IB ESS First topic exam flashcards
Q: Describe technocentrism. A: A perspective that sees technology and scientific research as solutions to environmental problems, believing that innovation can overcome ecological limitations.
Q: What is an environmental worldview? A: A set of beliefs and values that shapes how an individual or society views environmental issues and their solutions.
2. Systems
Q: What is a system? A: A set of interrelated parts that work together to form a complex whole.
Q: Differentiate between open, closed, and isolated systems. A:
Open System: Exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings (e.g., ecosystems).
Closed System: Exchanges only energy, not matter (e.g., Earth in terms of matter).
Isolated System: Does not exchange energy or matter (hypothetical concept).
Q: What is the Gaia hypothesis? A: A theory proposed by James Lovelock that Earth functions as a self-regulating system, maintaining conditions suitable for life.
Q: Define feedback loop. A: A process where the output of a system is fed back into the system as input, either reinforcing (positive feedback) or balancing (negative feedback) the system.
Q: What is the difference between positive and negative feedback? A:
Q: What does anthropocentrism prioritize? A: Human interests and needs, advocating for the management of environmental issues for the benefit of people.
Positive Feedback: Amplifies changes, leading to system instability.
Negative Feedback: Counteracts changes, promoting system stability.
3. Sustainability
Q: What is sustainability? A: The capacity to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Q: What are the three pillars of sustainability? A: Environmental, economic, and social.
Q: Define natural capital. A: The world’s stock of natural resources, which provides goods and services essential for life.
Q: What is an ecological footprint? A: A measure of how much biologically productive land and water an individual, population, or activity requires to produce the resources it consumes and to absorb its wastes.
Q: What is carrying capacity? A: The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded.
Q: Explain sustainable development. A: Development that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity to ensure long-term ecological and human health.
Q: What is environmental impact assessment (EIA)? A: A process that evaluates the potential environmental consequences of proposed projects before they are approved, ensuring sustainability.
Q: What is the precautionary principle? A: A guideline that suggests taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty to avoid harm to the environment or human health.
Q: How does renewable energy contribute to sustainability? A: It provides energy without depleting resources, reducing pollution and long-term environmental damage.
Q: What is the tragedy of the commons? A: A situation where individuals exploit shared resources for personal gain, leading to the depletion of those resources to the detriment of the entire group.
Q: Define eco-footprinting. A: Measuring the ecological footprint to assess the amount of natural resources required to support an individual’s or community's lifestyle.
Q: What is the importance of biodiversity for sustainability? A: Biodiversity supports ecosystem resilience, provides resources for human use, and maintains ecological balance, which is essential for long-term sustainability.
Q: Explain the concept of intergenerational equity. A: The principle that current generations should use resources in a way that preserves their availability for future generations.
Q: What are some strategies for achieving sustainable resource use? A: Strategies include reducing consumption, reusing and recycling materials, protecting natural habitats, and promoting clean energy technologies.