Module 1: Earth Systems and Sustainability Science Flashcards
science
system of acquiring knowledge, through process of observation and experimentation
why is sustainability challenging in the context of science
- aspects are hard to observe and evidence is difficult to determine through experimentation
characteristics of sustainability (3)
- it is defined by the problems that it addresses rather than by the approaches employed
- focuses on coupled human-environment systems, making it strongly interdisciplinary
- rooted in values and solutions differ depending on the values of different people
sustainability science (2)
- examines the impacts of human activities on the environment
- attempts to identify how human needs can be met without compromising the global ecosystems which we all depend on
what should we do when interpreting data at a global scale (2)
- be cautious
- ask questions (conclusions, accuracy, error bars, what variables, relevance, etc)
what is driving the increase in human impact on our environment (2)
- major factor is human population growth
- patterns of consumption (excessive consumption by richer countries)
what fields are important in addressing the increase in human impact on our environment (3)
- academic
- political
- ethical
earth system science (3)
- focus on studying processes at the global scale with connection to human society
- embraces multiple disciplines in transcending disciplinary boundaries to treat Earth as an integrated system
- seeks deeper understanding of physical, chemical, biological, and human interactions that determine the past, present, and future states of earth
what does earth system sciences provide insight on (2)
- how the world functions as an integrated system, of which humans are apart of
- physical basis for understanding the world and that we live on and seek to achieve sustainability on
anthropocene
period of time during which human activities have impacted the environment enough to constitute a distinct geological change
what is the anthropocene driven by
- unprecedented rise in human numbers
what can the rise in human population be linked to
- fossil fuels, Industrial Revolution, mechanization of agriculture that allowed additional billions to be fed
what are some of the main impacts related to the anthropocene (4)
- megacities which have increases long-term rate of erosion and sedimentation
- rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations
- land cover change and more resulting in an increase in species extinction
- enhanced dissolution of atmospheric CO2 in oceans is increasing its acidity, changing marine ecosystems
system
- collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined boundary
what is the Earth system comprised of
- sub-systems
what are the sub-systems of the Earth
- atmosphere
- biosphere
- hydrosphere
- lithosphere
- anthroposphere
anthroposphere
- sub-system of Earth that considers human impacts on environment
lithosphere (4)
- the cold, hard, solid rock of the planet’s crust (surface)
- the hot semi-solid rock that lies underneath the crust
- the hot liquid rock near the centre of the plant
- the solid iron core of the planet
hydrosphere
- all of the planet’s solid, liquid and gaseous water
biosphere
- all of the planet’s living organisms
atmosphere
- all of the planet’s air
cryosphere
- ice/snow
heliosphere
space surrounding earth, created by the sun
what is Earth system science’s focus (3)
- interactions between ocean, atmosphere, living things, geological processes, land surface dynamics, and human systems
- processes that connect biological, physical, and human systems operating near the Earth’s surface
- how interrelationships between physical and biological systems impact each other and lead to changes
what are the main characteristics of earth systems science (ESS) (5)
- builds upon and bridges the scientific disciplines
- holistic model of earth
- contextual approach
- exploration and discovery of causes and effects at a global level
- identification of critical thresholds
sustainability (2)
- the process of living within the limits of available physical, natural, and social resources in ways that allow the living systems in which humans are embedded to thrive in perpetuity
- human-centric topic
sustainable development (2)
- development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
- this development will leads us to achieve sustainability
what are the 3 dimensions of sustainability
- social
- economic
- environment
social dimension of sustainability
- refers to values that promote equality and respect for individual rights
economic dimension of sustainability (2)
- refers to economic development and growth while encouraging and promoting protection of the environment by limiting risks posed by production
- recycling and use of renewable energy are fundamental
environmental dimension of sustainability
- commitment to protect the environment by reducing risks and measuring impacts
social and economic dimensions met
- equitable
social and environment dimensions met
- bearable
environment and economic dimensions met
- viable
what occurs when all of the sustainability dimensions are met
- the goal of sustainability is achieved
what are the tools for analyzing sustainability (4)
- futurity
- equity
- global environmentalism
- biodiversity
futurity
- a concern for the welfare of future generations
equity
- the fair sharing of economic benefits and burdens within and between generations
global environmentalism
- a recognition of the global dimension of ecological problems associated with use or depletion of natural capital by one or some at the cost of others
biodiversity
- the maintenance of the integrity of ecological processes and systems
united nations sustainable development goals (SDGS) (3)
- what is it
- what is the overall goal
- set up
- 17 interlinked global goals
- designed to be a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future
- set up in 2015 by UN General Assembly and intended to be achieved by 2030
why are the UN SDGs important
- because we are FAR from achieving sustainability in many places and for many different reasons
what are the characteristics of the UN SDGs (3)
- universal (can apply globally)
- indivisible (all interconnected)
- transformative (bring about positive change)
what are possible misconceptions about the UN SDGs (4)
- it is focused on the environment only
- it applies to developing countries only
- it is a UN top-down plan; UN does all the work and local areas can’t apply changes
- it is lacking in resources for action
what are the weaknesses and gaps of the SDGs (7)
- development/growth-focused approach, which some believe is not achievable
- human-centric
- indigenous perspectives missing
- ethnocentric
- missing alternative visions of sustainability ad development
- no accountability
- inability to show data to measure success
