energy and matter flow determine productivity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health, affecting overall ecosystem functionality.

Explain the concept of carrying capacity in relation to human sustainability practices.

Carrying capacity indicates how many individuals can be supported sustainably, emphasizing the need for responsible resource use.

How do urbanization and industrialization contribute to pollution?

Urbanization and industrialization increase waste output, resource consumption, and can overwhelm local ecosystems.

What is the significance of environmental ethics in ecological decision-making?

Environmental ethics guide policies and actions that consider moral implications towards nature and future generations.

How can environmental education influence EVS development?

Environmental education fosters awareness and encourages knowledgeable decision-making about environmental issues.

Explain the link between biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Biodiversity underpins ecosystem services, providing essential functions such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

What role do historical events play in shaping current environmental policies?

Historical events inform past successes and failures, influencing contemporary environmental governance and policy directions.

How does consumer behavior influence terrestrial food production systems?

Consumer demand shapes production practices, driving sustainable or unsustainable farming methods based on choices.

Discuss the role of international conventions in biodiversity conservation.

These conventions promote cooperative strategies and frameworks for global biodiversity management and protection.

What is the role of international treaties in biodiversity protection?

International treaties play a significant role in biodiversity protection by establishing legally binding commitments for countries to conserve and sustainably use biological resources.

What is the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)?

The CMS is an international treaty aimed at the conservation of migratory animals and their habitats.

What is the significance of the Nagoya Protocol?

The Nagoya Protocol provides a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

What is the Ramsar Convention's focus?

The Ramsar Convention focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.

What are the Aichi Biodiversity Targets?

The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are a set of global goals aimed at addressing biodiversity loss, established during the CBD's 10th Conference of the Parties.

How does the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) support biodiversity?

CITES supports biodiversity by regulating international trade in endangered species to ensure their survival.

What is the role of the World Biodiversity Forum?

The World Biodiversity Forum serves as a platform for scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to discuss and promote biodiversity conservation strategies.

What is the Global Biodiversity Outlook?

The Global Biodiversity Outlook is a periodic report published by the CBD that assesses progress towards global biodiversity targets.

What are ecosystem services, and why are they important in biodiversity?

Ecosystem services are benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, and they are crucial for sustaining life and well-being.

How do local communities contribute to biodiversity conservation through conventions?

Local communities contribute to biodiversity conservation by participating in international conventions, helping to implement conservation practices that reflect their knowledge and needs.

What is soil biodiversity?

Soil biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms present in the soil, including microorganisms, fungi, and larger organisms that contribute to ecosystem health.

Why is soil health important for biodiversity?

Soil health is crucial for biodiversity as it supports plant growth, water retention, and nutrient cycling, which in turn sustain diverse ecosystems.

What factors influence soil health?

Factors influencing soil health include organic matter content, soil structure, pH, moisture levels, and microbial activity.

What is soil erosion, and why is it a concern?

Soil erosion is the removal of the top layer of soil by wind or water, which can lead to loss of nutrients and decreased agricultural productivity.

What practices can enhance soil biodiversity?

Practices such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and organic farming can enhance soil biodiversity and promote healthier ecosystems.

What are pyramids of numbers?

Pyramids of numbers display the number of organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem, illustrating energy flow and biomass.

What are pyramids of biomass?

Pyramids of biomass represent the total mass of organisms at each trophic level, indicating the amount of energy available at each level.

What are pyramids of energy?

Pyramids of energy depict the flow of energy through each trophic level, showing how energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid.

What does a pyramid of productivity represent?

A pyramid of productivity represents the rate at which energy is converted into biomass at each trophic level over a certain time period.

How do pyramids help in understanding ecosystem dynamics?

Pyramids help in understanding ecosystem dynamics by visually illustrating relationships between organisms in terms of energy flow, population size, and biomass distribution

What is smog?

Smog is a type of air pollution that results from the interaction of smoke and fog, typically composed of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.

What are the primary causes of smog?

The primary causes of smog include emissions from vehicles, industrial discharges, and the burning of fossil fuels, which release pollutants into the atmosphere.

What are the health effects of smog?

Smog can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases among individuals exposed to polluted air.

How can smog formation be reduced?

Smog formation can be reduced by implementing stricter emission controls, promoting public transport, using cleaner fuels, and increasing green spaces.

What is the difference between 'classical smog' and 'photochemical smog'?

Classical smog is typically associated with industrial pollutants and occurs in cool, humid climates, whereas photochemical smog is formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants and is common in warm, dry areas.

What is acid deposition?

Acid deposition refers to the falling of acid-containing compounds from the atmosphere to the ground, which can occur in the form of precipitation (acid rain), dust, or gases.

What are the primary causes of acid deposition?

The primary causes of acid deposition are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from burning fossil fuels, which react in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

What are the environmental impacts of acid deposition?

Acid deposition can lead to the acidification of lakes and streams, damage to forests, and harm to wildlife and ecosystems.

How does acid deposition affect human structures?

Acid deposition can corrode buildings and monuments, particularly those made of limestone, marble, or metal, leading to increased maintenance costs.

What measures can be taken to reduce acid deposition?

Measures to reduce acid deposition include regulating emissions from industrial sources, switching to cleaner energy sources, and promoting energy efficiency.