Midterm 1 Flashcards
What are the ‘Big Five’ Sustainability Challenges?
- Climate Change
- Biodiversity Loss
- Overuse of Resources
- Waste and Pollution
- Human Development
These challenges represent critical areas that require attention for sustainable development.
Define sustainability according to Brundtland’s definition.
A world in which humanity ensures its well-being across generations by improving and maintaining the resilience of ecological and sociocultural systems.
This definition emphasizes intergenerational equity and the importance of ecological resilience.
What is the main focus of the Business Case for Sustainability?
Business as a Force for Good
This concept promotes the idea that businesses can contribute positively to society and the environment while also achieving economic success.
What is the Keeling Curve?
A graph that shows the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations over time.
Named after Charles David Keeling, who began measuring CO2 levels at the Mauna Loa Observatory in 1958.
List the types of greenhouse gases.
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
- CH4 (Methane)
- NO (Nitrous Oxide)
- F-gases (Fluorinated gases)
- Water vapor
These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
What are ecosystem services?
- Provisioning Services
- Regulating Services
- Cultural Services
- Supporting Services
These services are benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, crucial for survival and well-being.
True or False: Habitat loss is a cause of biodiversity loss.
True
Habitat loss is one of the most significant drivers of declining biodiversity worldwide.
What does the I=PAT equation represent?
Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology
This equation illustrates the relationship between human impact on the environment and the factors that drive it.
Define waste and pollution.
Waste refers to unwanted or unusable materials, while pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
Both concepts are critical to understanding environmental sustainability challenges.
What are the major causes of food waste?
- Overproduction
- Poor storage
- Consumer behavior
- Supply chain inefficiencies
Food waste is a significant issue, particularly in developed countries, contributing to environmental problems.
Fill in the blank: The _____ Index measures human well-being.
Human Development Index
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators.
What are the characteristics of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- Universality
- Inclusivity
- Interconnectedness
- Accountability
The SDGs aim to address global challenges and promote prosperity while protecting the planet.
What is the Tragedy of the Commons?
A situation in which individuals acting independently according to their self-interest deplete shared resources.
This concept highlights the conflict between individual interests and the common good.
List the major types of goods in economics.
- Pure private goods
- Pure public goods
- Club goods
- Open access goods
Understanding these categories is essential for addressing market failures.
What is the Circular Economy?
An economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources.
This model contrasts with the traditional linear economy of ‘take, make, dispose.’
What does the term ‘dematerialization’ refer to?
The process of reducing the quantity of materials used in the production of goods.
This concept is crucial for improving efficiency and sustainability in business practices.
