Eco Systems on a Global Scale

Question 1

What was surmised in the Limits to Growth published by the MIT

Answer 1

in the 21st century the world carrying capacity would be reached and that population growth and economic activity would be disastrous.

Question 2

Give evidence of loss of bio diversity as a result of human activity?

Answer 2

• 1/3 of all plant species are threatened globally
• 1 million world species may be extinct by 2050
• 39% of 41 000 species could be threatened
• World exceeded global footprint by 25%

Question 3

How long before the rainforest vanishes?

Answer 3

100 years

Question 4

What is the main driver for deforestation? Honduras

Answer 4

agriculture- Honduras 30% is lost and 800km2 every year to farming

Question 5

What is the evidence of climate change?

Answer 5

Perma frost layer are melting
increased occurrence of lethal storms 
increased coral bleaching 
Warming of oceans 
Green House Gas emissions

Question 6

In the future what could climate change cause?

Answer 6

Increased average temperatures
Drought
Sea level rise
Increase severe weather

Question 7

What impact does climate change have on ecology?

Answer 7

Plants intolerant to change and become extinct

Animals have to adapt very fast

Question 8

What has caused increasing climate change

Answer 8

Pollution and Co2 emissions as a result of very fast rates of industrial development: China emits 6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide every year

Question 9

What has acid rain let to

Answer 9

Leaching from upper soil horizons
Destruction of waxy coating of leaves
Celine in lichen
Higher acidity in streams and rivers

Question 10

Name three international agreements on sustainability?

Answer 10

1- Kyoto Conference 1997: agreed to cut emissions by 30% in 2010
2- Convention on Biological Diversity objective of conservation and sustainable use of diversity while equitably sharing benefits.
3- 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development key being sustainable management of global resources.

Question 11

Sustainable Development:

Answer 11

any new development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Demand for limit resources should be limited.

Question 12

What did the Paris Deal sign up to?

Answer 12

• peak green house gas emissions as soon as possible and achieve balance
• global temperatures at 2oc to 1.5oc
• $100 billion in climate finance investment for developing countries