Introduction

Question 1

What is an Environmental Geologist?

Answer 1

Studies the structure of the earth with a direct focus of understanding human interactions with the land, particularly to predict or anticipate geological issues and provide information to help minimize impacts on the environment.

Question 2

What happened from the wood depletion post-WW1?

Answer 2

The depletion of wood resources had a significant impact on the environment, as forests were clear-cut to meet the demand for wood. This resulted in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of wildlife habitats. In some areas, this deforestation also led to desertification, as the removal of trees disrupted local ecosystems and made it difficult for the land to retain water.

The use of plastics increased as a result of the need for a durable and lightweight material to replace wood in many applications, such as packaging, construction, and consumer goods.

Question 3

What does an Environmental Geologist do?

Answer 3

Uses the scientific method to learn about situational human-environmental interactions to achieve conclusions useful to clients, scientists and the public.

Question 4

How do humans relate to water / plants / animals / land?

Answer 4

Eurocentric Worldview: Water, plants, animals, and land are resources to be used and managed by humans.

Indigenous Worldview: Water, plants, animals, and land are considered sacred and are treated with reverence and respect.

Question 5

Why is it important to consider different world views for Environmental Geology?

Answer 5

Human actions can cause impacts on other people and other Earths spheres.

Question 6

Why do we need Environment Geology now?

Answer 6

There is a growing need for environmental geologists because of the increasing impact that human activities are having on the natural environment. Environmental geologists play a critical role in understanding and addressing these impacts by studying the geological processes that govern the functioning of the earth’s systems and the relationships between these systems and human activities.

Question 7

What is Carrying Capacity?

Answer 7

The maximum population that can be supported by an ecosystem

Question 8

Who is Thomas Malthus?

Answer 8

An English economist known for his theory of population growth in which he argued that population growth would eventually outstrip the rate of food production, leading to widespread famine and poverty.

Question 9

Why was Thomas Malthus’ prediction wrong?

Answer 9

He failed to take into account a number of key factors such as:

1. Technological advancements increased food production and made it more efficient, allowing to keep pace with population growth
2. Improved living standards such as better nutrition and healthcare led to a decline in death rates and an increase in life expectancy.
3. Government intervention through policies aimed at slowing population growth and promoting sustainable food production

Question 10

What factors enabled an increase in the human carrying capacity?

Answer 10

1. Fertilizers
2. Pesticides
3. Herbicides
4. GMOs
5. Better Sanitation
6. Medical Advancements

Question 11

What are some tools & projects of the Environmental Geologist?

Answer 11

1. Topographic maps
2. Compass & GPS
3. Inclinometers or laser theodolites
4. Measure tapes
5. Sampling equipment