Geography Book 1: Topic 2 - Sustainable Development Flashcards
what is development
development refers to the economic, social and political process which results in an improvement of standard living for a population
what is sustainable development
refers to the development that meets the needs of the present population by achieving high standards of living for all
development that ensures the ability for future generations to meet their own needs
what happens when there is an overfocus of economic growth and sustainability
if economic sustainability is prioritized by the government, the environment is rejected and destroyed which leads to loss of biodiversity and
deterioration in env quality in present and future generations
are the three keys of sustainable development always balanced
no, the 3 keys should be considered but great emphasis on one dimension may be needed
how is economic sustainability achieved?
by ensuring that a neighborhood has a high enough population density
which supports local businesses and keeps transport infrastructure costs low
how does economic sustainability help local businesses
when there is sufficient demand for goods and services, local businesses r sustained
residents can also take up jobs at these shops where they can earn income and there will be a higher standards of living
how does economic sustainability lower transport costs
when buildings and objects are close to each other, residents do not need to travel far keeping transportation costs low
when transport infrastructure is close to one another,
which reduces the need for connecting infrastructure due to short distance which keeps costs to develop transport infrastructure low
how is social sustainability achieved?
achieved by ensuring residents feel included and have a sense of shared identity
how to promote social sustainability
having shared community spaces to promote regular social interaction
this is by keeping the population in an urban neighbourhood small
and problems faced by residents are resolved locally as they are daily mundane issues
how does having shared community spaces to promote regular social interaction by having a small population in a neighbourhood promote social sustainability
when the population size in an urban neighbourhood is kept small, residents can come tgt to discuss issues affecting neighbourhoods and solutions
which builds resilience and positive relationships between residents.
This helps to maintain a culture of open communication, mutual respect and understanding,
reducing misunderstandings and conflicts
give an example on how having a shared community space to promote regular social interaction by resolving problems locally promotes social sustainability
In SG, residents network RN is set up to promote neighbourhoodliness and community cohesiveness
each neighbourhood is divided into smaller designated zones and residents are encouraged to join
there are regular activities organized at a zonal level to cater to the smaller population size
this encourages residents to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making processes regarding issues in the neighbourhood
name the three ways environmental sustainability is achieved
ample protection for nature,
having facilities that support waste minimization and recycling
energy and water-efficient design approaches for buildings and landscapes
how is environmental sustainability achieved by ample protection for nature
wildlife can thrive in urban spaces and human wildlife coexistence can be fostered
the efforts to achieve environmental sustainability should…?
protect existing nature species, habitats and ecosystems
re-establish species that once existed
give an example of how environmental sustainability can be achieved by species conservation and recovery programmes
Nparks has developed multiple strategies aimed at safeguarding SG’s habitats and ecosystems which leads to long term sustainability
how can biodiversity in neighbourhoods be maximised
having a wide variety of habitats ( example street trees, pocket trees and roof gardens)
having a wide variety of plant species leads to an adequate amount of shelter and food for a wider variety of wildlife to thrive
which maximises bio-diversity
name and desc a way environmental sustainability is achieved by having facilities that support waste minimization and recycling
conveniently located recycling facilities such as blue recycling bins encourage people to recycle
a high enough population density in neighbourhoods ensured adequate waste can be collected in an economically viable manner
How can waste recycling be encouraged?
Through neighbourhood-scale reusing activities organised by residents or town council
The town council may put up banners or poster to encourage their residents to recycle properly
Name and explain an example where energy and water-efficient design approaches for buildings and landscapes are used
Smart technologies ander-friendly features can be installed. Water harvested from rain is used for block washing of void decks and corridors reducing overall water consumption
What is an ecosystem?
A geographic area where living communities and non-living communities interact with each other to form a bubble of life
Give an example of activities carried out by people directly changing the ecosystems in positive way
A man made concrete canal in Bishan- ang mo kio park was transformed into a naturalised river
Allowing more organisms to thrive in the aquatic ecosystem
This brought back wildlife into the park enhancing the neighbourhood,s biodiversity
What are the four ecosystem services
Provisioning cultural regulating supporting
What’s provisioning ecosystem services?
Tangible resources that people can get from ecosystems such as food water and wood
Name and describe an example of how food is obtained
Edible plants grown in urban community gardens an rooftops at Tampines’ HDB blocks
What are regulating ecosystem services?
Benefits obtained from the regulation of various ecosystem processes
What do regulating ecosystem services do?
These services work together to ensure that the ecosystems are functional, clean sustainable and resilient to changes
What are the regulating ecosystem services in urban neighbourhoods?
Microclimate regulation, food mitigation and air and water control
Name and explain an example of regulating ecosystem services inurban neighbourhoods
Regulation services at Bishan - Ang Mo Kio park
Regulating local climate
Trees in the park provide shade to residents reducing surface area and air temperature
Cool areas by generating rainfall
Regulating water flows
Vegetation cover in the park reduces surface runoff by retaining water which is a key serviceprovided by natural land cover
Regulating air quality
Plants in the park remove pollutants in atmosphere regulates air quality
What are cultural ecosystem services
Intangible benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including aesthetic experiences educational opportunities and recreational activities
What kind of cultural ecosystem services do green spaces in urban neighbourhoods provide?
Aesthetic appreciation and opportunities for stress-relieving activities
Now does cultural ecosystem services benefit people?
These activities may improve people’s physical and mental health and poster social belonging. Which strengthens sense of place
Name and explain and example of cultural ecosystem service
Bukit Timah nature reserve is a place for residents todo recreational activities such as hiking, educational opportunities such as geographical fieldwork
What are supporting ecosystem services?
