environmental factors - IB context

Question 1

what is the problem within the environment?

Answer 1

• environmental degradation

Question 2

what is the said cause of environmental degradation?

Answer 2

• human activity damaging the ecosystem?

Question 3

examples of negative human activity that damages the environment?

Answer 3

• population growth
• economic growth
• desire to improve living standards by increasing consumption
• business quest for profit and growth

Question 4

what are private costs?

Answer 4

costs born by producers

Question 5

what is the view from the right on environmental issues?

Answer 5

• economic progress

- businesses = important developer of eco-friendly technologies

Question 6

view from the left?

Answer 6

• business goals = high profits low costs

- business treats environment ad a free sink

Question 7

green view?

Answer 7

• planet is not here to be solely exploited by humans

- measures need to be taken to protect the environment

Question 8

what are the green house gases by sector?

Answer 8

energy generation = fossil fuels
petrochemicals = steel and cement
agricultural and forestry
transport

Question 9

who are the top 3 biggest emitters of carbon dioxide (2009)?

Answer 9

1. China
2. USA
3. India

Question 10

what do some sceptics of the environment suggest

Answer 10

• global warming is happening but its over exaggerated
  (lomborg)
• reduce money spent of greenhouse gases could be spent on health and welfare
• others suggest GW is an natural phenomenon and is not man made

Question 11

what are some environmental policies?

Answer 11

green taxes e.g. congestion charges
controlling emissions through legislation
quantitative limits on emissions.