ENVS 1000 – Human Impacts on the Environment - Consumption

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on human impacts on the environment, specifically focusing on consumption, affluence, and economic implications.

What does the IPAT model stand for in environmental science?

IPAT stands for Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology x Sensitivity, which illustrates how human impact on the environment is determined.

How does human affluence negatively impact the environment?

Human affluence leads to increased resource consumption and exploitation, impacting environmental sustainability.

What is the primary focus of mainstream economics?

Mainstream economics focuses on profit and immediate usefulness, often viewing the environment only as an external factor.

Why is endless economic growth considered unsustainable?

Endless economic growth assumes unlimited resources and ignores long-term environmental impacts, leading to eventual resource depletion.

What is an ecological footprint?

An ecological footprint measures the land and water area needed to provide resources and assimilate waste for a person or population.

What is one of the main assumptions of mainstream economic models?

Mainstream economic models assume resources are infinite and focus on short-term gains.

What are two branches of economics that address sustainability?

Environmental Economics and Ecological Economics.

What is 'affluenza'?

Affluenza is a social condition characterized by the desire for wealth and the inability to understand the consequences of excessive consumption.

What is a cradle-to-cradle approach in life cycle assessment?

A cradle-to-cradle approach is a sustainable business strategy that mimics nature’s regenerative cycles by reusing waste.

What solution does ecological economics propose for long-term sustainability?

Ecological economics advocates for looking to nature for solutions and integrating environmental considerations into economic systems.