1.1 Environmental value systems Flashcards
Evaluate strategies to manage regional acid deposition using the pollution management model.
Clean-up and restoration of damaged systems:
Advantages
biodiversity of species goes back to original state after disturbance (resiiance)
Disadvantages
expensive
time consuming
Legislation
however implementing is hard
Education
changing consumer behaviour is hard.
renewable energy
depends on weather
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changing transportation use to reduce private transportation / increase public transportation / walking/biking;
this can be expensive due to infrastructure improvements required;
requires public buy-in / change in behaviour;
successful if a reduction in use of fossil fuels for transportation needs;
successful if good network of charging stations / footpaths/bike lanes to encourage change;
addresses root cause of pollution/prevents any damage in first place;
education of public regarding value of renewable energies/impacts of pollution;
this can influence more environmentally friendly choices;
influences attitudes/values in future generations;
but maybe the local governments/authorities that need influencing more than general public;
Controlling release of pollutant:
reduce sulphur content of fossil fuels using trading system or pollution budgets;
has proved very successful in USA where government put legislation in place to support this;
increases costs as low sulphur fuels are more expensive / requires technological investment;
use catalytic converters on car exhausts/scrubbers/CATS;
very effective at reducing nitrous oxides;
…but expensive;
use heavy metals which need to be mined;
catalysts need replacing frequently;
effective but requires investment in the technology and expensive;
switch to renewable energy sources/nuclear;
very effective as no direct emissions of NOx or SOx;
requires diversification of energy supply, which requires political will;
requires investment to support the change in energy policy;
successful when implemented with supportive legislation;
increase efficiency of power production and demand;
advantage that it reduces all pollutants associated with power production;
taxation systems and trading mechanisms;
very effective when implemented with political support;
requires improvement in public transportation infrastructure;
could be argued that not ethical as encourages trading of pollutants;
international legislation to control emissions (eg Sulphur Emissions Reduction Protocol and the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution);
have been successful in reducing sulphur dioxide emissions;
…but led to increase in nitrous oxide production;
can be difficult to implement and monitor;
restocking lakes after remediation;
needs careful management and unlikely to return the lake to the prior system;
reafforestation/replanting of damaged forests;
expensive;
takes long time for restoration;
new growth acts as effect carbon sink;
Evaluate the sustainability of two water management strategies to improve access to freshwater resources in a society.
evaluate is always adavantages and disadvantages
Examples of strategies [2 max]:
water reservoirs
restoration of wetlands
adavantage; return back to original state and increase in biodivesty and water resources available
disadavtage time consuming and expensive
rainwater harvesting
advantage; reduces use of groundwater and it doesnt affect the hydrological cylce
disadvantage; not safe for drinking
restoration of wetlands;
prevention of water pollution;
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reservoirs; dams; rainwater harvesting; water diversion projects; international sale of water resources; desalination; artificial glaciers; cloud seeding; water conservation/grey water reuse; restoration of wetlands; prevention of water pollution; pumping of aquifers;
Evaluation may include factors such as…
impact of cost on economic sustainability of population;
demand placed on human / physical resources;
climate impact – carbon negative/neutral/positive;
impact on ecosystem resilience;
impact on biodiversity;
interference with natural cycles;
limiting geographical/climatic factors;
The following examples of water management strategies and their evaluation show how credit can be given for any appropriate strategy.
Example 1: Rainwater harvesting;
Positive:
does not impact natural water cycle / replenishment rate / impossible to reduce natural income;
free natural capital;
useful for watering plants/irrigation / washing / fire protection / (thus) reduces consumption of groundwater/other freshwater resources;
Negative:
availability restricted temporally and spatially (unequal distribution of rain / unpredictable supply);
usually not safe for drinking;
can’t satisfy needs of irrigation of commercial agriculture;
Example 2: Desalinization;
Positive:
sustainable if energy required produced by photovoltaic cells;
sea water is more available than freshwater;
provides accessible/safe drinking/irrigation water;
salt may be used for producing useful chemical products (sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid);
reduces pressure on freshwater reserves that need protection;
Negative:
requires huge amounts of energy / increase GCC if fossil fuel used;
not available in landlocked countries;
building of facilities result in environmental damage/pollution;
disposing of salt (brine) poses environmental hazards/pollutes ocean / salt is contaminated so can’t be eaten;
high cost to build and operate that may be economically unsustainable;
Explain how the second law of thermodynamics applies to this food chain.
second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy increases over time
ENTROPY is the measuure of disorder of a system
The second law of thermodynamics applies to food chains by stating that energy is lost as it flows through trophic levels, resulting in decreased energy availability and increased entropy, leading to less efficient energy transfer and reduced biomass at higher trophic levels.