Services necessary for the functioning of all other ecosystem services including soil formation, pollination and photosynthesis
Explain why soil formation is necessary for the functioning of the other ecosystem services
soil is formed when micro-organisms and physical processes decompose organic matter that are broken down into small particles
Soil is essential for the health of all terrestrial ecosystems as if provides habitats forbillions of organisms, contributes to biodiversity and water filter
Soil formation ensures that humans can carry out agricultural activities
Explain why pollination is necessary for the functioning of the other ecosystem services
Wild bees play a big role in crop pollination so that crops can reproduce to provide foodfor animals and humans
Explain why photosynthesis is necessary for the functioning of the other ecosystem services
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen which maintains oxygen content of the earth’s atmosphere so that other ecosystems can function
What is a hazard?
A process, phenomenon or human activity that may cause loss of life, health impacts property damage and social and economical consequences
What are the common causes of fire hazards
Unattended cooking and faultyelectrical appliances and wiring
This can ignite nearby flammable materials resulting in a fire
Name an example of a fire hazard
There is an increase crease in are cases involving personal mobility devices which typically occur in residential areas
Explain the health impacts of fire hazards - burn injuries
People may suffer from burn injuries if they cannot evacuate in time and severe burn injuries cancause disabilities or deaths
Explain the health impacts of fire hazards - gases
High level of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide released during a fire which causes weakness and dizziness
This makes it difficult for people to escape alive as they will use consciousness and might die
Other irritants from fires can permanently damage a person’s respiratory system
Smoke inhalation can cause breathing difficulties and suffocation resulting in death
Explain property damage caused by fire hazards
Fires can destroy commercial and residential properties resulting in economic losses as goods,furniture and documents destroyed
there are also further costs incurred after fire is over for repair and rebuilding the properties damaged
How does air pollution occur?
The presence of contaminant or pollutant substances in the air that do not disperse properly and hence interfere with human health, welfare or produce otherharmful environmental effects
Explain the common causes of airpollution
Burning vegetation leads to carbon dioxide and other ‘ pollutants released into the atmosphere causing air pollution
Industrial and motor emissions due to increase in car ownership and usage which increases air pollution hazards
Vehicles produce a significant amount of exhaust emissions
Name and explain the health impacts caused by air pollution
Respiratory infections, heart disease and lung disease
Nitrogen dioxide is emitted mareas with increased vehicle traffic. PM 2.5 is produced in urban neighbourhoods as well. These pollutants may lead to health issues. These include increased rates of asthma in children and lung function decline in older adults as PM2.5 can enter bloodstream and go deep in lungs
What are the common causes of traffic hazards?
Speeding, red -light running and drink-driving
Name and explain example ofthe results of traffichazards
In 2021, there were a total of 969 speeding-related traffic accidents and 153 of them caused by drink driving
Explain the health impacts caused by traffic hazards
People may suffer serious injuries when involved in traffic accidents causing disabilities and death
What is environmental stewardship?
Actions taken by individuals or groups to protect, care for or responsibly use the environment to pursue environmental and/or social outcomes
What are the aims of environmental stewardship?
Conserve natural resources, preserve existing natural environment and repair the damages and reverse the negative impacts caused by humans to ensure its sustainability
What are the two ways to achieve environmental stewardship?
Promoting volunteerism among neighbourhood residents to share knowledge with others about the importance of healthy ecosystems
Partnership of public and private sectors contributing to environmental stewardship efforts
How does promoting volunteerism among neighbourhood residents to share knowledge with others about the importance of healthy ecosystems help to achieve environmental stewardship
It helps residents be more aware of what they should do to responsibly use and protect the natural environment
Name and explain an example of promoting volunteerism among neighbourhood residents to share knowledge with others about the importance of healthy ecosystems
The NParks board promotes volunteerism incommunities through ground-led initiative such as Friends of the Parks
This leads to participants gaming greater community ownership and stewardship of parks in neighbourhoods
How does partnership of private and public sectors contribute to environmental stewardship efforts?
Different stakeholders may have different perspectives, resources and expertise to enhance environmental stewardship effortsthus it is crucial for them to come together to steward the environment
What is a disaster risk?
The likelihood of damage to properties, injuries and loss of lives from a disaster in a given period of time.
What are the three main factors contributing to disaster risks
Nature and characteristics of a hazard
Vulnerability
Exposure
What is vulnerability?
Conditions determined by physical, social and environmental factors increasing susceptibility of people and their belongings to theimpacts of hazards
What is exposure?
The situation of people and their belongings located in hazard-prone areas
What is disaster risk management
Plans and actions that are implemented to prevent new risks from happening reduce existing risks and manage disaster risks
What are the aims of disaster risk management
Reduce a neighbourhoods exposure to hazards and reduce vulnerability of people and property to hazards
Name and explain an example of Singapore improving resident’s preparedness
The Singapore civil defense force conductsa community emergency preparedness programme, focuses arkey lifesaving skills and important emergency procedures
What is community resilience?
Ability of a community to resist, adapt to and recover from impacts of disasters in a timely and efficient manner
How is community resilience developed?
Strengthening relationships among residents and raising their awareness of potential hazards
Developing residents’ ability to organize and equip themselves with resources to resist adapt and recover from a disaster
How does strengthening relationships among residents and raising their awareness of potential hazards develop community resilience
Disaster risk management is effective and sustainable when there is widespread support and long-term participation from residents
how does developing residents’ ability to organise and equip themselves with resources to resist adapat and recover from disasters develop community resilience
when residents actively participate in projects to reduce potential hazards which fosters a better understanding of risks and adaptation options to communicate to planners and the government
