Introduction To Earth System Science

Question 1

The Earth System

Answer 1

A single self-regulating system of physical, chemical, biological and human components, with complex interactions and feedbacks between them

Question 2

Global Environmental challenges (human-driven)

Answer 2

• climate change (e.g. CO2 emissions, deforestation)
• Biodiversity loss (e.g. climate change, deforestation, land use, urbanisation)
• pollution (caused by inadequate infrastructure and policy regulations)
• overpopulation

Question 3

Regional - local issues

Answer 3

• droughts, floods, wildfires, heatwaves, and spread of disease
• loss or shift of habitats, resource shortages, civil unrest and migrations
• health problems, shortage of resources

Question 4

Tipping element

Answer 4

A phenomenon or ecosystem

Question 5

Tipping point

Answer 5

A threshold, point of no return

Question 6

Anthropocene

Answer 6

Proposed geological epoch dating from the beginning of significant human impact on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems