Sociology- Chapter 15

Environmental Sociology: Challenges and Social Impacts

What is the relationship between environmental problems and society?

Environmental problems affect society and people's lives, necessitating social change to address these issues.

What are some environmental challenges and their social effects?

Air & Water Pollution and Flooding lead to health problems and economic losses; Soil Erosion & Drought cause displacement and loss of homes; Ocean Acidification & Extreme Weather damage communities; Biodiversity Loss & Deforestation decrease agricultural productivity; Species Extinction & Climate Change result in increased costs.

How does social construction influence our understanding of nature?

Our understanding of nature is shaped by social, cultural, and historical contexts, influencing how we interact with the environment.

What does the information deficit model assume?

It assumes that inaction on environmental issues stems from a lack of knowledge.

What critiques exist regarding the information deficit model?

Knowledge alone doesn't lead to action; values, emotions, relationships, and external factors also influence behavior.

How do Americans' perspectives on climate change differ politically?

Deep political divisions exist, with Democrats more concerned about climate change than Republicans, reflecting the politicization of environmental issues.

What does the ecological footprint measure?

It measures human impact on the planet by calculating the amount of land and sea required to regenerate the resources consumed by a population.

What is the Anthropocene period?

It is a time when human activities have become the main agent of change in our planetary ecosystem.

What concerns are raised about population growth?

Population growth raises concerns about resources like food outpacing population increases, with consumption levels in richer countries being major contributors to environmental degradation.

What is carrying capacity in environmental terms?

It refers to the Earth's ability to support a population without damaging ecosystems, raising concerns about potential overshooting.

What does Malthusian theory predict?

It predicts that population would outstrip food resources, leading to famine, disease, and war.

What is the Neo-Malthusian theory?

It advocates for strict population control, suggesting that hundreds of millions of people may starve to death without it.

What critiques are associated with Malthusian theories?

Critiques suggest they misread historical trends, overlook innovation, and do not consider consumption levels across different societies.

What does ecological modernization theory propose?

It suggests that economic growth and environmental protection can coexist through technological innovations and institutional changes.

What is Jevon's paradox?

It states that technological advancements improving resource efficiency can paradoxically increase consumption, offsetting environmental benefits.

What does the treadmill of production explain?

It explains how capitalism, state policies, and labor relations drive environmental degradation by prioritizing profit over the environment.

What is planned obsolescence?

It refers to products designed with a limited lifespan to encourage frequent replacement, ensuring ongoing consumer purchases.

How do human activities contribute to global climate change?

Human activities drive warming, causing extreme events and health issues, and are tied to environmental injustice and global inequality.

What are the two main strategies for addressing climate change?

Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation involves adjusting to climate change effects.

What is environmental inequality?

It refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental harms, such as pollution, on marginalized communities due to unequal laws and policies.

What is environmental racism?

It is a specific form of environmental inequality where marginalized communities face a disproportionate burden of pollution and environmental hazards.

What was the Flint, MI water crisis?

A case of environmental inequality where a predominantly Black, low-income community suffered from lead-contaminated water due to cost-cutting measures.

What are sacrifice zones?

Areas heavily contaminated by pollution that cause severe health and human rights issues, such as Kabwe, Zambia (lead poisoning) and New Delhi, India (air quality issues).

What is climate injustice?

It refers to the unequal impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, where wealthier countries contribute more to emissions but poorer countries bear the consequences.

What is environmental justice?

A movement advocating for fair treatment and equal involvement in environmental decision-making, ensuring protection from environmental hazards for all.

What is political consumption?

It involves buying products based on ethical values to influence social change.

What is green consumption?

It refers to purchasing and using eco-friendly products that are sustainable and reduce environmental harm.