global environmental challenges

What is the definition of the Anthropocene? 

a) A proposed geological epoch dating from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth until now.

b) The origin of how ants came to being.

c) Anthropocene is a formal official unit of geologic time scale.

a) A proposed geological epoch dating from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth until now.

Indigenous people do more harm than good to the biodiversity around them.

False

Is the concept of (Neo-)extractivism primarily associated with growth-oriented development paths in Latin America?

Yes

• What was the main message conveyed by The Club of Rome in their famous book, "The Limits to Growth," published in 1972?
  

  • A) Advocating for rapid population growth
    B) Promoting unbridled consumption patterns
    C) Highlighting the inevitability of environmental collapse
    D) Urging for policy change to mitigate environmental impacts

• D) Urging for policy change to mitigate environmental impacts

What is the objective of (Neo-)extractivism?

a) To remove large quantities of natural resources from a country of origin and exporting them abroad

b) To obtain natural resources from a country and sell them to the local population

c) To import natural resources into a developing country, extracted from a richer one

a) To remove large quantities of natural resources from a country of origin and exporting them abroad

The Anthropocene is a geological era marked by the impact of human activities on the Earth

True

Which of the following best summarizes the critiques of anthropocentrism presented in the readings on nature, environment, and the more-than-human world?

A) Anthropocentrism is criticized for its effective management of natural resources, leading to sustainable environmental practices.

B) The critique centers on the separation of humans from nature, where nature is seen as subordinate, leading to environmental degradation and overlooking the rights of indigenous people and non-humans.

C) Anthropocentrism is praised for highlighting the importance of human reason in solving the ecological crisis.

D) The readings suggest that anthropocentrism has successfully integrated indigenous knowledge systems into Western environmental management.

B) The critique centers on the separation of humans from nature, where nature is seen as subordinate, leading to environmental degradation and overlooking the rights of indigenous people and non-humans.

True or False: The environmental justice movements (EJM) are solely concerned with combating environmental degradation and do not address broader social issues such as racial and economic inequalities.

False.

According to James Tully, what three principles should be respected in a just constitutional arrangement between Indigenous people and post-colonial states?

a.     Mutual recognition, respect and continuity

b.    Mutual recognition, consent and continuity

c.     Mutual recognition, consent and rule of law

d.     Cooperation, consent and continuity

b.    Mutual recognition, consent and continuity

According to Eduardo Gudynas, new extractivism is characterized by the strong influence of private businesses and the market, leaving the state in a secondary, passive role.

False. “In neo-extractivism, the state is much more active, with rules that are much clearer (regardless of whether they are good or not), and not necessarily oriented to serve “friends” of political power. In some cases, the new governments renegotiated contracts, increased taxes, and boosted the role of state businesses. […] a more active role for the state in making both direct and indirect interventions in the extraction sector is presented as the third thesis.”

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between the concept of the Ecocene, proposed by Prof. Mihnea Tănăsescu, and that of the Anthropocene?

A) The Ecocene and Anthropocene are interchangeable terms that describe the human impact on the environment.

B) The Ecocene focuses on the collective action of all species to restore ecological balance and reciprocity. At the same time, the Anthropocene highlights the dominant and destructive impact of human activities on Earth.

C) The Anthropocene proposes solutions based on advanced technology to fight climate change, but the Ecocene opposes technological intervention.

D) The Ecocene emphasizes the importance of local relationships and the planet's well-being while the Anthropocene focuses solely on global solutions to climate change.

Correct Answer: B

The overexploitation of natural resources in many places in the world is closely related to the violation of indigenous rights over their lands and territories. 

Answer: True

1. Indigenous peoples represent about 5% of Earth’s population. How much of Earth’s biodiversity is protected by these peoples. 

   1. 10%

   2. 20%

   3. 50%

   4. 80%

D

2. True or False: Everyone experiences and is affected by the Anthropocene equally.

False

Extractivism is a term used to refer to activities which remove large quantities of natural resources that are not processed especially for export. Some examples can include 

1. Minerals 

2. Oil 

3. Fish

4. All of the above  

All of the above

The Anthropocene describes the new geological era where Earth’s ecosystems have affected social and political change. 

False. 

Who introduced the concept of neo-extractivisim in Latin America?

a) Alberto Acosta

b) Eduardo Gudynas

c) Maridtella Svanpa 

d) Lewis Johansson 

c) Maridtella Svanpa 

Was Brazil the main country where indigenous people were killed in 2022?

False (it was Colombia)

In which continent do most of the indigenous peoples live?

1. Africa

2. Asia

3. South America

Asia → 476M ppl in more than 90 countries identify themselves as Indigenous Peoples, and 70% of them live in Asia.

The term “cosmopolitics” means that it is important to include diverse perspectives and voices, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or excluded, in the governance of global affairs in addressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and pandemics.

1. True

2. False

True

What is the primary factor contributing to the acceleration of climate change in the Anthropocene era?

a) Volcanic eruptions.

b) Natural solar cycles.

c) Human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels.

d) Shifts in Earth's magnetic field.

c) Human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels.

Extractivism as been a mechanism of colonial and neocolonial plunder and appropriation

True

Which of the following challenged did the Great Acceleration witness?

a)      The end of the Second World War

b)      Civil Rights movements around the world

c)      The start of the Cold War

d)      All of the above are correct

d)

Following the line of reasoning of Philippe Descola, can the preservation of biodiversity become fully effective if nature is not understood from a pluralistic point of view?

NO – As the preservation of biodiversity can only become fully effective if it considers plurality in the understanding of nature.

According to Maristella Svampa (2019), how do international actors and institutions perpetuate the web of neo-extractivism within the socio-political fabric of Latin America, thereby complicating the landscape of global resource governance?

a) They divert funds towards superficial environmental conservation initiatives, camouflaging their complicity in perpetuating neo-extractivist agendas.

b) International actors cautiously navigate the terrain of indigenous rights, exhibiting equivocation in their advocacy for land protection, thereby perpetuating the status quo.

c) They navigate the labyrinthine dynamics of global power, orchestrating economic development paradigms that hinge on resource extraction, thereby reinforcing regional dependencies.

d) International institutions subtly relegate extractive industries to the periphery of sustainable development agendas, illustrating their commitment to prioritizing environmental conservation over short-term economic gains.

c) They navigate the labyrinthine dynamics of global power, orchestrating economic development paradigms that hinge on resource extraction, thereby reinforcing regional dependencies.

In Environmental Culture (2002), Val Plumwood proposes that accepting the concept of “more-than-humans” requires acknowledging the inherent value of non-human beings and ecosystems, independent of their utility to humans.

True

• Which of the following is NOT a common criticism of extractivism?

  a) Environmental degradation.

  b) Economic development.

  c) Social inequality.

  d) Cultural erosion.

• b) Economic development.

In the field of nature and culture, ontology and epistemology are independent of each other.

False

1. Which of the following statements best describes the concept of (Neo-)extractivism according to the readings presented?

A) Extractivism is limited only to the extraction of minerals and oil.

B) Extractivism is a practice that has existed worldwide for centuries.

C) Extractivism refers exclusively to the exploitation of natural resources for domestic use.

D) Extractivism is only associated with state-owned enterprises and cooperatives.

E) Neo-extractivism is characterised by the revival of the developmental state and the appropriation of nature for the global market.

E) Neo-extractivism is characterised by the revival of the developmental state and the appropriation of nature for the global market.

1. According to the readings presented, Val Plumwood argues against the extreme separation between humans and the rest of nature, claiming that this division has made non-human beings, such as plants and water, worse off.

true

Which of the following best defines the Anthropocene?

1. An era characterized by significant human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems.

2. A period marked by increased biodiversity and ecological stability.

3. A time when human influence on the environment has been negligible.

4. A phase in Earth's history dominated by natural climatic fluctuations.

1. An era characterized by significant human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems.

Environmental justice movements advocate for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income concerning the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

True

What is the definition of Extractivism?

Activities which remove large quantities of natural resources that are not processed (or processed only to a limited degree), especially for export.

An object of social conflict of processes of deliberation within society

The new geological era where human impact has modified Earth system and atmosphere functioning 

It regulates the allotment of resources and their revenue, pushes state-ownership of companies and raw materials, revises contracts and raises export duties and taxes

Activities which remove large quantities of natural resources that are not processed (or processed only to a limited degree), especially for export.

Environmental justice can inform how production and consumption can be reorganised to address the challenges of the Anthropocene in a socio-ecologically just manner.

TRUE

What is the primary concern associated with (Neo-)extractivism?

A) (Neo-)extractivism solely benefits indigenous communities.

B) (Neo-)extractivism guarantees environmental sustainability.

C) (Neo-)extractivism leads to negative social and environmental impacts.

D) (Neo-)extractivism ensures equitable distribution of resources.