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available energy is lost to environment between trophic levels;
energy is lost as heat from cell respiration;
often only 10 % of available energy is passed on / 90 % lost between trophic levels / ecological efficiency is limited;
not all parts of the grass/zebra are consumed/absorbed;
To what extent is the use of solid domestic waste (SDW) as an energy source beneficial to a society?
SDW is the trash/ rubbish from residential urban areas
The use of solid domestic waste (SDW) as an energy source can be beneficial to society to some extent by
1. reducing reliance on fossil fuels,
2. mitigating waste disposal problems, and contributing to renewable energy production.
However, challenges such as
1.pollution from waste incineration,
2.greenhouse gas emissions,
Incineration aka burning
Adavantage; produces energy andless waste in landfills
reduces reliance on fossils
Disadavantage ; Pollution
decomposing of organic SDW
Advanatge;
it can add manure to soil
landfills
Disadavantage
they produce ghg and global warming
and separation costs to get organic biodegrable sdw
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understanding concepts and terminology types and sources of SDW; increasing trend (overpopulation); consumerism; methods of SDW disposal (landfill, incineration, recycling, composting); strategies for managing SDW including zero-waste programmes; energy production, e.g. trash to energy systems; environmental indicators; sustainability; pollution – air, atmosphere, water;
breadth in addressing and linking disposal of SDW to climate change and pollution; impact on resource use and exploitation; perspectives from EVSs; range of perspectives from a societal and cultural angle; differences due to development level; energy security;
examples could include different countries’ strategies; examples of sustainability plans for cities; examples of impact of incineration or landfills; examples of climate change goals and integration;
balanced analysis could include a range of societies challenges; a variety of perspectives from an EVS angle; contradiction of energy production needs and reduction of resource use; contrast of MEDCs to LEDCs;
a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given e.g. the use of SDW as an energy source can be very beneficial for a city in reducing its waste disposal needs and greenhouse gas emissions however it can lead to a reduction in impetus to reduce waste production and therefore resource use as the society becomes dependent on the waste as an energy source;
c.
With reference to named examples, discuss the significance of diversity in the sustainability of food production systems.
Theres 2 food production systems
1. terrestrial
2. aquatic
resiliance (MONO VS PERMA)
food security
soil fertility ie diversity in nutrient uptake
a. Biodiversity helps in enhancing resilience, For example, agricultural practices such as crop rotation increase biodiversity within agricultural systems, reducing vulnerability to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events.
CROP ROTATION VS MONOCULTURE (more resistant vs less resisitant)
Monoculture vs. Polyculture: Monoculture increases vulnerability, while polyculture enhances biodiversity.
-Organic Farming vs. GMOs: Organic farming prioritizes biodiversity, while GMOs raise concerns about genetic uniformity.
b. promoting ecosystem health,
c. and improving food security.
d. improve soil fertiltiy and health eg
Monocultures deplete soil fertility by continuously extracting specific nutrients without allowing for natural replenishment or diversity in nutrient uptake.
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understanding concepts and terminology of genetic/species/habitat diversity; cultural / political diversity; sustainability; ecological footprint; yield per unit area; aquatic and terrestrial food production; commercial vs. subsistence; multinational vs. local production; monoculture v polyculture; organic farming; GMOs; selective breeding; impact of escapees on wild populations; integrated agriculture; habitat loss/degradation; air/water/soil pollution; threats to biodiversity/pollinators; pesticide/fertilizer/antibiotic use; biological pest control; food choice; buffer zones; mineral cycles; crop rotation, etc.;
breadth in addressing and linking technological and management strategies of terrestrial and aquatic food production systems with genetic/species/habitat diversity and significance of this in terms of sustainability and ecological footprint in the context of a range of geographical locations, social settings, levels of economic development, traditional values, international relations, legislations, personal attitudes and EVSs, etc.;
examples of named food production systems and strategies involved in monoculture, polyculture and integrated agriculture, wild fisheries, aquaculture etc.;
balanced analysis evaluating the extent to which diversity is significant in determining the sustainability of food production systems along with relevant limitations and counterarguments, etc.;
a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given e.g. “because diversity is such a significant factor in maintaining stability of systems, it is inevitably of great significance in maintaining both a sustainable production system and the wider environment in which the production takes place”;
To what extent do anthropocentric value systems dominate the international efforts to address climate change?
