Concepts 24.1-24.3

Question 1

Define the Anthropocene

Answer 1

The current geological epoch, in which human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment

Question 2

What are the drivers of the Anthropocene?

Answer 2

• Damning of rivers
• Water use
• Fertilizer consumption
• Urban population
• Paper consumption
• Fast food restaurants

Question 3

What is the Anthropocene characterised by?

Answer 3

• Biodiversity loss
• Changing land use (increase in agriculture)
• Increase in GHGs in atmosphere
• Increased use of technology

Question 4

What are the key impacts of the Anthropocene?

Answer 4

• Upsetting the balance of biogeochemical cycles
• Changes to the composition of the atmosphere
• Loss of biological diversity

Question 5

What are ecosystem services?

Answer 5

Conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems and the species that make them up, sustain and fulfil human life whether directly or indirectly

Question 6

What is sustainability?

Answer 6

Conserving or enhancing ecosystems so as to benefit from specific ecosystem goods and services without compromising others

Question 7

What is climate adaptation?

Answer 7

Actions meant to adapt to adverse impacts that arise from changes in the Earth’s climate

Question 8

What is climate mitigation?

Answer 8

Actions to reduce or eliminate GHG emissions and/or remove GHGs from atmosphere

Question 9

How do cities influence social and ecological systems?

Answer 9

• Commuting
• Growing food
• Obtaining water
• Urban sprawl