Chapter 1: The Environmental and Society/Chapter 21: Sustainability Flashcards
What is the Tragedy of the Commons conflict?
The Tragedy of the Commons is a concept that describes a situation where individuals, acting in their own self-interest, overuse and deplete a shared resource, leading to the resource’s eventual depletion and harm to the entire group. This conflict arises because each person benefits from using the resource, but the costs of overuse are shared by everyone.
What is the environmental challenge described in the Tragedy of the Commons?
The environmental challenge described in the Tragedy of the Commons is the overuse and depletion of shared resources. When individuals use a common resource without considering the long-term effects, it can lead to the degradation or exhaustion of that resource, ultimately harming everyone who depends on it. This happens because each individual benefits from using the resource, but the negative impacts are spread across the entire community.
What is the law of supply and demand?
The law of supply and demand explains how prices and quantities of goods are set in a market. Basically, if a product is in high demand but low supply, the price goes up. If there’s a lot of supply but low demand, the price goes down. It’s basically all about finding a balance where supply meets demand.
How is the law of supply and demand utilized in everyday life?
The law of supply and demand affects everyday things like grocery prices, gas prices, real estate, and sales. When supply is high and demand is low, prices drop. When demand is high and supply is low, prices rise.
What is an ecological footprint?
An ecological footprint is a measure of how much impact an individual, community, or population has on the environment. It calculates the amount of resources consumed and waste produced, then compares it to the Earth’s capacity to regenerate those resources and absorb the waste. It helps us understand our environmental impact and sustainability practices.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is all about making sure we’re not using up resources faster than the Earth can replenish them. It’s about finding a balance so that we can meet our needs without harming the environment for future generations. It involves using resources wisely and considering the long-term effects of our actions on the planet.
Why would governments use economic incentives?
Governments use economic incentives to encourage certain behaviors or actions that are beneficial for society. For example, they might offer tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy or provide subsidies for farmers who adopt sustainable practices. These incentives can help drive positive changes by making it more financially possible for individuals and businesses to make choices that align with public policy goals.