International efforts to address climate change are largely influenced by anthropocentric values, which prioritize human interest
These values are evident in
1. environmental laws and regulations,
2. carbon taxes, and
3. international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
CONCLUSION While other value systems like technocentrism and ecocentrism also contribute, anthropocentric approaches dominate due to their broader applicability and focus on global cooperation. Despite some limitations, anthropocentric values play a crucial role in driving concerted international action on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
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understanding concepts and terminology of anthropocentric/technocentric/ecocentric values, sustainability, climate change, global warming, C emission, international NGOs/GOs, international agreements/protocols, mitigation, adaptation, MEDCs v LEDCs etc
breadth in addressing and linking international strategies addressing climate change relevant EVS eg anthropocentric with environmental regulations, carbon tax, international agreements/protocols eg technocentric with carbon storage, alternative energies, vaccination programmes, desalinisation, flood defences, eg ecocentric with afforestation, energy reduction, reduced consumerism, more sustainable/localised agricultural systems etc
examples of international strategies eg Kyoto protocol, Paris Agreement, UN Convention on Climate Change, carbon trading, REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation & Degradation), and range of strategies employed internationally eg desalinisation in areas of water scarcity, flood defences in coastal regions, shifting cultivation to more appropriate latitudes, Greenpeace global aim for 100% renewable energy etc
balanced analysis of the extent to which international efforts are dominated by anthropocentric values, acknowledging relevant counter-arguments/alternative viewpoints
a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given eg “All value systems have a valuable contribution in addressing climate change, but anthropocentric values are particularly critical in achieving a more concerted effort internationally in that technological solutions are often limited to MEDCs and ecocentric solutions tend to be very localised.” NB This is only an example of a possible conclusion. Candidates’ conclusions do not have to agree.
Outline how feedback loops are involved in alternate stable states and the tipping points between them.
negative feedback is when a system moves back to equilibrium away from the tipping point causing a stable state
positive feedback is when a system moves away from equilibrium towards the tipping point making a new equilibrium instable state
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negative feedback loops occur when the output of a process inhibits or reverses the same process;
…thus inhibiting change/deviation / maintaining a system in equilibrium/one stable state;
positive feedback loops occur when the output of a process accelerates that same process;
…thus amplifying changes/deviations / driving system away from its equilibrium/stable state;
excessive change/deviation may drive system beyond its tipping point;
…when it will adopt a new equilibrium/alternate stable state.
Environmental value systems differ in how they view the importance of biodiversity and this could influence a community’s approach to conservation.
Discuss how these different perspectives, including your own, may influence approaches to conservation.
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Different environmental value systems, such as ecocentrism, anthropocentrism, and technocentrism, shape approaches to conservation by prioritizing different aspects of biodiversity.
- Ecocentrists value the intrinsic worth of all species and prioritize minimally interventionist approaches, focusing on habitat diversity and pristine ecosystems.eg conservation parks, zoos.
- Technocentrists emphasize the utilitarian value of biodiversity for human benefit, utilizing technology for breeding programs and gene banks.
GMO - Anthropocentrists prioritize biodiversity’s role in stabilizing ecosystems for human management, often through engagement and legislation.
EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION againast activities thta reduce biodiversity eg poaching and iimportances of biodiversity
CONCLUSION Ultimately, individual perspectives, like mine, may blend elements of ecocentrism and anthropocentrism, recognizing both human responsibility and the spiritual value of nature.
