Chapter 15: Environment

Question 1

What are the environmental inequities?

Answer 1

• Outcomes of Unsustainable Use (‘Business as Usual’): Negative results of unsustainable environmental practices, e.g., pollution, deforestation, overuse of resources.
• Intergenerational Inequity: Unfairness between generations in terms of environmental impacts, where current actions harm future generations.
• Trans Frontier Inequity: Unfairness across borders, like when one country’s pollution affects another.
• Intragenerational Inequity: Unfairness within the same generation, impacting certain groups more than others.
• Interspecies Inequity: Imbalance between species due to environmental harm, such as human activities leading to extinction.

Question 2

Outcomes of Unsustainable Use (‘Business as Usual’):

Answer 2

Negative results of unsustainable environmental practices, e.g., pollution, deforestation, overuse of resources.

Question 3

Intergenerational Inequity:

Answer 3

Unfairness between generations in terms of environmental impacts, where current actions harm future generations.

Question 4

Trans Frontier Inequity:

Answer 4

Unfairness across borders, like when one country’s pollution affects another.

Question 5

Intragenerational Inequity:

Answer 5

Unfairness within the same generation, impacting certain groups more than others.

Question 6

Interspecies Inequity:

Answer 6

Imbalance between species due to environmental harm, such as human activities leading to extinction.

Question 7

Impossible to Achieve Zero Impact:

Answer 7

Recognizing the impossibility of complete avoidance of environmental impact, emphasizing the goal to minimize negative effects.

Question 8

Challenge for Change:

Answer 8

Immediate impacts may not be visible, especially in smaller communities, contrasting starkly with larger cities like Hong Kong facing evident air pollution.

Question 9

Generational Impact:

Answer 9

The challenge lies in the fact that individuals may not personally experience the full impact, and future generations will bear the consequences.

Question 10

Intragenerational Inequity:

Answer 10

Pollution often disproportionately affects non-wealthy communities, with low-income areas commonly situated near polluted zones.

Question 11

How do environmental issues impact sports, and what are some visible impacts mentioned?

Answer 11

Competing in Polluted Environments: Beijing Marathon with runners wearing masks due to smog and air pollution.

Swimming in Polluted Oceans: Observing pollution while swimming in the ocean.

Forest Fires and Respiratory Issues: Forest fires impact outdoor exercise due to respiratory concerns.

Question 12

What is the impact of coastal erosion on beaches, and how does it affect sports?

Answer 12

Coastal erosion can shrink or erode beaches, impacting beach sports and recreational activities.

Question 13

How can rising sea levels affect golf courses located along the coast?

Answer 13

Rising sea levels can lead to increased flooding and changing dynamics, posing challenges for golf courses situated along the coast.

Question 14

What are the potential consequences of major weather incidents, such as flooding, on sports facilities?

Answer 14

Major weather incidents like flooding can damage sports facilities and infrastructure, harming stadiums, fields, and equipment.

Question 15

How do extreme temperatures and weather events disrupt scheduled sports events?

Answer 15

Extreme temperatures and weather events can lead to event cancellations or changes in timing, impacting athletes, spectators, and the overall organization.

Question 16

What challenges arise from adapting to higher temperatures in sports, and how can they be addressed?

Answer 16

Rising temperatures impact athletes’ well-being and performance. Adaptations include adjusting game schedules, providing shade, and ensuring proper hydration.

Question 17

How can the construction for sport mega-events impact the environment?

Answer 17

Construction for mega-events can lead to habitat disruption and resource consumption, as seen in the building of stadiums, accommodations, and transportation infrastructure.

Question 18

How does the resource consumption during mega-events affect the environment?

Answer 18

Mega-events attract large crowds, contributing to increased resource consumption, including elevated demand for energy, water, and food.

Question 19

What environmental consequences can arise from outdoor recreation activities?

Answer 19

Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing can lead to soil erosion, disturbance to wildlife, and littering in natural settings.

Question 20

How do large participant activities, such as triathlons, impact local resources?

