Biological Diversity Flashcards
human induced impacts
- habitat loss, fragmentation and change
- global environmental change
- over-exploitation of biodiversity
- invasive species
why conserve?
- we depend on it
- wellbeing and morality
- stewardship
biocentric
all species have value irrespective of value to humans
Anthropocene
value of species depends on value to humans
core issues
population size and consumption
population size
Western world is shrinking but not so in developing world - difficult issue, controversial
Population control = preferentially targeting some people and some nations over others (can lead to eugenics if handled badly)
1 child policy but leads to social and political issues
consumption per capita
Differs in countries
Australia has huge consumption
Modern economics are built on continual growth - 2% per annum (doubles every 35 years) = increasing consumption = increasing impact
Government programs and stimulus packages to increase consumption
You can make change through what you buy and value
what do people need?
House
Land = habitat loss
Resources to build = habitat loss, extraction
Heating, cooling, appliances = emissions
Pets and gardens = invasive species
Eat
Land = habitat loss
Resources = habitat loss, degradation
Use of plants and animals = over exploitation, invasive species
Work
Land use for roads, paths etc.
Travel
Resources
Daily lives
Consumers
Travel = emissions, invasive species
Just in living we have an impact. Think about alternatives and reductions. Keep it realistic
how do we conserve?
Behavioural change
Not assuming that science will come in and save us all (we have to do things to help!)
ranking conservation actions
Four most effective strategies of reducing emissions: having one fewer child, living car free, avoiding airline travel, eating plant based
Education and increasing awareness is important (textbooks and high school education)