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understanding concepts and terminology of environmental value systems, biodiversity, habitat/species/genetic diversity, ecocentric/anthropocentric/technocentric, bio-rights, intrinsic value, stewardship, conservation areas/national parks, in-situ/ex-situ conservation, species vs habitat approach, ecotourism; gene banks, plantations, in vitro development, etc
breadth in addressing and linking differences in the importance attached to biodiversity by different value systems and associated strategies for conservation eg ecocentrics will attach particular importance to intrinsic value of biodiversity and the rights of all species, their focus will be on minimising any human intervention, conserving habitat diversity and pristine ecosystems, in-situ conservation areas/national parks, technocentrics may attach particular importance to the potential resources that biodiversity provides for human population, they may focus more readily on species more useful to humans and the potential of genes in providing resources, the use of gene banks and technology for in vitro development/ex-situ breeding programmes of “useful” species, anthropocentrics will attach particular importance to the ability of biodiversity in stabilising ecosystems so they can be managed for human benefit, through ecotourism, sustainable harvesting, conservation efforts will depend heavily on social engagement/legislation, etc
examples of environmental value systems eg deep ecologists, ecocentric, anthropocentric, environmental managers, technocentric, cornucopian, and approaches to conservation eg habitat/in-situ conservation, ex-situ zoos/breeding programmes, ecotourism, gene banks/genetic engineering/in vitro development, flagship species
balanced analysis of how different perspectives on biodiversity adopted in different value systems can influence the emphasis and selection of conservation strategies
a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given eg “My own perspective is rather on the borderline of ecocentric and anthropocentric viewpoints because, unlike the more extreme ecocentrics, I do believe humans have a unique responsibility in the natural world. And yet, the anthropocentric view of biodiversity as a pragmatic means to an end lacks some of the mystery and spirituality I associate with nature that is more evident in the ecocentric’s perspective.”
Outline one advantage of modelling future human population sizes
for future planning purposes
resource allocation to meet needs of popultion
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allows projections to be made for planning purposes (e.g. schools/hospitals);
allows changes to be proposed to policies to slow population growth;
allows policy makers see what impact a policy might have on population;
can help with decisions on resource management to meet the needs of the population;
models are simple to understand
Outline two historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement.
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Al Gore produced film, “Inconvenient Truth”;
this raised international awareness about global warming;
Rachel Carson published book, “Silent Spring”;
this raised awareness about impact of pesticides/DDT on ecosystems / encouraged establishment of EPA in US;
Industrial revolution led to high levels of atmospheric pollution;
the impact of this on human health/living standards promoted great public concern/interest in pollution;
John Snow made connection between water quality and spread of cholera/water borne disease;
this led to public concern to manage water quality standards/introduce water treatment;
Passenger pigeon in US became extinct through overhunting;
this unexpected extinction led to first conservation efforts in US / Woodrow Wilson setting up first National Parks;
Wackernagel & Rees introduced concept of ecological footprint;
this model has gained widespread recognition as a means of evaluating environmental impacts of societies/populations.
Outline one ecological service
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provides habitat for animals/birds;
(photosynthesis) acts as a carbon sink/absorbs CO2 reducing greenhouse emissions;
(photosynthesis) releases O2 necessary for living organisms;
filters water / maintains water table;
cools/moistens climate through evapotranspiration / source of moisture for precipitation;
vegetation prevents soil erosion;
increases/maintains biodiversity (increasing/maintaining resilience of biosphere);
pollination of plants/crops;
Identify four factors that make the use of the insecticide DDT controversial.
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DDT…
is a very effective/affordable insecticide; CHEAP
can help in the management of insect borne diseases/malaria/zika;
can help in the control of agricultural pests, improving harvests;
is a persistent (organic) pollutant / causes soil degradation/aquatic pollution;
has negative effects on human health;
bioaccumulates in the bodies of organisms;
biomagnifies in food chains;
causes impact on non-target species/death of birds of prey/top carnivores;
reduces biodiversity
The management of a resource can impact the production of solid domestic waste.
To what extent have the three levels of the pollution management model been successfully applied to the management of solid domestic waste?
The management of solid domestic waste can significantly impact pollution levels.
The three levels of the pollution management model -
1. altering human activity,
2. regulating release,
3. and clean-up/restoration -
ALL offer strategies for addressing this issue.
Success in applying these levels varies, with examples
1. like reduced packaging campaigns
2. and landfill reclamation demonstrating progress.
