enviro Flashcards
What is the Tragedy of the Commons?
When shared resources are used unsustainably, leading to depletion.
Shared resources include soil, air, water, and oceans.
What are the main causes of the Tragedy of the Commons?
Self-interest driven by profit.
Profit-driven resource use leads to overexploitation.
Name one solution to the Tragedy of the Commons.
Cooperation.
Shared agreements on resource use can help manage shared resources.
What do fisheries refer to?
Commercially harvested fish populations in specific ecological regions.
What was the global fish consumption trend from 2009 to 2018?
It increased from 17.5 kg/yr to 22.3 kg/yr.
What percentage of fish populations are overexploited and nearing extinction?
28%.
What is bycatch?
The unintended capture of non-target species.
Examples include dolphins and sharks.
What is one fishing regulation to combat overfishing?
Set catch limits below Maximum Sustainable Yield.
What are the pros of aquaculture?
- Reduces pressure on wild species
- High efficiency
- Low fuel usage
List one con of aquaculture.
Pollution.
What percentage of Earth’s land is covered by forests?
~30%.
Name an ecological importance of forests.
Prevents erosion.
What is clear-cutting?
Removes all trees, leading to major habitat destruction.
What are the consequences of deforestation?
- Reduces biodiversity
- Increases soil erosion
- Affects climate change
What is strip mining?
Removes surface layers to expose ore.
What are some common minerals extracted through mining?
- Gold
- Coal
- Copper
- Iron
- Diamonds
What is one environmental impact of mining?
Water pollution.
What is a sustainable solution for mining?
Reduce, reuse, recycle minerals.
True or False: The Tragedy of the Commons suggests that shared resources do not require management.
False.
Fill in the blank: Sustainable logging certification can help in _______.
reducing deforestation.
What can individuals do to promote sustainability?
- Support sustainable seafood choices
- Buy FSC-certified wood products
- Reduce electronic waste by recycling old devices
- Advocate for environmental policies