Answer 20

Events with large participation can strain local resources and infrastructure, leading to increased waste generation, traffic congestion, and demands on water and sanitation services.

Question 21

What is the principle behind “Leave No Trace” in outdoor activities?

Answer 21

“Leave No Trace” encourages minimizing human impact by packing out all waste and garbage, promoting proper disposal during outdoor activities.

Question 22

Why do golf courses often require significant water resources, and what is the potential consequence?

Answer 22

Golf courses require water for irrigation, potentially leading to water scarcity in local ecosystems when diverted from natural sources.

Question 23

Why might constructing golf courses in ecologically sensitive areas be problematic?

Answer 23

Building golf courses in wetlands or habitats can disrupt natural ecosystems, impacting local biodiversity.

Question 24

What does sustainability entail, and why is it considered a strategy for the ‘triple bottom line’?

Answer 24

Sustainability involves balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects, ensuring the ‘triple bottom line’ of ecological impact, social responsibility, and long-term economic success.

Question 25

How does ecological modernization seek to align economic development with environmental sustainability?

Answer 25

Ecological modernization involves adopting cleaner technologies, eco-friendly production methods, and waste reduction strategies to minimize environmental impact.

Question 26

What does the term “triple bottom line” refer to in the context of sustainability?

Answer 26

The “triple bottom line” considers ecological impact, social responsibility, and long-term economic success, emphasizing the need to balance environmental, social, and economic considerations in sports.

Question 27

In the sustainability Venn diagram, what does the overlap of the “economic,” “social,” and “environmental” circles signify?

Answer 27

The overlap signifies the interconnection of economic, social, and environmental elements, emphasizing that true sustainability involves making progress in all three areas simultaneously.

Question 28

Why is being sustainable considered “good for business”?

Answer 28

People prefer to buy sustainable products or attend sustainable events, making sustainability beneficial for business.

Question 29

How can large sporting events be hosted sustainably?

Answer 29

Large sporting events can be hosted sustainably by considering eco-friendly infrastructure, minimizing waste, and promoting responsible tourism.

Question 30

How can individuals contribute to sustainability in sports-related consumption?

Answer 30

Individuals can contribute to sustainability by making conscious choices when purchasing sports-related products, considering factors like ethical sourcing, durability, and recyclability.

Question 31

According to Ecological Modernization, how do industries progress in terms of environmental practices over time?

Answer 31

Ecological Modernization suggests that industries will improve from harmful environmental practices to more sustainable ones over time.

Question 32

What distinguishes “Strong” Ecological Modernization from “Weaker” versions?

Answer 32

“Strong” Ecological Modernization actively seeks public input, reflects on consequences of new technologies, and involves monitoring by governments or non-profit regulators.

Question 33

How does “Weak” Ecological Modernization view positive environmental changes?

Answer 33

“Weak” Ecological Modernization believes that positive environmental changes will emerge through market mechanisms and consumer demand.

Question 34

How can sports management collaborate with environmentally focused stakeholders?

Answer 34

Sports management can collaborate with individuals, organizations, and businesses prioritizing environmental sustainability, including eco-friendly sponsors and initiatives that protect the environment.

Question 35

What is a potential issue associated with power imbalances in environmental management?

Answer 35

Power imbalances can lead to an unequal distribution of decision-making power, where local communities might have less influence compared to big corporations.

Question 36

What is “greenwashing,” and how does it relate to environmental responsibility?

Answer 36

“Greenwashing” involves falsely claiming eco-friendliness for a positive image, such as a company claiming its products are environmentally friendly when they are not.

Question 37

What is “sport washing,” and how does it relate to environmental issues?

Answer 37

“Sport washing” involves using sports events to divert attention from environmental issues, such as hosting a major sports event to distract from poor environmental policies.

Question 38

What is “carbon offsetting,” and how does it contribute to environmental responsibility?

Answer 38

“Carbon offsetting” involves compensating for emissions by investing in environmental projects, such as planting trees to offset the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes.