ESS DE1

What is a system?

A group of interacting components that work together as a whole.

What is an open system?

A system that exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings.

What is a closed system?

A system that exchanges energy but not matter with its surroundings.

What is an isolated system?

A system that exchanges neither matter nor energy with its surroundings.

What are inputs and outputs?

Inputs enter a system, outputs leave a system

What are storage and flows?

Storages hold matter or energy, flows transfer matter of energy

What is a model?

A simplified representation of a system used to explain or predict it

Give one advantage and one limitation of models

Advantage: simplify complexity

Limitation: may not include important factors

What is dynamic equilibrium?

A relatively stable state where inputs and outputs are balanced *in a system??

What is the Gaia hypothesis?

Earth is a self-regulating system with interacting living and non-living components.

What is positive feedback?

Feedback that amplifies an initial change, moving a system away from its original state.

Explain the ice-albedo positive feedback loop

Ice melts —> darker ocean exposed —> more heat absorbed than reflected —> more melting

What is negative feedback?

Feedback that counteracts change, helping maintain stability

Give an example of negative feedback

More prey —> more predators —>

Fewer prey —> fewer predators

What is an environmental value system? (EVS)

Beliefs and values that influence how people respond to environmental issues

What are the stages of an EVS model?

Inputs → processes → outputs; beliefs influence how information becomes decisions.

What is an ecocentric worldview?

Believes nature has intrinsic value and priorities protecting ecosystems, even over human interests.

What is an anthropocentric worldview?

Places humans at the centre and supports managing the environment to meet human needs

What is a technocentric worldview?

Believes science, technology and innovation can solve environmental problems and support human progress

How might EVSs respond to deforestation?

Eco: protect forrests

Anthro: sustainable logging (cutting down trees in controlled ways)

Techno: technological solution (drones to monitor illegal logging)

What is environmental justice?

Fair treatment and meaningful participation in environmental decision for all communities.

Why is environmental justice important?

It ensures all communities are treated fairly and no group suffers more than other from environmental problems, such as pollution.

What is the difference between equality and equity?

Equality: same support.

Equity: support according to different needs.

What is citizen science?

Public participation in collecting or analyzing scientific data

Give an example of citizen science

Volunteers recording bird populations to monitor biodiversity

Give one advantage of citizen science

Large amounts of data can be collected across wide areas

Give one limitation of citizen science

Data quality may vary because volunteers have different training

What are planetary boundaries?

Nine environmental limits defining a safe operating space for humanity

Why are planetary boundaries important?

They help asses sustainability and risks to the Earths systems

Name three planetary boundaries

Climate change, biosphere integrity and freshwater change

Why was silent spring (1962) important?

Rachel Carson raised awareness of pesticide pollution and environmental harm

What was the first Earth Day (1970) important?

It increased public awareness and support for environmental protection

How has the environmental movement evolved?

From conservation and pollution concerns to global climate and sustainability action.

What is sustainability?

Using resources to meet present needs while protecting future generations’ needs

How should you interpret a graph in ESS?

Identify trends, use figures and units, note anomalies, and explain patterns when asked