Exam 1 Flashcards
Scientific Theory
- A set of rules that relate predicted outcomes from a model to actual outcomes.
- A coherent group of propositions formulated to explain a group of facts or phenomena in the natural world and repeatedly confirmed through experiment or observation:
Characteristics of a scientific theory
- Based on observation
- Always provisional : Based on the present, it could change later
- Unique role of modification: If we find new data then we modify the model
Hypothesis
Tentative explanation of the observations and measurements. Must be meaningfully tested and/or observed.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
Hypothetical number that measures fertility of the average group during child bearing years and its average number of babies the person has.
MDC
More developed country
LDC
Least developed country
ex. Afghanistan and Haiti.
Demography
The study of population
Dependency Ration
- The average number of economically dependent population per 100 economically productive population, for a given country, territory, or geographic area, at a specific point in time
- # of dependents (0-14 and 65+) / # of independents
Why is it important for sustainability to rely on the scientific method?
- Coherent body of knowledge.
- Exhibits some form of consensus because it’s all based on the scientific method which is the criteria for defining new knowledge.
- Collaborating with others is critical to addressing issues more holistically.
Explain the idea of sustainability
- Using only as much as we can replace
- Energy and resources are moving in a regenerative cycle
- Sustainable development: Involves an increase in quality of goods and services without quantitative growth in consumption or production. (How to develop without hurting the environment)
Definition of Sustainability
- Systems and processes that can operate and persist over long periods of time.
- Meeting the needs of each member of the biosphere without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Explain the discipline of Sustainability
- The study of dynamic and interconnected systems
- Studying human response to challenges and opportunities that are emerging
- Interdisciplinary (covers a wide array of subjects), this makes it a difficult discipline.
What are the three E’s
Environment, Economy, Equity
Explain Environment in the three E’s
- Wetlands purify water, trees purify air, bees pollinate crops, provide food, recycle waste.
- Ecosystem services: the benefits people obtain from ecosystems
- Carrying Capacity :Number of people that crops can support environmental degradation. Depleting our plants’ natural capacity at 50% faster than we can replenish.
Explain Economics in the three E’s
- Economic development and processes that improve quality of life for everyone without degrading natural resources.
- We reap the benefits of growth from environmental degradation but condemn developing countries doing it now.
- People choose sustainable options if: There is buy in. Basic needs are met. If solutions are available.
Explain Equity in the three E’s
- Freedom from unhealthy living and providing opportunity for all.
- Ethics: acknowledge responsibility to future generations.
- Action: individual, communities, government
- People will not support a system/change if they are unsupported or marginalized by that system.
What has increased population lead to
- Because of the higher population we are forced to evaluate how we are using resources and how rapidly we are using them.
- The higher population puts more importance on how we use resources, available options, and why people make the choices they do.
Local vs. Global impact
- People (the rich) tend to protect resources close to home… but they will pull resources from afar.
- Collaborating with others is critical to addressing issues more holistically.
- The rich have a higher demand for quality (landfill not near rich)
IPAT relationship
- Impact = Population x Affluence x Tech
- > population = > impact
- > affluence = > consumption, demand, choices, impact
- > tech = > extraction rates, innovation, green options
How has the population grown and where is it growing?
The population is growing and this is primarily in less developed countries.
But the growth rate ((births-deaths)/total pop.) is decreasing because of a decreased birth rate.
What are the patterns of where people live.
Near water and resources .
What is the demographic transition theory and what are the stages
- How the population has changed over time
- Stage 1 (pre industrial): Wild fluctuation, not a lot of population growth because of poor sanitation.
- Stage 2 (transitional): Birth rate stays, but death drops, so population grows.
- Stage 3 (industrial): Drop in birth rate, death stays same, cultural lag (space between birth and death)=population lag.
- Stage 4 (Postindustrial): Equal births and death = very little growth
- Stage 5: Births < Death, negative growth, population crisis
Examples of lower stage countries
Bolivia, Paraguay, Mongolia, Nigeria, Egypt, and Chad
Examples of Later stage countries
USA, Russia, France, Spain, China, Canada, and Germany
How does TFR relate to a population pyramid shape. What are the shapes for growth, stability, decrease, or crisis.
- TFR= total fertility rate= is the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime
- Triangle = Growing
- Square w triangle on top = Stable
- Octagon w triangle on top = Decreasing
- Upside down triangle = Crisis
Malthus Beliefs
- We should think about carrying capacity.
- Population is gonna grow and we’re gonna run out of food
- Proponent for birth control
- Didn’t account for advancements in tech
Malthus Beliefs
- We should think about carrying capacity.
- Population is gonna grow and we’re gonna run out of food
- Proponent for birth control
- Didn’t account for advancements in tech
Boserup Beliefs
- Agricultural economist
- Food can grow with population if advancements are made in tech
- Invent ways to avoid malthusian cycle
