Innovation, Uncertainty and Precaution Flashcards
Who is behind the limits to growth concept?
Thomas Malthus
Erlich
Meadows x2
What is the limits to growth concept?
There are finite limits to human population and agriculture will not be able to keep up
What is the opposing theory?
Increasing population will increase agricultural productivity and technological innovation is key
What are the two types of innovation?
Supply push and demand led
What is supply pushed innovation?
Pushed by new technological possibilities
What is demand led innovation?
Led by social demands and market requirements
What is insect Armageddon?
Plummeting insect numbers threaten the collapse of nature
What are drivers of IA?
Habitat loss - conversion to intensive agriculture
Pollution - pesticides and fertilisers
Pathogens
Climate change esp warming in the tropics
What is the Precautionary Principle?
In cases where there are threats to human life/environment, the fact there is scientific uncertainty over those threats should not be used as the reason for not taking action to prevent harm
What does Article 130r say in the Maastricht treaty say?
Environmental policy should aim for the highest level of protection and environmental damage should be rectified at source and the polluter pay
What is the legislative history of the PP?
Convention on Biological Diversity
Maastricht Treaty
Kyoto Protocol 1997
What is a theory?
Conceptual framework that permits linkage with other theories
Abstract/remote from reality
Land sparing Jevons paradox?
Increasing productivity will not decrease utilisation
If food gets cheaper, people will buy more food and throw away more food
What is the Poorter hypothesis?
Institutions matter and environment regulation stimulates innovation and economic growth
What has happened to insects in the Puerto Rica rainforest?
98% gone on ground
80% gone from canopy
What has happened to insects in the German reserves?
Fallen 75% in 25 years
What has happened to insects in Australian forests?
Disappearance of birds and insects due to droughts and fire
What has happened to insects in Mexican dry forests?
Loss of 80% since 1980s
What has happened to climate?
Number of hot spells (>29 degrees) increased
What has happened to frogs and birds also?
50-65% decrease in some areas
How many species are declining/endangered?
40% declining
1/3rd endangered
How does the insect rate of extinction compare to other animals?
8x faster
What is happening to total mass of insects?
Falling 2.5%/year
What does that mean for the future?
Could be extinct in a century
Why are insects important?
Essential to the functioning of ecosystems, they are food, pollinators and recycle nutrients
UK butterfly species?
Decreased 58% 2000-2009
What is worrying about policy on this topic?
Slow progress to implement science driven policy
A piece of legislation that is helping?
2009 EU Directive for sustainable use of pesticides
How much land has been converted and what are the main drivers?
30-50% of natural ecosystems
Deforestation, agricultural expansion and urbanisation
What is the key NFU goal?
Producing 0 net GHG emission by 2040
What techniques will be incorporated into farming?
Vertical stacking, LED technology, 3D printed food, nano sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, robots
What is happening to meat eaters in UK?
41% already classify themselves as flexitarian