C) (Neo-)extractivism leads to negative social and environmental impacts.

Ontology primarily concerns the methods of acquiring knowledge about reality.

False

1. What are the different phases of the “post-extractivism transition”?

a) Neo colonialism and Extrativism
b) Neo colonialism, Extrativism, Climate Crisis and Beyond Extrativism
c) Golden age of extractivism and retrenchment 

b) Neo colonialism, Extrativism, Climate Crisis and Beyond Extrativism

Joint ventures, such as oil companies, are examples of ownership regimes commonly associated with extrativism in Latin America

FALSE.

1. ________ is the view that centers humans, above other species, in moral, social, and ecological evaluations. 

A. Ontology

B. Anthropocentrism 

C. Extractivism  

D. Dualism 

B. Anthropocentrism 

True or False? Indigenous groups protect 80% of global biodiversity? 

True

Which of the following greenhouse gases is primarily responsible for the current global warming trend? 

a) Carbon dioxide (CO2) 

b) Methane (CH4) 

c) Nitrous oxide (N2O) 

d) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

A

Is the Anthropocene recognized as a geological epoch characterized by significant human impact on Earth's systems and environments?

Yes

• Which of the following are some of the potential damages that extractivism creates?

  • Wealthy corporations destroying local underserved communities through pollution and blasting's, as well as providing false promises. 

  • New schools and better quality of life for communities where extractive practices exist

  • There are no potential damages

  • Overfishing and marine ecosystem depletion which can destroy underwater systems of life

• Wealthy corporations destroying local underserved communities through pollution and blasting's, as well as providing false promises. 

Indigenous lawyers face unique challenges in fighting for environmental justice in their local communities. Some of these challenges included not being allowed translators in court as well as an overall lack of respect for the communities which they represent. 

True

A) A movement that promotes equitable treatment and meaningful participation of all individuals in the creation, application, and enforcement of environmental laws, rules, and policies, regardless of their race, color, country origin, or level of wealth.

B) A movement devoted entirely to preserving ecosystems and animals.

C) A movement that supports wealthy communities' exclusive rights to participate in environmental decision-making.

D) A movement that promotes the commercialization of natural resources for financial benefit.

Correct Answer: A

In areas where it is implemented, neo-extractivism frequently sparks disputes over territory, resources, and environmental destruction.

True

Which one of the following statements is correct?

A)   Extractivism involves the manipulation of raw materials in the country of origin to increase the value of the product in the value chain with the purpose of exporting the material at a higher price.

B)   Anthropocene defends the idea that nature is the main acting force in environmental changes.

C)   The concept of ontology is related to the ideas of existence and reality, while the concept of epistemology refers to the nature, knowledge and its limits.

D)   The developmental state does not put emphasis in regulation of extraction of resources, but it does in the export phase.

 

c)

Colonialism and coloniality are concepts/terms that are very similar and then can be used interchangeably.

NO

The criteria of discriminating the Indigenous people or not is by self-determination 

True

What statement is NOT true about environmental justice movements?

(a) Almost everywhere in the world that EJMs cohere, they seem to begin as local struggles rooted in intense attachment to place and to local identities. 

(b) According to McAdam and Boudet, EJMs are sparked by cracks or ruptures in existing power structures.

(c) EJMs activists say that social inequality is closely related to degraded environments.

(d) EJMs emerged in the late 1970s from a critique of bureaucratic reform environmentalism.

b

• In Extractivism, materials are processed immediately upon being extracted.

• False - they are processed at the destination to which they are transported.

Which of the following is NOT true about environmental justice groups?

1. Environmental justice movements are considered social movements.

2. Environmental justice movements focus on how environmental degradation impacts health and safety.

3. Environmental justice movements are mainly led by well-educated middle class citizens.

4. Environmental justice movements put a focus on the relationship between environmental degradation and social inequality. 

3. While many environmental movements are led by well-educated middle/upper class citizens, environmental justice movements tend to be more diverse and can often be led by lower income community members and people of color. 

Which statement accurately reflects the role of the developmental state (in its ‘renaissance’) in Latin American neo-extractivism?

a) The developmental state primarily focuses on environmental conservation and preservation of natural resources.

b) The developmental state facilitates economic development by regulating the extraction of resources, addresses the social question and establishes political legitimacy to make nature a viable commodity. 

c) The developmental state achieves political legitimacy through undemocratic means, disregarding the interests of the local communities.

SOL.

b) The developmental state facilitates economic development by regulating the extraction of resources, appropriating extra revenue, and supporting development projects in the region.

