Environment, Resources & Society

Question 1

What is an ecological footprint?

Answer 1

The land area needed to support the consumption demands humans place on the environment in terms of their lifestyle (food, water, products, waste, etc.)

Question 2

Define environment

Answer 2

It includes all living and non-living things; urban and rural, etc… all aspects included. Living species depend on it to survive

Question 3

Define nature

Answer 3

it is a social creation as well as the physical environment, including humans
- it is a reflection of beliefs, ideas, etc., due to societal influence. Interrelated with society.

Question 4

Name all the parts that make up the environment (hint sphere)

Answer 4

Lithosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere

Question 5

Define resource

Answer 5

A specific component of the environment (ie, forest, minerals, river, etc.)

Question 6

Describe a traditional Western culture perspective

Answer 6

Western is based on Judeo-Christian beliefs that believe God created all & humans are separate from nature. Nature is there to serve humans and we dominate it. Islam is very similar.

Question 7

Describe more recent Western views

Answer 7

We are the caretakers of the environment… Puts environmental justice inside of social justice.

Question 8

Describe Eastern culture perspectives

Answer 8

Eastern beliefs revolve around everything being connected, so humans cannot be separated from nature as it is one in the same. Some believe nature possesses spirits too.

Question 9

Give examples of Eastern culture religions

Answer 9

Buddhism, Animism, Wiccan

Question 10

Define an anthropocentric view

Answer 10

The value of something is defined by it’s value to humans as a want or need. Ex, petroleum, copper… Useful to humans, so defined as a resource.

Question 11

Define an ecocentric/biocentric view

Answer 11

All environmental aspects have value for simply existing. Ex, grizzly bear is valuable regardless of human wants/needs.

Question 12

How do economic systems relate to Anthropocentric views?

Answer 12

Capitalism fuelled economy… Resources used for efficiency, optimal profit, market growth, etc.

Question 13

What is the problem with Anthropocentric views?

Answer 13

You cannot have unlimited economic growth with limited resources. We have surpassed the global threshold, so things must change.

Question 14

What are the two biggest factors causing change? Why? Which issue causes the most problems?

Answer 14

Population and Consumption. Overpopulation and overconsumption pressures planetary carrying capacity. Poor produce a lot less (low ecological footprints) which suggests consumption is the main issue.

Question 15

How does population cause change?

Answer 15

• more resources required
• higher waste production
• higher pollutant concentrations
• decreasing capacity for ecosystem responses

Question 16

How does consumption cause change?

Answer 16

• rich countries consume the most (75%)
• higher energy usage
• economic & political power (wealth and influential status) are directly connected to high consumerism (can afford the costs)

Question 17

Why does poverty affect your concern for the environment? (Why would third world countries care less?)

Answer 17

Lots of resource extraction occurs, but they have few management options for controlling resources. There is a much higher population density, so people are not concerned about the future, only about needs (ie, feeding their families)

Question 18

Define consumption

Answer 18

The use of goods and services that are often non-essential to survival. Goods often determine a person’s quality of life while placing pressure on natural resources.

Question 19

Define Anthropocene Era

Answer 19

A time period in which important natural processes are effected/disrupted by human behaviour