3. 3R’s
However, challenges persist, and while prevention measures are ideal, current successes often stem from regulation and clean-up efforts.
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understanding concepts and terminology of pollution management model and its “three levels” ie A. altering human activity/reducing production, B. regulating/limiting release, C. clean-up/restoration, economic incentives/disincentives, legislation, emission standards, pollutant extraction, habitat restoration, solid domestic waste, e-waste, hazardous waste, reduce/reuse/recycle, landfills, incineration, composting, biodegradable/non-biodegradable, zero-waste, waste to energy, etc
breadth in addressing and linking different levels with each other and with relevant management strategies to each ie A. educational campaigns/legislation for reduced packaging/non-biodegradable products, product longevity, etc and B. promotion of reuse/recycling, composting, landfills, incineration, waste to energy schemes, etc and C. landfill reclamation, litter collection, bioremediation, detoxification of hazardous waste, restocking, etc
examples of specific schemes eg A. tax on plastic bags/waste collection (eg Germany/Rwanda), San Francisco zero waste by 2020, rewards for low-waste manufacturing, B. government waste to energy schemes, sponsored recycling schemes, C. mining landfills to remove hazardous waste (e.g. Switzerland), clean-up schemes for Pacific Garbage Patch, etc
balanced analysis of the success or otherwise i.e. relative strengths & weaknesses of a range of strategies from all three levels of the pollution management model acknowledging relevant counterarguments/alternative viewpoints.
a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given eg “Logically, it must be most effective to manage waste at the first level which prevents problems arising but, due to the inevitable inertia in changing people’s perceptions, values and activities, more is currently being successfully achieved through the next two levels.” NB This is only an example of a possible conclusion. Candidates’ conclusions do not have to agree
Using examples, discuss whether habitat conservation is more successful than a species-based approach to protecting threatened species.
Habitat Conservation:
Examples like the establishment of protected areas and restoration projects demonstrate successful habitat conservation efforts.
Preserving habitats benefits multiple species and ecosystem functions, promoting biodiversity conservation.
However, habitat protection may not address specific threats to individual species or account for their unique ecological requirements.
Species-Based Approach:
Species-specific conservation initiatives, such as captive breeding programs and targeted reintroductions, have saved species from extinction.
These approaches** directly address threats to particular species** and can be more focused and immediate in their impact.
Yet, they **may overlook broader ecosystem needs **and fail to address underlying habitat degradation and fragmentation
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Answers may demonstrate:
understanding concepts & terminology of habitat-based methods for conservation; species-based methods for conservation; international and national protection; international, national and local conservation organisations; ecosystem services; food chains and food webs; succession; threats to biodiversity; pollution consequences, eg bioaccumulation and biomagnification; threats from climate change; food production systems; human population growth; sustainable development; EVSs;
breadth in addressing and linking range of threats to biodiversity; scale of different threats; challenges in LEDCs to develop sustainably; consequences of different EVSs; variety of habitat-based methods for conservation; variety of species-based methods of conservation;
examples of both habitat- and species-based methods; threatened and protected areas and species; organisations involved in conservation;
balanced analysis of the varying success of habitat and species conservation to protect threatened species;
a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by analysis and examples given eg success of the conservation of threatened species will depend on the context, nature of the threats and a combination of strategies is likely to be necessary with both habitat and species approaches used. If the habitat is not conserved and restored, a species whose population has been increased using species-based methods, will not survive in the wild.
Explain how both positive and negative feedback mechanisms may play a role in producing a typical S population growth curve for a species.
Positivefeedback at the start of the cuve as population size increases then negative feedback as population reaches carrying capapcity and a new equilibrium is formed
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positive feedback will occur at start of S curve where numbers are small;
Award [3 max] for following marking points as statements OR shown in a diagram. See example below:
as populations increase/reproduce they increase the number of reproducing individuals;
…which will further increase the growth rate;
ie positive feedback …a change promoting further change in same direction;
negative feedback occurs as graph approaches maximum/carrying capacity/plateau;
Award [3 max] for following marking points as statements OR shown in a diagram. See example below:
Limiting / density dependent factors / predation/food/water availability/disease;
…will become increasingly limiting, reducing growth rate;
…stabilizing population at around carrying capacity
ie negative feedback …a change leading to reduction of further change;