The Environmental Justice Movement seeks decision making powers at the state level in order to achieve a more organized mobilization and operate at an international level

a) True 

b) False 

b) False, since EJM sees the state as weakened by corporate power, ineffective and a source of exclusion. These groups seek change through grassroots, consensus based decision-making, autonomy from the state, self-management

Latin America is widely known to have the highest social inequality rates in the world.

True

Which of the following are top environmental justice struggles?

1. Land grabbing

2. Renewable energy conflict

3. Mega-mining

4. All of the above

all of the above

the Anthropocene started with the first homo sapiens, between 200,000-300,000 years ago

False

Which of these are some of the top environmental justice struggles?

a) Land grabbing and mega-mining.

b) Poverty and hunger.

c) Immigration and refugee crisis.

d) Racism and gun violence.

a) Land grabbing and mega-mining.

• Choose the correct answer!

• Indigenous people represent about 5% of the world’s population

• Extractivism is limited to minerals and oil FALSE, it is also present in farming, forestry, fishing...

• Social movements usually perceive the state as a catalyst for transformation → FALSE, they seek change through grassroots, autonomy from the state and self-management 

• Neo-extractivism contributes to the decommodification of nature → FALSE, it contributes to its commodification

• Indigenous people represent about 5% of the world’s population -

Africa is the most unequal continent in the world

→ FALSE (South America is)

What does environmental justice advocate for?

A) Equal access to clean and healthy environments for all communities, regardless of race, income, or national origin. 

B) Exclusive protection of natural resources for wealthy and predominantly white neighbourhoods. 

C) Prioritizing industrial development in marginalized communities.

 D) Ignoring the impact of pollution on people’s health.

A)

Ontology is concerned with the nature of knowledge and different methods of gaining knowledge.

FALSE: Epistemology is concerned with the nature of knowledge and different methods of gaining knowledge

From the podcast, RIVERS podasts Weaving Waters, which of the following was not a key/main topic discussed?

1. Law

2. Diplomacy 

3. Safety 

4. Water 

3. Safety 

In many countries around the world, the word “poverty” is used in relation to the existence of wealth/significance of natural resources. 

True

Environmental Justice Movements:

1. Hold the idea that nature should be controlled through the rationality of science.

2. Argue that the Western approach to nature is likely to derive in colonialism and exploitation.

3. Were founded by European activists like Greta Thunberg.

4. Defend that Conservationism is the best way to address environmental rights and the inclusion of indigenous communities.

2. Argue that the Western approach to nature is likely to derive in colonialism and exploitation.

“Colonialism is a practice that entails patterns of power and the historical domination of colonial memento. It persists today and shapes societies”.

False

Choose the correct answer:

1. Extractivism is a common practice in the Global South and its aim is to economically and industrially develop this area  INCORRECT (extractivism aims to industrially developed the Global North not the South)

2. The resources obtained from mining exploitation are determinant to meet the national demand of the country where the enterprise is located  INCORRECT (the resources obtained aim to supply the global demand)

3. The exploitation resources are obtained in the Global South but they are later processed in the Global North   CORRECT

4. Extractivism is a concept limited only to oil and minerals  INCORRECT (extractivism can be applied to other concepts like farming or fishing)

3. The exploitation resources are obtained in the Global South but they are later processed in the Global North   CORRECT

When the environmental justice movement was borned in the Global North it contemplated the demands of indigenous groups and other minorities of society as their main motivation to fight against the environmental issues.

It is false because when environmental justice was created the environmental organizations excluded the demands and necessities of the urban poor, racialized and ethnic minority communities.

Which of the following best defines the theory of epistemology?

A) The study of human behavior and cognition

B) The examination of ethical principles and moral reasoning

C) The investigation of the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge

D) The analysis of political systems and governance structures

B

According to scientists, the Anthropocene era began in the mid 1950s, around the testing of the first nuclear bomb and the rise of plastic. 

answer: True

Which of the following is true about neo-extractivism?

A)    The raw material is processed in the country of origin.

B)    Neo-extractivism refers only to the mining industry.

C)    Neo-extractivism contributes to the commodification of nature.

D)    Neo-extractivist actions promote the development of the country that owns the raw materials.

C)    Neo-extractivism contributes to the commodification of nature.

Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination also implies they have the right to participate in the political affairs of the state in which they live if they wish to.

True → Article 5: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the State.

Which industry has been linked to the highest number of environmental activists killings?

