Chapter 1 - Sustainability And Future Development

Question 1

Discuss the link between a nations ecological footprint and its carbon footprint

Answer 1

Carbon footprint measures total greenhouse gas emissions caused by person group or nation

Ecological footprint considers broader environmental impact of all the population of a nation by finding out the amount of land that is required to support all the activities of that nation such as food production and waste disposal

Therefore the carbon footprint measures just one of the many environmental impacts involved in the calculation of an ecological footprint

Question 2

Define and explain the concept and measurement of an ecological footprint

Answer 2

Ecological footprint is based on consumption over a specific year

It is expressed as the amount of land and sea required to support the use of natural resources

And is a means of comparing usage of natural resources and lifestyles and checking this against natures ability to provide this

Question 3

Explain what is meant by the concept of one planet living

Answer 3

Each person is entitled to 1.84 hectares and the concept of one planet living requires everyone to live within the 1.84 hectares.

Question 4

Name and describe 5 approaches required by todays society if one planet living is to be achieved

Answer 4

Zero carbon - this means make buildings more energy efficient and delivering all energy with renewables

Zero waste - this mean reducing waste and sending none to landfill

Sustainable transport - this means having carbon modes of transport to reduce emissions

Local and sustainable food - Choosing low impact, local and seasonal foods

Sustainable water - Using water more efficiently in buildings and in the products we buy

Question 5

What does IPAT stand for

Answer 5

Impact
Population
Affluence
Damage

Question 6

Outline 2 impacts on the population of the growing need for resources

Answer 6

More populations means greater demand for resources
More demand for clothing shelter food and energy to produce these

Question 7

Outline 2 impacts on the affluence of the growing need for resources

Answer 7

Greater affluence means more waste generated
It is unsustainable to continue living a high consumption western lifestyle

Question 8

Outline 2 impacts on the damage caused by technology because the growing need for resources

Answer 8

Industrially driven societies are energy intensive by nature
Less advanced technology used in developing countries is likely to cause more environmental impact