1. Mining & extractives

2. Agribusiness

3. Logging

4. Hydropower

a)

The concept of Ecocene refers to fact that humans are the main driver of ecological processes?

1. True

2. False

False

What is the main focus of environmental justice movements as discussed in class? 

A) Advocating for the use of renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels. 

B) Lobbying for global policies to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. 

C) Addressing environmental degradation, social inequality, and advocating for human rights, health, safety, and social justice. 

D) Promoting urban development projects that prioritize green spaces and sustainable architecture.

C

Are Indigenous peoples' worldviews and legal systems recognized and fully incorporated into international human rights laws?

No

Which of the following is not an earth-system

A) Hydrosphere

B) Atmosphere

C) Gaiasphere

D) Geosphere

C.  Each sphere focuses on a specific component of a specific earth subsystem, such as water, atmosphere, or materials.  

In extractivism, raw material is typically processed at the location it is extracted from

False. Raw material is typically processed at the destination, not the origin

Is Neoextractivism a sustainable approach to economic development in regions rich in natural resources?
Yes
No

No

Which of the following periods is characterized by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems, including climate change?

A) Eocene

B) Jurassic

C) Mesozoic

D) Anthropocene

D) Anthropocene

What statement is NOT true about environmental justice movements?

a) they first emerged as a critique of the wilderness conservation focus of env. orgs in the 1970s

b) they oppose privatization polices, pilage, extractivism, and over exploitation of nature

c) they focus on organizing on a large scale not on a local or grassroots scale

d) there is a strong emphasize on social justice and inequality

c) they focus on organizing on a large scale not on a local or grassroots scale

Extractivism is defined as removing large quantities of natural resources that are not processed

True

True/false question

• Extractativsm is limited to oils and minerals?

False  

What is collective identity?

1. a person´s broader cognitive, moral and emotional connection with a broader community.

2. Collective identity describes a group of people thinking the exact same way

3. A persons ability to interpret things the same as others in a group 

4. The ability of a group to spread one idea

a

Which of the following best characterizes the difference between ontology and epistemology?

A) Ontology deals with the nature of existence and reality, while epistemology concerns the nature and limits of knowledge.

B) Ontology focuses on the origin and development of knowledge, while epistemology examines the structure and organization of reality.

C) Ontology explores the ethical dimensions of knowledge, while epistemology investigates the practical applications of knowledge.

D) Ontology examines the relationship between language and knowledge, while epistemology explores the relationship between perception and reality.

A

True or False: Indigenous peoples' rights, including land rights and self-determination, are recognized and protected universally across all nations.

False, indigenous communities still face challenges in securing their land rights and exercising self-determination

Neo-extractivism aims to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.

1. True

2. False

1. False

What is the main focus of the documentary “In Defense of Life”?

1. exploration of urbanization challenges

2. advocacy for new farming practices

3. Protection of ecosystems and communities from extractive industries

4. historical analysis of pollution in the environment

3. Protection of ecosystems and communities from extractive industries

What is neo-extractivism 
A) Enterprises that exploit resources of the global south thanks to free-market policies (no) 
B) The act of extracting natural resources from indigenous communities (no) 
C) Exploitation model in which the State uses the economic benefits of exploiting the environment to legitimate itself. (yes) 

c)

The only objective of environmental justice movements is to protect the environment  

(False).

The focus of Environmental Justice Movements are social justice, democracy, human rights and power sharing/imbalances

True

What percentage of remaining biodiversity is protected by Indigenous Communities according to Australia’s 2021 State of the Environment report?
A) 60%
B) 20%
C) 100%
D) 80%

D

Anthropocene is a new geological era where human im[acts modified Earth’s system and atmospheric functioning.

True

What is extractivism?

Activities which remove large quantities of natural resources that are not processed, especially for export

A specific historical context marked by the relationship of political sovereign power of one people over another 

Shift from state based international governance to transnational networks, NGO’s, ect. But also cooperate power, privatization, and trade policies

A terrible storm that wipes out a community

Activities which remove large quantities of natural resources that are not processed, especially for export

Extractivism and neo extractivism are the same things

false 

What is the definition of extractivism?

1. the exploitation of natural resources and exportation of these resources (raw materials)

2. the exploitation and exportation of all resources 

3. analyze the impacts of humans on earth from the different spheres (different earth systems: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, cryptosphere (climate change on glaciers, solid water), geosphere 

4. human interaction on earth (harmful impacts)

1. the exploitation of natural resources and exportation of these resources (raw materials)